15 Tips to Navigate Online Auctions Like a Pro!

Everything I’ve learned from years of scrolling, bidding, and (sometimes) winning—plus two auctions to keep on your radar and one in-person furniture event happening in Atlanta.

Happy Monday! This week, I wanted to do something a little different and share my best tips for navigating online auctions—plus a couple of upcoming sales worth browsing. 15 of my best tips are below!

One of the questions I get most often? Shipping. It can feel like the trickiest part, but it doesn’t have to be. Most auction houses share a list of recommended shippers, either on their own website (not the LiveAuctioneers page) or by email if you ask. I usually send a quick message to each shipper with the lot number, pickup address, and my shipping address to request quotes. It’s always worth comparing—pricing and timelines can vary more than you’d think!

My old dining room as seen in House Beautiful!

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Tips for Finding Great Deals on Online Auctions

1. Start with the Right Tools

Download the LiveAuctioneers app and also visit their website via browser to create an account. It’s one of the most widely used platforms for estate sales and auctions worldwide. Other options include Invaluable and BidSquare, but I personally prefer LiveAuctioneers for its interface and search functionality.

2. Shop Local (When You Can)

Use the “Find Auctions” dropdown to discover sales near you. Shopping local means:

• You may have the option to preview items in person.

• You can skip cross-country shipping costs, which can add up fast.

3. Search Smart

Play with search terms:
Try filtering by designer, decade, color, material, or style. For example, searching “Bunny Williams” pulls up both items consigned by her and pieces from homes she’s designed. It’s worth experimenting to see what gems pop up.

4. Set Alerts for What You Love

Save searches for designers, brands, or keywords so you’re instantly notified when new items are listed. I have over 100 saved searches—it’s one of the best ways to stay ahead. A few of mine: Tom Corbin, Parish Hadley, Christopher Spitzmiller, Bunny Williams.

5. Do Price Research

Use past sales to see what similar items have sold for. LiveAuctioneers makes this easy, and Invaluable has a helpful tool for it as well (even if I rarely use the site otherwise).
Want twelve Herend dinner plates in a specific pattern? Check past sales to get a feel for fair market value before you bid.

6. Know Your Designers & Styles

The more familiar you are with fabrics, makers, and historical styles, the better you’ll be at spotting value.

• Read design magazines and coffee table books.

• Follow tastemakers on Instagram.

• Visit showrooms, estate sales, and trade shows when possible.

A few favorites who’ve helped me learn: Katie Armour, Rita Konig, Kate Brodsky, and the visual world of KRB.

7. Look for Market Gaps

There are categories where demand is down—but quality is still high:

• Brown furniture (like mahogany or walnut) is often overlooked = great deals.

• Silver, crystal, and china are widely available and go for pennies on the dollar.
  Changing tastes mean more opportunity if you’re into classic pieces.

8. Always Measure!

Double-check dimensions before you bid. They’re usually listed in the item description, but if not, ask the auction house. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget scale.

9. Shipping: Get Quotes Ahead

Shipping is the #1 thing people ask me about—and for good reason.
Most auction houses share a list of preferred shippers on their own websites (not on LiveAuctioneers).
I usually email all recommended shippers with:

• The lot number

• The pickup address

• My shipping address

Quotes can vary a lot, so always compare. If their prices seem high, try:

• Googling other freight companies

• Asking a designer friend in that area who they use

10. Factor in All Fees

Besides the hammer price, consider:

• Buyer’s premium (typically 25%–30%)

• Shipping

• Repairs or upholstery

That $150 bid may turn into a $600+ purchase quickly. Always calculate total cost before clicking “Bid.”

11. Timing Affects Pricing

Sales that launch with short windows or weekday morning start times often fly under the radar.
Whether it’s poor planning or not, they can be your best bet for deals.

12. Sales with Buzz Cost More

If a sale is tied to a celebrity estate, buzzy designer, or charity, expect heavier traffic and higher prices.
That said, when sales are quieter or under-promoted, that’s your moment.
I once scooped up a piece for $350 that didn’t sell in a buzzier sale but reappeared the next month with fewer eyes on it.

13. Look at Passed Lots & Post-Sale Offers

If an item doesn’t sell, it may:

• Be available post-sale (often at half the starting price!)

• Roll into the next auction at a discount

• Be relisted due to non-payment

Always email the auction coordinator and ask. I’ve scored Stark rugs for $62, Bennison love seats for $75, and more this way.

14. Do Your Homework on the Estate

If a sale comes from a single owner or estate, Google the name or property address.
You might find press coverage, designer info, or even a full house tour online.
Some of my best finds have come from homes that belonged to the former CEO of Lehman Brothers, Judith Leiber, and Katie Ridder clients.

15. Learn to Trust Your Eye—and Be Patient

Like physical estate sales, online auctions require:

• Patience

• Willingness to make a few mistakes

• A sharp eye developed over time

The more you browse, the better you’ll get. And the next incredible deal? It could be a click away.Please keep me posted on your finds via here or instagram!

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Learn Auction House Lingo!

A few key terms that’ll have you sounding like an old pro at your next estate sale or auction:

• Buyer’s Premium

  
  The additional percentage a winning bidder pays on top of the hammer price. This is how auction houses make their money—and it adds up.

  • Big names like Sotheby’s or Christie’s typically charge:

    • 25% on the first $100,000

    • 20% on $100,001–$2 million

    • 13.9% beyond that

  • Smaller or regional auction houses usually stick with a flat 20%–25% no matter the price.

  • Online platforms (think LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, HiBid) may tack on an extra 3%–5% if you’re bidding through their portal.

  💡 Pro tip: Some auction houses offer a small discount if you pay by check, wire transfer, or show up and bid in person—worth checking!

• Hammer Price
  The final bid amount announced by the auctioneer when the gavel falls. This is the winning bid—but it doesn’t include the buyer’s premium or any applicable taxes. Whether the item officially sells or is passed (unsold), the last called bid is still referred to as the hammer price.

• Lot
  A single item or a group of items offered together as one unit for bidding. Each lot is assigned a number and described in the auction catalog or listing. If it says “sold as one lot,” everything in that group goes to the highest bidder.

• Price Realized
  The actual amount paid by the buyer: the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium (and sometimes taxes or online bidding fees). This is the final selling price you'll see listed in auction results.

• Provenance
  The documented history of ownership of an item, especially important for art, antiques, or collectibles. Provenance can enhance value by establishing authenticity, revealing connections to notable owners, or placing the object in a historical context.

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Upcoming Sales:

Online Auction Spotlight: The Collection of Carole Harris
🎯 Hosted by Stair Galleries
🗓 Live Auctions: June 17–19

The late Carole Harris—co-owner of River Ranch and a passionate collector—assembled an extraordinary trove of furniture, art, jewelry, and decorative objects over three decades. Her refined eye and love of craftsmanship shine throughout.

Upcoming Sales:

• Fine Jewelry: The Collection of Carole Harris
  📅 June 12 at 10 AM EDT | Featuring Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb
  👉 View Catalog

• River Ranch Part I
  📅 June 17 at 10 AM EDT | English, Italian & French furniture, fine art, silver, and more
  👉 View Catalog

• River Ranch Part II
  📅 June 18 at 10 AM EDT | Decorative arts & furnishings
  👉 View Catalog

• River Ranch Part III
  📅 June 19 at 10 AM EDT | Final chapter of her curated collection
  👉 View Catalog

Also worth a browse:
🪑 The Collection of Alton Arnall Thomasson
📅 Live on LiveAuctioneers now → View Catalog

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Side note: An Atlanta Sale You Don’t Want to Miss!

What: Mathews Furniture + Design Sidewalk Sale

When: Friday, June 20^th and Saturday, June 21^st | 10am – 5pm

What: Tons of great deals on designer home products like furniture, art, rugs, and lighting! 50% - 75% off top brands like Hickory Chair, Baker, Century, Chaddock, and so many more.

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