Attend Saleroom Previews
These usually take place a few days before the sale. It is worth going as it is often difficult to view items properly on the morning of the sale. Every object usually marked with its lot number, but objects are rarely displayed in numerical order. If you like something in the catalogue, but can't find it at the preview, ask one of the saleroom staff to help you; it's easy to miss something that is been poorly displayed.
Ask for a Condition Report
If you are interested in a displayed object, ask the auctioneer to write a condition report for you. Most auction houses provide detailed reports on lots where possible. At larger auction houses, you can speak to the expert in charge of the sale if you would like more information about a particular piece.
Find out if You Need to Register
Before the sale, some salerooms require a form to be filled up with
your name, address and phone number; some issue a number to hold
up should your bid be successful; at others you simply call out
your name and fill in a form at the time.
Check the Auctioneer's Commission
Before making a decision about how much you want to spend, remember that most auction houses charge about 10 to 15 percent plus VAT on the hammer price.
Things to do at an Auction:
Set Yourself a Bidding Limit
Pay particular attention to the condition of the piece, and take into consideration the potential cost of restoration (which can be considerable) before deciding on your bidding limit. Choose your maximum price and don’t deviate away from it drastically.
Figure out Your Timing
Some sales can last for several hours. Find out if the lots you are interested in are towards the end of the sale, and how many lots the auctioneer expects to sell per hour to work out roughly when your lot will be sold. If you can't make it to the sale, you can usually leave a bid with the commissions clerk, who will bid on your behalf.
Follow the Bidding
When the sale begins, the auctioneer calls out each lot number, and starts the bidding at a rate slightly below the lowest estimate. As the people signal to him by waving or nodding, he calls out their bids in regular sums or increments.
Attract Attention to Your Bid
It can be difficult to attract the auctioneer's attention in a packed saleroom. Wave your catalogue or bidding card, and don't hesitate to call out if need be. However, if the bidding raises rapidly, the auctioneer usually only takes bids from two people at a time. When one drops out he looks around the room for someone else to join in. You could step in if the item is still within your limit!
The End of Bidding
The auctioneer indicates the end of the bidding by banging a small hammer, called a gavel, on the rostrum, and recording the sale and the name or number of the successful bidder.
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