Internet bidding
When did it happen? Why is the auction and resale industry I love so “not” mainstream? It’s a question I have asked marketing professionals, economists and just about anybody that finds what we do fascinating. If you can tell me, I’ll be forever in your debt.
For one, there’s a stigma attached to it. Many are simply intimidated, which stems from a lack of understanding or fear of it. And still some just don’t even know it’s a happening. I want to address a few of these things to see if I can strike a chord with you.
Once common
The auction and estate reseller industry has been a subculture for years, but it was not always so. At the turn of the 20th century it was one of the most common ways to buy goods.
Farmer Ted would “buy the farm” then you go to the auction and buy his stuff. It was the fair market at work. You would bid against your neighbors for the things you wanted or in most cases needed.
As we became spoiled with “stores” we slowly drifted from this purchasing method. After the war when America got great the first time, we had wealth and didn’t need to purchase in this manner. Perhaps this is when the stigma came in. It wasn’t cool to “slum it” and buy used.
Also the bidding against people, face to face, was and is intimidating instead of seen as fun and sport, as the current sub-culture shoppers do.
The internet bidding removed this face-to-face stigma with the anonymous bidding on eBay, and it flourished in the 1990s.
However, as their model shifted toward a “buy it now” store model, the next generation lost the sportsmanship of the bid again, further distancing new shoppers to the auction method and its charm.
This stigma affects the estate and yard sale also. If you’re into them, you are hooked and in the sub-culture I speak of. You know where to find the deals. Coupon clippings got nothing on yard sales.
There’s an entire hidden economy of people finding deals and making a good living buying and reselling, further keeping the “sub” in culture. Your neighbor is not going to tell you, as he doesn’t want the competition.
The saying “there are no friends at an auction” is cute and can be true, but generally I see the reseller community as very communal — it’s a small, dedicated and everyone seems to know everyone.
Making the rounds
A schedule might be like this. Let’s go to A1 Auctions on Wednesday, J Levine’s on Thursday, Mesa Auctions on Friday, EJ’s Auction on Saturday and wrap up Sunday with Brunks and R&R. And if all these names mean something to you, you are in the subculture and are probably familiar selling at the Brass Armadillo or Merchandise Mart.
I think these industries are the best kept secret in our and every town.
I wish it wasn’t a secret as auctions are a noble way to shop. You are being green and recycling.
You are finding unique and unusual gifts. You are helping your local economy and bottom line. You are saving a fortune and have a great time. I promise, it’s a great time. Whatever you are looking for is for sale within a week or two. And I mean anything. It’s the only true wholesale to the public.
Welcome to the subculture — now go shop.
Josh Levine owns J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale. Contact: josh@jlevines .com or @jlevines1 on Twitter.