Ten ways to shop at auction

Want to bag a bargain for your home? Here's how to shop at auction. By Sarah Warwick

1. Check out the auction house's website

Once you've found a local auction house, visit its website and you’ll probably see a mixture of general sales as well as specialised sales, such as antiques, modern furniture or fine art.

2. Know where to look

If you're looking for second hand furniture, pictures, ceramics, decorative items, and plenty more to give your rooms character, the general sales can be the best place to look.

3. What will be available at your auction house?

What’s on sale may have come from a house clearance, a refurbishment, or simply be someone else’s cast-off – and the thing you really need. Some salerooms sell bankrupt or surplus stock, and there are even ‘airport’ sales (try www.hertsauctions.com) of everything from suitcases to electronic goods.

4. Work out what you're interested in before you go

Catalogues for an auction can often be viewed at an auction house’s website before the sale, so you can decide what you’re interested in before you leave home. This will help you plan what you'll spend.

5. Check out your lot before you bid

It’s also advisable to attend a viewing before the sale, so you can take a good look at the items you intend to bid for. ‘Always check an item as thoroughly as you are able,’ says Stephen Hearn, Managing Director of Tring Market Auctions. ‘If it is a piece of furniture then check that all feet are present and correct and that it is in sound order.’

6. Buyers beware

Never forget that what you buy at an auction is generally ‘sold as seen’. Stephen Hearn says, ‘Each purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition of any lot purchased prior to the sale.’

7. Be sure you know it all

Check the terms and conditions in the auctioneer’s catalogue before purchasing anything, and be aware that because you’re buying second hand, and can look at the goods beforehand, buying at auction almost always equals 'can’t take it back'.

8. Get bidding

Check out the procedure for registration to bid at your chosen sale with the auctioneers. Estimates of what an item might fetch may be given in the catalogue, or you can ask staff at the auction, but these are for guidance only, so make sure you are confident of what you think something’s worth to you, and don’t be tempted to adjust your viewpoint in the heat of the moment.

9. Add on the extras

Remember that if yours is the winning bid, there’s a buyer’s premium to pay too, plus VAT to be paid on this premium. Again, make sure you know what the buyer’s premium is before you bid by checking with the auctioneers.

10. Take your buys home

Don’t forget you have to get your treasure home, too. ‘If you are buying a big item always take into account its size and that it might not fit into the back of your car,’ says Stephen Hearn. Ask at the auction office regarding transport facilities and costs.

For more advice and shopping guides for everything for your home, visit Channel4 / 4homes.