The auction method is an excellent way to buy anything you want or need. You actually help determine the final price of whatever you purchase! Whether you are new to auction or have been many times, keep these things in mind to help your auction experience.
Now that you know what to do, ENJOY THE AUCTION!
- Check the date, time and location of each auction. While this sounds like simple advice, we know that your life is busy and we often have several auctions advertised at once. Make sure you are in the right place, on the right day and the right time.
- We always have a time just before the auction to come and view the items. Coming early to inspect things helps you ensure that this is what you really want and it is in a condition acceptable to you. This is the best time to ask questions and set your limit on what you are willing to spend on each item. Only you can decide if the item meets all your needs. Our best efforts are made to represent all items accurately in descriptions and photographs; however, remember that all items are sold "AS IS" and ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No responsibility is assumed by Robertson Sales or the seller for any errors or omissions.
- When you've decided that you want to bid, you need to register in order to get a bidder's card. There will always be an area designated as our Auction Office. Most times, it is housed in our white trailer along with the Snack Bar. If you are not sure how to find the Auction Office, one of our staff members will be happy to direct you. You will need your driver's license for identification in order to receive a bidder's card. Your signed bidder's card is your contract with us. By signing the card and paying a quarter as Consideration, you are forming a legal contract with Robertson Sales. We take your name, address, telephone number and driver's license number and enter it into our computerized system. When you attend another time, your information is already there and we will only need to check your driver's license to verify. Please note that we do not share this information with anyone. Even if you know the person, Robertson Sales staff cannot give you anyone's personal information without their permission. Remember: YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL PURCHASES MADE WITH YOUR BIDDER NUMBER - KEEP IT SAFE AND SECURE.
- While you are registering, take the time to verify how to pay for your items. While we are equipped to take debit and credit payments, there are some situations where we do not have access to telephone service in order to provide this service. All of our auctions are Buy Today - Pay Today. Don't get caught with only a credit card at a sale where we can only accept cash or approved cheque. In addition, verify the other terms for the sale including: if there is a buyer’s premium, whether items can be picked up on the day of sale, how long you have for removal of items, and any special instructions regarding pick up of large items. Look for our Terms and Conditions information for each auction either on our website, posted at the Auction Office or near the entrance door. Call ahead and ask, or ask us on registration day.
- Now comes the fun part - participating in the auction! One of the exciting parts of an auction is the auctioneer's chant. This is the calling of bids in a series of prices, both the current amount bid and the bid the auctioneer is asking for next - "At $200.00 now do I have $225.00". The rest of the words in between are what is known as filler words that make the chant rhythmic. You don't have to understand those words, but pay close attention to the bid prices. Don't be afraid to bid at the auction or ask questions if you are not sure what is up for sale or what the asking bid is. Contrary to popular opinion, yawning, blinking your eyes or scratching your nose does not mean you will suddenly outbid someone or buy something. Auctioneers are professionals who are aware of who is seriously bidding. If you do want to bid, make sure the auctioneer can see you. Raise your bid card or call out a bid. Once he sees you, he'll recognize your bid and keep coming back to you until you say no or the item is awarded to you as sold. If this happens, show your bid card number. The Auction Clerk will then record it, as well as the price you paid.
- If you have purchased items, you need to go back to the Auction Office to pay for them. You can pay as you buy, anytime throughout the auction or wait until the end - it is up to you. You can even pay and come back again later to bid some more! Just remember to wait about 15-20 minutes after you bid to make sure the office staff have all the recorded bids entered into the system. Remember, once an item is awarded to you as sold, you are responsible for it - regardless of whether you have paid for it yet or not. Robertson Sales or the seller is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
Now that you know what to do, ENJOY THE AUCTION!
MOST IMPORTANTLY, AS JOHN ALWAYS SAYS:
"LET YOUR EYES BE YOUR JUDGE,
AND YOUR POCKETBOOK BE YOUR GUIDE"
"LET YOUR EYES BE YOUR JUDGE,
AND YOUR POCKETBOOK BE YOUR GUIDE"
