While we highly recommend you auction your jobs, skills and any tasks you may need doing on our main site, auctions themselves are an excellent pastime, hobby or profession. The clue is in our name and we think auctions are a brilliant example of how to heighten business acumen and make a quick buck. They are a beautifully frenetic way to make money, not just the subject matter of daytime filler television shows.
Be Strict with Yourself
As it’s your money you are ordinarily playing with try not to get too carried away. A good idea is to have a budget (yes like on the telly) and stick to it. If you’re selling this is a lot easier as you have the option to freeze the minimum you would like for the item in question. It’s hard not to think, ‘just £100 more’ but before you know it you’re way off the deep end. It’s this risk, though, that makes it all so fun as everything is up in the air, really, until the gavel is down.
Research What it is You Want
The reason auction shows have experts is that the market value of specific items is not immediately obvious to most people. Those of us lucky to have our stab at an auction televised will have these mercurial, zany characters pointing out the pros and cons of spending six grand for a feather duster. Without help, if you know what you’re after the internet is your friend and a good way to work out averages so you don’t get taken for a ride.
Live in the Moment
While this might, initially seem counterproductive as I’ve already said to practice caution, auctions are meant to be fun. The whole idea is that nothing is fixed. The fluid nature of the auction should infect your decision making. Your gut is there to be trusted in most scenarios and this is no different. Fortune favours the brave and nowhere is fortune more omnipresent than in the auction room.
Meet People
We are social animals and this is a place to meet like minds and odd souls. This shapeshifting circus of curious will bring out the best and worst in people. Everything is up for grabs and those who make auctions there home are as up for it as anyone. It’s a party of sorts, but maybe don’t drink and bid. You never quite know what you’re going to get. So expect the unexpected.
Hone your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Above all, auctions are for the savvy. Whether it’s some jewellery or a new house, it is all an investment opportunity. Knowing you’ve got a good deal can lead to more money if you know where to market your finds. Knowing how to navigate these kooky lands of opportunity can bag you with a small fortune if you know your stuff.
