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. Simply decide on the maximum you are willing to pay and place the bid in advance. 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.
Most auctions sell chairs, art, and other old items that people are looking for.
It is best to go to an auction during the months of July, August, and December, which are slow months at most auction houses. Your chances of winning will be much better, since there are less competitors. There is no exchange or refund policy in this kind of bidding. Make sure that you are bidding on something that you really want, because once you purchase it, it is yours. The auction house is not responsible for bidders' errors.