Previewing at Orrill’s Auction: Helpful Tips
When Orrill’s Auction first opened in 1928, previewing looked a little different than what it does today. You might have heard the far-off sounds of pencil scribbles on notepads as patrons inspected various goods up for auction. A few decades later, you might have used a tape recorder instead, quietly murmuring to yourself about the detail on a Pablo Picasso lithograph. Later, you would use your notes to consult your books to find the value of these diverse and unique items. You would set a limit of what you were willing to pay because you would have researched how much an item could go for. If you were successful, your informed bid would win, and you would go home that day with an original Picasso to either sell or hang in your home for guests to marvel at and later be passed down to your children.
Nowadays, previewing looks like surfing the internet, scrolling through what is up for auction, and clicking through photos of each item. Those who thoroughly preview make the least amount of mistakes and succeed the most in buying at auctions. There are ways for you to customize previewing to better work for you. If you value that online experience and you are looking for ways to maximize your expertise, here are five tips to further your bidder experience.
1. Call us. If you find an item you would like to know more about from our perspective; please give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Our main goal is always that you can make the best decision possible for your bidding. You can ask us for that information that might give you more insight. For example, what certain goods are worth is not always what they will sell for. Additionally, when you call us you can ask for more pictures and additional details regarding the condition of items. Sometimes auction houses can miss details upon the first inspection. By calling our associates, you can gain that information that comes from our decades of selling, research, and experience.
2. Find out about size. In the description details, the size may be listed. While a rolled-up rug might be easy to measure against a car, a chandelier may not. Geometric items are more difficult to visualize in cars and can be expensive to ship. If you visit us, you may be able to measure that vintage side table against the trunk of your car, or even ask one of our associates to help you conclude whether or not an item is worth it for you to ship when taking its size into consideration. You can also email and call us about the size of an item. Our goal is for you to go through the least amount of trouble in getting your winning lot to your house or shop.
3. Take a closer look. Sometimes, you can look at three photos of a vase and know it was made for you. Other times, you may want more information that tells you how it could fit into your aesthetic. Ask us for more photos of that special item you can’t get out of your head. Better yet, when you come to pick up the last week’s auction bids you won, take a look at our floor then to get that closer look at the jewelry of your dreams. Maybe that side table has that patina look and fits right in with your patio, other times, you may be looking for an opportunity for an upscaling project. By taking a look at our inventory in person during pick-up or calling us for more photographs, you may also decide you prefer that newer guitar to the worn-in one.
4. Ask us about shipping. If you live in another state or county, shipping costs may be more expensive than you may expect. Additionally, not all items can be shipped without protective equipment. We can tell you how fragile an item is, and if it would be best to have professionals ship the item for you, or for you to pick it up yourself. We can also suggest third-party vendors who can ship it for you and give you an estimate prior to bidding. This can be especially helpful if you know you will be out of town on Wednesday and Thursday, our pick-up days, or if you know you will be too busy during our business hours of 10 am—4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Talking with us about shipping as an alternative to pick-up is a great way to prevent the forfeiture of your products.
5. Know your limits. Before you place your high bid on that collector’s item make sure you have calculated the total cost. We have all been there when we get to our cart and shipping bumps us out of our budget. First, decide if you are shipping or picking up. If you decide to ship, make sure you add the cost of shipping to the total amount you are willing to pay. Then factor in buyer’s premium. Every auction house has a different buyer’s premium, but it is the cost of buying through us via a percentage. Orrill’s buyer’s premium is 20%. Since it is a percentage and not a flat rate, you will want to base this number on the calculated total of your high bid after tax and before shipping. Tax is the last component you will want to calculate into your total which is set at 9.5% for most products. On the other hand, rare items you have been looking for for a long time may cause you to increase your typical limits. Be prepared for those items to increase your budget. Once you estimate your total amount for your highest bid, you’ll be able to bid more conscientiously and in the end, be more satisfied with your winnings.
Here at Orrill’s we would rather you call and ask us questions and come in to see the floor. While visiting us you can even take a look at the next auction’s lots for the following two weeks. Our goal at Orrill’s Auction is for you bid confidently and securely, and we want to help you in that endeavor in any way possible. Every item we sell is unique, and we strive to help you find that product that is just right for you whether you are buying to resell, buying gifts, adding to a collection, revamping your home or apartment, and more. By going through these extra steps of previewing, we can help you further your bidding skills at Orrill’s Auction.
Questions? Contact us here today