bidding

Buffalo ND

Saturday was a glorious day at the auction — not only was it a beautiful day, but it was the perfect combination of sight seeing, story telling, and successful bidding.

We arrived in Buffalo, North Dakota with no more address than that; but with a town population of 220 or so, all you need to do is look for the auction signs & follow the arrows — if the roads lined with parked cars aren’t a big enough clue. When we arrived the auction was already in progress. We got our paper number “paddle” and ventured toward the crowd around the first of several trailers. While nearly the whole town was there (including those who apparently arrived by riding lawnmower) along with outsiders like us, the auction was held outside and so there was plenty of room to see what was up for auction as well as wind about to look at the trailers of stuff waiting to be sold.

Our Tabor Auction Paper Bidding Paddle

It was quickly clear to us which trailers held the most interest for us — the boxes of paper and books stood out to us as if they were “hot” and we wore infrared goggles. But it was also clear that we’d have competition. Here, there are no pretenses as people inspect each item in the box with critical, calculating eyes. It’s not just other collectors, but dealers. And it’s not just those we’ve come to recognize, like the brunette with the ponytail who always goes for antique & vintage kids’ toys, but many dealers proudly wear t-shirts and ball caps with their antique shop name on them.

It became pretty clear that we might just return home empty handed up against much deeper pockets. But we never let that stop our fun.

Tabor Auctioneers

Like viewers of The Price Is Right & other game shows, hubby & I guess what the winning bids will be & just who that bidder will be. Both require a bit of knowledge and some luck, for unlike The Price Is Right, these items will not be sold at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price or even what those guides say it book’s at. (And one has to remember more than faces, but who is the paper guy, the children’s book lady etc.)

We bid a few times too, but as predicted, we were quickly out-bid.

But after an hour or so of such guessing games and too-low bids, I began to pout. “I’m not gonna get any junk today!” I whined. From my whiny lips to the great auctioneer in the sky’s ears — I won two boxes of vintage sewing patterns for just $2!

Two Boxes Of Vintage Sewing Patterns

From then on, we were on a roll. A cheap roll of $1 and $2 boxes, with a few other higher-priced items too. Like this Suzy Homemaker Super-Grill.

Suzy Homemaker Super-Grill Box

Finally, I get a Suzy Homemaker item! Hubby said, “$7.50? You didn’t even look in the box!” To which I giggled, “Hey, I’m happy with just this snazzy box for that price — you know how I feel about neat old empty boxes!”

But of course, it wasn’t empty. It’s actually very, very clean too!

Retro Suzy Homemaker Super-Grill

I could have been happy with just that for the day — along with our games. But the day wasn’t over yet… We continued to win a few other goodies, which we’ll write up individually later (we promise!).

Wearing Hats & Masks Up For Auction

We still lost a few gems, but now the auctioneer was joking with us. “What are you gonna do all winter?” he goaded us, trying to get us to increase our bid on a box of old puzzles. We didn’t budge our bid (the sewing patterns will keep me busy, ey), but such friendly banter always adds to the festivities.

And the staff at Tabor Auctions is ready and willing to make their auctions a hoot. For example, when hats & masks were up for auction, the handlers were wearing them, much to the delight of the audience. (No, I didn’t win a single hat — not for lack of trying, but there were some serious hat collectors and dealers who must specialize in vintage fashion willing and able to out-bid me.)

When the first two trailers were cleared off, we decide to load our new-to-us treasures into the van and eat a little lunch before they got to trailer #4 — our magical trailer of books. What happened next?

You’ll have to read part two on Thursday to find out!

As written in my last blog, we have been enjoying Julie’s Auctions for many, many years. When we asked her if we could take a look behind the scenes, she most graciously accepted and invited us to see what went on before the first paddle was raised!

Sunday afternoon we went to Clifford’s Restaurant in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. It was early afternoon but the back hall was already bustling! Julie was there and greeted us and told us to take whatever pictures we wanted. She also suggested that we speak with all of her staff. They were just beginning the process and the tables were in disarray, being put into place at her direction.

Crates and boxes were overflowing and we saw furniture and treasures being brought into the hall. We’d been to a lot of auctions through the years but never really stopped to consider how much work it was to prepare! Her team of 11 people started at 1:30 and expected to be there past 7:00! It seemed almost eerie to see all the empty chairs!

The first person we talked with was her head cashier, Barb. She’s been working for Julie for over 20 years. It is a true ‘family affair’, since Barb is married to the auctioneer, Dan. They have three lovely daughters and they have all grown up in the business. Dan told us their oldest was in diapers when they started working with Julie! We remember when they’d sit at a back table, coloring or drawing, and now participate by holding up the items for presentation to the bidders. Dan said that the girls have learned to appreciate the antique market this way and have found items at yard sales or thrift shops and brought them in to sell. They have been able to profit from their experience and at a very early age!

We gave the crew some space and came back a few hours later. Boy, what a change! The tables were now neatly arranged and filled with items of interest. This looks like it will be a good one!

At the “jewelry table” we found three ladies, helping to put the ’sparklies’ into cases according to lot number and description. Sharlene has been with Julie the longest, well over 10 years! She helps to load up the truck, unload and also is involved with the set up. In addition, she will do some presenting at the sale tomorrow.

Elaine has been there 5 years and helps with set-up and check-in of bidders during the auction. The third was “the other Julie”, who has been working there for about 3 years. “The other Julie” has been collecting jewelry for over 15 years and was very knowledgeable.

We asked if they determined such things as ‘gold content’, or identified unmarked pieces. They said that the owner, Julie, had several sources for that process. They assured us that Julie wants to get the most for her consignors and also give a comfort level to bidders that they are purchasing items ‘as stated.’ They had very kind things to say about Julie, as an employer and praised her for her honesty and integrity. You can tell they have a high level of respect for her!

Since they have such a large variety, Julie draws from her own knowledge as well as ’seasoned experts.’ One of her staff is very knowledgeable in militaria, another has furniture as his area of expertise. Mark, another long-time employee, has toys as his specialty.

We stopped another member of her staff, Charlie, who was setting up furniture. When asked how long he’d been working there, he stated “14 years!” Being very young looking, we had to ask if he’d been recruited out of 8^th grade. He laughed and said his mother was Sharlene, and she’d known Julie for a long time.

When he was old enough, Julie asked if he wanted to work for her. His response was positive and he’s been there ever since. He helps with loading and unloading, not just at the time of the auction, but often when a consignor wants items picked up, or Julie needs help moving things in her warehouse. He, as all the staff, truly seemed to be enjoying it!

We asked Julie what percentage was consignment vs. her ‘private stock.’ She said it is probably 85-90% consignment. Julie just recently added a modest 5% buyers fee. Many other auction houses are charging 10-12%. She is proud that there is no minimum and no reserves!

So, Monday will be the big day. We’ll head over to watch the auction, and maybe raise a paddle as well! This sneak preview convinced us there will be some super items. Can’t wait to see what this large, Steiff dog on wheels will bring. They even had it bark for us when you pull the ring! And what about this adorable papier mache’ rabbit with the ears that are on springs! Bet hubby will be ‘hopping mad’ if over-bid on this one! Be sure to check back on Friday for the results of the auction and find out if my marriage can survive my raised paddle.

We have been going to a local auction for many years and have always enjoyed it! The people are friendly, the items are constantly varied and of good quality. And they really move along.

I contacted Julie Ziniel, the owner of Julie’s Auctions, to see if she would be able to shed some light on what handling such an ‘event’ is all about. She was kind enough to comply. They are going on their 25^th year of continuous monthly auctions, so she surely knows her stuff. The auction is held at Clifford’s Supper Club, 10418 W. Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. (Hales Corners is a small suburb of Milwaukee.) They are always held on Monday evenings with previewing from 3:00 to 6:00.The first item goes up for bid at 6:00 promptly!

We attended last month’s auction, held on February 25^th, and as usual, found some neat items. Furniture included a child’s mission oak rocker, a pressed back office chair, and two carved 1920s tables. There was a fine offering of advertising pieces too including items for those into breweriana. (This is close to the “Beer Capital” you know!)

She had a large selection of jewelry, from costume to opals and diamonds and garnets, a significant group of paper memorabilia, some beautiful antique china, elegant glassware and lovely figurines. She tells me that this month will have some real surprises.

Julie has offered us a ‘primary behind the scenes’ which means we can attend the set-up whuch takes place on Sunday afternoon, prior to the sale (her next one is March 31^st.) Consignors begin bringing their items in between 3:00 and 5:00. She was very proud of her staff, many of whom have worked for her for over 20 years! They work independently and have quite a project to complete in a limited amount of time. She likened it to ‘moving an antique shop and having it ready to open for business in a 9 hour period of time.’ That sure puts things into perspective for us.

For those who might want to check out one of her auctions, you can go to http://www.juliesauctions.com You’ll find information on her service, terms for buyers and consignors and a list of items in her upcoming auction. You can also get directions to Clifford’s Supper Club. They have some yummy food throughout the auction as well as a full bar. It is a non-smoking environment which lets you focus on your bidding!

Hubby and I will plan to attend the set up and talk with the staff. We will take photos of some of the items before they go on the auction block and will plant to report back in my next blog with the results(Friday, April 4^th.) Sound like fun?