Toronto and the city’s surrounding communities that make up the GTA will have tons of antique auctions this spring and summer. If you’re planning to head out to visit them – and potentially make some bids! – you may want to keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you ensure that whatever you bid on or bring home is perfect for your needs.

1. Find out all you can about what’s being sold before the auction begins.In some cases, a partial or complete listing of what’s being sold at the antique auction is available for potential bidders. This list will come in handy, especially if you’re in the market for a specific item.
2. Write down any antiques you’d like to own. This could be a kind of “bucket list” for you as an antique lover! Perhaps you’ve always wanted a unique sideboard, or you crave a watercolor by a particular Canadian artist. If you have special types of items, such as copper kettles or cookware, write them down. Carry this list with you.
3. Make sure you don’t bid on anything you can’t bring home. It’s so tempting to purchase large furniture, especially if there aren’t many other bidders at an antiques auction! Word to the wise, though: Always have a way to bring the item home, as well as make sure you can get it through your doors. (Some furniture does come apart, so ask before you bid if you see something that you know won’t make it through your back, side or front doors.)
4. Make sure you can pay for your items. Always have cash or credit cards handy when you come to an antiques auction with a desire to place bids. It’s embarrassing if you realize you’re short or left something at home!
5. Stay focused during the bidding. Auctions are exciting, and it can be easy to get caught up in a bidding war. Stay focused so you don’t go overboard and extend yourself.
6. Always buy what you honestly love. Some antiques auctions offer merchandise that may not be intrinsically valuable (yet!), but for some reason is a piece you just adore. Those are the types of items you will never regret bringing back to your house.
7. Ask questions before the bidding begins. If you have any inquiries regarding an item, try to get answers before the auctioneer starts the bidding. Questions asked afterwards won’t help you if you’ve already agreed to buy the merchandise.
8. Get to antiques auctions early. It’s a smart move to get to all antiques auctions as early as you can. That way, you won’t be rushed into making decisions. You may also be able to get a better lay of the land if this is the first time you’ve been to the particular Toronto region auction venue.

Reinhart Auctions will no doubt be part of many antiques auctions in the future, so stay in touch by bookmarking and regularly visiting our events page! We look forward to seeing you soon!