5 Tips for Buying Vintage Items at Auctions

I just love auctions but I’ve been stung a number of times when I got over excited over an item and didn’t thoroughly check what I was buying!

Here are my five top tips to help you not make my mistakes:

Before you go:

Before you even attend the auction, check to see if they have an online catalogue.  If they do, start here to research the items you’re interested in.

They may give an estimate but what do you want to pay for it?  I write a list of all the items I want to buy then add a maximum price next to it.

It also gives you time to do a little research online on items you like but never seen before.

Turn up early and handle the items:

You’ll need to register and get a number to bid.  Most auctions offer a preview hour where you can examine the items up for auction.

Carefully inspect any vintage item you’re interested in before the auction begins.  I once bought a pretty Satsuma vase which I had looked at, even picked up but didn’t turn it around so didn’t spot the chip out of the back!!

So pick it up and look it all over for chips, cracks or any signs of damage, restoration, or alteration.  I always run your finger around the edges to feel for the little chips.

If there is a little damage but it’s a good item and it’s cheap, you can still make a profit.  I’ve bought a number of items knowing there’s damage and still made a good profit on them.  Like this small Charlotte Rhead bowl from the 1930’s made by Crown Ducal.  It’s pretty and an iconic artist. I picked it up with a couple of other items for less than £10.00 and sold it for £30.00.   Just make sure you point out that the item is chipped if you’re going to sell it.

Bid Strategically:

How are you going to bid? Decide whether you’ll bid aggressively from the start or wait for the bidding to slow down before placing your bids.

If I have an item on my list to buy then I’m always happy to start the bidding but some auctions start the price high and then drop so watch the style of your auctioneer before you jump in and pay too much!

Sometimes you’re the only bidder. I picked up a brilliant vintage galvanised Haws watering can for my Dad’s birthday for £8.00, I couldn’t believe my luck!  I was going to bid up to £60 but no-one else wanted it!

Set a Budget and Stick to It:

You can easily get into a bidding frenzy at auctions as they are fast-paced and exciting.  So if you’re buying to sell then stop as soon as the item hits your maximum budget.   If you’re buying for your own home then if you absolutely love it then for go for it!!!

Remember to factor in buyer’s premium which is between 18% and 25% on top of the hammer price.

Note down everything you’ve won and the hammer price.  I tick everything off as I pick them up so I don’t forget anything.