Military Memorabilia Collection Featured At Phoenix Antique Market

For more information, call 602-717-7337 or visit www.azantiqueshow.com on the Internet.

MARCH 3, 2005
NEWS RELEASE

RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: DeWayne Smith
Rita Sanders Agency 480-967-8714

Wallace Of Wallace and Ladmo to Attend Phoenix Antique Market

Bill Thompson, better known as Wallace on the famed long-running Wallace and Ladmo Phoenix children’s television show, will be on hand to sign copies of "Thanks for Tuning In" at the Phoenix Antique Market, March 19-20 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19^th Avenue and McDowell Road. Wallace will appear on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Written by Arizona Republic columnist Richard Ruelas, "Thanks For Tuning In" is the story of how Thompson and his zany sidekick Ladmo, the late Ladimir Kwiatkowski, created Arizona's most celebrated children's TV series and kept it on the air for a record 35 years (1954-1989), long after every other kids' show across the nation had ended.

Admission to the Phoenix Antique Market is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20. Parking on Fairgrounds is $6 per vehicle.

In addition to thousands of antiques, ranging from Early American primitives, pottery, depression glass, diamonds, gold, coins, gemstones, costume jewelry, furniture, ephemera, eclectic, military, Victorian pieces, vintage toys, vintage fashion, and displays of collectible items will be available.

The Valley of the Sun Antique Dealers Association will host a verbal appraisal clinic for show goers who want to get an idea of what their antique piece might be worth. Appraisals cost $5 per item and the proceeds will benefit the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (NAMI), Southeast Valley Chapter.

For more information, contact Arizona Antique Shows at 602-717-7337 or visit the website at www.azantiqueshow.com.

FEBRUARY 23, 2005

Annual Antiques and Appraisals Fair

Hempstead, Long Island, NY – The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul
St. Paul's is proud to announce its Third Antiques and Appraisals Fair on Friday, September 16^th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 17^th, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Parish Center.
The fair will feature booths of quality vendors from all over the east coast exhibiting antiques
and unique collectibles, including: furniture, prints, jewelry, toys, china and linens, plus much more.

The large parish center, with vaulted ceiling and spacious aisles, is fully air-conditioned with seating at a Greek Café on the premises where snacks and baked goods may be purchased.
There is ample parking for all at the cathedral, which is on the Garden City border, one mile south of the Garden City Hotel at 110 Cathedral Avenue (near Sacred Heart Academy).
Admission is $5.00 per person. Professional appraisals will be available from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. both days, at a nominal fee of $5.00 per item.
For additional information, please contact The Cathedral of St. Paul at (516) 483-5700, or via e-mail: AntiqueShow@StPaulHempstead.org.

You can visit us on our web site and view our photo gallery.

February 13, 2005

Dear YKTC,
We are members of the Miniature club Veldhoven in Holland. Every Year we organise the annual dollshouse and miniature fair Brabant in the south of Holland.
Like other Years our motto is to organise a fair by miniaturists and for miniaturists. We like to welcome our miniature friends from all over the world in a relaxed atmosphere and offer them the opportunity to gather the miniatures they are missing in their collection and meet and greet other miniaturists and stallholders to exchange thoughts and ideas.

So this year we’ll organize the fair again for the eighth time and we hope to welcome our miniaturist friends on our show.
All the mail we receive with questions about traveling through the miniature world in Europe will be answered at our best knowledge.
On the fair with more than 70 participants from Holland, Belgium, Germany and England you'll see all kind off Dolls Houses, shops, miniatures, furniture, "people" and all accessoires.

We would first like to tell something about ourselves and the goals we are trying to achieve.
We are Dimphie (47) and Peter (48) and are living in a small town called Veldhoven, situated nearby Eindhoven in the south of the Netherlands.
More than 20 Years ago Dimphie started with the hobby. A children's dream come true.
Not having but willing to have a dollshouse she started to take an interest again in the dollshouse world by seeing a Dutch magazine. In this craftmagazine it was told that there were dollshouse fairs and dollshouse shops and she visited some of them. From that day on she started to collect miniatures and made preparations for having her own dollshouse.
After some Years I also got enthousiastic and throughout the years we visited more and more fairs in Holland and abroad collecting more and more miniatures to fill our houses and making all kind off scenery's.
After some years Dimphie was asked with another miniature friend to promote the hobby on a fair in the south of the Netherlands.
Presenting the items they made during the club meetings and enthousiastic talks about the Miniature world the number of miniature clubs in the south encreased.
After some years the fair for several reasons wasn't a succes anymore and it stopped. Than came the idea to organise a fair of our own. That was in 1998.
The preparation were short, finding a sutable location and stallholders to participate cooping with things we never had done before, but on the 20^th September 1998 the Dollshouses and Miniature fair Brabant opened its doors for the first time.
The goals of the fair were and still are to organise a fair for Dollshouse and Miniature friends in a friendly atmosphere and trying to make other people enthousiastic for the hobby, without getting to commercial.

The enthousiastic reactions after the first fair were enormous. New miniatureclubs in the south started and hearing of the succes of the fair new stallholders started to inform about the possibilties about participating in our fair. That was the reason to enlarge the squaremetres at the present location in hotel Eindhoven in Eindhoven.

How is the show organised. The show is organised every Year on the third sunday of September. The reason for this is that at this period of time the south of the Netherlands was liberated and severel activities take place. This also means that many Allies who also might be interested in the miniaturescene have the opportunity to visit a Dutch fair.

All year long we are very busy with the show, writing our stallholders, leading magazines all over the world for any attention, websiteowners for being listed on there sites, writing radio and televisonprogramms to interest them for our show and the Dollshouse and Miniature world.
For some Years we have been on the local radio and for the second time there was an item on TV where we got the chance to promote our hobby. Besides that we'll visit other Dollshouseshows in Holland, England and Germany and making planns to visit them elswhere. Once we had the opportunity to visit oru minaiturefriends in the USA and Canada.

Like we said before the show is organised by 2 people and during the show a miniture friend and some relatives give a helping hand. We do everything ourselves to keep the costs for the stallholders and visitors as low as possible. We donn't have to make a living with organisation of the fair. The number of visitors is every Year between 750 en 950 paying visitors. What we also do is giving a 16 or 20 page brochure (A5) for free to the stallholders and visitors, with the names of the stallholders and a map where everyone is situated. This is payed by the advertisements by the stallholders for cost prices and we do the work of making the advertisments our selve in our computer and bring the results to the copycenter to make the brochure.

We'll end with the facts of this years show:
Dollshouses and Miniatures Fair Brabant, 18^th September 2005, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm, Location: Hotel Eindhoven, Aalsterweg 322 Eindhoven Holland, sited close to junction 33 off the A67/A2. Adults 3,-- Euro, Children (accom. under 12 years) free. Enquiries Dimphie and Peter Mulders, 0031 40 2530867. Email:pmb.brabant@12move.nl, website http://www.pmbbrabant.nl

with miniaturegreetings,
Dimphie and Peter Mulders

February 10, 2005

From: The Phoenix Antiques, Bottles, & Collectibles Club
URL: http://phoenixantiquesclub.org

We, in the Phoenix Antiques, Bottles, & Collectibles Club (P.A.B.C.C.), enjoy having visitors and are very enthusiastic to share information about our hobbies!

The purpose of this nonprofit club is to promote the study, collecting, purchase, trading, and display of antique bottles and collectible items of interest.

Our club is active within Arizona promoting the collection and preservation of antiquities of all types. Examples of what our members collect include - Bottles, China, Cameras, Coins, Hand Irons, Lunch Boxes, Marbles, Lanterns, Toys, Dolls, Radios, and the list goes on and on... IF YOU COLLECT ANYTHING, YOU ARE SURE TO FIND A FELLOW COLLECTOR IN THE P.A.B.C.C..

Our meetings are held at the "Clubhouse", on Mission Lane, just off the Squaw Peak Freeway at the 32nd Street Exit. 3030 E. Mission Ln., Phoenix, AZ. Please call 602 482-8237 for directions. The meetings are from 7 - 9pm on the first Wednesday of each month (except July & August). PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT MEETING. VISITORS AND GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

For any questions about our club, and hopefully yours, you can email Charles Blake, website editor and club member. dig632@hotmail.com

Please contact me for any further questions.
Thank You,
Charles Blake, V.P.

February 10, 2005

Dear Fellow Doll Artists:

We look forward to welcoming all of you in Fort Erie, April 28 to May 1, 2005!
Come brighten up your spring.
Meet new friends. Find new inspirations. Have lots of fun!
Attend the 6^th Annual CDAA Celebration!
Conference April 28 to May 1 2005: We are pleased to announce that we are returning to the delightful Holiday Inn Fort Erie Convention Centre, conveniently located a mere fifteen minutes from Niagara Falls, Ontario and only a stone’s throw across the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York.

Celebrate! 2005 festivities begin on Thursday, April 28, with registration officially beginning at 1:00 pm, followed in the evening by the Welcome Reception with our now traditional Pin Swap, door prize draws, teacher introductions, a chance to greet old friends, meet new ones, an opportunity to admire the amazing dolls on display, and new this year, the AGM with a whole new face; something you won’t want to miss.

Friday and Saturday are busy workshop days with a great mix of polymer, cloth, and mixed media techniques. Two half-day classes are being held along with the one and two day classes. There are wonderful techniques being taught by member-artists as well as international artists. Check the section for workshop descriptions, photos and requirements.

The events for Friday evening have been changed this year. The Vendor Sale will be held from 6pm until 9pm; shorter yes, but still sweet, packed with dolls and supplies. Then it is off to find (or sell) goodies, including hand made pieces at the expanded Treasure Hunt.

Saturday promises to be a busy time, commencing with the last day of workshops and culminating with the Awards Banquet in the evening. Here the competition winners will be announced… the anticipation is unbelievable!

Sunday will be a special day for delegates. Our much-anticipated Round Tables will be presented from 9:30 – 11:30 am. This year we have an amazing total of ten free round tables from which to choose. This will be followed by another new feature, Sunday Brunch, commencing at 12:00 noon. The Hat Challenge Awards will be presented at this event and it will give all delegates the opportunity to relax, unwind, chat and bid their adieus at their leisure.

Door prizes will be drawn throughout the entire conference, so you will not want to miss one event. For delegates’ guests, or those who may have a bit of free time, the committee will provide a list of local areas of interest, eateries and shopping areas.

Check out our website at: www.dollartists.ca for even more information!

Best wishes from the CDAA Celebration! 2005 Organizing Committee

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the following Committee members:
Ev Scott (Conference Chair / Hotel Liaison) 519-284-2424 • evscott@sympatico.ca
Betty Anne Thomas (Registrar) 519-539-7598 • datbat2001@rogers.com
Donna Corby (Workshops / Hotel Liaison) 905-844-5953 • donnacorby@sympatico.ca
Deborah Colston (Treasurer / Round Tables) 905-985-8919 • colston@sympatico.ca
Deborah Downey (Secretary) 519-442-4308 • artwerx@rogers.ca
Martha Boers (Competition) 905-831-1183 • martha@marthaandmarianne.com
Little Dumpy Ladies (Vendor Sale / Advertising & Promotions) 905-480-9897 • littledumpyladies@rogers.com

Posted January 23, 2005
ARIZONA ANTIQUE SHOWS FEB. 12 - 13 SLATES
FREE ADMISSION FOR LOYAL CUSTOMERS

Admission to the Arizona Antique Shows, set for Feb. 12-13 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19^th Avenue and W. McDowell Road, will be FREE in recognition of the thousands of loyal customers who have made the show series a resounding success.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 13. Parking on the Arizona State Fairgrounds is $6 per vehicle, so remember to carpool.
In addition to thousands of antiques, ranging from Early American primitives, pottery, depression glass, diamonds, gold, gemstones, costume jewelry, furniture, ephemera, eclectic, vintage toys and more, numerous displays of antiques and collectible items will be available.
The Valley of the Sun Antique Dealers Association will host a verbal appraisal clinic for show goers who want to get an idea of what their treasured antique item might be worth. Appraisals cost $5 per item and the proceeds will benefit the Southeast Valley National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (NAMI).
In recognition of their customers’ loyalty, the admission fee will continue to be included in the parking fee for Arizona Antique Shows events held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds through all of 2005 at this location.
For more information, contact Arizona Antique Shows at 602-717-7337 or visit their website at www.azantiqueshow.com.

Added January 6, 2005

Our 35^th show will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2005 on the streets of Somerset, PA.
Over 125 dealers will be displaying all types of antiques and collectibles.
The show is very popular and draws a large crowd from various states.
Visitors enjoy spending the day in Somerset shopping for antiques and the various gift shops in Somerset.
The show started 35 years ago with only about 50 dealers, but has grown steadily since then.
Visitors and dealers enjoy the show's small town atmosphere and walking around Somerset's historic district where the show is held.
There are also local food vendors participating.
The show is held from 8 a.m.t o 4 p.m. rain or shine!
Contact 814-445-6431 for space information or for a brochure on the show.

Sandy Berkebile
Somerset County Chamber of Commerce
814 445-6431

POSTED NOVEMBER 19, 2004

IDEX Premiere: Truly a World Premiere
January 2005 in Orlando
Doll and Teddy Bear Show
Open to the Public
January 21 to 23, 2005
Collectors and Dealers Welcome
The largest group of collectible doll and teddy bear artists and manufacturers will gather in Orlando, Fla. January 21 through 23, 2005 to unveil their new 2005 lines to retailers and collectors.

IDEX Premiere is the FIRST major trade show of the year anywhere in the world. It is before the Nürnberg Toy Fair and the New York Toy Fair.

"More than 35 percent of IDEX exhibitors come from outside the United States, yet they use IDEX as their forum to premiere their new collections each year. Thus, the name for our show," says Susan McCart, IDEX president.

Fervent doll and bear lovers attend IDEX to get a first glimpse of the new lines, make their choices early and get their pre-orders in with their favorite retailers. There are many fabulous events open for everyone to attend and the 2005 schedule is bigger than ever.

IDEX Premiere Fast Facts

Friday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005
Downtown ExpoCentre at the Orlando Centroplex, Orlando, Fla.
Friday, Jan. 21: 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 22: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 23: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Workshops and Seminars Available (additional admission may apply)
Admission: $12 per person (discounts available at idexshows.com)

IDEX Premiere Registration

For a full listing of exhibitors, workshops, seminars, more information and registration for IDEX Premiere, visit www.idexshows.com.

Collectors Leave IDEX with Very Special Creations

Shop in the retail room, where respected dealers are ready to serve you with fabulous products.
Purchase an exclusive show special doll or bear creation from many of our IDEX exhibitors.
Attend one, or several, of our collector events which include specially created dolls and bears.
Bid on, and hopefully own, a one-of-a-kind creation at our 2nd annual fund raiser "IDEX Auction of the Stars" to benefit The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation.
Own exclusive one-of-a-kind creations at the NIADA Gallery Show & Sale.

Read on for more show highlights.

IDEX Premiere Adds Workshops in Orlando - Beginning Jan. 20
Learn from the masters, perfect your doll making skills or just have fun doing something creative. IDEX Premiere 2005 has many workshop opportunities in Orlando for you. Regardless of your skill level, there is a wide array of topics that will interest you.

Thursday, January 20, 2005
The Cloth-Covered Face
Costuming the Doll
WINGS for Fairies, Sprites and Pixies
ABC Dream Doll Workshop
Friday, January 21, 2005
Creative Paperclay® the do it all clay!
Creating Shoes for Small Dolls
Sculpting the Head - Class A
Only a Mother Could Love (bean bag type doll)
Miniature Doll Wig
ABC Dream Doll Workshop
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Creative Paperclay® the do it all clay!
Baby Bunting
Sculpting the Head - Class B
ABC Dream Doll Workshop
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Sew Chic! for Riley
Scrapbooking Your Doll Memories
Additional fees may apply and registration is required on a first come, first serve basis as seating is limited. For more information on classes, supplies needed and online registration, visit www.idexshows.com.

IDEX Premiere Highlights - Open to the Public
Friday, Jan. 21 6:30 to 9 p.m.
NIADA Gallery Show & Sale - Members of the National Institute of American Doll Artists are creating one-of-a-kind art dolls for exhibition and sale. Reception includes light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. FREE with ADMISSION.

Saturday, Jan 22 10:30 a.m. to noon
The Marie and Friends Brunch! hosted by Charisma Brands, LLC. Marie Osmond invites you to join her during IDEX at her "Marie & Friends" brunch. Plan now to attend this up-close and personal event where you'll dine with Marie, as well as receive an exclusive, limited-edition doll and other goodies. Don't miss this opportunity to spend the morning with Marie, doing what friends do best . . . eating, laughing, and chatting about dolls! $100 per person. Register online at www.idexshows.com.

Saturday, Jan 22 10:30 a.m. to noon
Cissy's New Year's Lunch! hosted by Alexander Doll Company
To commemorate Cissy's 50th Anniversary, join the Alexander Doll Company at their spectacular New Year's luncheon. Be sure you are there for a special raffle giveaway and a very special Coquette Cissy which will be an interpretation of one of Cissy's historical designs. There will also be a "Cissy Through the Years" presentation. Pre-registration is required, $130 per person. Limited Seating.

Saturday, Jan 22 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
IDEX Auction of the Stars Charity Event to benefit the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Everyone is invited to experience a fabulous evening! Doll artist and entertainer, Gregg Ortiz is show director for this year's auction to benefit the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Watch fantastic dancers directed by Universal Studios Choreographer, Lora Wallace, and bid on exclusive dolls and bears themed from characters in Broadway musicals. Food, cash bars and dancing make this an evening to remember for a very worthwhile cause. Hear about how this great organization is making a positive difference in the lives of children infected with HIV and affected by AIDS. CAAF was founded by Mattel executive, Joe Cristina, whose desire to help children was inspired by the outpouring of support he received when he disclosed his own HIV-positive status. Open your checkbooks! Great raffle prizes! We're going to have a great time!
FREE with ADMISSION.

October 22, 2004

September 11, 2004

April 28^th - May 1^st 2005

Artistic Figures In Cloth (AFIC) , one of the top "art learning" oriented cloth doll conventions in the United States.
This years line up of teachers are Arley Berryhill, Jesse Chandler, Sandra Corson-Walker, Annie Hesse, Patti LaValley, Allison Marano, Jody Miller, Deborah C. Pope, Rosie Rojas, Monika Shedden, Christine Shively, Judy Skeel and Marcella Welch. If you love making 3-dimensional art, you will find classes that are just right for you. Learn new fabric embellishment techniques, how to use new products, and incorporate them into you artistic figure. Come join the fun!

Show off your Stuff at AFIC

We want your Doll Clubs Doll for the exhibit room this year. Last year we invited the public into view the exhibits and did they ever love the show. We want to show off the Doll Clubs, and their work. Dose your club have a challenge?
Would they like to share them in this years exhibit? Contact us and we will tell you how to get them on display.

Advertise your Doll Club

We are collecting information on all doll clubs that would like to advertise their Club to the incoming visitors. Last year we had people traveling from Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania just to see the exhibit not to mention the whole state of Ohio.
Many of these travelers wanted information on doll groups in their area. I would love to be able to put them in contact with your doll club. We would be more than happy to distribute your flyers and contact information for your club. All flyers should be 5 1/2" X 8" with your club name, contact person, complete address including county, phone, and if you have an email address.

"One And Another"
This Years Challenge Competition
You do not need to be present to enter. This year we are accepting entries by mail.

"One" is the fabric. All dolls must be made with fabric. It must be present in over 50% of the figure.
"Another" is another medium such as air-drying clay, epoxy, gourds, etc, or another use of fabric such as painting, quilting, beading, stamping, embroidery painting, collage, etc. This challenge is to encourage you to use your hidden talents in an artistic form.

View the AFIC events on our Web site or send for a complete brochure $3.00 to: Cyndy's Dolls, LLC,
P. O. Box 44244
Columbus, Ohio 43204<
Please contact us with any questions you may have either by email or mail.

April 19, 2004

On Saturday, April 17th, (2004) America celebrated National Auctioneer’s Day. Despite their widespread history, live auctions are still a mystery to many people today. Although there are some people who buy everything from cars to homes to groceries at auction, and many others who occasionally attend as a form of entertainment or looking for a bargain, there are still many people who wonder exactly what goes on behind the doors of an auction hall or gallery.

Ironically, more people are familiar with the relatively new on-line auctions, such as E-Bay, than live auctions which date back to ancient civilization. Auctioneers are often asked if an entrance fee is required and whether or not the auction is open to the public, or does one need to “belong” in order to attend. The good news is that most auctions do NOT charge admission, and even the most prestigious auction galleries are open to the public -- No membership required!

Auctions have taken place around the world for centuries. It is rumored that auctions date back to the early days of Egyptian Civilization. In ancient Rome, soldiers would sell their plunder at public auction. Here in the United States, in the days following the Civil War, military surplus was sold at auction. In fact, the title of “Colonel”, still awarded to auctioneers today, was first bestowed upon the contractors who were enlisted to liquidate the Union Army’s surplus after the war. Following the Great Depression, to their dismay, thousands of farmers found their land and possessions on the auction block because the banks had foreclosed on them. In present day America, you can buy almost anything at auction. Even Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur, was purchased by The Chicago Field Museum at a Sotheby’s auction.

Some of the most popular types of “live” auctions are Automobile, Real Estate, Personal Property, Livestock, Antiques & Collectibles, Art, Wine, and General Merchandise. Although these categories themselves share little or nothing in common, their auctions bear little difference. Someone familiar with a Cattle Auction, for example, would find little difference in the terms or procedures of an Antiques & Collectibles Auction.

So what exactly does go on at an auction? If you’ve always wondered, but didn’t know whom to ask, the following information is for you.

How Do I Find An Auction to attend?
Search the classified section of your local newspaper. Most classified sections have a section for auctions. You might also search by a category such as “Automobiles” or “Real Estate”. Some auctions will advertise under the corresponding category rather than in the general Auction Section of the classifieds.

Look in trade publications.
If you are a toy collector, or wine connoisseur, for example, you will likely find a specialty auction in the trade publications relating to your hobby or interest.

Watch for signs.
Many auctioneers will display signs and/or banners prior to an auction.

Search the internet.
The following websites provide calendars of upcoming auctions nationwide:
http://www.auctioneers.org
http://www.antiquesandthearts.com
http://www.auctionguide.com
There are many others, including a calendar of auctions all over the world at http://www.antiquestradegazette.com

Join an Email Notification List:
Some auction houses maintain a list to notify their patrons of upcoming auctions via email. Others use a service called Auctiontecs, who send email notices to advise their subscribers of upcoming auctions in the Central Florida area. Their service is free and you can subscribe at http://www.auctiontecs.com.

Mailing Lists:
Many auctioneers maintain a mailing list. Call and ask if you can be placed on their list so you will be notified of their upcoming auctions.

What Preparation do you suggest?
Once you’ve located an auction to attend, you should do a little homework!
Find out whether the auction will be held inside or out and if seating is provided. If the auction is inside, chances are that seats will be provided for you, and the hall will be heated or air-conditioned, but it is better to ask than to assume. If chairs are provided, do they have cushions? Or better yet, find out if you are allowed to bring your own – most auctions last several hours, and the chairs at an auction are not always the most comfortable. If the auction will be held outside, you most likely need to bring your own chair, but again, it is best to call and ask. If the auction is outside, you should consider a hat, umbrella, and sunscreen, especially if you will not be under a tent.

Will a food vendor be present?
You will want to know if you will be able to purchase food or soft-drinks at the auction. If not, bring a snack or even pack a lunch.

Are boxes and packing materials provided?
Ask if the auction house provides boxes, or whether you will need to bring your own in order to take home the treasures you purchase. Each auction house is different. If you will be bidding on fragile items and packing supplies are not provided, be sure to bring your own paper as well.

Obtain an Auction Catalog
Many auctions provide an itemized list of items to be auctioned, called a catalog. Often you can find the catalog on the auction gallery’s website within the week prior to the auction. If this is the case, you can print a copy to take with you to the auction. If you don’t have Internet access, you can usually get a catalog when you register for the auction. While some auction galleries still provide free catalogs, more and more are charging a fee to cover the cost of printing. Either way, the catalog is an excellent tool in preparing for an auction. First, you will want to circle the items that interest you. Next, you can do some research to find the current market value of these items. You can find the going price for almost any item by doing a little research on the Internet or at your local library. Most seasoned auction goers make notes on their catalog indicating how much they would like to bid for a given item. Then they are less tempted to get caught up in the excitement of bidding and perhaps over pay for an item. Your notes will keep you within your budget. If the Terms & Conditions of the auction are in the catalog, read them carefully – each auction house’s policies are different.

Observe:
If you have never attended a live auction, you might want to attend one strictly as an observer. There is never an obligation to buy, so why not sit in and become familiar with an auction before becoming a participant? You can watch how others bid and get an overall feel of an auction’s atmosphere.

A few things you will want to pay particular attention to:
Does the auctioneer speak clearly? (A good auctioneer speaks quickly, but clearly. You don’t want to worry whether you just placed a bid for $15 or $50) What prices are items you admire going for? Are you satisfied with the quality of the merchandise? Where would you like to sit when you are ready to participate (Where are the best seats?) Is the staff friendly? Does the auction run smoothly and professionally? Are there any terms or lingo being used that you don’t understand and will need to research prior to actually bidding? An auction is entertaining and exciting, whether you are a participant or spectator, so why not start out as a spectator? A “Practice Run” will help you feel more at ease when you are ready to participate.

Ready, Set, Bid!
You’ve done your homework and are ready to attend your first auction.
What’s next?

Attend the Preview.
This is one of the most important steps in the auction process. Almost every auction, including the famous galleries in New York have an “AS IS/NO REFUNDS” policy. Each auctioneer or auction house differs in their disclosure of defects or imperfections. Some mention chips and cracks in their catalog or announce them from the auction block, and others don’t. Therefore, you will want to carefully inspect each item you might bid on, especially if you are not familiar with the practices of a particular auctioneer. Every reputable auction house allows ample time for preview (usually the day prior to auction and the morning of the auction), and making use of this time will pay off. Preview is also an excellent time to learn, so ask questions! You might be surprised to see how willing the auctioneer or their staff is to pass along their knowledge about a particular item and it’s history during the relaxed atmosphere of a preview. Don’t be afraid to ask! Many auctioneers will provide an auction estimate or discuss the provenance of an item when asked. If the auctioneer is experienced, their estimate will most often be pretty close to the price the item actually sells for when it hits the auction block, although there are always a few items that will surprise everyone by selling much higher or lower than expected. While you are previewing the items, carefully examine “box lots”. Many an auction-goer has found a treasure hidden in amongst less valuable items grouped together as a box lot. See if you can find a hidden treasure! In addition to examining the merchandise and asking questions during preview, most auction houses will allow you to register at this time. Registering during preview can save you from standing in a long line right before the auction begins. Many auctions will also allow you to reserve seats during preview. As you can see, there are many reasons to attend preview. If you attend the preview, you can arrive for the auction with seats reserved, a bidding number in and, and information about the items you wish to bid upon.

Register.
Whether you register at the preview, or wait until just prior to auction, you will need to have a few things handy. You will need your driver’s license or another form of photo ID. A bid at auction is a legally binding contract, and most auction houses are not willing to enter a contract with a complete stranger, therefore, you will need identification. If you are purchasing items for resale, you will need to bring a copy of your resale certificate in order to establish tax-exempt status. If the firm accepts checks, you may need to have your check pre-approved at the time you register. Many auction galleries will ask to keep a credit card on file or a bank letter of credit to ensure they will receive payment, especially if you are unknown to them or from out of state If you didn’t receive a copy of the Terms & Conditions with the catalog, then be sure you get a copy when you register. When you place a bid at auction, you are agreeing to their Terms & Conditions, so be sure you fully understand and agree to abide by them.

At the Auction
If you’ve done your homework, become familiar with the policies of the auction house, perhaps attended an auction as a spectator, reserved good seats and marked your catalog with the prices you want to bid on each item, your first auction should be smooth sailing! Arrive early enough to be seated in time to hear the auctioneer’s announcements (usually about 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the auction). The auctioneer’s announcements are legally binding, whether you heard them or not, so its best to listen carefully. When an item you want to bid on comes up on the auction block, hold your bidding card or paddle high and maintain eye-to-eye contact with the auctioneer or one of his/her ringmen (people up front, helping the auctioneer). Keep your card in the air until the bidding goes beyond the price you are willing to pay (at which time you will want to promptly bring your card or paddle down). If you were the high bidder, you will hear the auctioneer announce your number and repeat the high bid or purchase price. Be sure you get into the bidding activity of an item early on. A “late bidder” is easily and often overlooked. If you are unsure whether or not the auctioneer or his staff has recognized your bid, it is perfectly acceptable for you to call out loud to get their attention. Avoid hesitating while bidding. In the time it takes for you to decide whether or not you want to go up another increment, the auctioneer may have already said “Sold” to another bidder. Always remember that the auctioneer has the final say at an auction. If there is a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer will determine who the highest bidder was.

Keep a record of the items you have purchased, so you can compare with the items on your receipt at checkout. (Although most auctions keep computerized records, they are still subject to human error, so keep your own records for comparison). Plan to stay until the end of the auction. The crowd usually begins to thin out towards the end and since there are less bidders competing you can often find the best bargains at this time.

When the auction is over, you will pay the cashier for your purchases. The purchase price and the Buyer’s Premium are BOTH subject to sales tax (unless you are tax-exempt). This is because the department of revenue considers Buyer’s Premium to be part of the purchase price. The Buyer’s Premium will usually range between ten and twenty percent depending on geographical location and type of auction. If you haven’t made prior arrangements to pick up your merchandise at a later date, you will be expected to take your purchases home the same day, so if you think you might purchase large items such as furniture, make arrangements for transporting them in advance. Many auction galleries offer delivery at an additional fee.

As you can see, auctions are not mysterious. They can be entertaining as well as a great way to save money. Household furniture, for example, goes for pennies on the dollar at auction in comparison to its original retail purchase price. A wise shopper can furnish an entire home at auction for the price it would cost to decorate one room in a retail store. An auction is also a great place to find unique, unusual and even one-of-a-kind items. Why not pay a visit to an auction, and see if you develop auction fever!

If you still have questions, you can contact the author, Diane Fudge of Professional Appraisers & Liquidators, LLC, 800 SE Highway 19, Crystal River, at 352-795-2061 or 800-542-3877.

Auction Checklist:
1) Pen or Pencil – to mark your catalog or keep notes
2) Driver’s License – Provides proof of identity for registration. Also needed if paying by check.
3) Checks, Credit Cards or Cash – Find out ahead of time what methods of payment are accepted. Determine whether a surcharge is added when paying by credit card
4) Boxes &/or wrapping paper – Some auction galleries provide these as a courtesy
5) Chairs or Seat Cushions – These may or may not be provided, ask first
6) Price Reference Books – For last minute price checks
7) Sunscreen/Shade Umbrella/Hat – If the auction is outside
8) Book, Coloring Books or Quiet Toys – If you are bringing children
9) Snack/Lunch/Water or Soda – If a food vendor is not available, you may wish to bring your own food and drink

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