Watch for “The Intimidator”, “The Gloomer” and “The Friend” When Bidding at an Auction

EJ’s Auction & Consignment Offers Tips for First-Time Auction Attendees

GLENDALE (September 17, 2014) – Auction houses nationwide are enjoying rapid growth, and with that growth comes a variety of bidder personalities. Erik Hoyer, owner of EJ’s Auction & Consignment in Glendale, says there is no reason for first-time or beginner bidders to feel nervous, apprehensive or intimidated when bidding. He offers these tips for making the buying experience at an auction house an enjoyable one:

Watch for Competitive Bidders

The auction process is exciting, especially when there is a bidding frenzy, but Hoyer recommends being prepared for these types of competitive bidders:

• The Intimidator: “He’s the one who is an experienced auction attendee and he is out for blood,” says Hoyer. This bidder will at times hold his number up to the auctioneer while staring those down who dare to bid against him. “He doesn’t come around much, and is easy to handle by just simply ignoring him and concentrating on what you’d like to buy,” Hoyer advises.

• The Gloomer:  This buyer will watch for others’ interest in the items he is after and will purposely seek those out to get within earshot and then begin degrading the item.  This bidder might say things like, “that table has a nasty scratch,” or whatever else he can come up with to criticize the items and thus hopefully keep you from bidding. “Again, this is an easy one to dismiss — just remember you know what you want and what you’re willing to spend. If you’ve inspected the item, you know what it’s worth to you,” Hoyer says.

• The Friend: This auction attendee is the toughest of all to combat because he or she will see who’s interested in the items they want and will want to become instant best buddies with whomever they feel is direct competition. “The hope they have is you won’t bid against them because you’re friends,” Hoyer says. “Don’t fall into that trap.”

Additional Tips for Bidders

• Do your homework. Inspect the items you want and have an amount already set of what you’re willing to spend.

• Find a good spot. Choose a location where you can watch the action and make direct eye contact with the auctioneer or one of the ringmen (or spotters) working the floor. The ringman is there to assist the auctioneer in recognizing bidders trying to bid.

• Speak up.  Auctions are fast-paced and missing a bid is easy. “Don’t do the old wink-and-finger twitch like you’ve seen on TV because that’s easy to miss,” Hoyer advises. “But if you know the auctioneer isn’t seeing you, simply speak up with a loud “yes” or a “here.” Remember the auctioneer doesn’t want to miss your bids. His job is to attain as much for the items as possible.”

• Have your bidding number ready. Once the auctioneer announces you are the winner, show him your number immediately. Don’t keep it tucked away in a pocket or purse or it will slow down the auction.

• Don’t change your mind after winning an item. Once the auctioneer announces the item is sold, it is sold. He will not open it back up if you have changed your mind.

EJ’s Auction & Consignment conducts two live simultaneous auctions on Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.). The “Bid Find” live auction in the building’s center features estate furniture, jewelry and collectibles. The “Crate Find” live auction in the rear of the building features box lots, tools, appliances as well as larger items that are housed in train-sized shipping containers. All of EJ’S auctions are simulcast live online for bidding pleasure from the comfort of your home. Patrons visiting EJ’s also can shop for estate furniture, fine art and other high-quality pieces in EJ’s “First Call” retail consignment store, which is open Hours are M-F 9am-5 Sunday (9am-3pm seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For information, visit www.ejsauction.com or call (623) 878-2003.