Bidder Etiquette and Auction Rules

In the past I have been asked to write articles not only from the auctioneer's perspective, but also those articles for the benefit of the bidder or the general public. The goal of this article is to educate the general public (the bidders) about bidder etiquette.

Many auctioneers are often asked questions from their bidders about certain auction processes before, and unfortunately sometimes during the live auction, inadvertently interrupting the auctioneer. It is vital that auctioneers provide an opening statement, or that they cover the governing bidder rules of etiquette or conduct that is expected of the bidders during the auction. Auctioneers should also provide the bidders with an opportunity to ask their questions before the auction commences.

Obviously every auctioneer and auction company is going to have different rules for their auctions. While the general public expects a certain amount of uniformity and consistency (i.e. how to bid), they should not anticipate that every auction will be governed by the same rules, or even the same laws for that matter if the bidder plans on attending auctions in different states, provinces, or countries.

First and foremost, the bidder needs to understand that the auctioneer has the final word and authority on all auction matters. An example: An auctioneer is chanting and using $100 bid increments with the bid at $500, and the auctioneer is looking for a $600 bid. A bidder shouts out $5, expecting that the auctioneer will accept his $505 bid, but the auctioneer refuses the bid. I have witnessed many bidders get upset because the auctioneer did not acknowledge their bid, and the reality is that they do not have too. However, in the interest of good customer service, the auctioneer may reiterate that the bid increments are in $100 increments. The auctioneer may even offer to accept a half bid in the amount of $50, thereby bringing the bid up to $550 from the previous bid of $500. Either way, the bidder must accept the
auctioneer's discretion, experience, and final decision.

Auctioneers should post key rules in an area (i.e. Cashier Booth) where the public can view them. Auctioneers are advised to record their auctions, but this is not required. Often times a regular bidder will come to an auctioneer's aid in contested matters (i.e. price, quantity, etc.) where other bidders have openly challenged the auctioneer's decision. Truly the best way for the bidder to learn about auctions, auction rules, and auction etiquette is to attend auctions regularly.

The general public is expecting honesty, integrity, and leadership from the auctioneer, and that means that the auctioneer may occasionally make decisions that an individual bidder may or may not agree with. The public must understand that "the show must go on", and that time is often equated with money in the auction industry. Bidder Etiquette and Auction Rules are for your benefit, and not for the auctioneers.