                           Computer Auctions

                                   By

                               Lee Bohan


     For  some reason, auctions of almost all types have a very bad
     reputation in Britain. A lot of this  is  due  to  the  loadsa
     money,  Arthur  Daley  types,  who are often seen around motor
     auctions. Computer  Auctions  however  are  a  very  different
     story, though must still be approached with caution. The first
     thing  to  do  before  ever going to such a place is to decide
     absolutely what you are going to buy, if anything.  Once  this
     list  has  been  made, do not waver one ounce, as it is all to
     easy to get carried away in the heat of an auction.

     With the list should be the prices  the  items  cost  new,  an
     average  cost for private second hand sale (Micromart can be a
     good source for these), and what you are prepared to pay (Make
     sure this is less than the prices above new for new, or second
     hand for like.).

     It  is  not  usually  difficult to find an auction (unless you
     live on Mars), and there are a large number  advertised  every
     week  in Micromart. When you find one, make sure you get there
     for the start of viewing, as there will often be much to  see,
     and  also  invest  in  a  copy  of the catalogue.  If there is
     something suitable in the catalogue, go a look at it, test  it
     and  most  importantly  don't  be afraid to make a nuisance of
     yourself and ask questions.  If it is still OK, go and  get  a
     buyers  number in time for the auction, and make a note of the
     lot number boldly in the catalogue, and your hammer fall limit
     (taking into account all additions).

     Before the auction remember one thing, there are  three  types
     of  lot  go  through  an  auction.  One is new bankrupt stock,
     which  will  almost  certainly  be  a  bargain  and   hold   a
     manufacturers   guarantee   (but   check   -  it  may  be  the
     manufacturer who went bust). But either way, this  is  usually
     the  where  the  best  bargains  can  be found for a beginner.
     Another type is of lot is that of second hand  equipment  from
     who  knows  where.  This will invariably be without guarantee,
     and unless you are technically minded should be looked at with
     caution. The final type of lot to consider are those which are
     new stock put through by the auction company, these invariably
     go for a higher price than they can be bought  elsewhere,  and
     are  for  the  sucker  only - they aren't usually difficult to
     spot.

     Lastly, when the auction starts, try  and  get  a  comfortable
     seat,  somewhere  near  the front. This enables you to see the
     auctioneer, and him to see you.  Then,  when  bidding  starts,
     never  put  in  the  first  bid, unless the lot is about to be
     passed out as no bidders can be found -  the  auctioneer  will
     drop  the price until he hits the reserve or a buyer is found!
     When you do bid, this is done by holding you  buyers  card  in
     the  air,  and  shouting for attention if necessary - don't be
     shy.  Also a nod of the head will probably be ignored, and  it
     is  almost  impossible to bid by accident at all.  If however,
     one of your actions is misinterpreted as a  bid,  simply  tell
     the  auctioneer  it  wasn't  and  things  will  carry on as if
     nothing had happened.

     The exchange of money usually doesn't start until the  end  of
     an auction. To avoid a lot of cash, credit card is usually the
     best  method  of  payment  as it also can be cleared instantly
     which a cheque cannot if it is over your card limit. Also,  if
     the  worst  happens,  you  may be able to get a claim from the
     credit  card  company  as  they  share  liability   with   the
     auctioneers.   If  you  follow the above guidelines, I have no
     doubt you will find  auctions  a  good  way  to  spend  a  wet
     afternoon,  as  well  as a successful way to buy the goods you
     need at the best prices.

                         Lee Bohan - July 1992.



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