I have probably seen it all as far as auctions go and, though I've been buying at auction for more than thirty years, I still make mistakes, still find things to surprise me. This article is designed to help you avoid most of the problems typically encountered by newcomers and old hands alike.

* Visit as many auctions as you can to learn how individual auction companies operate. There are good, bad and downright ugly auction houses. All auction houses are bound by national and Statutory regulations, and all have their own independent rules detailing what they expect of bidders and buyers and what you can expect of them. Legally, national rules must be displayed somewhere prominent, in the auction catalogue, for example, or on a wall or notice board in the saleroom. Most companies combine national and company rules in one location. Read and make sure you understand what they mean and ask any questions before bidding.

* Remember auction companies vary and what is common practice in one is entirely unsatisfactory in another. Visit a few salerooms purely to view the proceedings and see how other visitors bid, how and where they collect their goods, whether you can pay by cheque, and so on. Some companies allow goods to be taken during the sale, others don