I did a little research and found that an auctioneer must keep three basic things in mind amongst the chatter. He opens with The Want, that is how much they want to get for the article. Don't bid yet. If nobody bids The Want, the price goes down until somebody does bid; there could be a number the auctioneer won't go below or there's a reserve price for high-end items. That becomes The Have. "We have $25, we want $100, somebody give me $30, gimme $30, gimme $30, there’s $30, somebody gimme $35." If The Want is reached, the next level is The Next. Everything else is entertaining filler.
At this auction, there was a 10% buyer's premium. That means you won't pay the $100 you bid. It's $100, plus tax, plus $10 buyer's premium. I gather this is common.
The auctioneer speaks another language and has to have many talents. He must be amusing, an entertainer, a fast thinker and be able to see and hear all parts of the audience at the same time. Additionally, he should have gone to an auctioneer school and be licensed. The chant sounds like music. I got so caught up in it, I forgot to listen to the amounts of the bids.
I was startled when a helper yelled out a loud 'HUP' and pointed at a bidder, but part of his job is to make sure the auctioneer doesn’t miss anything.
The auction began with what Caroline told me were the 'smalls'. Here is some auction terminology. Smalls can be carried by one person, and are usually glassware and collectibles. There were also boxes of somewhat similar items.
I did bid twice, but let them go to the next person for $5 more. The pictures and lamp might have been worth more than I bid, but I didn’t want to pay more. More good auction advice, keep in mind how much you want to spend and stick to it.
I will definitely attend more auctions. It's like treasure hunting. I still need a narrowish bookcase and a small chest of drawers. Even if I don't buy anything, who can know what will show up later? Looking around a house is like reading stories, if you pay attention. There were maps and photos of ships on the office wall. Was the owner in the Navy? Where did that beautiful Asian chest and mirror come from? I don't think it was very old, but why was it there when I didn’t see anything else like it?
I love the auctioneer's call to action, so I will end with an old song I remembered from the 60's, The Auctioneer. Good hunting!
Here is an informative, well-written series of articles for newbie auction goers like me.
©2014 Sandra Smith for SeniorWomen.com
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