ABOUT AUCTIONEERS...

Professional Auctioneers are individuals who maintain the utmost level of ethical behavior. To better work for their clients, they maintain their education through seminars, professional organizations and extended courses like CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute) at Indiana University.

HOW TO BEGIN...

When you come to our auction, you are made to feel welcome.

INSPECTION...

You are invited to view all the items prior to auction. Auctions are one of the few places you are encouraged to handle and inspect the items for sale so that you know what you’re buying. There are no resales - all goods are sold as is, where is, no guarantees.

REGISTRATION...

Before bidding, register with the cashier who will ask for identification, usually a driver’s license. You will receive a bidder card. It is your charge card and contract with the auctioneer. Don’t lost it; you are responsible for purchases made against that bidder card number. When the auction is ready to begin, the auctioneer will go over the rules, what times certain objects will sell and anything else you need to know. The auctioneer will also answer any questions you have at this time.

BIDDING...

When you see an item you are interested in, set a price in your mind of what it’s worth to you. The auctioneer will call out bids in certain increments, and you will decide to hold up your card to bid or drop out. If you are the high bidder, hold up your bidder card so the number can be recorded. See, you set the price!

NO HASSLES...

Ask questions. Tell the auctioneer if you feel there was a bidding error. No one will take your bid when you don’t want to bid. If you buy something that you feel was misrepresented, you can return it immediately and disclose the error or flaw. If a bid is disputed, that is, you think you have the final bid and someone else thinks they do, the bidding is simply opened again between you two.

ABSENTEE BIDS...

Many auctioneers offer the service of absentee bidding in case you are not able to attend the sale. This service typically needs to be arranged at least 48 hours prior to the auction. You may also be required to provide a deposit of earnest money. As well, be sure to understand the terms of the sale before you place an absentee bid.

PAYING...

Method of payment is check, cash or sometimes Mastercard and Visa. At many sales you may be required to provide a bank letter of guarantee. Be sure that you have a copy of the terms of sale before attending so you are prepared before you arrive. At any time during the auction or when it’s over, you can go to the cashier, pay your bill, pick up your items and leave. You can also make arrangements to pick up your items in a predetermined time after the auction.

DEALERS...

Dealers buy for their clients and for profit, so bidding against them is easy - their bid is less than what the item sells for at their shop. Remember, if you want an article, set your price in your mind beforehand, and you will never spend too much.

BUYER PREMIUM...

A percentage of high bid price (can be 2%, 5%, 10%, etc...) added to high bid price to determine the purchase price. This is usually in effect to cover costs, ie. advertising. A buyer premium is not used in all Auction events.

SALES TAX...

AUCTIONEER...

Person who invites the bidding with a rhythmic chant at certain increments, calls the final bid price and identifies the purchase by bidders number.

RINGMAN OR BID ASSISTANT...

Much like the auctioneer, assists bidders in placing their bids. This person is a bidders personal contact into the bidding process and is available to answer any questions about the auction or items up for bid.

CLERK...

Person who records all auctioned items, the final bidders number and the bid, creating Auction records and the basis for your invoice. Many auctioneers audio/video tape their auctions as a part of the permanent records. If there is a question, they can run back the tape for verification. Any interruption of the clerk can lead to a error in clerking, often to a higher bid. Therefore, it is in your best interest NOT to interrupt the clerk.

CASHIER...

Person(s) who registers your name and gives you a bidder number. When you have completed your buying, return to the auction office, the cashier will prepare your invoice and give you a receipt after you pay.

BY THE PIECE OR TIMES THE MONEY...

Buying several, usually like kind, items at the individual item price. Example, you buy 6 glasses at $2.00 for 1 glass, total is $12.00.

RESERVE...

Have you inspected the merchandise? Caution: Do not bid on anything you have not viewed. Most items are sold "as is, where is," and in most cases ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

Have you read the Terms of Sale? These are the rules that govern each sale and provide you with the important information needed for completing your purchase.

Have you noted which lots are "Export Only?" There are no exceptions to these export requirements. Purchase wisely. "Export Only" means the merchandise cannot remain in the United States. This applies primarily to custom sales.

When is payment Due? In most cases, upon completion of bidding, the bidder should proceed to a cashier, where payment can be made. However, refer to the Terms of Sale. Payment arrangements will vary from sale to sale.

When must merchandise be removed? Refer to the Terms of Sale to determine how and when removal should be arranged.