Helpful Hints For Your Day At The Car Auction
It's extremely rare to find a car auction that is open to the public - congratulations! However, due to that fact, you can expect it to be thoroughly packed with tons of people just as eager as you are to snag that great deal. They're going to get pushy, they're going to step on your toes, and they're going to steal your spot if you give them any opportunity to do so.
Most car auctions open to the public are truly an all-day event, and the best deals will come to those who can be patient, bide their time, and wait for the best possible opportunity - or spot one quickly. You need to be comfortable, alert, and thoroughly prepared for everything that will happen.
Get there on time, expect stay late
Due to the massive volume of cars you will find at a car auction, it really doesn't do much good to get there early to give them a once over. Although they might give you a list of what is up for grabs that day, you're not going to remember every single car. Even if you mark the ones you want, chances are a lot of other people might have their eye on those cars too. You're going to have to play it by ear.
However, getting to the car auction any later than the time it actually starts is a bad idea. You need to find parking, put in the required deposit, get your bidder's number, and secure your spot at the front of the crowd so you can give each interesting car a good once over when it drives by. Nevertheless, you can expect to be there all day long.
If it's cold, dress very warm. That includes doubling up on socks and wearing more layers than you think you need. Even though they will drive the cars through a building for the car auction, it really doesn't do much good for insulating the area and keeping it warm. The same goes for summer months. If it's hot outside, it's going to be really hot in the building for the car auction. Dress appropriately!
It's also a good idea to bring a small pack with something to eat and plenty to drink. While they might have a roach coach - food on wheels - at the car auction, don't bet on it, and don't bet on it being affordable either. Plus, if you leave your prime viewing spot unattended for even a moment, should you find your tummy grumbling once the car auction is already underway, you won't be able to get it back.
Additionally, if you even suspect that you might have a hard time standing for the entire car auction - which can go on for eight or even ten hours or more - bring a folding chair. However, the chances of someone squeezing in front of your view are pretty good if you're sitting down. Plus, the auctioneer and auctioneer's helper might not notice if you bid on a car. At the very least, stand up when you spot a car you might want to bid on, if only to nudge that other person out of your way.
Once you get that car
The line to pay out and finish up your paperwork after the car auction is going to be very, very long, and it might take a couple hours. Once again, that folding chair will come in handy. Also, if you can pick up legal plates to put on the new car before you go to the car auction - and drag along a second driver - you can drive your new acquisition home that same day.
