| Many of us would find auction houses both | | | | have to register as a bidder and be given a |
| mysterious and daunting, especially when attending | | | | numbered paddle or card to both bid and show the |
| our first auction. Rest assured that auction houses | | | | auctioneer, should you be the successful bidder. |
| realize they could not exist without maintaining a | | | | Auctioneers tend to complete lots at different rates, |
| good relationship with their clients. The auction | | | | with some exceeding 150 lots per hour. Consequently |
| houses want you as a customer, both as a buyer | | | | it's prudent to check with the auction house staff the |
| and seller. | | | | number of lots the auctioneer usually sells each hour. |
| Most auction houses produce a sales catalogue | | | | It's important, if you intent to spend a significant |
| where the antiques are described in detail and | | | | amount at an auction, to let the auction house |
| mention any defects. Ultimately it's up to you to | | | | accounts department know at least 24 hours before |
| satisfy yourself that the objects are in good order | | | | the auction, so they can get any necessary |
| and accurately described. Remember you can always | | | | guarantees from your bank to allow you to remove |
| ask a staff member of the auction house for | | | | the lots purchased directly after the sale. It's |
| assistance. Hence the importance of understanding | | | | absolutely essential to check the conditions of sale |
| the language used to describe items and having a | | | | before bidding starts. Most auctioneers implement a |
| reference book to assist. | | | | buyers' premium added to the hammer price that can |
| Once you decide to attend an auction you can either | | | | vary between 10% and 20%. |
| bid yourself or alternatively use a free and | | | | Reference books and price lists can help with |
| confidential bidding service offered by most auction | | | | accurate descriptions of antiques adding significantly |
| houses. | | | | to their value. |
| If you decide to use this service a commission | | | | Remember bidding techniques vary, from the |
| clerk will act on your behalf and endeavor to buy for | | | | slightest nod of the head to a firm raising of the |
| you as cheaply as possible, subject to other bids and | | | | hand or paddle. Buy it is a complete myth that a |
| the seller's reserve price. | | | | slight gesture will result in you becoming the unwitting |
| If you decide to do your own bidding you will | | | | owner of an unwanted object. |