Auction Tips
Archive summary
Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started January 26, 2008 by furniture fanatic · 3 posts, 2 image attachments · discussion in 2008.
I am wondering if anyone has some tips on bidding on an auction at which one is not present, whether it be by telephone, on ebay, etc. While recognizing that the market expands enormously by opening myself up to purchasing via such methods, I am a bit tentative in doing so (I…
I am wondering if anyone has some tips on bidding on an auction at which one is not present, whether it be by telephone, on ebay, etc. While recognizing that the market expands enormously by opening myself up to purchasing via such methods, I am a bit tentative in doing so (I haven't bought anything outside of in-person purchases yet, although I've placed some bids on ebay) because I am always concerned there will be some defect that is obvious when I actually see the item yet is not apparent from pictures online or is not otherwise mentioned. Any other tips, such as preferences of bidding by phone over ebay or vice-versa would also be appreciated. Thanks!
A few thoughts on this and others may have more:
1. If you aren't happy with the quality or quantity of images provided online ask them to send you more and be specific about any focus areas you'd like them to be sure and photograph.
2. Many times photos are darker than we would like for providing detail, so buy a tool like Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop or a similar software package that provides a brightness or shadow/highlight feature. You'd be amazed at how you can lighten almost any photo to allow you to see more detail. See attached examples.
3. Ask the seller for information on condition, repairs, breaks, scratches and "anything else I should know" and get it via email. You now have a permanent record of their portrayal of the item.
4. Save the online auction listing description text and images for later reference in case you have a problem upon receipt of the item. Do not bookmark the listing. Instead copy/paste or save via the browser save feature. Their listing may disappear some time after the listing closes so you can't count on it as a permanent record. I had purchased a parlor set and when I received it the upholstery was punctured and a leg was broken. I was not present upon delivery due to being out of town, but spoke to the auctioneer and referenced the photos of the items that they provided during the sale as evidence that it was not received as expected.
5. If you really want an item, leave an absentee bid at least a day in advance so you don't miss it. Absentee bidding is disabled shortly before the live event on Ebay the day of the event.
6. If you're bidding live via Ebay's bidding console, you'll never know when the item will be auctioned off so you may be leaving the browser window open and checking back over time. You may find yourself blocking off the better part of a day to wait for it to come up for bid. Pay attention to the progression of items being sold over time. If the same item is up for sale 20 minutes later, your browser may have frozen.
7. Check the auction description to see if items are auctioned in numeric lot order. Some auctioneers clearly state that they do not sell in order. These are very frustrating since you need to sit in front of the window all day or provide an absentee bid in advance.
8. Be aware that there is additional fees that Ebay charges on top of normal buyer's premium. For example, an auctioneer may have a 15% buyers premium when bidding in person but 22% when buying via Ebay. Read the auction terms.
9. Realize that there is a time lapse between submitting a bid via the live console and when it is registered by the auction house as a bid. You will need to be alert, type fast and submit the bids quickly so that they do not close bidding before you submit your bid.
10. Check the shipping cost before you buy an item. Sometimes auction houses will ship small items themselves but will not ship large items. Read the terms and conditions to see what the shipping policy is for the auction house. Ask the auction house for recommended shippers to contact for quotes. You may also ask Rare Victorian readers via this forum for recommended shippers. Try to use a shipper that others have used before you experiment.
11. Realize that you may not receive your item for several months after winning. Ask the shipper what the shipping schedule would be when you request shipping quotes. Shippers need to consolidate multiple shipments by region to make it economical to ship these items and this can cause a delay.
12. Pay by credit card when possible so that you have another safety net in case you need to dispute the condition of the item.
13. Realize that even with all of the above followed, you may get surprised when you finally receive the item. In the end, you are buying something you've never seen in person. For the convenience of not having to be there you are taking a risk that it will be to your liking. Start with less expensive items until you feel comfortable with the world of buying this way.
Personally, I've never bid by phone since online has always worked for me.
John
1. If you aren't happy with the quality or quantity of images provided online ask them to send you more and be specific about any focus areas you'd like them to be sure and photograph.
2. Many times photos are darker than we would like for providing detail, so buy a tool like Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop or a similar software package that provides a brightness or shadow/highlight feature. You'd be amazed at how you can lighten almost any photo to allow you to see more detail. See attached examples.
3. Ask the seller for information on condition, repairs, breaks, scratches and "anything else I should know" and get it via email. You now have a permanent record of their portrayal of the item.
4. Save the online auction listing description text and images for later reference in case you have a problem upon receipt of the item. Do not bookmark the listing. Instead copy/paste or save via the browser save feature. Their listing may disappear some time after the listing closes so you can't count on it as a permanent record. I had purchased a parlor set and when I received it the upholstery was punctured and a leg was broken. I was not present upon delivery due to being out of town, but spoke to the auctioneer and referenced the photos of the items that they provided during the sale as evidence that it was not received as expected.
5. If you really want an item, leave an absentee bid at least a day in advance so you don't miss it. Absentee bidding is disabled shortly before the live event on Ebay the day of the event.
6. If you're bidding live via Ebay's bidding console, you'll never know when the item will be auctioned off so you may be leaving the browser window open and checking back over time. You may find yourself blocking off the better part of a day to wait for it to come up for bid. Pay attention to the progression of items being sold over time. If the same item is up for sale 20 minutes later, your browser may have frozen.
7. Check the auction description to see if items are auctioned in numeric lot order. Some auctioneers clearly state that they do not sell in order. These are very frustrating since you need to sit in front of the window all day or provide an absentee bid in advance.
8. Be aware that there is additional fees that Ebay charges on top of normal buyer's premium. For example, an auctioneer may have a 15% buyers premium when bidding in person but 22% when buying via Ebay. Read the auction terms.
9. Realize that there is a time lapse between submitting a bid via the live console and when it is registered by the auction house as a bid. You will need to be alert, type fast and submit the bids quickly so that they do not close bidding before you submit your bid.
10. Check the shipping cost before you buy an item. Sometimes auction houses will ship small items themselves but will not ship large items. Read the terms and conditions to see what the shipping policy is for the auction house. Ask the auction house for recommended shippers to contact for quotes. You may also ask Rare Victorian readers via this forum for recommended shippers. Try to use a shipper that others have used before you experiment.
11. Realize that you may not receive your item for several months after winning. Ask the shipper what the shipping schedule would be when you request shipping quotes. Shippers need to consolidate multiple shipments by region to make it economical to ship these items and this can cause a delay.
12. Pay by credit card when possible so that you have another safety net in case you need to dispute the condition of the item.
13. Realize that even with all of the above followed, you may get surprised when you finally receive the item. In the end, you are buying something you've never seen in person. For the convenience of not having to be there you are taking a risk that it will be to your liking. Start with less expensive items until you feel comfortable with the world of buying this way.
Personally, I've never bid by phone since online has always worked for me.
John
Great list John.In regards to phone bidding I have used this option and I feel comfortable with it. There's things to consider,some auction houses require that you are willing to bid to low estimate.
You'll need to pre-qualify & confirm 2-days before the auction to be sure your on the list. I learned the hard way, I sat and waited for the call that never came. So now I'll register on line as back up. With phone bidding you'll receive the call a few lots before your item,and as you bid on your lot you can receive feedback from the caller such as who and how many your bidding against. Plus I never had to pay any additional charges for this service.In closing should anyone need a set of eyes on a lot at upcoming Cowans auctions I'm more then happy to help.
John
You'll need to pre-qualify & confirm 2-days before the auction to be sure your on the list. I learned the hard way, I sat and waited for the call that never came. So now I'll register on line as back up. With phone bidding you'll receive the call a few lots before your item,and as you bid on your lot you can receive feedback from the caller such as who and how many your bidding against. Plus I never had to pay any additional charges for this service.In closing should anyone need a set of eyes on a lot at upcoming Cowans auctions I'm more then happy to help.
John