Attending a live auction can be a thrilling experience, full of energy and excitement as bidders turn the pleasures of shopping into a fun and interactive competitive event. But if you've never attended a live auction, you might be unsure of the exact protocol to follow. The good news is that it's easy remarkably easy to bid at a live auction, read on to learn how.

3 Useful Tips for Bidding at a Life Auction

1. Arrive Early

Arrive at the auction site well before the scheduled start time. Register for a bidder's number and receive your card. Select a seat where you have a full view of the auction block and can hear clearly. If you haven't done so already, set a limit for how much you're planning to spend.

2. Inspect the Items You Want to Purchase

Look over the items you're considering purchasing to ensure they’re in acceptable condition and meet your standards. Be sure to have a pen and paper on hand, or use the Notes function your smartphone to record the names and lot numbers of everything you intend to bid on. This is an important step because once the auction begins, things move quickly and the energy level is high — you don't want to miss out on any planned purchases.

3. Place Your Bids

Keep close track of what's happening on the auction block. When your items are up for bid, and the auctioneer announces a starting price, raise your card to register your bid. As the price goes up, keep bidding as long as you’re comfortable, but be mindful of the price limits you've set. In some situations, you may be willing to exceed that limit if the item is one you particularly want but always consider this carefully. Would you feel regret leaving the auction without the item? Can you realistically afford to go over the limit you've set? If the answer is yes to both of these questions, then continue bidding.

With a little planning, early arrival, and a pre-auction inspection of the items you want to bid on, you'll be ready for a live auction. At Greenway's Real Estate & Auction, we have provided high-quality real estate and estate auctions to Virginia and West Virginia residents for over six decades. To learn more about our services, our listings, or to set up an auction of your own, call (540) 962-1155, visit us online, or message us on Facebook or Twitter. Also, be sure to download our app from the App Store or Google Play for auctions and updates. Let Greenways do it!