Arizona Police Auctions Take Real Strategy
You can get good deals on real estate, autos and other goods at Arizona police auctions, but only if you do your research. Bargains can be had, but so can blow outs. You don’t have to be a world renowned expert on what you are buying to get a good deal, but you do need some basic bidding skills.
Police auctions usually have their merchandise because the previous owners broke the law. They may have lost their homes or their vehicles or other merchandise. The owners may not have been able to pay a particular penalty. You can find merchandise in excellent condition at auctions, but you need to take a careful look at what you are buying.
Always attend the preview
The most important rule in attending Arizona police auctions is to also make a point of attending the preview of the auction. You can get a good idea of what will be on the auction block and can inspect and examine the merchandise beforehand. Items bought at auction are rarely covered by warranty, so if it breaks, it’s your repair bill.
At the previews, make a note of any items you are interested in, and then go home and research them on the web. Read product reviews, particularly consumer reviews. See what similar items may be selling for on Ebay. Look into any recalls that may have been issued.
If buying autos at Arizona police auctions, watch for signs of flooding. During Hurricane Katrina, more than 570,000 cars were lost to flooding. Many of these try to pass themselves off at auction. By law, these flooded cars are totaled by insurance companies, but many will be recycled to a used car status. Run a Car Fax report on the Internet using the Vehicle’s Identification number (VIN) found under the corner by the driver’s side front window. This can tell you details about the car’s history such as whether or not it has been flooded.
Don’t forget the taxes
The price you pay on items at Arizona police auctions is always higher than your bid. You’ve got to add in taxes, which can vary from state to state. There is also a buyer’s premium, which varies according to the auction. Don’t forget the buyer’s premium when caught in a bidding war. Be prepared to pay the full amount.
Watch over bidding
It’s easy to be swept up by the excitement. Always come prepared with a highest bid decided for any item you plan to bid on. Don’t go beyond, no matter how tempting. The point of attending police auctions is getting an item for considerably less than you would anywhere else. You can easily lose this advantage of you get caught up in the excitement of a competitive bidding war.
Arizona police auctions take research, planned bidding limits, and a keen eye for bargain hunting. They are an exciting way to spend an afternoon, but remember there is real money on the table. Be careful and don’t go beyond your limits. There are bargains to be had, but it takes an experienced and eye to know the good from the bad. Do your homework before auction day.
Deb Weidenhamer is CEO of Auction Systems, the Southwest’s most active auction and appraisal company. Check out our Arizona police auctions, or call 800-801-8880 for more information.
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