It's like the Wild West out there when it comes to actual live auctions via online bidding! There are fortunes to be made on every level, if you can realize the advantages of this relatively new genre. Unlike eBay, which is a ancient and experienced by many online auction standards, online bidding at live auctions through sites like iCollector.com is an alternative in an uncharted territory.
(I know online bidding at live auctions has been around for a while, but the point is, there has been nowhere near the development or volume in this field, that have been enjoyed by a "static" auction listing sites such as eBay. That is, not until now.)
What do you get with uncharted territory? Opportunity, and lots of it! Sites like www.iCollector.com have carved a comfortable niche for themselves by providing a portal to the best cataloged live auctions. Unlike static listing auction sites , once you come in the door through iCollector.com, from the minute you win the bid on an item, the entire transaction is completed with the auction house. Since many states require auction licensing, and since a good reputation is the most valuable thing an auctioneer can have, you're likely to get great service.
Live auction houses rely on repeat customers, not continual churn. ICollector.com relies on repeat bidders and happy auction house clients. The gears are greased quite nicely for those who take competitive bidding as serious as breathing.
Here are ten advantages to on line bidding at live auctions.
- It's new, most of your competition in the antiques world if even aware of it, are not well versed in practice.
- The registration process and bidding are much easier than they're perceived to be. I won't go into detail here, but let me say this: If you've ever registered at ANY auction anywhere, you can do this. If you've ever bid on an eBbay item, you can do this.
- Because you can bid in real time against the floor and/or other online bidders, it's much more exciting and potentially profitable
- You have online documentation of the auction record of the item you've purchased should you ever need proof or provenance.
- Sure: you'll have to pay for shipping and it's a good idea to insure it as well, but how much would it cost to drive across the country for the auction?
- There are many major auction houses on board and many more coming on weekly.
- You can call the auction house for details on the item in advance.
- You can leave an absentee bid if you can't be online as the auction goes live.
- The auctions are posted early enough to do research and homework on the items your interested in. This is a huge potential advantage you may have over any peer bidders who've not done their homework.
- Being a repeat customer at a live auction establishes a rapport that brings about many untold benefits of which I would write article on. Watch for it soon!
See the slideshow below for interesting entertainment memorabilia lots to be auctioned on iCollector.com today!
Find out how to register and bid at major auction houses through iCollector.com
Disclosure Statement: As an online columnist who is also licensed auctioneer, appraiser, antiques broker, events speaker and promoter, you can assume that I get compensated for anything I publish.
Comments
Great article, it really shows how online buying has changed the world of live auctions and how they are adapting to compete with online auctions such as ebay, as always good informative info, thanks Wally.
Jerry.
Hey Wally,
Love i collector~ I have picked up some of my recent acquisitions from them. The site has a lot to offer. Thanks for the article.
Kat
You can also use the completed auction as a research tool, since it shows what the items sold for.
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