Your first furniture auction can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. How much should you bid? When does the auction end? What happens if you win? Take a breath — we’ve helped thousands of first-time bidders through the process at River City Furniture Auction, and it’s much simpler than you think.
Before You Bid: Get Set Up
Create Your HiBid Account
All of our auctions run on HiBid, one of the largest online auction platforms in the country. Creating an account takes about two minutes:
- Visit our auction page and click “Register”
- Enter your name, email, and create a password
- Add a credit or debit card for payment
- You’re ready to bid
Your card won’t be charged unless you win. It’s just on file so the process is smooth if you do win something.
Browse Before You Bid
Don’t rush into bidding on the first thing you see. Spend some time browsing the catalog. Click on items to see all the photos (we usually include multiple angles). Read the descriptions carefully. Get a feel for what’s available and what the current bids look like.
Bidding Strategies That Work
Set Your Maximum and Walk Away
HiBid uses proxy bidding, similar to eBay. You enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay, and the system automatically bids on your behalf in small increments. You don’t need to sit and watch the auction.
For example, if a sofa has a current bid of $50 and you set your maximum at $200, the system will bid $55 for you (or whatever the next increment is). If someone bids $100, the system will automatically go to $105 on your behalf, all the way up to your $200 maximum.
Research Retail Prices
Before bidding, do a quick search for the retail price of comparable furniture. If a similar dining table sells for $1,200 at retail, you might set your auction maximum at $300-400 (a 65-75% savings). This gives you a clear ceiling and prevents emotional overbidding.
Don’t Chase Losses
If you get outbid on an item, don’t keep raising your maximum out of stubbornness. Let it go and move on to the next opportunity. With new auctions every week, there will always be more deals. Check our current auctions regularly for fresh inventory.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Not reading the condition description. Every item’s condition is noted in the listing. “As-is” means exactly that. Make sure you’re comfortable with the described condition before bidding.
Forgetting to measure. That gorgeous entertainment center might not fit through your hallway. Always check dimensions and measure your space before bidding on larger pieces.
Bidding on everything. It’s tempting to bid on ten items when prices are this good. Remember that if you win multiple items, you need to pick them all up (at our Sacramento and Indianapolis locations) or pay shipping on each one.
Not understanding the buyer’s premium. Most auctions charge a buyer’s premium — a percentage added to the final bid price. Check the auction terms for the specific percentage. Factor this into your maximum bid. Visit our FAQ page for details on current premiums.
What Happens When You Win
Congratulations — you won! Here’s what happens next:
- Payment processes automatically — Your card on file is charged for the winning bid plus buyer’s premium
- You receive a confirmation email — This includes pickup/shipping details
- Pick up or receive shipping — Sacramento and Indianapolis winners pick up at our warehouse during the designated window. Dallas and Houston auctions ship directly to you.
Need more details about the fulfillment process? Our pickup and shipping page has everything you need.
Your First Bid Starts Here
The best way to learn auction buying is to just start. Every experienced bidder was once a first-timer. Browse our current auctions right now to see what’s available. Start with something small if you’re nervous — an accent table, a lamp, or a set of dining chairs. Once you see how easy and rewarding the process is, you’ll wonder why you ever paid retail for furniture.