There are many computer auctions
all over the country, and their quality is variable. The auctions
are not always good hunting ground for dealers because they take
up a lot of time both attending and going through the hundreds
of lots being auctioned. The other disadvantage is that you get
over enthusiastic members of the general public who do not know
at what price they should be stopping at and often end up paying
more than the equipment is really worth, even more than high street
prices. Thsi is why you should be very careful when attending
auctions.
Give yourself plenty of time to
examine the lots before the sale begins. Aquire the auction catalogue:
some catalogues are more descriptive than others - it is up to
you to build up your knowledge of any lots that are offered by
asking questions and examination if possible. Having done that
you should mark how much you would be prepared to pay for any
lot to make its aquisition worth your while, and having reached
a figure, on no account bid over that figure. It is too easy for
bidders to compete with each other and end up paying over the
odds.
It is important to know what you
are buying: it would be possible to purchase say 10 hard drives
at £60 each, costing you £600 plus the auctioneers
commission, only to find that, for example the hard drives had
an outdated interface making them very slow by the present standard,
and of no commercial use at all. Had you made enquiry before bidding
you could have saved yourself £600 plus commission. Better
to go home empty handed than landed with a loss as I have just
illustrated - if any doubt exists in your mind, leave the lot
well alone.
GENERAL AUCTIONS
The best auctions you should be
looking for are the liquidation and bankrupt stock, which are
held all over the country every week. You simply establish with
the auction company if computers are included in that particular
sale, which normally include all manner of other goods such as
electrical, household, soft furnishings etc. It is possible to
aquire branded computers with a shop price of £750 for £100
each.
Liquidators are sending goods to
auction on a very regular basis, so that stock is changing rapidly.
Prices are low due to the liquidator looking to change the goods
into hard cash . When attending these auctions do pay attention
as the auctionerrs may not always follow the cataloge order, nor
may they lump all computer lots together.
