Country Auctions

As spring gains way to summer, country auction listings begin appearing in local newspapers. The sprawling, Auctioneer-written ads beseech you to attend. Their listings are seemingly endless! Items you need shout before your eyes. Excitement builds as do dreams of how your life will be eased by this implement or that. As your mind formulates these things, you'd be a wise person to take pen/pencil in hand, allowing it to travel over paper. Why? They will be your most important tools before, during and after the sale.

While I'm far from an expert in the ways of buying at country auctions, I've learned a thing or two. First and foremost, I only attend auctions which are held by Auctioneers I trust. This is learned in many ways -- either by experience or word of mouth.

Secondly, arrive early and aware. Know the value of the item you are in need of, taking it's condition into consideration . If it requires electricity, make certain an outlet is available. While some Auctioneers take the word of the soon-to-be former owner, you don't have to. Make sure the item runs/works. If you aren't able to do so, don't buy it, unless, of course, you're in the business of fixing such things. Don't get me wrong -- I bought an electric clothes dryer while attending an auction where I trusted the Auctioneer. The dryer went up for bid first and I got it for $30. The matching washing machine hit the block next, selling for over $200. Neither had been proven to operate, either. Did the dryer? You betcha! And it continued to do it's job far longer than when I owned it, putting $100 in my pocket 4 years later when it was sold again.

Now, learn how to bid. If you're attending a country auction, you're already aware that there are things you want/need prior to being there, due to the ad you've read. A glance around as you walk up to the site tells you whether or not it's a sale worth sticking around for. Get a numbered card for bidding (an area will be marked for such). Walk around the site, looking for the advertised items that drew you there, testing them if necessary. Set a price in your head for what you want and plan to stick to it. After all, there will be other auctions; other ways of purchasing such things (unless unique). Stand to the side of the crowd, facing them, and watch as the first items come up for bid. You'll quickly learn of how the bidding process goes. Don't worry -- it's usually the smaller, non-advertised items that go first.

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