My very favorite venue for finding treasures for my shop and home is an auction. Occasionally, when “picking fever” hits me in between auctions, I will find a local estate sale. Sadly, enough, my very favorite auction house held its very last auction in June of this year. I’m still searching for my next “favorite” auction house.
I’ve always enjoyed auctions, long before I opened my Etsy Shop. I’ve learned several lessons the hard way, concerning buying at auctions as a dealer. I used to be intimidated by the “dealers”. Once, I became a dealer myself, I figured out pretty quickly that I would rather bid against a dealer than someone that wanted that “treasure” for themselves. If I want something for myself, I will bid much higher on an item. Reason being, I’m not bidding to make a profit. And I want it for myself.
Another lesson I learned, go big or go home! Last year, I purchased a covered utility trailer just for auctions, so I could buy in large quantities and the weather would not be a factor. That very first auction, I scored 30 wood milk crates. Most folks only wanted one or two, and had no way to haul 30 crates. I knew they were highly collectible, and I had the means to haul them. I ended up selling several of them on site before we could get them loaded.
Auctions are very time consuming. I try to arrive at the earliest time possible to preview. Normally two hours before the auction starts. I take very detailed notes, starting with lot #1, adding to my notes the highest price I’m willing to pay for that lot. Sometimes, I get caught up in the moment and go over my own advice. My husband and Son are waiting in the background to load my winning lots. They have to wrap everything breakable before placing it in the trailer. We are normally at the auctions from 7:00 a.m. until closing, which is late afternoon, early evening. It makes for a very long day.
Once I get my treasures home, I have to sort everything out. With box lots, you get a lot of “junk”, and other things that are not collectible. I send what I can’t or don’t want to sell in my Etsy shop and antique booth to the local thrift stores. Once the sorting has been completed and each item inspected and cleaned, if need be, the fun begins. Researching, photographing and getting the items ready for my shops.
Another lesson I learned is buy the very best you can buy. I’ve hauled a lot of “stuff” home that ends up sitting in my shops. I know with each and every auction, I’m getting better at selecting things I know my buyers want. It takes practice and a whole lot of research. But, you never know what you will find in that box lot of “junk”.
If you’ve never attended an auction, I hope you will attend one and catch “auction fever” like I did.
Written by:
Mimi, CreekLifeTreasures
Available at CreekLifeTreasures:
Bonjour Mimi, How wonderful Adventures!
I also note : “auctions from 7:00 a.m. until closing, which is late afternoon, early evening. It makes for a very long day”! well, I could not stay such a long time:), but Hubby did, and he also enjoys auctions. What a great job you do! Your beautiful shop reflects all your commitment and a brilliant experience. I’m really pleased to get to know a bit more of Vesties teamies via the Blog.Thank you for sharing such interesting vintage adventures.
Thank You!
Thank you! Pentyofamelie website moved by march 2018 to https://www.pentyofamelie.com
Mimi I loved reading about your auctions and what a great idea to have the trailer. That’s much better than bringing your treasures home and wondering where to store everything. Our local auction house closed up as well…boo! You are right that bidding against another dealer is much better than a person that is in love with the piece you are bidding on. I never thought of it that way!
Thank You, Tina. The only problem with the other “dealers” is that sometimes they have deeper pockets than me : )
I love auctions too Mimi! Once you get bit by the bug. ..you’re hooked for good! Still prefer to go in person although it seems more and more online. If you go…just don’t wave to a friend or swat flies!
I love auctions too Mimi! And, you are absolutely right, go big or go home. Thank you for sharing your fun experiences. Lea
Mimi, I haven’t attended an auction since I was a child. Detailing your experience has made it seem very doable to me. I like your technique of taking notes and jotting down your highest bid. Thanks so much for the post. I just added attending an auction to my Bucket List. Who knows? I might even buy something there.