Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!uw-entropy!dataio!pilchuck!ssc!markz
From: markz@ssc.UUCP (Mark Zenier)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Buying electronics at auctions
Message-ID: <515@ssc.UUCP>
Date: 28 Feb 90 19:15:53 GMT
References: <608@stdc01.UUCP> <12539@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: SSC, Inc., Seattle, WA
Lines: 31

In article <12539@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com>, hbg6@citek.UUCP (John Schuch) writes:
> That brings up another
> point; take cash. I've never seen an auctioneer accept plastic and
> ones who accept checks are VERY rare. Also expect to pay a cash deposit
> for a bidders number. At sales around here that can range from $20
> to $300. 

In Seattle, it's the opposite.  The auctioneers take plastic, and no bidder
deposit is required up front.  Personal Checks are heavily discouraged.

>  Also, if you win the bid, YOU OWN IT!. You may not change your
> mind. ( another reason they have the deposit ). 

And read the terms of the auction.  If it says payment by the end of 
the day, and removal by the end of the next day, they mean it.  I
ran into a guy I recognized from an auction, and he told me a story
of blowing a 4K$ deal because he couldn't get the money there that
evening and the second (losing) bidder was offered, and purchased the lot.

> After ten years of
> aution going, I can tell you there's only one rule:
> Decide what a lot's worth TO YOU and NEVER bid higher than that
> amount. Not even one dollar. 

Having seen used computer gear go for 25 percent more than the new price
in Computer Shopper, the cost of letting your enthusiasm get away from you
can't be overemphasized.  It's a good idea to not even bid on any item
at the first auction you go to.  And show up on time (I'm always dragging
in an hour late and finding the good stuff went early).

markz@ssc.uucp