Friday Guest: Gail from The Kramer Angle

Today I have one of my longtime blog friends and real life friends, Gail Kramer from The Kramer Angle!  Gail is one the the NICEST people I have ever met, and whenever I hit the auction, she is the first person I look for as she can usually be found there, hunting for treasures for her spaces at The Barn Show, Chartreuse & Co, and Wild Rose & Co Marketplace.  Sometimes she has her favorite "picker" with her, her son!  Gail has a fabulous eye, and though I have never personally seen the inside of her house, I imagine it is just gorgeous!  Wait til you see the slideshow of her favorite finds at the end of this post!  Since Gail is my favorite auction buddy, I thought it was fitting that she share some auction tips with you today.  I know many people are intimidated, and really there is nothing to be scared of.  Once you read this post, you will feel like an old pro, and ready to place your bids!

Have you ever been to an auction?  

It’s one of my favorite places to 

find unique items to decorate my home

 and to sell in my shops and at my barn shows.  

But, the absolute best thing I’ve ever 

found at an auction was a friend!

And you’re reading her blog right now!

Yes, it’s true, my first proper introduction

to Cassie was at an auction we both

frequent and we’ve been

friends ever since!

So after mulling over some ideas for

my guest post here on Cassie’s blog,

I thought it only fitting that

I give you an

“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Auctions”

overview.  

Auctions are a great resource

if you're looking for antiques and accessories at 

affordable prices for your home, 

but the first step in getting hooked on them

is knowing how to find one!

Thanks to the internet, finding an auction these days is really easy 

using my favorite favorite auction locator: 

Auction Zip.Com

You just type in your zip code, choose how far

you’re willing to travel and a list of auctions pops up.  

Easy peasy!

You can also subscribe to Antique Week an online resource

featuring auctions, shops and shows from all over the country.  

Most auction houses  also have an online presence 

so a quick Google search is another easy way to find them.  

And don't rule out Craig's List when you're searching, as I've noticed an 

increasing number of auctions posted there as well.  

I usually stick with

antique auctions for my business,

The Kramer Angle,

but there are auctioneers selling everything from

automobiles

(not my thing)

to

foreclosed homes,

to

 farm equipment

(I once picked up a cool chicken coop and repurposed it into a mudroom cubby)

to 

used restaurant equipment

(like a fabulous Baltimore bakery table I turned into a kitchen island).

Once you find an auction that sounds intriguing here are a few quick tips:

1. Call ahead to the auction house to find out their payment terms. Most accept credit cards but some smaller houses operate on a cash or check only basis and payment is always due at the conclusion of an auction.  
2. Ask if there’s a buyer’s premium.   A buyer’s premium is a percentage the auction house adds to the selling price of every piece, which is usually 10 – 15%.   So if you’re the winning bidder of a dresser for $100 add on the buyers premium + any applicable sales tax to calculate the final cost of the piece and adjust your bidding accordingly.
3. Arrive early to register with the auctioneer.    In most cases you’ll be asked to show your driver’s license and then you’ll be given your bidding number.   You’ll need your number to show the auctioneer when you make a winning bid so the sale can be added to your account.  
4. Inspect items thoroughly. 

Don’t be shy about picking up what you’re interested in to take a good look at it so you’re comfortable with what you’re bidding on.

It’s key to inspect everything to avoid finding out later that the drawers don’t work, they’re musty, and don’t glide easily AFTER you’re already the winning bidder.

(Be sure of what you’re bidding on and stick to the maximum you’re willing to pay. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment only to regret it later on!)

5. Once you’re sure of a piece it’s time to have some fun! 

Contrary to what you’ve ever heard – don’t worry about scratching your nose or fluffing your hair!   The auctioneer will not assume you’re bidding!

Make eye contact, wave your card, nod your head, shout out a “Yes!”, “Heck ya” or anything else it takes to get his attention!  The goal is to make sure he doesn’t miss your bid, so don’t be timid or you’ll go unnoticed.  

6.  My last tip?

Just relax and have some fun!

Keep in mind you’re going to win some and lose some.

I’ve walked away from lots of auctions wishing I had bid more and also brought home some things I regretted buying because I got caught up in the moment.

It’s all part of the learning experience and

at the very least an auction is great entertainment!

(The cast of characters at my favorite weekly auction is fascinating!)

Take a look at some of my all time favorite auction finds!   

Thank you so much Cassie for the opportunity to guest post on your blog!  

I hope to see you soon – at the auction!

I am sharing gail's tips here: