• Introduction
• The regulars
• The beginner's guide to auctions
• Download the full article as a

The Beginners Guide to Auctions

• Show up early to look over the merchandise. Use the opportunity to thoroughly inspect items. Don’t be shy about asking something to be plugged in or otherwise powered up. If an item has major flaws, the auctioneer should say so. Otherwise, items are sold as is.
• Decide the highest price you’re willing to pay for an item and stick to it. Try to stay out of a bidding war that will quickly launch you out of your financial comfort zone.
• Resist the urge to bid right away. The auctioneer usually begins at a high starting place and continues to lower the price incrementally until someone jumps in with a bid.
• Register for a bidding card/number as soon as you arrive. You don’t have to use it, but you’ll be prepared in case something on the block strikes your fancy. Bid with your card, not by raising your hand or nodding. Raise it up prominently so the auctioneer can see you and note your bid.
• Bring a seat cushion, snacks, a book or whatever else you need to be comfortable. Auctions usually go on until the last item is sold, and you may find you can’t pull yourself away!
• A “lot” is an item or group of items (such as a set of something or a box of goods or “boxed lot”) that is sold as a single unit. Sometimes a group of items will be auctioned as “your choice”, for example a batch of tools or collection of jewelry. The winning bidder earns the option to select his preferred item out of a group. A second round of bidding follows, and that winner gets to choose from the remaining items. Bidding continues until all items in the group have been sold.
• Some auction houses add a “buyer’s premium” (usually 10 to 15 percent) to the final cost of the item. Make sure you know about any surcharges and remember to factor that cost into your bidding ceiling.
• Many auction houses post lists and photos of items to be sold at upcoming auctions on their Web sites. This is a convenient way to keep your eye out for special items on your wish list.

Carla Burgess is a Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Raleigh.