Question: What types of things are sold at auction?
Answer: Virtually anything! At Boltz Auction Company we sell a wide variety of personal property including antiques, fine art, collectibles, furnishings, jewelry, decorative pieces, glassware, china, firearms, tools, appliances, automobiles, real estate, and more. Check our AUCTION CALENDAR for more information about the items we'll be selling.

Question: Do a lot of people attend auctions?
Answer: Auctions are a time-honored tradition and they continue to be very popular. Most people who attend an auction quickly discover the thrill of bidding and the overwhelming feeling of being on the hunt for treasure. If you've never been to an auction, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming sales. Check our AUCTION CALENDAR for more details.

Question: Who can bid at auctions?
Answer: Our auctions are open to the public and everyone is welcome to come and bid. Check in at the registration table where we'll take your name, address, etc. and provide you with a bidding number.

Question: How do I bid?
Answer: If you want to bid on an item simply raise your bidding card and make sure the auctioneer sees it. Once your initial bid is acknowledged, the auctioneer will come back to you if others bid higher. To continue bidding either continue to raise your bidding card or nod your head. When you no longer want to bid shake your head and the auctioneer will know you are through bidding.

Question: Why does the auctioneer talk so fast?
Answer: The auctioneer's "chant" is necessary because there are usually many items to sell in a short amount of time.

Question: Does an auctioneer need a license?
Answer: The state of Pennsylvania requires that all auctioneers be licensed and bonded. In addition, Boltz Auction Company is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association.

Question: What is a buyer's premium?
Answer: This is an amount, either a flat fee or a percentage of the high bid, that is added to the high bid to determine the final sale price.

Question: What is an "absolute" auction?
Answer: In an absolute auction, once the bidding starts the item will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price. In a reserve auction the seller can either accept or reject the highest bid.

Question: Can I look at the items before the auction?
Answer: Yes. Because most items are sold "as is" we encourage you to preview the items before bidding so you'll know exactly what you're getting and you won't be disappointed. Check our AUCTION CALENDAR or the auction notice for more information about previewing the merchandise.

Question: What do I do once I've purchased something?
Answer: When you're ready to leave go to the registration table to pay for your items. Payment is required on the day of the auction. In addition, items should be removed from the premises on the day of the auction. Let us know if you need to arrange for delivery.

Question: Do people really sell real estate at auction?
Answer: Yes. More and more people are discovering the advantages to buying and selling real estate of all kinds at auction. Check our REAL ESTATE SECTION for more details.