The Importance of Auctions

Sports memorabilia can be found in many places, whether the items are used or new. They aren't limited to the items sold at a game, the Olympics, sports stores, or hobby shops. Nowadays online auctions have jumped onto the bandwagon of importance, achieving more popularity because of easy access to the auctions. No wasting gas, standing in line, fighting the crowd. Many are accessible twenty-four hours a day with a simple click of your mouse.

There are some towns, such as Paris, Texas, that have been known to host television auctions for their local citizens. Anyone able to tune in to their channel could bid on their items for sale. If you win the bid, you are contacted; you drive down to the office and pick up your newly acquired treasures. No worries about anything getting lost in the mail.

Of course, some people prefer the regular walk-in auctions for the excitement, the chance to get out of the house, and the opportunity to meet other sports fans and discuss memorabilia in person with other enthusiasts.

It is possible to find sports memorabilia at any type auction that offers miscellaneous merchandise, including estate auctions, it could be a hit and miss effort. To be assured of sports-related items, it's a less risky venture to attend a sports auction or charity auction featuring sports memorabilia.

Charity auctions can charge a handling fee for each bid you submit, also asking each bidder to answer a special question before being allowed to bid on a particular item of interest to them. This may protect them from less serious bidders or someone who doesn't recognize the value of an item upon which they choose to bid. If you wish to submit an item to an auction, you may be charged a consignment fee.

If the auction is a legitimate, honest one with a solid reputation, you can eliminate or limit third party authentication. Make sure you do your research in this area as well. Check the reputation of the auction house. Find out how it handles any disputes or questionable sales or merchandise. See if there are any complaints against it or against someone who may be a regular seller who is involved with it.

Guests who bid on an imposter item and discover this sad fact can bring negativity to auctions, so it is to the benefit of more than just the guest that the items be authentic. Not to mention that the guest may be furious, vowing never to return, and spreading the word against the reputation of the auction house.

Word of mouth is a great reference for reputable auction houses. Join groups of other sports collectors. Ask coaches, players, sports enthusiasts, teachers, doctors, and other parents for their input on any nearby auctions. Check out magazines or books that may contain information on auctions.

Anything touted as authentic and sold cheap is questionable. Even at charity auctions, just because an item is donated to the charity doesn't mean it should sell cheap. Charities are especially attempting to bring in as much money as possible to benefit their cause. They don't want fake merchandise either.

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