Shopping estate and auctions sales can also be another way of converting your home to farmhouse style on a budget. This type of shopping requires more knowledge and skill than other venues. It’s a game that can become fun and quite addictive, once you have learned the game.
Have you ever imagined yourself wheeling and dealing while the auctioneer is singing his song? Knowing when to raise the paddle, knowing how the payment system works, knowing how to shop the venues. these are all tips I will teach you in order to get the best prices.
First of all let’s talk about how you can shop at an auction to convert your home to farmhouse style on a budget.
What is an auction?
An auction is an event in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder. With this being said an auction ensures a wide range of bids, and sometimes items at auction can be sold at high prices. The bidders, create their own market determing on an individual basis how much they want to pay for an item, rather than have prices dictated by the seller.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way. let’s get to the good stuff! How to shop at an auction.
Tips for shopping at an auction
- Do your research. If there is a preview date or a catalog for purchase, then go to the preview and buy the catalog. This preview can happen for as long as 1 day to as long as 1 week. Buy the catalog and be sure to jot down some notes of the items you are previewing.
- It’s important to arrive a few minutes early in order to sign up to get your paddle. if you have not preregistered you’ll need time to do that and time to look arouund if you have not previewed. You will also need time to get your number/paddle.
- Set your budget beforehand. I’ts easy to bid on multiple items and get caught up in the competition of bidding against others. This can become very emotional because this is an environment that can cuase you to bid on everything that catches your eye.
- Be sure you have the transportation that will allow you to transport larger items. Most auctions provide a service for a fee, that will allow for them to help you load your items.
- Take cash with you. Do your research some if not most auctions will accept credit cards but there are usually processing fees added to the sale.
- Always factor additional cost when you’re bidding on an item. Does the item need reupholstering? Are you going to diy or pay someone to do this? Factor that cost into the price of your bid.
- Always measure and bring a tape measure with you. If you’re looking for an item to fit in a particular space in your home, measure that space beforehand. Don’t guess. Then in your preview measure the item you ‘re interested in buying.
- Dress for the weather most auctions are held in warehouses where there is no heat or air.
- Be prepared to spend the day at an auction, some last a long time.
- You’re at an auction so any hand gestures can be perceived as a bid. Watch your hands!
- At some auctions you may be responsible for the item as soon as your final bid is in. You may need to pick it up right away. Check the guidlines of the auction or ask when you’re registering.
- Have patience and have fun!
With thes tips you are now prepared to shop at an auction without making newbie mistakes! You have the necessary tools to become a seasoned auction shopper.
What is an Estate sale?
An estate sale is a type of garage or yard sale to dispose of the majority of the materials owned by a person who is deceased or will be moving. Estate sales are usually conducted by a professional for a percentage of the revenues. Estate sales are typically 1 to 3 days long and ofter with a price reduction toward the end.
Tips for shopping at an estate sale.
- Do plan on attending the first day and last day of the estate sale. Most sales are 1 to 3 days long.
- Arrive early in order to register and go in with the first group. The organizers limit how many people can go in the house at one time.
- Do not take a large bage or tote with you. there will be a lot of small items available for sale that could be stolen.
- Go to the back of the house and start there. Usually there are bigger or nice items there.
- Most estate sales have security. Don’t be offended if you’re asked if you have a receipt for the item you’ve purchased.
- There is usually no bargaining on the first day of the sale. You can still ask if you like. Most items are reduced on the last day of the sale.
- Some estate sale companies will accept credit cards so be sure to ask beforehand. Cash is always the best way of buying.
- Before paying for your item be sure to ask about pick up policies. some will let you leave and come back to pick it up.
- Most estate organizers do not provide helpers to help you load so plan ahead. If they do provide it will be for a fee.
- Check out upholstered pieces as they may be soiled and you’ll have to factor in the cost of reupholstering it or having professionally cleaned.
- Ask if fixed items are for sale. Fixed items are window treatments, lighting, plumbing fixtures and any hardware.
- In most estate sales ask if they have sale items in the garage or barn. This is where you can find some really great bargains especially if it requires repairing. Remember your diy skills!
- All sales are final so inspect your merchandise carefully.
- Most estate companies provide pictures of all items online prior to the sale.
- Shopping at auctions and estate sales can be fun, exciting and very rewarding. you can get the best bang for you buck! You also find larger one of kind items.
This is a church bench I bought at an auction for a very reasonable price.
You now have the skills to shop at an estate sale!
For part 3 – We will discuss shopping at flea markets, Facebook Market, garage and yard sales. There are specific techniques to shopping in these venues. You can get some great bargains if you what you’re doing!
Sign up to receive a FREE E-Book for more tips and to be a part of my Community!
Leave a Reply