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Cousins Antiques: Attending Live Auctions - Part 4: Auction Etiquette

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October 9, 2009 - 9:51am

This is part of a series of blogs about attending live auctions. We will address auction etiquette here.

When attending live auctions, there are a few basic rules that will help make the auction experience a comfortable and successful one for both new and seasoned attendees:

  • As in attending events like movies, it is a good idea to set cell phones to vibrate or to turn them off. It can be disconcerting to bidders in the middle of a bidding war to have a distraction like a cell phone ring. Likewise, if an auctioneer is explaining the terms of sale, it is poor taste to interrupt him with a cell phone ring.
  • Although it is commonplace for auction attendees to have conversations during the auction, it is usually done at a very low volume. Keep this in mind, so if someone near you is trying to concentrate on bidding, they are not distracted by your conversation.
  • Sometimes, a bidder will win a lot with several items in it. If you wanted only one item from that lot but did not want to buy the whole group, it would be okay to approach the buyer and ask if they would be willing to sell you that one item from the lot. However, this is best done during a break -- not while the auctioneer is actively selling.
  • If you preview an item that has no damage and are the winning bidder - only to discover new damage that occurred after your preview, it is appropriate to ask that the purchase be voided. However, timing of this is crucial. It is important to handle this immediately. Point out the new damage to an auction employee as soon as the item is in your possession. The employee will approach the auctioneer at the appropriate time and explain the issue.
  • If the auctioneer mistakenly thinks you have bid on an item when you have not, it is important to speak up before he sells the item to you! It is okay to speak loudly and state simply that you were not bidding. As with a damaged item, it is important to address the issue ASAP.

Auction etiquette is mostly common sense and attending auctions at two or three different auction houses will yield varying atmospheres. This will normally affect what etiquette rules will apply. Familiarize yourself with the basics, and you'll be fine!

Anita Vieth of Cousins Antiques - Cousin Antiques is pleased to help you find the treasure that speaks to you!
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/cousinsantiques
eBay: cousins55

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