Bidding Tips

Our auctioneers move the bidding along at a rapid speed, auctioning 80-100 lots per hour (that’s typically less than 1 minute per lot). Bidding can close especially quickly on lots that are not receiving a lot of activity, particularly when the only bids received are from online marketplaces such as LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable. Be prepared to bid as soon as the bidding opens and to bid promptly and decisively.

The variation in time it takes to receive transmissions from your preferred bidding device is known as Internet latency. It may take a few seconds for your bid to register or for you to receive the final call notice. During that time, the auctioneer may close the bidding on that lot in real time and your bid may not be counted.

While live bidding online can be accomplished over a standard WiFi connection, a computer or laptop that has a hardwired connection to your Internet service will be more reliable and have less latency. You should avoid live bidding over your phone’s wireless network (LTE) as this method of connectivity is the least reliable.

Placing a maximum absentee bid and then watching live during the auction to bid higher if necessary is an effective bidding strategy. Bids left in advance are executed competitively at Case, and we will not automatically jump the bidding to your maximum bid. For example, if you leave a maximum bid of $3,000, but the highest underbidder competing with you only bids $2,000, you will win the item one increment above $2,000 ($2,100).

Attending the auction in person is always the best way to ensure your most competitive bid is received. Secondly, you can register for a telephone bid where one of our staff members will bid for you by proxy while on the phone with you. Lastly, you may submit a written absentee bid in advance directly with Case. For details about these alternative bidding options, please visit our Bidding Details page.