The Online Auction Experience: That’s Good, No Wait… That’s Bad
A roller coaster guide to what makes online bidding thrilling... and occasionally hair-raising
When Someone Discovers Online Auctions for the First Time
That's good! They're excited about the convenience of bidding from their couch in pajamas, coffee in hand, without having to drive anywhere or deal with parking.
No wait, that's bad. They bid on seventeen different items in their first auction because "everything looks so interesting" and forget they actually have to pay for AND pick up everything they win.
That's good! They quickly learn the art of strategic bidding and start setting limits.
No wait, that's bad. Their "limits" become more like "gentle suggestions" when they see that antique dresser they absolutely must have.
That's good! They develop auction discipline and stick to their budget.
No wait, that's bad. Now they're checking the auction site every hour to see if new items have been added, and their spouse is getting suspicious about their sudden interest in "research."
The Last-Minute Bidding Phenomenon
That's good! Our soft-close feature means you can't get sniped in the final seconds like those other auction sites.
No wait, that's bad. This also means that "five minutes left" can turn into "forty-five minutes left" faster than you can say "dynamic closing."
That's good! It gives everyone a fair chance to bid without having to camp out watching the clock.
No wait, that's bad. You end up in an epic bidding battle with someone who's apparently just as stubborn as you are, and now you're both way over budget for that vintage tractor seat.
That's good! Eventually someone has to give up and be the reasonable adult.
No wait, that's bad. It's never you.
Preview Day Adventures
That's good! Preview days let you inspect items in person before bidding, so no surprises.
No wait, that's bad. You show up "just to look" and end up falling in love with half the items, completely abandoning your carefully planned bidding strategy.
That's good! You get to see the quality and condition firsthand, making informed decisions.
No wait, that's bad. You realize that "vintage patina" in the photos was actually "held together with duct tape and hope."
That's good! But then you find a hidden gem that wasn't well photographed and looks even better in person.
No wait, that's bad. So does everyone else who showed up for preview day.
The Pick Up Day Reality Check
That's good! You successfully won those items you wanted at great prices!
No wait, that's bad. You forgot to measure them, and that "charming armoire" requires a forklift and three friends to move.
That's good! We have loading equipment and helpful staff at our Anna building.
No wait, that's bad. You drove your Honda Civic.
That's good! At least you checked the pick up location and know exactly where your items are.
No wait, that's bad. You didn't check the pick up location, and your "small" jukebox is on the second floor. Or that upright piano you got such a great deal on is in the basement.
That's good! You're about to get a really good workout and some interesting problem-solving experience.
That's good! You can always make arrangements for proper transportation.
No wait, that's bad. Your spouse's "I told you so" expression is worth a thousand words, none of them good.
The Auction Addiction Progression
That's good! You start following our Facebook page and downloading our app to stay updated on upcoming auctions.
No wait, that's bad. You now have alert notifications turned on and get excited about farm equipment auctions even though you live in a subdivision.
That's good! You become a savvy bidder who knows value when you see it.
No wait, that's bad. Your garage is now fuller than some antique stores, and you've started using terms like "estate sale potential" when describing your purchases.
That's good! You've developed an eye for quality and craftsmanship that people respect.
No wait, that's bad. People now call you when they want to get rid of stuff, and you've accidentally become the family auction expert.
That's good! You're thinking about consigning some items to our next auction.
No wait, that's bad. You realize you might actually be a professional collector now, and this whole thing has come full circle.
The Bottom Line
The truth is, online auctions are like potato chips – you can't stop at just one. Whether you're bidding on a John Deere tractor, a vintage pinball machine, or a charming fixer-upper house, there's something addictive about the hunt, the competition, and the thrill of winning.
Just remember: set your limits, read the terms and conditions (yes, that includes the buyer's premium), measure your space, and bring a bigger truck than you think you need.
And if all else fails, embrace the chaos. After all, every great collection started with someone thinking, "I could probably find room for one more..."
Happy Bidding!
Kara C. Belcher-Miller
Auctioneer
P.S. - It really is more fun than should be legally allowed.
