by Ann Williams
If it’s a blustery day and you don’t feel like going out to a real auction house, how about a real live auction house on the internet? Do your shopping at home and haggle with the hackers.One of the joys of the internet is finding a site you like, but finding an object you like is even better because it can spark a good connection or even a friendship!
I had to ask for some help on this investigative report because I’ve only been to a handful of real auctions and had never been to an on-line auction. I consulted my collector friend and trusted computer guru, Hank Miller, to steer me in the right direction.
Hank Miller, an avid collector of Mount Clemens memorabilia, is a big player in the on-line auction scene. It’s only fitting since he works on computers all day at Campbell-Ewald Advertising as a Systems Support Specialist.
Registering
One of the things to remember is to have a piece of paper handy when you check out these on-line auction sites since almost all of them require you to register prior to bidding. This is simple. All you need to do is answer some questions, give an e-mail address, and make a password. Then, you may need to wait for a confirmation e-mail to actually bid.
Each site has its own rules. You’ll need to follow them for a smooth transaction or bid process. Make sure to read all the directions before you raise that paddle!
Hank’s favorite and mine is the Ebay web site. eBay serves as a point of sale location where you can search for just about anything that you are interested in, as well as a spot to place it up for sale. The interface is simple and to the point with not a lot of extraneous graphics to download. eBay doesn’t get involved with the transfer of funds between the seller and the buyer, but does maintain a set of rules which, if followed, will make for smooth transactions.
Search by antique category, for example: advertising, animated characters, glass, metalware, tobacciana, and writing instruments.
When you find an object you’re interested in, it has a number, and it will list the current bid quantity, the time left to bid, when the auction started, when it ends, the first bid, number of bids, location, and category.
It lists the seller’s e-mail, seller’s feedback, seller’s other auctions, “ask a seller a question,” the high bidder’s e-mail, a legal disclaimer saying the seller assumes all responsibility, and a written description of the object. Some but not all items have pictures.
On the Bid on Collectibles Site, browse categories such as books/ cookbooks, glassware, jewelry, linens/textiles, pottery/porcelain, and toys. You can search with their BidFind tool to find what you’re looking for on other auction sites as well. Unfortunately, this company is retiring and looking for a new owner, so the site is up for sale!
Auction Inc. has lots to offer as well. You can search by category, lot number, title, seller, buyer, all lots, hot lots. The site also offers buyer tips, frequently asked questions, member services, feedback, chats, and archived lots. This site leans toward sports memorabilia, but some interesting things will pop up. I found some interesting pottery at pretty reasonable prices.
Haggle Online had 3,479 items open for bidding when I visited! This site had everything, and the popular items seemed to be computer equipment. Go figure. This site offers: “got something you’d like to sell?,” start your auction, search, haggle etiquette, and a site directory.
Dumouchelles opened its doors in Detroit in 1927 and is still operating live and on the internet. You can preview upcoming auctions and bid on-line for art and objects. Pictures are available to view and show great detail. There might be more on-line auction sites out there; it’s a big place. I suggest you start looking: who knows you may come across the metal flip calendars that I collect. I found one on the eBay site from my hometown, Washington D.C., and I had to have it. Bidding started at $3.00. I think I’m hooked.