Auction Terminology

Auctioneers are generally nice people, they are well aware that at least one third of the audience is new to auctions, so they nearly always make the newcomers welcome. Here are some common terms that are used; hopefully they will help you feel more confident.

Auctioneer - Person or Persons conducting the auction and doing the calling.

Bidder - Person bidding on an item. Hopefully you!

Box Lot - Most regular auctions are full of box lots. These are boxes containing random items. They are great fun to look through and can usually be bought at a bargain. (There will be no box lots at Granny’s Auction.)

Bidder Number & Card - The bidder number is the number you are given when you register. The bidder card is the card your number is written on. You hold it up each time you want to bid. You can also use this as a handy note card. About half of an hour before the auction starts we will announce that it is time to register for your cards. It does not cost anything to get a card but you have to have on in order to bid.

Calling - The fast talking that the auctioneer does, also known as the chant.

Ring people - People who help at the auction, moving items around and 'spotting' looking for people who are bidding and calling them out. This gives the auctioneer an extra pairs of eyes, and ensures that we see your bid.

Consigner - Person who brings items to an auction to be sold.

Clerk - Person who records who buys what. You should never talk to the clerk during the auction; this can lead to costly mistakes for the auctioneer, and the consigner.

Left Bid -  A bid placed on an item prior to the auction beginning. Also know as an absentee bid.