Attending Our Auctions
Attending an auction shouldn't be a nervous experience. Disregard the urban legends about rubbing your nose and buying a car or the person that scratched their ear and bought an expensive piece of fine art. Don’t be frightened by such tales. Auctioneers are professionals and realize when you are bidding and when you aren’t. If you have questions, contact one of our WBAS staff members and they will be happy to assist you.
Don’t be intimidated—Auctions are Fun!
Here are some basic tips you should know when attending an auction.
• Dress comfortably. Remember, it might be hot/cold outside but the air conditioning/heat might be working overtime inside. An average auction lasts 4-5 hours; bring seating if needed
• Show Up Early. Arriving early will give you time to get familiar with your surroundings and, most importantly, it will give you time to preview the merchandise or items being sold. You can see the items close up and start planning for which items you will make bids. It also allows you to review the terms and conditions of the sale and ask questions.
• Inspect. Carefully inspect any items you're interested in. Are the items complete and in good repair? Do you see other people looking at the same items? Items for sale are numbered, use a notepad to make notes.
• Make Sure You Register. Anyone who bids must have a buyer number and this can only be secured through registering prior to bidding. The process is free, easy and requires no deposit. Upon initial registration you will need to sign in, provide a drivers license or government issued ID and provide a telephone number. Each time you attend just sign in and show your ID. Upon completion you will receive a buyer id card with your bidder number on it; good for the day. Hang on to this card as it is used to identify you to the auctioneer and record your purchases for the day.
• Be Prepared to Bid. Bidding is simple. But if you're doing it for the first time, it can be intimidating. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Make sure you clearly understand the terms and conditions of the auction before making a bid (these will be posted at the auction site, written on the back of your bidder card and stated verbally before the start of the auction).
2. Listen closely to the auctioneer. The auctioneer will determine the increments of bidding. If you are having a bit of trouble understanding the auction chant, plan to listen for a few minutes and get a feel for it before you jump in and begin bidding.
3. Be sure you make eye contact with the auctioneer when you bid.
4. The process is fast, so if you wish to bid, quickly raise your hand or shout out loud—don’t hesitate.
• Set a Price. What are you willing to bid? You should have a number in mind, so you don't go way over your budget in the heat of the moment.
• Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!
How to place a bid:
During the Auction
In order to bid at an auction, you need to make the auctioneer aware of you. To do this, hold up your bidder card or raise your hand. If the auctioneer does not immediately see you, shout “Yes.” The auctioneer will then take your bid and turn to seek another bid. If another bid is received, the auctioneer will return to you to ask if you want to bid again. Simply continue to say “Yes” or hold up your bid card again to stay in the bidding. To remove yourself from the bidding process simply shake your head “No” when the auctioneer makes eye contact with you.
After the Auction
After the auction is over, or when you are done bidding for the day, it is time to pay for your purchases. Visit the cashier, and they will check you out and issue you a receipt so that you may leave with your merchandise. WBAS accepts Cash, Check, Debit Cards, Visa, Master Card, Discover Cards and American Express Cards.
Don’t forget to plan ahead. All items must be removed from the premises by the end of the auction. So make sure you have adequate room to transport your items from the auction site. Delivery, packing, shipping, or loading services are not included in the bid price. If these or other auction services are desired they must be coordinated with WBAS prior to the auction. If WBAS resources are available to support these services, additional fees will be charged. Make sure you have a way to get the items you purchase packed properly and home with you safely.
Feel free to contact us for any additional questions about attending an auction.
Advantages of Buying at Auction
What is so special about auctions? And what's the advantage of buying at auction? Well, there are plenty of advantages.
• Speed of the Process. There's no doubt that an auction is the fastest sales process around. It's quick and efficient and that's what makes it attractive. We sell a multitude of items in a short time.
• You Set Your Own Price and Establish a Value. You are in control at an auction. You decide when to bid and how much to bid and how high or low you want to go.
• Certainty of Knowing What You Are Getting. Auctioneers deal with a wide range of merchandise. They are educated professionals who know value and price. WBAS have special certifications in personal property appraisals.
• Opportunity for Good Value. With the wide array of items up for bid, there's always an opportunity to get a good deal. Sometimes it's a matter of just wearing down those other bidders.
• Fun and Excitement. There's no doubt that an auction is entertainment at its finest. Crowds of people competing for items, combined with a lively and rhythmic auction chant make for some great entertainment and fun. It's an event the whole family can enjoy.
• Honesty of the Transaction. Auctions are very organized and the rules are straightforward. As members of the National Auctioneers Association, we are bound by a code of ethics that protects consumers against unfair auction practices.