How to find an auction near you

About two years ago, I was headed to visit my family in Georgia in early December and thought I’d check out some auctions. But how could I find them?

I came across a website called auctionzip.com, which, by plugging in my mother’s zip code, gave me a list of auction houses within 30 miles. I found one, Hawkinsville Auction Gallery in Hawkinsville, GA, about an hour south of where my family lived. (The table of items below is from one of my favorite local auction houses.)

The auction-finder site came to mind this week when blogger Mae Israel, who writes Juggling Act, asked how to find auctions near where she lived in Charlotte. I suggested auctionzip. Then I got to thinking that there were likely others like her who may be wondering the same thing. So, I’m passing along the information.

At auctionzip.com, you just drop in your zip code, decide how far you’re willing to travel to an auction (30 to 500 miles away), write in a keyword and/or category, and click Search. You can also sign up to be notified of auctions in your area.

Another site is liveauctioneers.com. It is an online auction site, but many of the auctions listed also sell on-site. It’s easier to navigate if you know the name of the auction house.

If you’re into yard sales, I came across this site while reading the AARP magazine some months ago. It’s called Yard Sale Treasure Map, which searches locations in your area that have been posted on craigslist.

Before you head out to an auction for the first time, be sure to check out my Auction Tips for preparation. I outlined what you should and should not know, and what you should and should not do at auctions. I’ve also blogged about proper etiquette at auctions.

Once you find an auction that interests you, check out the house’s website. The most professional of them will have photos posted of the items they’ll have for sale. It’s a good way to decide if there’s something you’d like to bid on. But don’t rely totally on the photos; some items may not be in the photos, and some may look better on a table than in photos.

Besides, it’s a lot more fun being on-site, handling the items and chatting with other auction-goers. So, just go and experience it.

I dragged my play-sister and her boyfriend, and my niece with me to the Hawkinsville auction. It was too far to drive alone; besides, it’s always good to have company. It was also a chance for me to teach them about auction-buying. I found a lovely Skookum doll there (I’ll write about that tomorrow).

I don’t use the auctionzip site for Philadelphia, where I live, because fellow auction-goers are always sharing their favorite auction houses. I learn about other locations through conversations, although I tend to stick to my own favorites. You become family at some of these houses – this week I got an invitation to a christening.

So, check out auctionzip, and if you can’t find a place, check other sites on the web. Also, check your local newspaper. Mine still has an auction column and auction ads.

Happy hunting!