Gun Collecting Secrets: How To Use Online Auctions

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Proxibid  is the world’s largest provider of live auction webcasting services and offers firearm's collectors access to thousands of high-quality items each month.
Proxibid is the world’s largest provider of live auction webcasting services and offers firearm's collectors access to thousands of high-quality items each month.

If you’ve purchased firearms at auction you’ve likely experienced the thrill of winning a great piece at a competitive price, as well as the agony of defeat when leaving an auction empty-handed. Online bidding provides collectors with the opportunity to bid on, and win, high-quality pieces without having to travel to the live auction. What does this mean for the average collector? Instead of spending precious time and resources away from work, home and family, collectors who purchase firearms online are happier than ever. They are actively participating in auctions online and because they aren’t traveling, expenses are drastically reduced.

These collectors are spending more time with their families, are enjoying life and are still able to grow their collections – often finding more precious items than before because they’re able to participate in more auctions.

Not all Online Bidding Services are Created Equally

When purchasing firearms online, consider that not all live auction webcasting services are the same.
•    Choose a provider that works with only licensed auction companies to ensure you are acquiring firearms from a trusted source.
•    Be certain that your provider has a proven track record and employs the latest technologies to ensure your bids are accurately represented.
•    Select a provider who offers live audio and video streaming of the event to guarantee the best user experience possible.
•    Work with a provider who offers access to auction archives, which allows bidders the opportunity to research the market value of items on which they plan to bid.
•    Make sure the provider you choose has a secure Web site to protect your online purchases.

While there are several online auction providers, not every live auction webcasting solution emulates the live auction. Be sure your provider allows you to purchase times-the-money, all-one-money, and in buyer’s choice lots – ensuring that you experience the same level of interaction and excitement as if you were at the live event.

In addition to selecting a provider who offers a leading live auction webcasting solution and access to firearms you need, be sure the provider offers world-class customer service and speak with an auction specialist who works directly with bidders on a regular basis to ensure their needs are met as they bid in online auctions.

How Does Live Webcast Bidding Work?
proxibid.comWhen participating in live webcast bidding, it is critical that the bidder is aware of the strategic interaction taking place between your bid, your online provider and the auctioneer. Once a bid has been placed via the Internet, rest assured that a real person – an agent on staff with your provider or a ringman on staff with the auctioneer – will represent the Internet bids until the high bid has been reached and the hammer has been dropped.

Bidding online is easy. Most online auction providers require bidders to have an account to participate in their auctions, and also require bidders to register per event as a means of protecting both the buyer and seller since terms and conditions are unique to each individual auction and bidders must agree to the terms of the auction before they can bid. Auction companies often have varying requirements to be accepted to bid in auctions, such as deposits, bank letters, or previous bid history. Because bank letters and deposits can sometimes be difficult to obtain, allow ample time to gather the required items for your registration well in advance of the auction. Be sure to allow at least 24-48 hours for the auction company to review and accept your bidder registration.

Select a live auction webcasting service that is interactive and intuitive to ensure a smooth bidding experience. Choose the auction in which you wish to participate, launch the online bidding application and audio/video stream and you’re ready to bid.

We recommend selecting a provider that offers bidders the opportunity to leave pre-bids and absentee bids for its auctions. If you cannot participate in a live auction webcast, simply leave a bid, up to your maximum amount, and the online bidding solution will represent your bid, up to your maximum bid amount, using increments that the auction company has set prior to the live auction.

Tips for Effective Live Online Bidding

When bidding online for your next firearms purchase, be sure to consider the following:
•    Research the firearm prior to the auction to ensure you are making an educated purchasing decision.
•    If you have questions regarding a particular piece, be sure to contact the auction company directly prior to the event.
•    Review the auction terms and conditions and be certain that you understand them before you agree to them, including buyer’s fees and shipping guidelines.
•    Register for events as quickly as possible to ensure enough time for approvals.
•    Leave pre-bids to ensure your bids are always represented in the event you cannot attend an auction.
•    Place your bids early and often! If you are interested in a piece, don’t wait to place your bid. Remember, you are competing with other Internet bidders, as well as with those in the live audience and the onsite software operator needs time to represent your bids before the hammer drops.
•    Understand your shipping options and additional costs, including buyer’s fees, and budget accordingly prior to placing your online bid.

Procuring high-quality firearms specific to the needs of your collection can be difficult, but online bidding solutions can help you save precious time and resources. Don’t let all of the terrific pieces crossing the auction block online each month pass you by. Join the thousands of savvy firearms collectors who have already begun procuring pieces online and find out for yourself why more collectors than ever are buying live online.

Proxibid is the world’s largest provider of live auction webcasting services and offers firearm's collectors access to thousands of high-quality items each month.

More Information:
Dana Kaufman, director of Corporate Communications for Proxibid
dana.kaufman@proxibid.com
402.505.7776
www.proxibid.com

About Proxibid
Omaha-based Proxibid brings auctioneers and bidders together for a world-class online auction experience. Since 2002, the Company has worked with more than 2,000 auctioneers to bring more than 23,000 auctions to a global, online audience. With registered bidders from more than 180 countries, no other provider in the industry connects more buyers and sellers than Proxibid. The Company’s proprietary live Internet bidding service and Web site were developed by auctioneers and industry-leading professionals to provide our bidders with the most user-friendly and comprehensive online auction experience possible.

Proxibid’s customer service and support is unmatched in the industry. The company’s toll-free support center is open before, during and after every live auction, and is staffed with bi-lingual auction specialists who assist both bidders and auctioneers. For more information about Proxibid, please visit us online at www.proxibid.com.


Recommended books for gun collectors:

2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms. Click HereStandard Catalog of Firearms, 20th Edition.

Gun Digest 2010, 64th Edition

The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2010, Rifles, Pistols & Shotguns
5th Edition

 

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