A Beginner's Guide to Successful Bidding at Auctions

Attending your first antique auction can be an exciting experience. Whether you’ve seen a specific listing that you’re interested in or you just want to try and grab yourself a bargain, an auction can be lots of fun. With such a huge selection of items to bid on, there is something for everyone at antique auctions, from jewellery to furniture and more. 

Lot 1018 – September 2020. A good Queen Anne figured walnut bachelor's chest which achieved £9,800 + BP

However, if you don’t have any bidding experience, you may be wondering where to start when visiting an antique auction house in Yorkshire. Understanding the basics of auction participation can help to increase your chances of securing the best deal for the items you’re interested in. In this post, we have put together some useful advice for beginners to help you navigate antique auctions. We have also touched on how easy it is to bid at Hutchinson Scott, whether or not you have any previous auction experience.

How to Bid at Antique Auctions in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is home to the north’s most renowned antique auction houses, including Hutchinson Scott. These auctions offer a wide variety of items, from ceramics and glassware to clocks and musical instruments, each with their own story and historical appeal. To help you prepare for your first auction, here’s some useful information; 

• Registration

Typically, before you can participate in an auction, you need to register with the auction house. At Hutchinson Scott, registration is a straightforward process and you can create an account quickly via our website. This initial step is crucial as it not only allows you to bid but also gives you access to important auction details and lot previews.

• Exploring Auctions

Once registered, take a look at the upcoming auctions and what they include. At Hutchinson Scott, we provide full audio and visual broadcasting of our auctions, allowing bidders to view lots in real-time, even if you can’t attend in person. This is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it provides an auction experience from the comfort of your home.

• Viewing Lots 

Before the auction starts, take some time to explore the different lots. Understanding the history and condition of the items you're interested in is key to making informed bidding decisions. We encourage all prospective bidders to view lots beforehand and request condition reports to learn more. This step is essential, especially in antique auctions, where the condition of items can vary quite significantly and impact their value. By getting as much information as possible about an item, you can bid more confidently.

• Bidding Strategies

Bidding at auctions requires strategy and patience. It’s useful for beginners to observe a few actions before placing their first bid to understand the pacing and bidding styles. Decide on a maximum bid for any item you're interested in and stick to it to avoid getting caught up in the heat of the moment. At Hutchinson Scott, we offer lots of bidding options, including live bidding, absentee bidding and telephone bidding. This flexibility ensures that all bidders can participate in a way that’s most comfortable for them.

• Payment and Collection

When you have the highest bid and successfully win the items you’re interested in, you should be prepared to pay for and collect your lots within 7 days. At Hutchinson Scott, we offer an in-house shipping service, making it easier to receive your items, especially if you can’t collect them in person. Always double-check whether the auction house has any storage charges to avoid unnecessary expenses and accruing bidding strikes.

Making Bidding Easy with Hutchinson Scott

As an independent, family-run firm of auctioneers, at Hutchinson Scott we pride ourselves on making the bidding process as easy as possible for everyone. We offer a straightforward auction experience, from the comfort of your own home, and you can find out everything you need to know about bidding with us on our website. 

Unlike other live auctions where buyers can bid on the internet, we don’t have any additional fees for online bidding, and when the auction gets underway, you can take advantage of this easy way to win the items you’re interested in. You can also leave a bid before the auction day via our website and enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. Our auctioneer will then bid on your behalf when the auction starts, ensuring you get the lot for the least amount of money. By attending our auctions in Yorkshire, you can enjoy a hassle-free auction experience and focus on winning the items you’re interested in.

Bidding at Your First Auction in Yorkshire

Starting your auction journey and deciding to bid on your first antique items can be very exciting, yet equally quite daunting. Hopefully, the information above will be beneficial if you’re a complete beginner and wondering where to start. With the right preparation and a strategic approach, you can navigate the auction world with confidence. 

Here at Hutchinson Scott, we welcome beginners who are looking for easy ways to get their hands on beautiful antiques. With our accessible bidding options, you can place your first bid in confidence. If you have any questions about our upcoming auctions or the lots available, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re always happy to help.