These past few weeks have been gorgeous. 85 degree plus weather, bright blue skies, and not terribly humid. Well maybe on some days. But all this nice weather is creating the biggest itch for antique collectors and pickers. They are yearning to get back out there, hit an auction or estate sale and find some good stuff! You are in luck folks; auctions are starting to come back. You just need to be prepared for the new safety precautions that need to be taken to make a safe bidding environment for you and your colleagues.
If you are lucky, you will find yourself going to an outside field or onsite auction. That makes life a lot easier for both you and the auction house. With an outside auction it is a bit easier to accommodate everyone, especially if you are in a field. Just remember like everywhere else in life bring your mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Bring a few chairs, cooler, space out six feet apart from each clan of people and you are good. Unfortunately, not every auction house can host outside auctions. This creates a whole other level of complications. Just like your doctor, physical therapist, lawyer, or hairdresser inside auctions have become appointment only. If you would like to preview an upcoming auction, please give a call ahead of time. Due to capacity restrictions with six-foot social distancing it is difficult to accommodate everyone. On average from my experience so far, the average auction house can hold 10 to 15 previewers at a time. Come auction day there are maybe only 20 to 25 seats for active bidders. Unless you plan on bidding on 75 different lots, buying at least 40 of them, and loading them in your vehicle that night do not stay for the auction. We are not trying to be mean but set up a phone bid or leave an absentee bid. It is the safest option for you by far, and it creates a slightly safer environment for the people who stay. Besides, do you really want to be standing in a petri dish for that long? Sorry for skipping the collecting tip of the week, but a little public service announcement does not hurt. Just remember to stay safe out there while picking.
