Smart strategies for better bidding

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Bidding at an auction is a little playing poker. You’d like to know the other bidders’ intentions, and at the same time keep your own strategy secret. It helps to watch your opponents during the bidding. Many experienced auction buyers also use the preview and registration periods to pick out and “read” potential competitors.

During the auction, some experts prefer to stand at the back of the room so they can look over the entire crowd. Others say it’s best to sit at one of the front corners, where you can turn slightly and see almost everyone’s face but still be visible to the auctioneer. Then you can see facial expressions and pick out the subtle bidding movements some bidders use – not everyone bids by shouting and waving their arms. You can also make sure the auctioneer isn’t running up the bid on his own.

It also helps to spot the professional dealers in the audience. They’ll be the serious – looking bidders buying lots of items. Dealers have a good idea of how much something will bring at retail, so they will try to get it for 50 to 75 percent of that in the auction. If you want an item badly enough, you can go just a little higher and still be less than retail.

Don’t let the dealers trick you, though. They may quit bidding or say things to make you think an item isn’t worth it, and then sneak back in after you’ve dropped out.



All the best,


Timben