Preparing for auction day: Bring these items

Mar 09, 2017

A good auction experience starts with the correct items and equipment in your truck

IN THE SHOP with Rachel

By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com

Be prepared. You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to make this motto a part of your life. When it comes to auction day, preparation is the key to getting great deals.

In my last installment in the spring auction playbook, I wrote about my recipe card method for bidding success. If you haven’t read the article, check it out – two notecards can make a huge difference in your ability to be a prepared bidder.

As a licensed auctioneer who specializes in farm equipment, I’ve sold tractors in every weather condition. Rain or shine, sleet or heat, I’ve been there. Over the years, it’s become apparent that the best deals go to people who stick it out. The worse the weather, the better the deals. If you’re a buyer, then hope for a horrible forecast on sale day!

The trick to sticking out an auction sale is preparation. That’s why it’s so important to pack your truck with the things you’ll need to be comfortable outdoors and to enable you to get your purchases home.

Here it is – my auction day packing list:

Layers of clothing for any sort of weather the season might throw at me. In March, when Michigan (my home state) is notoriously fickle, bring everything: raincoat and rain pants, waterproof boots, warm jacket, heavy coat, work boots, warm hat, ball cap, insulated gloves, work gloves and extra socks.
Food. My frugal mother taught me to pack a lunch on sale day to save money. Even if the lunch waggon prices don’t bother you, what will you do if it doesn’t show up? Having a small snack in your pocket – a granola bar or packet of trail mix – means you don’t have to leave the auction ring when you’re hungry. And if you buy a lot of tractors and stay late to load, you can have something to eat once the lunch waggon is long gone.
Bottles of water. Pack a case in a cooler and share with your friends. Not only is sharing the kind thing to do, the folks you share with might be inclined to pass on a tractor to give you a good deal because of it!
Notecards. See my earlier post – those notes on what tractors you want to buy and how much you can spend are super-valuable. Don’t forget a pen or pencil, too.
Trailer, chains or straps, winch and other hauling equipment. Your needs will vary depending on what you are interested in buying, but come prepared for the best- or worst-case scenario.
Basic tools. If you’re mechanically inclined, you might be able to do some quick triage work on the non-running tractors you buy and get them running enough to load under their own power. A set of tools, a jump box, fresh gas/diesel and some starting fluid can go a long way.

With this list, you’ll be prepared for any auction day. Happy bidding!

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