So you want to attend a Sheriff's auction. I'm talking about a personal property auction not a real estate auctions held on the courthouse steps. Sound intriguing? Not only does it sound interesting but I have it on good authority that items go for cheap—dirt-cheap. Pickers of vintage goods need to buy
low and sell high. I’m going.
I often bring my mom along with me for some quality mom and
daughter time. She is as enthusiastic about searching for treasures as I am. We
make a good team when we aren’t shouting at each other about directions and my
propensity for ‘curb hopping.’ Without further jabbering, I’ll let you in on
the secrets to a sheriff’s auction.
1. Get
there early. It may or may not be crowded but regardless there are very few
chairs. Auction attendees mostly mill about or prop against a wall. You will also need to get a bid number. I did notice people arriving late but they were still able to get a bid number.
2. Wear
comfortable clothing. Especially shoes. You will have an opportunity to dig
through items.
3. Stand
or sit next to people who know what they are doing. We formed an immediate
camaraderie with our little contingent of auction attendees. Five total strangers rooting for each other, the ‘regulars’ whisper tips to mom and I, such as: “stop
bidding, the person you are bidding against will not quit.” Or “Bid on the
table, its very good.” Our helpful neighbors are not storeowners but what I’d
call, ‘auction zealots.’ They love a good auction but not dealers from
out of town. Luckily, I have a home in Blaine County or I’d be kicked to the
curb.
4. A
regular (usually a dealer) will always start the bid. It’s not a rule but it
worked that way at this auction. Anyway, don’t worry about starting the bid.
5. Bids
start between $1.00 and $10.00!!!! I’m not kidding, however I’m sure its
different at all auctions depending on the inventory and the county.
6. The
auction will most likely go all day long. Not joking, but don’t worry, you can
cash out at one-hour break intervals. Cashing out is quick because the auction clerk
records a finished bid as soon as it’s made. I checked out at
the end of the day in five minutes.
7. This
is not a professional setting like an auction house; there isn't an official
auctioneer. The sheriff assistant will hold up an item like a hatchet and ask,
“how much for this hatchet?” That’s it. As a side note, my mother became so
excited about the low prices that she bid on — well she bid on the hatchet. I
hissed at her. “Mom, stop this instant, what do you need a hatchet for?” I’m
still mulling over her response. “I need a hatchet for the back of my
motorcycle.” No my mother is not crazy and she USED to own a variety of
motorcycles but she is long past rides in the backcountry and camping in the
woods. Apparently, it's a very fond memory because she wants another
hatchet for her long gone motorcycle. It's fortunate that no motorcycles are
up for auction. My mom simply succumbed to a sort of ‘auction frenzy.’ It can
happen.
8. Be
prepared to pay with cash or check. No credit card. There is no auction fee.
9. Personal
property auctions happen because someone has not paid their debt. The property
is seized and auctioned by the sheriff. The debt is made whole to the person
owed the money within days. This is the system in Blaine County, and I would
imagine elsewhere. The auction stops when the total cash amounts to debt owed,
in this case, $14,350. Done.
10. And
finally, I asked three people in charge about the remainder of goods not
auctioned. I have no answer as of yet.
Have you been to a sheriff's auction? I'd love an answer to tip number ten. Auctions are loads of fun with all sorts of interesting attendees. I purchased ALL of the pictures below for $40.00. The frames alone are worth the price I paid.
Feel free to post YOUR auction finds and a link to your store in the comment section.
