Furniture auctions are a great way to find unique pieces of furniture for your home. However, there are some important things to know before you bid. Below I will address how I find these auctions, how they work, tips for winning, and FAQs. I will also share my experience with the furniture auctions near me.
Map of Furniture Auctions Near Me
For “Furniture Auctions Near Me”, see the map below…
What is a Furniture Auction
A Furniture Auction is an event where furniture is sold to the highest bidder. They are a great way to find unique and antique pieces of furniture at a fraction of the cost. Furniture auctions are also a great way to get rid of unwanted furniture.
How Do Furniture Auctions Near Me Work
these events usually operate like any typical English auctions. There is an auctioneer who will take bids from the crowd.
Typically a low starting bid will be set by the auctioneer to entice bidding action. Each bid increases the price incrementally. The person who bids the highest price for the piece of furniture will win the auction.
These events can be held online or in person.
Registration
Many furniture auctions will require you to register before you can start bidding. This is usually done to ensure that only serious buyers are participating in the auction. You will need to show ID and prove your ability to pay.
The Inspection/Preview Period
These auctions usually have a preview period before the actual auction starts. This is your chance to inspect the furniture and decide if you want to place a bid. Check the condition of the piece and ask as many questions as you would like to the event staff.
Payment After Winning
If you are the highest bidder on a piece of furniture, you will need to pay for it immediately. Furniture auctions usually require cash or a certified check. Be prepared to pay for your purchase before you leave the event.
How to Find Furniture Auctions Near Me
Internet Search
The best way to find furniture auctions near me is to search online. It’s common to search for “Furniture Auctions Near Me” and find local results. You can also try “Furniture Auctions” +”[Your Zip Code]”.
Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find furniture auctions near me. A lot of auction seekers, do not look here for deals. Google Events will list all the big auction houses, but also smaller venues that may be holding furniture auctions. Many of these are one-time events. This means less competition and more inexperienced bidders. You can find these auctions and dominate!
Try it out: Search Google Events | Furniture Auctions Near Me This Month
Government Surplus
A great place to find furniture is via government auctions. Here are my favorite site for finding surplus and seized furniture:
Specialty Auctions
There are a few types of auctions that have furniture to bid on, but they aren’t specifically furniture auctions.
They are auctions for:
What to Bring to a Furniture Auction Near Me?
When going to a live public furniture auction near me, I like to bring a few things like:
- Cash or a checkbook. Many furniture auctions do not accept credit cards.
- Measuring tape. This will be used to make sure the piece of furniture you are interested in will fit in your home.
- A friend or family member with you. They can help you carry the furniture if you are the winning bidder.
- A truck or a car big enough to transport anything you win.
Things to Know Before Bidding a Furniture Auctions Near Me
Before bidding on furniture, there are a few things you should know.
First, do not get caught up in the moment and overbid on a piece of furniture. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the auction and overspend.
Second, always inspect the furniture closely before bidding. Furniture is sold as-is, which means you cannot return it if you are not happy with it.
Finally, make sure you have a way to transport the furniture if you are the winning bidder. Furniture is often very heavy, and you will need a truck or van to transport it.
If you have questions about live public auctions, read our FAQ.
What Type of Furniture is Auctioned Off?
These auctions can include all types of furniture, from antique to modern. You can find chairs, tables, sofas, dressers, and more.
Most will have a mix of different styles and brands. This allows you to find a piece of furniture that is perfect for your home.
Can you find Antique Furniture?
Yes, antique furniture is often auctioned off. Antique furniture is any piece of furniture that is over 100 years old. Your typical furniture auction though likely won’t have antiques. Antique furniture is commonly auctioned at specialty auctions specifically for vintage furniture.
If you are interested in bidding on antique furniture, make sure you know the value of the piece before bidding.
Will The Furniture be Used or New?
Most furniture auctions near me have used furniture. This is the type of furniture that is most commonly auctioned off. There are some however liquidation events that feature new furniture.
Used furniture can be a great deal if you are looking for a piece of furniture that is gently used. However, make sure you inspect the furniture closely before bidding to ensure it is in good condition.
Will I find Office Furniture?
You might find some, but I would recommend going specifically to an office furniture auction to find better deals.
Finding a Furniture Auction House…
When looking for a furniture auction house, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you want to make sure that the auction house is reputable and has a good track record. Usually, I like to use Google Business and Yelp to read reviews.
Second, you want to make sure that the furniture being auctioned is in good condition. Most furniture auctions will post a catalog online for what is being auctioned on what date. You may even be able to go inspect the pieces beforehand.
Lastly, you need to consider proximity. Furniture is large and should you win it how will you transport it. Are you picking it up or are they shipping it? If you can’t get it right away, will they charge you to hold it?
Tips for Winning at Furniture Auctions Near Me
Now that you know all about furniture auctions, here are a few tips to help you win:
- Know the value of the furniture before bidding. This will help you stay within your budget and not overspend. Look up the prices on eBay beforehand. This should help you frame your bid to an upper and lower limit. Take notes about each piece you want to bid on and keep it in front of you during the event.
- Inspect the furniture closely before bidding. Furniture is sold as-is, which means there are no refunds if you are not happy with it. Look for anything that may increase or decrease the value. Ask yourself questions like is this rotted? is this broken? is that mold? Do I need to spend more money to restore it? Does it need to be re-upholstered?
- Have a friend or family member with you to help carry the furniture if you are the winning bidder. Furniture is often very heavy and difficult to transport.
Furniture Auctions Near Me – Conclusion
These events can be a great way to find unique pieces of furniture for your home. However, there are a few things you should know before bidding. Make sure you inspect the furniture closely and know the value before bidding. Also, make sure you have a way to transport the furniture if you are the winning bidder. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find a great piece of furniture at auction. That’s what I have learned from the furniture auctions near me.