| Everybody loves a bargain. Bargain-hunters are going | | | | Service has posted some definitions on its Web site. |
| to Salvation Army stores, thrift shops, garage and tag | | | | You may also pick up on auction lingo by watching |
| sales, estate sales, auction houses, and E-Bay. Live | | | | televised auctions. Understanding auction lingo will help |
| auction bidding is different from Internet bidding. You | | | | you to avoid bidding mistakes. |
| can find bargains at live auctions, but you have know | | | | 7. Listen to the auctioneer. This can be difficult if there |
| the bidding basics to get them. What are the basics? | | | | are two auction "rings," two auctioneers working at the |
| 1. Preview items. Many auction houses post photos on | | | | same time. The auctioneer will update buyers on items |
| their Web sites. These photos give you an idea of the | | | | that have been damaged and duplicate items for sale. |
| array of items, but may not show damage to them. | | | | He or she will announce items that have been added |
| Go to the auction preview and examine items | | | | to the auction at the last minute. |
| carefully. | | | | 8. Bid correctly. Hold your number up high so the |
| 2. Get a bidding number. Most auction houses use | | | | auctioneer can see it. Bid according to the auctioneer's |
| bidding cards or paddles. If you are interested in an | | | | dollar increments. Do not nod your head or the |
| item get a number before the auction starts. | | | | auctioneer will think you raised the bid. On the other |
| 3. Narrow choices. Determine which items interest you | | | | hand, if you wish to drop out of the bidding shake you |
| most and how much you are willing to pay. "Don't | | | | head and say "No." |
| forget to consider taxes and/or buyer's premiums that | | | | 9. Pay promptly. Auction houses expect you to pay |
| may be added to the final bid," says Castner's Auction | | | | for purchased items immediately. The cashier will tell |
| & Appraisal Service of Branchville, NJ. | | | | you if the auction house accepts personal checks and |
| 4. Ask questions. This month's auction may focus on | | | | credit cards. |
| furniture and next month's auction may focus on china. | | | | 10. "Babysit" purchased items. Keep an eye on the |
| Unless you ask you will not know this. Catalog photos | | | | large items you bought or hold small ones. As |
| may not tell the whole "story," so do not be afraid to | | | | Castner's Auction & Appraisal Service notes, "If |
| ask questions. | | | | someone steals your item after your have purchased |
| 5. Know the rules. Each auction house and auctioneer | | | | it, you are responsible for it." |
| has different rules, according to auctioneer Tom | | | | Auctions are fun even if you don't buy anything. They |
| DiNardo. He discusses some of the rules in his Web | | | | are really fun when the bidding gets fierce. When you |
| site article, "Bidder Etiquette & Auction Rules." | | | | get home you may laugh about the bidder who paid to |
| According DiNardo, the auctioneer is the final authority | | | | much. You may admire the bidder who found the |
| on all matters. | | | | bargain of the year. Auction houses still have bargains |
| 6. Learn the lingo. Castner's Auction & Appraisal | | | | and knowing how to bid will help you get them. |