Be persistent and keep trying. The longer the contest runs, the better your odds are of winning more prizes. With a little research, you'll be surprised by the number of ongoing creative contests you can uncover. Examine the items at the presale exhibition carefully. Beware of wooden furniture with legs made of wood that differs from the surface.
Chances are someone has put the piece together from two or more pieces.
When an item catches your interest, ask the attendant what price it is likely to bring- usually a pretty good estimate. If you can narrow your choice to one item of each type, you don't have to attend the auction. If a price isn't bid up to your price, the auctioneer will award it to you at the next level of bidding. On the other hand, if you cannot narrow your choice to one item of each type and you must be physically present at the auction, find out what time the first item on your list will go on the block. Hence, if you are planning to bid on Lot 121, you can arrive an hour after the auction is scheduled to begin.