RANDOM THOUGHTS, COMMENTS & LATE-BREAKING NEWS!!

Our first Internet-Only Real Estate Auction was a great success! 

Last fall, we purchased the software which enables Superior Auction to conduct online-only auctions through our website!  Our association with, and membership in, several professional auction groups were the impetus for our decision in our investment!  Keeping up with the technological changes in the world today is imperative in giving both our Buyers and Sellers what they expect…..

The 35 acres recently offered through an online real estate auction sold to a buyer who diligently inspected the property, and all related information, through the Internet only!  The non-refundable earnest money was delivered, the closing date is set, and the Buyer viewed the land physically today for the first time!  If you are a trustworthy auction company, and represent what you are selling honestly, Internet-only Auctions will work!

Superior Auction is very fortunate that our two main contract auctioneers are both professional IT (Information Technology) specialists!  Joe Cicero teaches at a Green Bay college and Larry Schultz (Bucky) is the IT person for a local municipality! 

My favorite advice for my friends and family is to “surround yourself with good people”!  Jerry Anderson, a favorite college instructor when I was earning my associate degree in business management, emphasized the importance of that!  One of the many “good people” that Superior Auction surrounds themselves with is John Helfert, our company coin expert…..

Recently we received some coins from a Wisconsin consignor that looked REALLY good but after John inspected the coins, he found THREE that were counterfeit!!  I am so appreciative of his expertise so that we were able to inform the seller….and NOT offer these ‘very good counterfeit’ coins to an unsuspecting buyer!  Coin auctions are HOT right now – be careful that you trust the auction company that you are buying from!

I am SO excited that Gene (AKA ArtJ) retired after 42 years at Enstrom Helicopter!!  I am SO PROUD OF HIM!!  He started his aviation career in the Army and continued with Enstrom Helicopter as a mechanic.  He was always very diligent about the fact that people’s lives depended on his ability to assemble tail rotor gearboxes, perform customer service repairs, etc. 

His attention to detail, and the fact that he is SO conscientious in everything he does, will be a great asset to our company.   I’ve encouraged him to ‘be a slug’ for a few months, but his first official day off was working the Waggoner Auction! 

We are so excited about Gene joining our company on an ‘as-needed’ basis! (which I think will really be ‘full-time’)… His areas of expertise are enormous!  His mechanical abilities…antique expertise…..research abilities….yeah!!  Gene has over 40 years in the antique arena – including personal collections of records, books, Arts & Crafts Era merchandise, and primitive tools! 

We have a little bit of travel in the future with a family wedding in the ‘Big Sky Country’ of Montana, and some accelerated education in the vintage jewelry field for Nellie, but have still managed to schedule some pretty great estate and antique auctions in July!

The next 15 years should be interesting!  While we certainly plan to keep pace with having more Internet-Only auctions, we will ALWAYS still conduct ‘LIVE’ auctions of commercial equipment, real estate, antiques, coins, vintage jewelry and estate merchandise!

“Bid & Glimmer” vintage jewelry auctions will be scheduled soon – both live and online! Keep an eye on our website as we have some pretty fantastic merchandise that will be on the market by fall, as well as several auctions in the works! 

Tricky Math

It was recently brought to my attention that a local auction company is using “tricky math” in slamming the ‘Buyer’s Fee.’  I am not ever going to get into ‘playing the game’ with this company and will continue to stand on our reputation and integrity.  There ARE a couple of points that should be made however….

Very succinctly, if Buyers are informed prior to bidding, MOST are intelligent enough to decide how much they want to bid.  Professional auction companies have been using this tool (to keep them in business AND able to pay things like liability insurance…workmen’s comp…, etc).  Recent statistics show that 80% of auctioneers nationwide use the Buyer’s Fee as an advantageous tool for securing good merchandise from sellers!

With no comment on the other “tricky math” that was used in that auction company’s post, let’s look at what would happen when he charges the 20% commission that he states on a $15,000 vehicle with no Buyer’s Fee…

STRAIGHT MATH:

The Other Auction Company - 

$15,000 Bid on vehicle less 20% commission = a Seller’s net of $12,000  

and a $3000 commission 

Seller puts only $12,000 in his pocket on a $15,000 vehicle

Superior Auction Company –$15,000 Bid on vehicle 

less 0% commission = a Seller’s net of $15,000  

and a $1,500 commission (Buyer’s Fee)

Seller puts $15,000 in his pocket on a $15,000 vehicle

Now let’s pretend that the Buyer bid less because he knew there was a Buyer’s Fee of 10% and he only wanted to pay $15,000 total:

$13,650 Bid on vehicle less 0% commission = a Seller’s net of $13,650 and a $1,365 commission (Buyer’s Fee) for a total purchase of $15,015

Seller puts $13,650 in his pocket on a $15,015 vehicle

 

Pretty easy math!  Now onward to serving our clients and customers!!

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE IN THE AUCTION BUSINESS!

After my bookselling career with Barnes & Noble/B.Dalton, I would never have thought that I would be lucky enough to experience another profession that was so exciting and fast-paced!  I so appreciate everything that my B. Dalton experience gave me in terms of running a successful business...the exposure to the general public....the opportunity to travel.....the awesome educational venues.....

Owning Superior Auction & Appraisal for the last 18 plus years has proven to be just as much fun....just as much success....even more exposure to the general public.......a whole lot more travel.....and a whole lot more of educational opportunities!!  And talk about time flying!!  It's sometimes hard to believe that Gene & I have been enjoying our auction company for so many years!

My travel has been reduced substantially since I have completed my terms as director and officer positions with the Wisconsin Auctioneer's Association, but I still get to get away from the office regularly!  Last week I instructed a class on Ethics and Professional Conduct for the Wisconsin Auction Institute and later that week presented a mini "Antique Road Show & Auction" for a group of 4-H kids in Waupaca.  I believe strongly in 'giving back' and am always happy to help other people learn about how to conduct their business in an ethical manner....encourage the young generation to become interested in auctions....etc.  It just feels good!!

I'm very excited to learn more about selling jewelry in an upcoming specialty school that will require time away from my business, BUT education is what sets us in front of our competitors.  We learn how to protect our sellers, even AFTER the auction, how to honestly represent the merchandise that we’re selling, and so much more!

If you have never experienced the excitement of an auction, I strongly encourage you to attend one of our upcoming events!  The Loretta Price Estate Auction this Sunday, June 3rd, has many quality pieces of furniture including marble top Victorian pieces to modern very functional items...small kitchen appliances that cost a great deal more than you would expect to pay at auction.....a super gas-concious 1997 Buick Park Avenue.....and a whole lot of great home decor and antiques!!

Check out the other great estate auctions we have in June!  Sunday, June 10th is a great "all-around" auction but is heavily weighted in tools - many of them brand new!  Saturday, June 23rd has 200’ of waterfront real estate set on over two acres with a quality-construction  3 bedroom home in the Oconto area AND an entire household of top-end antiques and household items.....lots of Arts & Crafts Era items!  If you know of someone looking for some PRIME hunting acreage - 30 miles from Green Bay and only a couple of miles from Peshtigo - have them look at our online auction ending on June 19th.  There are three food plots, secluded areas that would be great for a country home or camp and an extensive ATV/walking trail system throughout!

We invested in our own company software last fall that enables us to do "Internet-Only" auctions where you do not have to pay a commission to a second party, AND where you can place starting bids.  It has been a HUGE success, especially in selling specialty items or complete collections!  Although we will always do "live" auctions, we recognized the need to give our sellers worldwide exposure for certain merchandise.....call us and we'll be happy to share our results and give references from very satisfied clients!  We currently have a "Bid & Glimmer" jewelry auction going on which is 'Internet-Only.'  Check it out - it's especially fun to watch the last couple of hours....

We truly do work for our sellers, and not for our own 'fame & glory.'  Past successful events for our sellers have included selling a Grueby Art Pottery vase in a 'David Rago' (Antique Road Show Appraiser) auction for over $10,000!  A painting found at an area estate sale for $250  brought over $9,000 at a recent Sotheby's auction and we encouraged the seller to use that venue!  The point is that even though we have the capability to do 'Internet-Only' auctions, there will sometimes be a situation where a buyer from' Australia' will bid substantially higher if buying from the '"world's expert on Grueby Art Pottery" like David Rago, than they will from any other auction company....we go the extra mile for our sellers!

Very soon you will be able to see on our website the properties that will be sold at the Public Land Auction for Menominee County Michigan in July.  What a lot of buyers do not realize is that there is NO redemption period for the owners so if you're the winning bidder on auction day, the property will transfer without a waiting period!

We have several upcoming auctions in the works, so check our website frequently, and if you are thinking about an auction this year, contact us for a preliminary no-obligation visit!  Our reputation is solid, and we appreciate the opportunity to tell you the difference between choosing us and in choosing other auction companies - get the facts first!  Our results, and our list of references from local banks, attorneys, government institutions and the general public will be influential in your decision.  Our goal is to have "happy campers" AFTER the auction is completed…….

Some OUTSTANDING merchandise has been commissioned to our company to sell before the year is done and we are currently researching.....the best I think is a carving by a 'Master Carver' who Sotheby's has expressed an interest in!  We also have five very unusual cameos including a male figure, a mourning cameo and some 'left-facing' shell carvings – watch for more information on this quality merchandise!

A Note of Appreciation for Another Successful Year in the Auction Industry

It's been a long time since we posted...BUT we have been very busy this auction year!  2011 brought us a variety of auctions.  YES, we all LOVED the "Candy Auction" and who wouldn't?  But there were several other exciting auctions in the past year - both for Superior Auction and for our clients!

The Johnson Dairy Farm brought us many surprises as our clients opened up the barns the day before the actual auction!  Our 90-year-old collector of firearms produced some awesome firearms and related merchandise!  The Menominee County "Tax Auctions" of real estate produced some happy buyers. In the past, people thought that there was a redemption period for the owners and didn't bother attending - we've changed that thought process. Our Menominee County Treasurer, Diane Lesperance, is an auction-savvy person and has gained significant dollars for the County.

The Twin Oaks Utility Contractor's Auction in Suamico was amazing - not only in the number of buyers attending but also in the overall prices received for the equipment!  Our client was very helpful in supplying contact names for buyers of heavy equipment that we added to our database, which helped to produce the right buyers for the excavators, skidsteers, and other heavy equipment... Thanks, Julie!

Besides the restaurant equipment, hobby farms, heavy equipment, and real estate auctions in 2011, we also sold interesting merchandise at estate, antique and specialty auctions. 

Superior Auction has a wealth of experience in selling estates and antiques, and started our company selling in these areas - AND still love doing it!  YES, we are a little more careful about which estates we will contract for, but we will  always steer you to another reputable auction company if we can't service you.

In 2006, Superior Auction created a "subdivision" of their company called "Bid & Glimmer" Auctions.  The reasoning for the division was that there is a lot of costume and vintage jewelry in the majority of estates, and there is a very limited audience for that type of merchandise.  Since 2006, we have created a large lollowing of buyers of costume jewelry, through our "live' Bid & Glimmer Auctions, and through our presence "world-wide" with Internet Auctions.

The 2012 auction calendar is looking very promising!  Look forward to a prominent local estate auction, as well as auctions already contracted for commercial equipment, a well-known retail operation, a jewelry auction, a consignment auction of coins from several local estates, and some real estate auctions.

I'm currently "trying not to work" as I recover from some foot surgery.  Hopefully, all of you who have had to agonize with my pain along with me during auctions, will be relieved from watching that happen!  (Thanks for your support)!  Doc says I should be walking and driving again by mid-January...

APRIL 16TH AUCTION HAD IT ALL!

Yes, it did!!  Rain...wind...snow...every weather element except for sun and warmth!!

Last year we started our onsite, outdoor auctions in early April and the weather was beautiful!  You just never know what weather April will bring, and our clients, for various reasons are willing to take the risk. 

Though the weather was vicious, the offering of great merchandise proved that "Mother Nature" won't keep the buyers away.  OVER 350 BUYERS attended the auction for a client who is moving to Albuquerque and who had operated a large, mobile candy store with her partner in "warm-weather" states.

The main auction for Don & Sandy consisted of "top-notch" tools, quality contemporary furniture, commercial equipment, and some really neat home decor items.

Most Buyers waited until close to auction starting time to arrive because of the weather, so the lines were long waiting to register at 10:00.  (I delayed as long as the crowd would allow:) Thank goodness for our computerized system as it really helped to reduce the line quickly!

Tools & equipment sold first, and prices for the name-brand, quality and "in great condition" merchandise sold strongly to already "soggy" bidders.  Next we moved to the warm basement where all of the furniture was displayed, and experienced some heated bidding:)

And THEN......we moved to the backyard, which looked like "Tent City."  The largest of the enclosed tents held more commercial equipment, as well as some great home decor items.The crowd grew even larger as the 1:00 start time for the candy store inventory approached and we saw a lot of new faces.  Our office manager, Jennifer, was very creative in marketing the candy inventory to shop owners, school booster clubs, Waterfront Parade participants, and many other targeted groups for the inventory.

By the time the "Candy Auction" started, I had already changed clothes twice!  Thanks, Mom & Pa, for the extra ones!

I am so appreciative of our "Auction Family" - customers, on & off-duty staff, and new attendees,  that assisted in moving those 25 & 30# boxes forward on the candy runway while I was selling!  That was truly a "warming" experience......

Outstanding prices, a huge crowd, great merchandise, targeted marketing, and super clients made for a very successful auction - in spite of that crabby Old Mother Nature.... 

And then to top it off, I received the following email just a few days after the auction:

"My auction took place on one of the worst weather days of the year but due to Nellie and her extremely friendly, efficient & experienced staff, the turn-out was fantastic and the auction was a huge success!  Everything was perfect and I could not have been happier!  Attitude and experience is everything and this crew has it all!!"   Sandy Paul

(Thanks from all of us for the kind words Sandy.....)  Check out the "Highlights" Section on our website to view some of the realized prices for this auction.

UPCOMING UNIQUE AUCTIONS

What a fun start to the 2011 auction season!  We're very excited about our upcoming auctions, including one contracted for recently from Shawano, WI!  This lovely, elderly woman and her late husband collected Brewerania for almost 60 years!

I felt like I was in a Brewerania Museum when I first visited......beer trays on the ceiling.....shelves and shelves of German steins, mugs, beer bottles......... signs........tap handles.......lights......Every surface was covered with Brewerania - including the ceilings!!!

Watch for information on this collection as we start preparing for a couple of Internet online-only auctions AND a live auction!  The live auction, which will be held in the Shawano area, will feature an antique Seeburg jukebox, Pachinko trade stimulator, National Cash Register, Art Pottery, Carnival Glass, and a whole lot more!  Of course, we will also be selling German steins & mugs, beer trays, lighting fixtures, bottles & cans, and 100's of other Brewerania collectibles at the live auction! 

We also just contracted for another unique auction, scheduled for April 16th in Marinette, WI.  These folks are moving to New Mexico and are selling everything from tools to quality furniture to commercial equipment to cases and cases of recently purchased bulk & boxed candy!  They recently operated a mobile candy store in several states.

We've posted a brief description of the auction on our website auction schedule and will be adding an inventory list of the candy, and a list of equipment.  Hold off on buying for Easter until this auction  - we'll be selling a lot of novelty and nostalgia cases of candy!  And I sincerely mean "a lot!"

If you would like to get on our auction notification list, please send us your email address!  Check out the upcoming auctions and join us if you can for a day of  friendship and fun!!  (Oh yeah, don't forget to bring your wallet........:)

STRONG PRICES REALIZED AT WINTER ESTATE AUCTIONS

We had the honor of conducting two fantastic Oconto area estate auctions to start our 2011 auction season!  The first was for the late Colonel Walter and Margaret Heise and was held in the Abrams, WI area at the Pensaukee Community Center in Brookside on January 22nd.  Walter was a well-known area auctioneer for many years and as is typical in many auction companies, Margaret and their daughters were actively involved in the many auctions they conducted over the years.

The weather cooperated for driving, the hall was packed, the food was good, the merchandise offered was varied and everyone had a fun time!  The Heiseys had a lot of antiques, and prices were strong!  Even Walter's vintage auctioneer hats sold well!  Other auctioneer-related items included his old speaker system, hundreds of the over-sized auction bills that used to be posted on barns & telephone poles, and several early issues of the National Auctionner Association magazines.  Walter was very active in the professional auction associations - both in Wisconsin and at the National level.

On February 12th, we had the late Bud Haltaufderheld's estate auction in the same location.  I learned at the Heisey Estate Auction that everyone called Bud "Bud Ha-Ha" because his last name was so hard to pronounce (and I understand that he was a pretty fun guy...)!  This auction again had a ton of antiques, as well as a large amount of "NOS - new old stock" jewelry, as Bud operated the 41 Karat Jewelry Store in Oconto for decades.  Jewelry buyers came from Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chicago and the local area.  Gold was HOT, as well as sterling silver. 

Jewlery stores in the past carried an extended array of fine merchandise including crystal, sterling silver flatware & serving pieces, china and porcelain.  The 41 Karat Shop was a top quality store that only carried the finest, and we were excited to offer a Waterford crystal 5-arm Comeragh chandelier, several sterling silver pieces, tons of gold, diamond and precious gemstone jewelry, and several original oil paintings by desirable artists.  The crowd showed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to purchase these quality items with fast and furious bidding!  I think everyone who attended had fun, and most left with a treasure or two!

Check out some of the Auction Highlights on our website for some of the prices realized from both auctions!  Watch for more estate auctions, and specialty auctions of coins & vintage jewlery that are scheduled over the next couple of months......

And THANKS to everyone including the bidders, clients, and our hard-working staff for your part in our success!