As local auction houses prepare for a bounty of upcoming fall sales, we decided to use the lull in action to prep novice auctiongoers for the busy season.
Area auctioneers volunteered lots of advice, from debunking common auction myths to practical tips about how to ensure that every auction experience is a good one.
First of all, yes, you can blink. Or cover your mouth to cough. And even tug your ear if it's itchy. In fact, you could do all three things at once without signaling an outrageously high bid during a sale. In fact, you can let your hair down and enjoy the proceedings even if you never make a bid.
"According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Auctioneers, the number one reason why people attend auctions is, by far, fun," says Tripp Kline, owner of Three Rivers Auction Co. in Washington, Pa. "That really surprised people in the business. But people come to auctions to be entertained."
Before the fun begins, here are few tips to make sure that newcomers get the most out of the auction experience.
Get familiar : "I highly recommend that new auctiongoers meet the owner or auctioneer," says Jeff Constantine, co-owner of Constantine & Mayer in Cheswick. "Let him tell you about the overall process and any specifics related to his sale. Then tell him why you're coming to the auction, whether it's to furnish a home to starting a collection of one kind or another. It's a great way to get started in the right direction."
Keep your eyes open : "Going to an auction is a fantastic education," Bob Simon, owner of Royal York Auction Gallery, East Liberty, says. "Just by watching, there's so much a first-time auctiongoer can learn about the pace of a sale, how people bid, the auctioneer's style. I recommend that people watch at least one sale before they starting buying."
Do your homework : If mid-20th century European furniture heats up your collecting passion, stoke the embers by researching the topic. Know the top names and styles in the field. Understand what makes certain designers the best, and which pieces rank among their best.
"Whatever it is you're interested in buying, learn everything you can about it," says Bob Hanks, co-owner of J.S. Dill Auctions in Zelienople. "And when you go to a sale, talk to other collectors, bring along your reference books, even a laptop computer so that you can quickly determine whether an item is worth bidding on."
Mind your money : "You have to set a budget," says David Arnold, consignment manager at Dargate Auction Galleries in Pittsburgh. "If you can't afford a Picasso, you might have to settle for a Maxwell Parrish painting. This is a hard one. Even I have trouble doing it sometimes. People can get caught up in the moment if they start to look at the bidding as a competition they have to win." Overextending your budget often leads to buyer's remorse, he says, leaving the bidder feeling that he or she got burnt in the process.
Inspect the goods : Another way to end up with a big case of buyer's remorse is to purchase an item without giving it a good look during the sale's previews. A thorough inspection of goods before the sale can help spot any imperfections that might affect an article's value -- and even change a bidder's mind about purchasing it. Most auction houses hold a preview a day or two before sales and offer additional chances for a last look just before bidding begins, an opportunity Simon advises that bidders take advantage of.
"Items do get damaged during previews," he says. "If you don't check something on the day of the sale, you could end up paying too much for an item that's not worth the price."
Remember the buyer's premium : Along with Pennsylvania sales tax, the final purchase price of just about every auction item includes a buyer's premium -- an additional fee that could range from 10 percent to 15 percent or higher. So if you buy a stackable oak barrister's bookcase for $100, you'll need to shell out another $12 if the buyer's premium is 12 percent.
"People need to understand that auctioneers will use the buyer's premium to purchase additional advertising and promotional services for a sale," Constantine says. "It's not just there to bring in extra money."
Pack it up : Auctions are pretty simple acts of capitalism. An item goes up for sale. The crowd determines the selling price. And the top bidder takes home the goods. Which doesn't include the auction house gift wrapping your $2,000 Daum Nancy glass vase.
"Definitely make sure that you bring some newspapers or Bubble Wrap to protect any fragile items you might buy," Arnold says. "And you should bring some boxes to carry things home. Most auction houses leave that up to the buyer."
For larger items -- such as furniture, pianos and some paintings -- Hanks recommends two things.
"First, find out how soon you need to remove bigger pieces from the showroom," he says. "If you can't take it home in your car after the auction, make arrangements with the owner to pick it up as soon as possible. And if the staff helps you carry things to your vehicle, make sure you tip them to show your appreciation. They'll remember that the next time you need help."
Come again : As Simon says, auctions are a game of chance. You put up your best bid and hope that the odds are on your side. Yet, even if you walk away emptyhanded, chances are, you'll be back again.
"I want to build a friendship and trust with every new person, so that everyone walks away satisfied," Simon says. "And comes back again and again."
