Confessions of an Auction Addict: 57 Years of Chasing Treasures (and How You Can Too!)

Before we dive back into the rabbit hole of weird and wonderful things people collect, let’s take a step back. How did I end up down this road? More importantly, how can you start finding incredible treasures of your own?
It all started in 1969 at Ray Shaub’s auction house in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. I was just six years old when I bought an antique porcelain jardiniere for my grandmother. She was the one who sparked my lifelong obsession. And let's be honest—it is an obsession. We collectors always tell ourselves, "Just one more piece..."
Fast forward to today: I have been buying other people’s stuff for 57 years and selling it for 55. My very first sale? A vintage Hubley fire engine sold to a neighborhood kid.

The Best Secret to Sourcing: Go to the Auction Capital

Over the years, people always ask me: "Where do you find all this great inventory?"The answer is in my roots. I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which I consider the absolute auction capital of the world. Growing up there, you could find live, in-person auctions seven days a week—sometimes two or three happening on the very same day.
While estate auctions remain my absolute favorite go-to, the game has completely changed. You don't have to hunt through the back pages of the newspaper's classified section anymore.

The Modern Hunter's Digital Toolkit

The internet has opened up a goldmine for treasure hunting right from your couch. If you want to jump into the game, these are the exact platforms I use:
AuctionZip.com: My favorite starting point. Simply type in your zip code and choose how far you are willing to drive to find live, local auctions.
ShopGoodwill.com: Did you know Goodwill has its own online auction? This is where they send their highest-end, premium donated merchandise. Insider tip: Always check the shipping costs before you bid to make sure the item is still a good deal!
HiBid.com & Auctionology.com: These giant platform hubs host thousands of independent auction companies. Online auctions have exploded in popularity since COVID-19, and these sites are packed with daily action.
CTBids.com: A fantastic online marketplace dedicated specifically to downsizing and estate sales.

The Rookie Guide to Surviving Live Auctions

In 2006, my wife and I got married. She has a deep love for vintage costume jewelry and used to spend hours hunting through antique malls and thrift shops. I decided to take her to a live auction down in Florida, and it completely blew her mind. She realized she could buy an entire box filled with jewelry for the exact same price she used to pay for just one or two pieces at a boutique. She keeps the ones she loves, sells the rest, and funds her hobby!
If you want to try your luck at a live auction, it is incredibly fun—but it can be fast and confusing. If you aren't careful, you might think you are bidding $5, but by the time the auctioneer spots your hand, you're locked in at $15!

To keep you from losing your shirt, write down these golden rules:

Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Give yourself plenty of time to register, grab your bidder number, and preview the items up close.

Everything is "As-Is": There is no such thing as "I didn't realize it was broken" once the hammer falls. Inspect everything during the preview.

Watch the Fees: Almost every auction charges a "Buyer’s Premium" (a percentage fee added to your winning bid total), plus local sales tax. Read the fine print!

Listen to the Lingo: Listen closely to the auctioneer before bidding starts on a lot.
"Choice": If there is a group of items, you are bidding for the right to pick one item out of the lot, not the whole pile.
"Times the Money": If there are 5 matching chairs and the auctioneer shouts "times the money," your winning bid of $20 means you are paying $20 x 5 = $100.
Set a Hard Budget: It is easy to get competitive and caught up in the adrenaline of a bidding war. Decide your maximum price before the bidding starts, and stick to it. Never let ego outbid your wallet.
     What about you? Are you ready to hunt for your first treasure, or are you already an auction addict like me? Let me know the coolest item you've ever found in the comments below!

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