How to join in the bidding

IF YOU are on the hunt for homeware, there are similar auction houses such as John Pye, which sells end-of-line goods from big retailers in 21 hubs across the country.

Lots are subject to VAT and a 20 pc buyer’s premium. So a £100 bid would cost you £144 in total.

Manchester-based Charles Taylor Auctioneers also has fortnightly sales. You must attend to bid.

Or you could try an auction where police sell goods seized from criminals to the highest bidder. For example, Frank G Bowen holds sales every two weeks in Leytonstone, East

London. Others have their own online shops on eBay, such as Sussex Police at: ebay.co.uk/str/SussexPolice-Property-Disposals.

Transport for London (TfL), national rail companies and airports also sell off lost property. Items are usually held for 90 days before being auctioned at various locations, such as Bristol Commercial Valuers and Auctioneers.

Meanwhile, online auction giant eBay has 25 million UK users each month. It sells anything from electric toothbrushes to Princess Diana commemorative plates. Goods can be new or secondhand.