Live public toy auctions can be really fun events to attend. They are part nostalgia and part action and excitement. These events are often well attended and often come with media attention. In this article I will address where to find toy auctions, how they work, what are they like, and some winning tips. I will aslo share my experience with the toy auctions near me.
Map of Toy Auctions Near Me
For “Toy Auctions Near Me”, see the map below…
What Are Toy Auctions?
A toy auction is a public sale of rare or vintage toys, in which bids are placed on the items up for sale. While there are many auction types, at these, the highest bidder wins the item. Toy auctions can be held online or in person, and they are usually conducted by professional auctioneers.
How Do Toy Auctions Near Me Work?
Toy auctions typically follow the same format as other types of auctions. The auctioneer will start the bidding at a certain price, and then attendees will take turns placing their bids. The opening price is usually low enough to entice bidding action. The auction will continue until there are no more bids, at which point the highest bidder will win the item.
To bid at an auction, you will need to register first. Registration means proving your identity and provide proof of the ability to pay. Registration is where you get a bidding number and paddle.
Live toy auctions near me, typically have an inspection period. This is where you can inspect the toys for quality and condition. You can also ask questions about the items during this time.
It’s important to remember that you are not obligated to bid on anything at an auction. If you see an item that you’re interested in but you’re not sure if it’s worth the asking price, feel free to walk away. There’s no shame in being a savvy shopper! If you do place a bid, a bid is a legally binding agreement that if you should be the highest bidder, that you will pay the final price.
How to Find Toy Auctions Near Me?
If you’re interested in attending a toy auction, there are a few ways to find one near you. The easiest way is to search online for “toy auctions” or “vintage toy auctions.” This should bring up a list of upcoming auctions in your area.
Another option is to check with your local library or community center. They may have information about upcoming auctions in the area. If you know any collectors or other people who might be interested in attending a toy auction, they may have some good leads for you. A great place to also check is Facebook Groups related to vintage toys and SubReddits related to vintage toys.
Pro Tip: One of my best kept secrets is using Google “Events” to find vintage toy auctions near me. There will be various toy auctions listed on Google Events, but the key is you may find some smaller local ones. Attending these locally sanctioned toy auctions, often means less comptition! Try Google Events here: Toy Auctions Near Me This Week
What is a Toy Auction Event Like?
If you’ve never been to a toy auction before, you might be wondering what the event is like. First, it’s important to remember that each auction is different. The size of the crowd, the types of toys up for grabs, and the overall atmosphere can vary depending on the specific auction.
That being said, there are some general things you can expect when you attend a toy auction. First, it’s generally advisable to arrive early so that you have time to look around and get a feel for the items up for sale. The bidding usually starts soon after the doors open, so it’s important to be ready and registered.
Depending on the type of auction, you may even see people in costumes. This is particularly true for Anime toy auctions and Star Wars toy auctions.
Once the bidding begins, things can move quickly. It’s important to pay attention and be in a place where the auctioneer can see and hear you.
What Kind of Toys are Auctioned?
The types of toys that are auctioned off can vary greatly. Some auctions specialize in vintage or antique toys, while others focus on more modern items. It’s important to do your research and figure out which type of auction you’re interested in attending.
Some of the most popular toys that get auctioned are:
- GI Joe
- Barbie
- Star Wars figures
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Voltron
- Star Trek
- Buck Rodgers
- Marvel Comics
- DC Comics
- Lego sets
Some of the most popular items at toy auctions include action figures, dolls, model trains, and Lego sets. You may even find sports trading cards. However, really anything could be up for grabs! If you’re looking for a specific type of toy, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask if it will be available at the auction. Many auctions will have a catalog available or website with the items listed online before the event.
In general, the best way to find out what kind of toys are being auctioned off is to simply show up and take a look around! This is part of the fun of attending an auction – you never know what you might find.
What Kind Of Fees Do Toy Auctions Charge?
When you attend a toy auction, you can expect to pay a few different types of fees. First, there will likely be an admission fee to get into the event. This is generally just a few dollars, but it can vary depending on the size and popularity of the auction.
In addition, most auctions charge a buyer’s premium. This is a percentage of the final sale price that goes to the auction house. The buyer’s premium is generally between 15 to 20%. So, if you win an item that sells for $100, you can expect to pay an additional $15-$20 on top of that.
Finally, some auctions also charge a fee for each item that you purchase. This is generally just a few dollars, but it can add up if you’re buying a lot of items.
Before you attend an auction, it’s important to find out what fees you’ll be responsible for. This way, you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprises!
Tips For Winning at a Toy Auction
If you’re planning on bidding at a toy auction, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of winning.
- Know what kind of auction you are attending. Toys is just to general. Is there a genre or a theme. Some auctions are specialized for example Barbie auctions or GI Joe auctions. There’s nothing worse than getting to an auction and realizing that you have no idea what kinds of toys are being auctioned.
- It’s important to arrive early and take some time to look around. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the items up for sale and how much they’re worth. If you plan bidding, don’t wait to register. You can miss out on items you want to bid on if you are not registered. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the auction before you start bidding.
- Know what toys are worth before you get there. Once your there use your phone to find comparable merchandise online so you can understand what it sells for.
- Inspect any toys you are interested in. Even if it’s in a box, look for tampering and question everything. Don’t be afraid to ask crazy or strange questions. The staff at the auction house will be happy to answer any questions you have. If something looks off about a toy, make sure you estimate it’s value properly.
- Set a budget and stick to it. That way, you won’t get caught up in the excitement and spend more money than you intended. Once the bidding starts, pay attention and bid quickly if you see something you want.
- Finally, remember that auctions are fast-paced and chaotic. Things can happen quickly, so it’s important to stay calm and focused. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and take a deep breath.
Toy Auctions Near Me – Conclusion
Toy auctions are a great way to get classic toys potentially for less then market value. It also may be your only way of getting a rare toy to add to your collection. These are fun events and often very nostalgic, but people get caught up in the hype and sometimes bid with emotions. Know your budget, know the real value of the items, and know when to bid. This is what I have learned from the toy auctions near me.