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I don't know if it is a sign of the times or what but I have noticed that there are far fewer auctions in our area than formerly. What I don't know is why?

When I had my shop in the late '80's - early 90's I went to 2 or three or more auctions a week. Now I would be lucky to find one in a 6 month period. It isn't like consignment shops are thriving or proliferating either. And a very long time group shop (maybe 30 years old?) is closing for good too.

A summer on site auction used to be one of my favorite activities but I don't expect to go to one this summer.

Any auction goers on this site and if so how are auctions in their area?

There are still some auctions (estate types) in our area, but I don't think there are as many as there used to be.
Reasons?

Tag sales: (professionally done) seem to be more common. Usually held indoors (planning weeks ahead, weather is a definite unknown in NE).
Weather again: Nasty/rainy/hot weather can keep a lot of buyers home, leading to lower bid amounts.
Time constraints: People just do not want to spend a day, waiting for some items to come up for bid and then someone is willing to pay more than one thinks it is worth to them. Day wasted in other words.
Expense: Auctioneer companies often take a larger percentage of profit (when all is said and done). Seller waits for all the checks/charges to go through to get their sale profit.

Remember, in the 80's and 90's there was no ebay or craigslist. Today alot of people use those venues to get rid of items. There's a small auction house not far from me that has auctions - went once-most of items were dirty old stuff that should go in trash not sold. There are still some big name quality auction houses, but mostly they cater to an elite type of merchandise.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mamaspoon,

I think here in FL. the auction companies call them estate sales.They are just yard sales held in the home.

quote:

I think here in FL. the auction companies call them estate sales

I believe the licensing would be different. Auctioneers need to be licensed, not too sure about people who handle estate sales. Actually I have given estate sales for people and I don't have a license.

Of course there are on site (in the home or outside it) auctions but they are auctions neither estate sales nor tag sales

Auctions are still very popular here and I haven't seen any decline. I live in the PA. WV. VA. MD square. I can get to any of those states in 30 minutes or less.

Maybe it's my location that makes the difference.

Have you ever looked at
http://www.auctionzip.com It's a site that lists all the auctions in your area. Or, you can type in a location to see what's there.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: My dog,

I noticed this thread the other day, and today I received an invitation to a live aucton. It'll be held 9/16, and will present 375 lots. Doesn't that seem like a huge number of items for bid? Anyway, I've not attended an auction in a long while, so I'm going out of curiosity. Got any dos and don'ts for me?

Ricearoni, get there early to inspect what items are to be auctioned off. Sometimes an item may be chipped and you can't see it unless you inspected it ahead of time.Have fun!

Good advice - They are allowing the items to be previewed beforehand, so I'll get there for that. This should be fun!

Hi Ricearoni, 375 lots might mean that this is a well organized auction (unlike some auction houses where no count would be made) however it is not too many.

Also the things may go for more than usual (if there is such a thing.)

I would check out their previous auctions and see if they list what the items sold for.

Yes, go early and preview. Also because I have trouble sitting for a long time, I always wander during auctions. Therefore getting to look at things over and over again (that is things in the back and on the sides)

Take a long some cotton bags if you intend to buy anything. Sometimes if the item is small they just hand it to you. Auction going is the best fun! Good luck

lady - I've checked out the auction house on line. They are Socal based, and have been in business for 12 years. That's not long, IMHO. They specialize in estate liquidations, but also handle consignments, and such. They host online auctions and I've looked at the items that they've handled. Wow! Some pricey stuff. I may just bee a looky-loo at this event.

Just in case, I will carry a tote bag or 2. You never know!

Ricearoni. I went to an estate lots auction held in a huge hall. It was the best auction I ever went to. Once a month this business would auction off the estates of people who had passed away. It was a hoot. They went to homes and would empty the bathroom contents into boxes, bedrooms etc. Everything off the walls and knick knacks in huge boxes. they would explain what was in each lot a little bit, but not everything. We were outfitting a cottage that we would be renting out, so it worked out great for us.

flboy - What a sweet deal for you!

The items mentioned on the invitation that I received appear to be "high end" - diamonds and other precious jewelry, fine art (original oils, e.g.) all items authenticated and certified. There may be deals to be had, but not necessarily bargains.

We shall see.

Ricearoni, yes, it woked out great because we purchased a kitchen box that gave us all the pots and pans siverware, etc. The joke on us was the bathroom box and I will let you imagine what was in there. I still laugh today when I remember what was in there. I guess we expected towels etc. NOT!