5 Tips for Winning Saturday Auctions

Every Saturday we watch the same patterns: a few bidders walk away with the best lots at the best prices, and everyone else wonders how. It isn't luck — it's five habits.

1. Decide your maximum before the lot opens

Auction fever is real, and it bills by the bid. Look at the lot during the week, decide the most it's worth to you, and write it down. When bidding passes your number, let it go — there is always another Saturday.

2. Do the full math, not just the bid

Your total is the hammer price plus our 5% buyer's premium, plus HST. At 51 Auction the premium is small, but on a $500 lot it's still $25 — smart bidders set their max with the total in mind.

3. Hunt the sleeper lots

The TV and the stand mixer will draw a crowd. The solid wood dresser three lots later might not. Browse the whole catalogue, not just the featured strip — the best prices hide where nobody is looking.

4. Bid once, bid your number

Nibbling — raising by the minimum again and again — mostly raises the price you'll pay. If you want the lot, a firm bid at your real number scares off the nibblers and ends the fight early.

5. Plan your pickup before you bid

Won a sofa? Wonderful — how is it getting home? We're at 115 Ironside Crescent Unit 11 in Scarborough, pickup windows are on your invoice, and shipping is available if the minivan isn't. Knowing your plan means never passing on a big lot out of logistics worries.

Put the five together and Saturday stops being a gamble. See you at the sale.

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