Attending an auction can lead to some terrible bargain, but also a day can be quite entertaining too. It has been said that the difference between attending an auction and a flutter in the 'bookies' (betting shop) is that with an auction, if you walk away empty-handed you're out of pocket. Emotion of the tender is as exciting as having a bet on the horses!

To ensure you have a great day out, you should be prepared first. I mentioned a couple of things you would like to recall first before attending any auction,

Before traveling a great distance from the auction, make sure you know exactly where the auction takes place and also a good idea to have a copy of the catalog with you. To contact the auction by telephone before the auction which normally ensures that you receive a catalog in advance. However, some of the auctioneers do not produce the catalog until a couple of days earlier.

Always have a backup plan. If you do not have a catalog and somehow auctioneers are not selling the stuff you want, make sure your day not wasted, and do some sightseeing instead. Always a good idea if the auction is canceled for any reason or even get the auction wrong dates (this happens, believe me!). It would be prudent to telephone the day of the auction to ensure that what one contact telephone number is always at hand. A number of places where you can get from the Internet auction listings and just print them or even visit the Yellow Pages website.

At the auction, make sure it is soon. This gives you time to consider the issues closely and see if there are defects. If so, are acceptable, can be easily fixed or the issue will be totally useless.

When bidding for an item, make sure you set an upper limit of what you are willing to pay and will not on it. This is where there is a similarity between the auctions and gambling. Please set a limit and continue bidding until you "win" then you may find that you has overpaid for the item and would have been better to buy at a local store. I can not stress this strongly enough important factor. Set yourself an upper limit regarding the maximum amount you're willing to pay and then stick to it.

In establishing this upper limit should take into account what is called a "Buyers Premium 'and VAT. The catalog must be clearly stated. If not, talk to the auctioneer and find out before the auction.

The other thing to note is that the catalogs may vary. For example, some items may be withdrawn from sale at moments notice or other elements may be included in the last minute.

About the Author:

Brian Simms is a Freelance Trainer and is an avid Auction Goer who is always looking for great bargains. He is the author of the Auction”>http://www.theauctiongoersbluebook.com/”>Auction Goer’s Blue Book

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Handy Tips for the Auction Goer

Real Estate Auction, May 1, 2008 • Alliance Real Estate Auctions- NAA Member