Global Auction Blog

By Rich Schur of Schur Success Auction Services - Colorado’s Onsite Auction Experts

Colorado Springs. Tuesday, April 29, 2008

To those of you who showed up on Monday to the Cold Stone Creamery Auction for the Department of Revenue – we’re sorry. Sometimes, auction dates and schedules do change, especially with Dept. of Revenue or Self Storage Auctions. People have the option to pay their debts right up to the minute the sale is scheduled to begin. Because this does happen, auctions may be cancelled.

We can’t speak for other auctioneers, but we make every effort to keep our website current with cancellations and changes. It’s a wise practice to check the website before you attend any auction, especially these kinds of sales. Most consignment auctions, or auctions held for reasons other than tax liens, usually go as scheduled. But if you’d like to save yourself a trip, check the website before you leave. Check OUR website – we keep it as current as possible. There are many other websites that carry our auctions, but we don’t have control over them. Our site will always have the most current data.

When in doubt, feel free to call us at (866) 290-2243. We’ll gladly tell you if there’s been a schedule change.

To those of you who came to the Cold Stone Creamery in Colorado Springs on Monday. We understand that there was mention of the sale in the press (on radio, TV, and the papers). We supplied updated press releases to those outlets with the changes, but not every press release gets picked up. We posted a sign in the window with the correct date, and of course our website was updated. We’re sorry you didn’t get the word before you made the trip. We’ll do everything possible to prevent that from happening again.

In this particular case, the State had to move the auction date to comply with notification rules to the taxpayer. We’ll see you on the 6^th for the Cold Stone Creamery Auction – and of course, you’ll check our website the night before.

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Antique Trader posed the question to their readers, and did they ever get a big response.

It is well worth the read to see all the different opinions people had of Ebay Live Auctions.

Go Here to read the comments

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For anyone not familiar with the history of the Global Auction Guide Media Group , the original website was launched in 2001 as I could not find farm auctions in an easy searchable and sortable format. I thought that if I was having trouble there was likely others having trouble finding the same info. On Feb 1st 2001 the website at www.farmauctionguide.com was turned on and we had 200 visitors the first day by leveraging our traffic from www.prairielinks.com . We were using the auction listings supplied by our local auctioneer (and guinea pig) Bill Klassen .
 Within a year our several hundred auctioneers were clamoring for us to give them exposure to their non-agricultural auction sales and we were relaunched as the Global Auction Guide Media Group with websites designed and optimized for specific industries

• Global Auction Guide
• Farm Auction Guide
• Real Estate Auction Guide
• Antiques Auction Guide
• Transport Auction Guide
• Industrial Auction Guide
• Collectibles Auction Guide
• Construction Auction Guide

That was 2002, I’ll fill you in on the next phases of our success another day…….Dwayne

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From the News-antique.com Press Release service

- Highest price for a single wine lot sold at Sotheby’s in London –

– Second highest price for a single wine lot sold at Sotheby’s –

SOTHEBY’S, LONDON, APRIL 16, 2008 –Sotheby’s London announced today that an extraordinary 70-
vintage vertical collection from the famed Château d’Yquem, arguably the world’s greatest sweet wine,
sold to a European Private Buyer for £368,000 (est. in excess of £100,000*) in a sale of Finest and Rarest WInes.

Bidding was vigorous with the highly sought-after lot contested by two telephone bidders and a room
bidder. When the hammer finally fell, the price far exceeded expectations. Commenting on the sale,
Stephen Mould, Head of Sotheby’s European Wine Department, and today’s auctioneer said “We had
expected and indeed received a lot of interest from Europe and Asia in this special lot but we were delighted with
the result, which set a record for a single wine lot sold by Sotheby’s in London and the second highest price for a
wine lot sold at Sotheby’s.** The final price demonstrates how wines of such exceptional provenance sell for well in
excess of high estimate.”

This century-spanning vertical comprised 136 bottles, two from every year featured (with the exception
of four vintages), from 1892 to the stupendous 2001 vintage. Among these are wonders such as 1896,
1899, 1909, 1921, 1924, 1928, 1929, 1934, 1937, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1955, 1959, 1961,
1962, 1967 and all the great wines of the modern era; not one of the bottles in this collection has ever
previously surfaced from the cellars of the Château.
Serena Sutcliffe, MW, International Head of Sotheby’s Wine department, said: “Of all the great wines
produced in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, Château d’Yquem is widely acknowledged as the most splendid, a
wine that seems indestructible and an unparalleled sensory experience. Renowned for its lusciousness,
concentration, and longevity, it has long commanded the highest prices at auction and is pursued in today’s market
by long-standing and new collectors alike.”

Notes to Editor:

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium.
** $1,051,600 (£557,348) for a unique fifty case lot of Château Mouton Rothschild 1982, Sotheby’s New York,
November 18, 2006, Magnificent Wines from the Park B. Smith Collection – a record for a wine lot sold at auction

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Bidder Etiquette & Auction Rules

With the advent of this web site’s premier “News” section, 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,as more and more internet consumers discover this web site and its obvious benefits. The goal is to educate the general public (the bidders) about the auction method.

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 & Auction Rules are for your benefit, and not for the auctioneers. For more information on the auction industry contact the National Auctioneers Association or the Canada Auctioneers Association.

To contact Tom, visit www.DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com

(c) 2004 Tom DiNardo - All rights reserved.

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“The power of advertising auctions on the internet only generates more buyers.”

How to get 30,772 pageviews of your next upcoming auction sale

Advertising on the Internet can be as easy, or as complicated as an auctioneer wants to make it. With so many Internet options available, this article will help guide auctioneers in how to make best use of their Internet advertising dollars in an economical and effective manner.

Your own website.
Having your own website is the most effective and economical tool that every auctioneer should have as the centerpiece of their branding and advertising campaigns. It is believed that over 50% of an auctioneers regular bidders will choose to use an auctioneers own website as their regular point of contact, but only if the auctioneer takes their website seriously. This doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars annually for your web presence. Bidders want to see a tidy website with clear navigation and easy to read content. Most importantly, they want to see current upcoming auction content with as much detail as possible. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

If your website is out of date, showing past sales as being still upcoming, or not showing any information other than date, time, and location, you will leave a poor impression with your bidders . With services offered by several national auction advertising sales that will power your auction calendar or your complete website, there is no excuse to not keep your website up to date even if you are not computer savvy.

Newspaper / Radio Station websites
Newspaper websites can be worthwhile, or a waste of time and money. Many newspapers see the Internet as a huge competitor to their business model and have their head stuck in the sand and hope it goes away. We all know that is not going to happen.

Other newspapers have a website component that is simply a copy of what their newspaper ad is. If the online newspaper version is available to everyone then it can some value to the auctioneer even if they are charging extra as potential bidders who are not subscribers may use the website to locate future auctions.

If the website is password protected so that only print subscribers have access, their is absolutely no benefit to paying extra for their Internet advertising. The only people using the website are the same people using the print newspaper, so what benefit is there? Even the NY Times recently opened up their complete website to everyone as the subscriber only model was not working for them or their advertisers

Some newspapers also list the sales online with no details , photos etc, are also not searchable, and are also only available for the same week that it is in the paper. These are all things that have very limited value to auctioneers when their are so many more effective ways to reach the bidders.

Only newspapers who have full auction sale content, perhaps even with expanded listings and photos are a good value for auctioneers.

Association websites.
Auctioneer Association websites are a great idea for auctioneers to quickly and easily find information regarding their profession. There benefit as an advertising medium to reach bidders is questionable as they are not usually setup to maximise this feature. Many of the salebill pageviews on websites such as these are only other auctioneers checking out the competition. Since these calendars are usually a benefit of being a member , if you have the time to add your sales you have nothing to lose by adding your sales

Local Auction websites
Most states usually have a local “mom and pop” auction advertising website. Usually started by an auction enthusiast, If they have been online for many years these sites are usually worthwhile advertising with as they have a good brand among local bidders who may use these sites as their primary location to check for upcoming sales. Depending on costs of course, they can be effective and they usually get great coverage in a very local area. They may not have all the full features that the national services use to maximise your Internet marketing. Many of these sites have good Google rank for very specific searches, so it can be worthwhile to be listed just to get a link back to your own website if they allow.

Watch for Part 2 coming soon that will help you go National !

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Had a great afternoon on April 10th at the IDA & REG MIDDLETON FARM AUCTION conducted by Gilbert Gauthier Auctions. A beautiful day and strong pricing made for a great sale.

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Well here’s an idea that will lift your spirits. Wine, Spirits, and yes even Beer Auctions are becoming one of the hottest trends emerging in the Fundraising Auction Industry. I have written about Fundraising Auctions in the past and how they can be a wonderful and lucrative addition to an Auctioneer’s dossier of services that are offered to their clients. If you perform fundraising auctions, then this is definitely an area that you will want to explore.

Wine Auctions are becoming so popular and trendy that they are literally creating their own specific niche in the Fundraising Auction industry. The good news regarding Fundraising Auctioneer job security is that wine consumption is at an “all time high” according to the Wine Spectator magazine, and as such, the demand for wine is increasing, especially in Fundraising Auctions.

There is balance in everything, and for every upside, there is also a downside. The upside in Wine, Spirits, or Beer Auctions is the obvious financial opportunities created for auctioneers, but the converse is that true wine appreciation requires a tremendous amount of knowledge (i.e. pronunciation of the name, grape varietals, taste description, terroir, appellation, vintage, and dollar value of the wine being sold, etc.). If some of this terminology threw you, then needless to say, you have a lot of study ahead of you.

The last thing you want to do is place yourself in an embarrassing situation with your client, or destroy your credibility with your bidding audience. Believe me, they often know much more than we do! You never want to rely on the just the Master of Ceremonies description (if applicable) to the audience either. Also don’t ever fake your knowledge or lack thereof to the audience, as they will spot it right away.

Some sobering advice: Don’t be intimidated! What you don’t know now, you can always learn. So if wine is not your forte`, then perhaps you know about Spirits or Beer? Become an expert in your area. When you are able to answer a client’s question’s asking you to explain the differences between a double or single malt scotch, or you are able to discuss the differences in Alpha Factor between Northern Brewer’s hops or Saalz hops used in brewing beer, then you will be well on your way to becoming an expert or at least knowledgeable about your area of interest.

How do you gain the knowledge? Read everything related to Wine, Spirits, or Beer. Take Classes. Taste (Hey it works for me, and its fun) different wines, spirits, etc. Join clubs. Ask the experts (sommeliers, winery owners, brewers, distillers, etc.). Become a knowledge sponge.

When I got into this field, a fellow wine auctioneer asked me, “Are you ready to upgrade to a new lifestyle?” I knew exactly what he had meant, and briefly his question and the thought had terrified me. I had the epiphany that this could be the opportunity I had always wanted and been searching for. Let me tell you, it was the opportunity I had been searching for, and I have never turned back since.

These auctions will introduce you to influential people, master sommeliers, master chefs, frommagiers (cheese experts), winery owners, etc. These auctions create the networking opportunities of a lifetime. These auctions inevitably create more opportunities for your business. Go out and succeed.

To contact Tom, visit www.DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com

(c) 2004 Tom DiNardo - All rights reserved.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008

AUCTION GALLERY OF THE PALM BEACHES
Sale May 1, 2008
West Palm Beach, FL

Exotic chess sets from around the world will cross the block May 1 when Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches hosts the CCI Auction.

(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – In conjunction with Chess Collectors International’s 13th Biennial Convention in Boca Raton April 29 – May 4, Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches will host the CCI Biennial Auction of chess sets, memorabilia and related ephemera from around the world on May 1, 2008.

This will be the first major chess set auction in the United States since the last CCI Convention in the U.S. in Philadelphia in 2002. This Convention and auction will be will be held in conjunction with U.S. Seniors Open Chess Tournament to be held in Boca Raton. The sale will consist of over 140 lots of antique and modern chess sets and related items consigned by members of CCI and members of the public. Consignment is open to the public as is the auction.

The inventory will include lots like an 18th century Burmese carved figural set, an English 19th century turned ivory set , a 19th century English bone traveling set and an elaborate 18th/19th century French/German Dieppe style carved bone figural set with leather hats. Also included will be a Russian carved mammoth ivory “Knights” figural chess set by Russian sculptor Oleg Raikis, a J. Jaques boxwood and ebony tournament play set from Frank Marshall, U.S. Chess Champion from 1909 to 1936, an exotic Egyptian carved ivory “Pharaoh” figural set, a rare Dominican carved amber “Medieval” figural set, a German 19th century wood, plaster and lead “medieval” figural set and a 19th/20th century Chinese export carved ivory figural set.

The sale will be carried live online by LiveAuctioneers.com and Auction owner Brian Kogan says this may turn out to be one of the largest online chess related sales in history. Extra phone lines will be installed and absentee bids are welcomed. Preview for the sale will be April 29 – May 1 at the Gallery located at 1609 South Dixie Hwy, Suite 5, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. A catalog with approximately forty illustrations will be available. For more information about this sale call (561) 805-7115, email info@agopb.com or visit the website at http://www.agopb.com.

Written by: Fred Taylor
http://www.furnituredetective.com/
800-387-6377

PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR AUCTION GALLERY OF THE PALM BEACHES

RUSSIAN CARVED MAMMOTH IVORY “KNIGHT” FIGURAL CHESS SET - King signed Raikis on the underside. In black and white. King as a bearded male, bishops as hooded monks, knights as horse with armor, rooks as turrets. Height of king 4 3/8″. Height of pawn 3 1/4″. (15000/18000)

RARE DOMINICAN CARVED AMBER “MEDIEVAL” FIGURAL SET -
The king holding a sword and shield. Height of king 2 1/8″. (10,000/15,000)

RARE SWISS HAND CARVED WOOD “BEAR OF BERNE” FIGURAL SET
1890-1910 - One side in a darker wood. Kings and queens wearing crown and holding scepters, bishops with staffs, knights as bears carrying smaller bears on their backs, rooks as turrets with bear’s heads looking out, pawns as squatting bears. The king 3 1/2″ high The pawn 2 1/2″ high. Note: The center for bear carved ornamental subjects in the 18th Century was Berne where the city’s emblem was the bear. In the 19th Century mountain guides during off season would carve sets of this type for sale during the tourist season. (4000/5000)

INDIAN CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET - Raj Shahib style. Early 20th Century. One side with stained bases. King as elephants with howdahs, queen as elephants with open howdahs, bishops as camels, knights as horsemen, rooks as elephants and pawns as troops. Height of king 2 5/8″. Height of pawn 1 1/4″. In fitted box. (1000/1500)

RARE FRENCH/GERMAN CARVED BONE “DIEPPE” STYLE FIGURAL SET - 18th/19th Century. The king and queen in Period costume, the bishops as generals, knights as horses, rooks as castles and pawns as various figures, some with implements. (Cond: minor losses, restorations and imperfections) (6000/8000)

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