A Beginner’s Guide to Buying at an Auction

Buying at an auction, whether you are a seasoned and experienced buyer or perhaps this is all brand new to you, it is an exciting, exhilarating and fast paced experience that offers a unique opportunity for

you to purchase at competitive prices. The beauty of an auction house is that they are filled with a wealth of items including rare antiques, fine art, domestic items or collectibles and they offer the feeling of excitement, anticipation, and thrill of bidding alongside others. The range and quality of items on offer make auctions a great option for everyone. 

Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers, are a trusted name in the auction industry, and are known for offering the highest quality and exceptional items across a wide range of areas. Over the years we have built up a reputation for expertise, knowledge and fairness giving you the confidence to attend and participate in their auctions, knowing you’re in good hands. 

Whether you're bidding in person or online, we ensure a seamless and transparent experience, making it easy for you to view the items, navigate the auction process and come away with what could be a treasured find. Within this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about auctions, step by step guides and tips and how to maximise your auction experience 

What Makes Auctions Unique?

When it comes to shopping and searching for that piece or item, auctions are so unique because they offer a dynamic, engaging and competitive way to buy rare, valuable, one of a kind items as well as everyday items that you may need. We understand that those who are new to auctions can appear daunting. However, once you grasp the basic process, auctions become an exciting and accessible way to purchase unique items. 

With clear guidance, fair bidding, you can quickly build confidence and start bidding. At Hutchinson Scott many you can bid in person, on the phone and online making it accessible to all. Any of these experiences are enjoyable and rewarding and give you the chance to discover that hidden gem at great value. The bidding process allows buyers to set their own price limits, meaning you always stay in control, and you decide how much you're willing to pay. 

Starting your auction experience at a reputable auction house like Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers will give you a safe, transparent, and trustworthy environment as it ensures that all the items are accurately represented and priced. Buying from a well established auction house that has clear processes and procedures to follow, will give you the confidence and a rewarding experience.

Types of Items Available at Auction

Auctions offer a range of items. We specialise in Fine Art & Antiques auctions, which are commonly referred to as Country House Sales. The categories that we offer at are arts and crafts, automobilia, books, bronze and works of art, caddies, boxes, treen and carving, ceramics, clocks, furniture, glassware, jewellery, metalware, musical instruments, watercolours and prints, works of art and scientific instruments, silver, taxidermy, walking sticks, watches and weapons. 

In addition to this, biannually we host Specialist Sales featuring Fine Clocks, Horological items, Barometers, and Scientific Instruments.  We take pride in the fact that we offer a wide range of categories, including rare and valuable pieces to suit all interests and tastes. We have a dedicated team with expertise in sourcing and curating high quality items and we have a reputation for attention to detail and excellence, making sure that every one of our auctions showcase variety, authenticity, and uniqueness.

 Understanding the Auction Process

The auction process is simple and easy to follow. Below we have provided a step by step guide of exactly what you need to know;Registration - The first thing to do is register with the auction house. This is an easy and straightforward process which can be done complete your registration ahead of the auction to avoid missing out on any bidding opportunities. 

View - It is important that you view the items and catalogues. Items can be viewed online before an auction. Taking time to inspect the items will help you make informed decisions when bidding. Condition reports are also available on request to help with this choice. 

Auction Dates - Check our website for auction dates to plan and participate in upcoming sales. Keeping track of auction dates ensures you don't miss any sales or items you're interested in.

Live Auction - You can bid live, in person at the auction house or online. We typically have approximately, so it is fast paced and exciting. Whether you’re there in person or bidding remotely, you’ll certainly feel the adrenaline.

Setting a Budget - We recommend for all bidders, to set a budget for the maximum you wish to spend. This means that you always remain in control.

Payment - Payments must be made within seven days of the sale. Prompt payment ensures a smooth transaction and guarantees you can take possession of your items without delay.

Shipping/collection – If successful with your bidding your won lot can either be shipped at an extra cost or collected. Shipping costs and options differ depending on the item being purchased and its delivery address therefore we would advise checking prior to the auction what options are available.

Tips For First Time Bidders to Ensure a Smooth Experience

At Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers we appreciate and understand that auction houses are an exhilarating place; filled with excitement and anticipation as well as of course stunning pieces and items that you may have been searching for, for a while. As mentioned above, for first time bidders we highly recommend setting a budget and sticking to it. We also suggest you familiarise yourself with auction terminology and ways of bidding whether online or in person, so you're confident during the process and can make informed decisions when placing bids. We also suggest you view the item (s) that you are interested in before the auction day, so you are aware of what you are bidding on.

What you Need to Know Before Bidding

It is important to research and view the item (s) you are thinking of bidding on before the auction day. You can do this by attending preview days or viewing online. We also suggest you take the time to understand auction terminology like estimates, reserves, and buyer’s premiums. These will all affect the final price you are paying for the item, so they are crucial to understand. 

For certain items we highly suggest you ask for condition reports and or ways to verify the authenticity of the items. Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers will be able to assist you with these elements with ease. Familiarising yourself with all the above elements will really help you to make an informed decision, understand what you are looking at and bid with confidence.

How to Maximise Your Success at an Auction

To maximise your success at an auction, we recommend you start bidding low and set that all important maximum bid (in your mind) so you know when to stop and therefore avoid overspending. Our team of experts will be ready and willing to help you so please ask them for advice and guidance about the items and the process. 

Auction catalogues are invaluable as they showcase the items, offer information and descriptions, and give you a visual image of the items that are going to be in the auction. These are a great way to do the research prior to the auction day and will really help you make informed decisions before the bidding commences.  

Visit Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers

Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers is a trusted auction house that offers a wide range of collectibles, antiques, rare pieces, and valuable items. We take pride in our professional and trustworthy service, and we understand that auctions for new beginners can be daunting. We also know that with the right research, guidance and support from our team you will feel reassured and confident in attending and bidding for pieces you have seen. We have a range of upcoming auctions so please keep looking on our website as it may not be long before you attend your first auction. If you are interested in learning more then please call us on 01756 798333. Or alternatively you can email us at sales@hutchinsonscott.co.uk.