Auctions can be fun . . . but be prepared, know what's going on

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

Auctioneer Don Hill of Stonewall takes bids at a recent liquidation sale of F&D Antiques in Hondo. Photo by Juliet Briskin -Staff photo by Briskin

October 9, 2003 -- For those in the know, going to an auction can be fun, entertaining and a place to find some great bargains. But for some it can be a daunting experience.

Don Hill, owner of Hill's Auctions in Stonewall, recently auctioneered the complete liquidation of F&D Antiques in Hondo, and had some great advice for both novice and experienced auction attendees.

"First-timers need to remember is that this is supposed to be fun," he stated. "Arriving early and previewing the items for auction is very important. This gives buyers the chance to really get a good look at what is available and they can do it at their own pace."

Once an auction gets started, the speed of bidding process can be overwhelming.

"If a buyer has already had a chance to review items up for bid, they can focus on the bidding rather than on trying to decide if this is actually something they want to buy," explained Hill. "A lot of auctioneers go really fast, but numbers are what's important. All the little gibberish in between doesn't mean a thing in the world. Just pay attention to the numbers; that is the bid we are asking for."

Hill explained that his company audio tapes all of their auctions just in case there is a question about a bid. "If someone thinks a mistake has been made, we can play the tape back," he said. "This guarantees that everyone is in agreement on a price and should relieve any worries a buyer has about what they are paying for an item."

When a buyer bids on an item they need to remember there is generally a buyer's premium attached to the bid as well as sales tax. An item with a bid of $10 that has a 10 percent buyer's premium will cost the purchaser $11, plus the sales tax.

"First-time auction buyers need to remember this," said Hill. "The bid price is only the first step in purchasing an item."

At the beginning of the auction the auctioneer will generally go over how the event will proceed and make any announcements necessary. To start off the F&D Antiques auction, Hill introduced and pointed out his staff and all the bid "spotters" that help the auctioneer notice a bidder's signals. He also discussed some terms the auctioneer would be using. One such term was "times the money." This means if someone bids $10 on two lamps "times the money," the pay-out price will be $20, plus the buyer's premium and sales tax.

To the seller, companies like Hill's Auctions (www.hillsauctions.com) can be of great service. They will meet with the seller, discuss what will be sold, set a rate for the auction company's fee (usually a percentage of the sale), do all the labor and advertising, and run the show the day of the auction.

According to Hill, those concerned about an auctioneer and if they are getting a good deal should ask for references. "Word of mouth is the best way to find a good auction and auctioneer," he stated. "If you get references, call them and talk to them."

The best way to locate an auction is to pick up the local paper; and Country World's Country Classifieds has many advertisements each week.

Surprisingly, the Internet does not provide a plethora of information about auction schedules, but www.auctionpeek.com lists some upcoming events; and Hill's website is at www.hillsauctions.com. In addition, the site provides both the novice and the newcomer with a complete list of auction terms as well as some etiquette guidelines.