subject: Four Ideas For Selling Your Stuff At Auction [print this page] Do you watch any of those auction TV shows? Since they seem to be so incredibly well-liked, more than a few individuals now want to learn how to make a profit selling at live auctions.
Successful selling at auction is never just about putting a bunch of stuff in your truck and sending it to an auctioneer. It's important to expend a little effort to gain a true understanding of the business, you will undoubtedly be quite a bit more successful.
Here we offer some tips for people new to this type of work.
First: Ensure that your items are a good match for the venue you hope to be using.
Do not commit the goods to the place without having watched one of their earlier auctions. It is very important to have a good idea of the categories of things the company typcially sells. For example, at one rural auction it was not unusual for the people to sell live chickens, and farm equipment. This would not be the right venue for offering your children's music collection. However, the truck tools that you scored at that yard sale yesterday might be just the ticket for the buying crowd at this auction hall.
Number 2: Know the rules of the auction company.
Meet with the staff first. Find out when the best times are to pop in. Please do not visit when an auction is scheduled. Call or email first.
Gain an understanding of policies and what and when you can bring items. You also need to find out stuff like: Will the auctioneer send your check? What does the auctioneer do when a lot does not sell? Does he or she insist that you take back unsold items? Will he or she try to combine it with another item for sale?
Having some insight into the auctioneer's plans early on helps keep you from being too surprised when it is time for you to receive your check.
Third Tip: Ensure that the auctioneer fully understands what it is you are bringing.
There is a reason why you should consider this.
Even though it is really obvious that the book you want to sell is one of a kind, bear in mind that your particular auctioneer may never have seen this. Note what is special about whatever it is, and leave the information with the piece. The auction company could very well determine that the info is important enough to put in their brochure.
Think about the piece. Is the vase from a famous family? Is there some special history at all related to it? If so, definitely let the auctioneer know!
In addition, if the auctioneer is in the dark about the importance of something, it is not so simple to talk about it correctly. Events like this don't tend to linger on individual items, therefore, the more the auction hall understands about your inventory on the auction block, the better.
Last Idea: Presentation is important, so be sure to organize your items.
No one enjoys plowing in a messy box bursting with greasy car parts hoping that there is something of value. Do whatever possible to ensure that the things look attractive.
Oh, one more thing: The more you come to learn , the more enjoyable the business will be.
