Make A Winning Bid With Auction Tips From The Experts.
FOR THE FULL AND UP TO DATE LIST OF USA AUCTIONS VISIT THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.usa-government-auctions.com/template.html
A good chunk of the crowd at this weekly Seattle auction is not like you.
They are antiques dealers experienced in fast paced bidding, who might signal a bid with a mere nod of the head. Relentless in their hunt for good deals, they will try to psyche you out to get the treasure hidden in a box of junk.
But spend a little time with them at Seattle's Pacific Galleries Auction House and you'll come out a little smarter about how to nab the best deals.
Most of the items at its weekly auctions are from estate sales, including furniture, art, jewelry and household goods.
The quality varies, but there are always bargains.
At a recent auction, Justin Ferguson and Scott Lewis scored a sofa for $5 and a Danish rocker for $70 for their store, Garage Sale Paradise. They were willing to bid more on both.
Dealers look for pieces that will net them a profit in their store or on eBay, and are smart about what they buy.
Fritz Newell, who sells antiques and collectibles, saw one dealer buy 100 pieces of silverware for $10. That tray included a piece of sterling that will sell for $60 or $70.
"Auction is a lot of research," he said.
Pam Favro, who sells at Pike Place Market, bought a print at this auction for $15. The print was worn, but the antique frame was nice. She said she plans to replace the print and sell it
You might be willing to pay more than a dealer because you don't need to make a profit. But it still takes patience, time and experience to navigate an auction.
Before you go, heed some advice from the experts.
Rule No. 1: Do your research. You can preview the weekly Monday auctions starting on the previous Fridays. Decide what you want and how much you will pay. The finished auctions area on eBay is a good way to gauge the market price for an item.
Rule No. 2: Don't let excitement and adrenaline get the best of you. Decide on a cap for what you will bid and stick to it. Most newcomers make the mistake of bidding too high and driving up prices, dealers said.
Rule No. 3: Dig for treasure. Dealers love the box lots, which might contain one or two pieces that are far more valuable than the rest of the junk.
Rule No. 4: Check the item's condition carefully. Sometimes there's a good reason you're the only one bidding.
The auctions are not raucous, but the bidding is fast, lasting at most about a minute per piece. Pay attention or you might lose out on a good deal. If the thought of bidding makes you tremble, however, go to one first to watch and learn.
"Most people who come to auction, come back to auction," said Lynn Kenyon, Pacific Galleries' chief operations officer. "It's an event. It's exciting. You never know what you're going to pay."
Pacific Galleries Auction House, which opened in 1972, also holds a premier auction of high-end art and antiques every six weeks. The next one is May 9 and 10, with previews on May 5, 6 and 8.
FOR THE FULL AND UP TO DATE LIST OF UK AUCTIONS VISIT THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.uk-government-auctions.co.uk/template.html AndFOR THE FULL AND UP TO DATE LIST OF USA AUCTIONS VISIT THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.usa-government-auctions.com/template.html
A good chunk of the crowd at this weekly Seattle auction is not like you.
They are antiques dealers experienced in fast paced bidding, who might signal a bid with a mere nod of the head. Relentless in their hunt for good deals, they will try to psyche you out to get the treasure hidden in a box of junk.
But spend a little time with them at Seattle's Pacific Galleries Auction House and you'll come out a little smarter about how to nab the best deals.
Most of the items at its weekly auctions are from estate sales, including furniture, art, jewelry and household goods.
The quality varies, but there are always bargains.
At a recent auction, Justin Ferguson and Scott Lewis scored a sofa for $5 and a Danish rocker for $70 for their store, Garage Sale Paradise. They were willing to bid more on both.
Dealers look for pieces that will net them a profit in their store or on eBay, and are smart about what they buy.
Fritz Newell, who sells antiques and collectibles, saw one dealer buy 100 pieces of silverware for $10. That tray included a piece of sterling that will sell for $60 or $70.
"Auction is a lot of research," he said.
Pam Favro, who sells at Pike Place Market, bought a print at this auction for $15. The print was worn, but the antique frame was nice. She said she plans to replace the print and sell it
You might be willing to pay more than a dealer because you don't need to make a profit. But it still takes patience, time and experience to navigate an auction.
Before you go, heed some advice from the experts.
Rule No. 1: Do your research. You can preview the weekly Monday auctions starting on the previous Fridays. Decide what you want and how much you will pay. The finished auctions area on eBay is a good way to gauge the market price for an item.
Rule No. 2: Don't let excitement and adrenaline get the best of you. Decide on a cap for what you will bid and stick to it. Most newcomers make the mistake of bidding too high and driving up prices, dealers said.
Rule No. 3: Dig for treasure. Dealers love the box lots, which might contain one or two pieces that are far more valuable than the rest of the junk.
Rule No. 4: Check the item's condition carefully. Sometimes there's a good reason you're the only one bidding.
The auctions are not raucous, but the bidding is fast, lasting at most about a minute per piece. Pay attention or you might lose out on a good deal. If the thought of bidding makes you tremble, however, go to one first to watch and learn.
"Most people who come to auction, come back to auction," said Lynn Kenyon, Pacific Galleries' chief operations officer. "It's an event. It's exciting. You never know what you're going to pay."
Pacific Galleries Auction House, which opened in 1972, also holds a premier auction of high-end art and antiques every six weeks. The next one is May 9 and 10, with previews on May 5, 6 and 8.
FOR THE FULL AND UP TO DATE LIST OF UK AUCTIONS VISIT THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.uk-government-auctions.co.uk/template.html AndFOR THE FULL AND UP TO DATE LIST OF USA AUCTIONS VISIT THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT: http://www.usa-government-auctions.com/template.html
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