This is the final instalment of a two part series. Click here to read part one.

Online bidding is a convenient and easy way to buy items at Phoenix auctions.  Although certain features may differ slightly from one auction to another, the overall process will be very similar.  By following some simple guidelines, you can bid successfully before and during the auction.  When you bid carefully, you can take advantage of the great deals auctions have to offer.

Bidding Online at Phoenix Auctions

Online bidding at Phoenix auctions generally can be done using two methods:

Proxy Bidding 

Usually one week prior to a live auction, the auction lots are available for online bidding.  If an item has no previous bids, the bid you’ll enter will be higher than the starting price.  If others have already bid on the item, you’ll enter the next required bid amount and a maximum bid amount, if desired.  The required bid amount will be displayed on the screen.

If you enter a maximum bid, this amount will be the highest dollar amount you are willing to pay for the item.  If your maximum bid is lower than another bidder’s, you will be notified online immediately after you place your bid that you have been outbid.  You can then decide whether to increase your maximum bid amount.  You will be e-mailed any time you are outbid during the time preceding the live auction.

Auction Bidding

Online bidding can either be concluded prior to the live auction or be done as simulcast bidding where you bid in real time with the live audience.  In Phoenix auctions that close online bidding prior to the live event, your bid (and maximum bid if you entered one) will be represented by an auction house staff member.  Your highest bid will be the starting point for bidding at the live auction.

If nobody in attendance places a higher bid than your current or maximum bid, you win the item.  If a live bidder places a higher bid than your maximum, you are outbid.  The auction service will keep you informed throughout the event via e-mail.  Your status on all bids will be updated either indicating your were outbid or you won.  Paid invoices for your purchased items will be e-mailed directly.

Simulcast auctions will follow the actual live auction.  You will be participating just as if you were present.  Since the pace is very quick, you’ll need to stay focused on your items and the bidding process.  You’ll have to enter your bids fast to make sure you have a chance of placing a winning bid.

Phoenix auctions may provide the ability to listen to the live auction through your computer’s multimedia capability.

What Happens After an Auction

You’ll receive an e-mail after the auction indicating whether you won.  If you were the successful bidder, you’ll receive a copy of a paid invoice.  Then, you’ll need to retrieve your items.

When you registered for a bid card, you probably had the option of having your items shipped directly to you.  If you aren’t having them shipped, you’ll have to pick up the merchandise at the auction location within the time allotted.

Online bidding is fun, fast and exciting.  It’s easy to get hooked on the process, so it’s important to thoroughly evaluate potential items.  Once you determine an item’s value, then you can set a maximum bid.  When you bid carefully, you can take advantage of the great deals auctions have to offer.

For more information on Phoenix auctions, continue reading our blog or contact Auction Systems today.

Online bidding is a convenient and easy way to buy items at Phoenix auctions.  Although certain features may differ slightly from one auction to another, the overall process will be very similar.

Before You Bid Online at Phoenix Auctions

Prior to the live auction, you’ll have access to an online catalog of items.  The catalog is divided into categories to help you find merchandise quickly and easily.  For example, if you’re interested in a circular saw, you would look under a “Power Tools” category.

You can also perform various online searches to find specific items.  A search box on the website may be exclusive to each auction ring.  Various search parameters include model numbers, brands, lot numbers, etc.

Auction lots are described by name brand and model, if applicable and available.  In addition, lots may be depicted by media type, such as wood, porcelain, crystal, glass, etc.  Furniture is typically referred to by upholstery type and wood species.  Dimensions are noted in descriptions where appropriate.

Some important things to know before you bid online at Phoenix auctions:

• Federal law states auction items are sold “as-is, where is.”  This means you won’t get any guarantees about an item’s condition, including whether it works or not.  You’ll also be responsible for removing the item from its selling location after submitting a winning bid.

• Many auctions allow bidders to preview items in person.  Because you won’t be given a refund or exchange if any item doesn’t work, you should take advantage of available live previews.  The great deals you’ll likely get at Phoenix auctions offset any inconveniences.

• Online bidding sometimes will allow for a refund if the item is described inaccurately.  For example, if you submit a winning bid for a Sony laptop, but the actual item is a Sanyo laptop, you would be eligible for a refund if you return the item within the auction house’s designated time period.

• Check with the specific rules, regulations and requirements of the auction service managing the Phoenix auctions.  You will need to be well versed in all aspects of online bidding to avoid any surprises.