Auction Adventure

During my short little vacation from teaching, I went to my first "real"auction. I sorta grew up in one but I was a kid and it wasn't an antique auction. My dad used to teach a class at a local college on making furniture for the One Special Christmas Auction. So every year we would be at the auction all day long. I also have very vivid memories of Dad bringing my brother and I to the class some nights and making us stay in the "office" part of the wood shop. In case you have never been in a wood shop...the "office", of a wood shop, is not at all what you are picturing. It's a smallish room with concrete floors, a few old discarded office chairs, tables, clip boards with orders or plans nailed to the wall, photographs roughly taped to the wall, a radio, a phone  and most likely a first aid kit. All of this is also completely covered in dust, wood dust - the best smelling kind! So, my memories of those nights include my brother pushing me around on the office chairs, dancing to Michael Jackson, and trying to hold the rabbit ears just right so my brother could watch tv. Good memories. 

Anyway, Mom and I went to an antique furniture auction at Belk Auction Company. We really had no idea what to expect but ended up having a great time and walking away with a few things...all of which were wickedly cheap! Mom had a ton of fun bidding, so much fun that I had to hold her arm down a few times. 

What we went home with...

this mirror (bottom left) $12

I'm pretty sure we over paid on this one.

But it was mom's first time bidding and she was a little excited.

metal tray $7

Every time I see one of these metal trays with painted flowers...I swoon

Record Stand $5

I've been looking for one of these forever!

I've even been thinking about making one.

But I don't think I could make one for $5

Not all the records fit though:(

Lamp $5

I waited so patiently for this one to come up.

I will paint the wooden parts eventually.

A few things I learned...

bring cash - Cause they only take cash

only bring the amount of cash you are willing to spend - this will help you not overspend

have a list of things you are looking for or collecting

make sure you are all checked in before the auction starts - If you have a card with a number on it that the auction company gave you - then you are all set

make sure you know all the rules etc.

pay for your item right after you win it because there is a buyer's premium that will be added to your cost and you don't want to run out of cash when you go up to pay

go early and look at everything before hand

bring a notepad or keep track on your phone what items you are interested in and write down their lot number

If you can, look up on the internet what the going rate is of the item you are interested in - that way you can know how much you are willing to spend - write that number next to the item

Bring a friend or family member that will help you stick to budget for each item

bring boxes and newspaper to protect your items that you win

If you plan on bidding on a larger item...make sure it will fit in your car

Bring a cushion to sit on incase the ones they have are gone...cause the metal chairs are awful

be prepared to be there awhile

don't make any sudden movements

have fun

If you want to know more about the "lingo" check out this website for lots more info. I'm going again tonight!! Can't wait...anyone want to join me?!