Tumbleweed Auction, LLC

Serving Southern Arizona Since 2000

Attending Our Auctions

Attending Our Auctions

Attending an auction can be a nervous experience.  Disregard the urban legends about scratching your nose and buying a car or the person that scratched their ear and bought an expensive piece of fine art.  Don’t be frightened by such tales. Auctioneers are professionals and realize when you are bidding and when you aren’t.  If you have questions, contact one of our Tumbleweed staff members and they will be happy to assist you. 

Don’t be intimidated—Auctions are Fun!

Here are some basic tips you should know when attending an aution.

Dress comfortably.

Remember, it might be hot/cold outside but the air conditioning/heat might be working overtime inside. An average auction lasts 4-5 hours; bring seating if needed.


Show Up Early.

Arriving early will give you time to get familiar with your surroundings and, most importantly, it will give you time to preview the merchandise or items being sold. You can see the items close up and start planning for which items you will make bids. It also allows you to review the terms and conditions of the sale and ask questions.

Inspect.

Carefully inspect any items you're interested in. Are the items complete and in good repair? Do you see other people looking at the same items?  Items for sale are numbered, use the catalog to make notes.


Make Sure You Register.

Anyone who bids must have a bidder number and this can only be secured through registering prior to bidding. The process is free, easy and requires no deposit.  Upon initial registration you will need to sign in, provide a government issued ID and provide a telephone number.  Each time you attend just sign in and show your ID.  Upon completion you will receive a bidder id card with your bidder number on it; good for the day.  Hang on to this card as it is used to identify you to the auctioneer and record your purchases for the day.


Be Prepared to Bid.

Bidding is simple. But, if you're doing it for the first time, it can be intimidating. Here are some general guidelines: 


     1. Make sure you clearly understand the terms and conditions of the auction before making a bid (these will be posted at the auction site, written on the back of your bidder card and stated verbally before the start of the auction).

     2. Listen closely to the auctioneer. The auctioneer will determine the increments of bidding. If you are having a bit of trouble understanding the auction chant, plan to listen for a few minutes and get a feel for it before you jump in and begin bidding.

     3. Be sure you make eye contact with the auctioneer when you bid.

     4. The process is fast, so if you wish to bid, quickly raise your hand or shout                   out loud—don’t hesitate.  For more information on how to bid see Ways to                     Bid, below.


Set a Price.

What are you willing to bid? You should have a number in mind so you don't go way over your budget in the heat of the moment. Dont't forget to include your total costs, like buyer’s premium and state and local taxes.


Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!


Auction Catalogs

An auction catalog is a list of items to be sold, in the order they will sell. Each item has a "lot number," which denotes its sale order, and a description. Catalogs are available online and are usually posted at our website just prior to the auction. Printed auction catalogs are available at the auction site upon request.

Ways to Bid

Auctions are open to the public and free of charge.  Tumbleweed Auction offers different ways to bid and participate in the auction. 

     1. Bid in person at the auction. 

     2. Place an Absentee bid in advance of the auction. 

     3. On-Line pre-bidding and online interactive bidding (When Available).

How to Place a Bid


During the Auction

          •     In order to bid at an auction, you need to make the auctioneer aware of you. To do this, hold up your bidder card or raise your hand. If the auctioneer does not immediately see you, shout “Yes.” The auctioneer will then take your bid and turn to seek another bid. If another bid is received, the auctioneer will return to you to ask if you want to bid again. Simply continue to say “Yes” or hold up your bid card again to stay in the bidding.  To remove yourself from the bidding process simply shake your head “No” when the auctioneer makes eye contact with you.

After the Auction

          •     After the auction is over, or when you are done bidding for the day, it is time to pay for your purchases. Visit the cashier, and they will check you out and issue you a receipt so that you may leave with your merchandise. Tumbleweed Auction accepts Cash, Check, Debit Cards, Visa, Master Card, Discover Network Cards and American Express Cards.

          •     Don’t forget to plan ahead.  All items must be removed from the premises by the end of the auction.  So make sure you have adequate room to transport your items from the auction site. Delivery, packing, shipping, or loading services are not included in the bid price. If these or other auction services are desired they must be coordinated with Tumbleweed Auction, LLC, prior to the auction. If Tumbleweed Auction resources are available to support these services, additional fees will be charged.  Make sure you have a way to get the items you purchase packed properly and home with you safely. For more information see FAQ’s.


Feel free to contact us with any additional questions about attending an auction.