Learn To Bid By Phone And Never Bid Online Again
Participating in live auctions is an exhilarating experience, but attending in person isn't always feasible (though Maine is always lovely to visit if we do say so!). At Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, we offer phone bidding as a convenient alternative, allowing you to engage in the excitement from anywhere. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of phone bidding, ensuring you're well-prepared to participate confidently.
What is Phone Bidding?
Phone bidding is a method that allows you to participate in a live auction without being physically present at the auction. When using phone bidding at Thomaston Place, you get to enjoy the real-time action of bidding on unique auction items with a dedicated representative who places bids on your behalf. Here’s how it works:
Sign Up – You register beforehand with Thomaston Place, specifying which items you’re interested in. Use our contact form to request a phone bid registration. Once complete, return to us. Our staff will review and approve your application. You’ll get an email notifying you when the process is complete. This can take some time, so we recommend completing this step a few days before the live auction.
Live Participation – Just before your item is presented, a representative will call and relay the bids happening in real-time. We’ll let you know the estimated time of the call based on the lot number so you can be sure you are available. Including a backup phone number is always a good idea.
Instant Decisions – When you bid by phone, you can instruct the representative to place bids based on the real-time competition. It’s like being in the room—just via your phone. Live auctions move fast, so be prepared for fast decision making.
Why Choose Phone Bidding?
Convenience
With phone bidding, you can participate in the auction from anywhere you have a good phone connection. This flexibility is ideal if you’re out of town or if attending in person isn’t feasible. Speaking of good phone connections, it’s best to be in a place you can give the auction your full attention—not driving down the interstate.
Savings
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries provides a discounted buyer’s premium of only 20% when phone bidding, as compared to 25% for bids placed online. This means significant savings, especially if you are bidding on high ticket items.
Personalized Support
Unlike online bidding, phone bidding gives you a live, one-on-one interaction with a Thomaston Place representative. They’ll keep you updated on the auction, helping you make quick decisions. The last thing you want is to experience a technical issue and miss out on your opportunity.
Engagement in Real-Time
Phone bidding keeps you in the moment, with the same excitement and intensity of a live auction. You can adjust your bids based on the flow of the auction, which isn’t possible with absentee bidding.
Better Odds at Securing Your Favorite Lots
Because phone bidding is live and interactive, you can react to competing bids and push further if an item is highly sought after. It’s ideal for serious bidders who don’t want to leave things to chance.
How to Register for Phone Bidding
To participate via phone, follow these steps:
Contact Us: Complete our contact form to request a phone bid form. A form will automatically be sent to you.
Complete the Registration Form: Fill it out and return it via the contact form. Just select “submit completed bid form.” Attach the form and tap submit.
Provide Necessary Information: You'll need to supply:
Your full name and contact details.
The lot numbers of the items you're interested in.
A valid credit card for verification purposes.
Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your registration is received no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to the auction. Complete these steps as early as possible to ensure a seamless experience. Forms received on the auction day may not be processed.
Preparing for the Auction
Review the Inventory: Familiarize yourself with the auction items by browsing our inventory online.
Attend Preview: Feature auctions nearly always have a preview period. If you can visit the gallery, it’s always ideal to see the items in person so you can bid with confidence.
Request Condition Reports: If you can’t attend the preview, ask for detailed information on specific lots; contact us for condition reports, questions, or additional photos.
Set Your Budget: Determine your maximum bid for each item to help craft your strategy during the auction.
During the Auction
Await Our Call: A representative will call you a few minutes before your item is up for bid.
Communicate Clearly: Provide clear instructions to your representative on your bidding decisions.
Stay Engaged: Listen attentively to the auction's progress to make informed decisions.
After the Auction
Payment: If you win an item, payment is expected following the auction. We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and wire transfers. For invoices over $25,000, wire transfers are required.
Shipping or Pickup: Arrange for your items to be shipped or schedule a pickup at our gallery. Our shipping department can assist with professional packing and shipping services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bid on multiple items via phone?
Yes, you can bid on multiple items. Provide the lot numbers during registration, and we'll coordinate the calls accordingly.
Is there a minimum estimate for phone bidding?
Phone bids are typically accepted on items with estimates greater than $500. Bids less than $500 must be executed by absentee bid unless approved by management.
What if I can't answer the call during the auction?
If you're unavailable, consider placing an absentee bid. We'll bid on your behalf up to your specified maximum amount.
Can I switch from phone bidding to another method?
Yes, you can switch to in-person, absentee, or online bidding. Inform us before the auction to update your registration accordingly.
Tips for Successful Phone Bidding
Register Early: Complete your registration well in advance to ensure a smooth process.
Be Available: Ensure you're reachable at the provided phone number during the auction.
Stay Informed: Keep track of the auction schedule and the order of items.
Communicate Clearly: Provide concise instructions to your representative to avoid misunderstandings.
Additional Resources
Phone bidding at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries offers a seamless way to participate in our auctions, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to acquire exceptional items. Follow this guide and you'll be well-prepared to engage confidently and successfully in our upcoming live auctions.