Have you ever been to an auction?

I have told you I work at Happy's on Wednesdays.  At Happy's, the front of the store is dedicated to items that different people make or find to sell in the shop.  The middle of the building houses "gently used" furniture and home decor.  At the very back is where auctions are held. 

I thought I would share how auctions go in case you have wanted to attend but was unsure of what to expect.  So here we go...

This is the front

of Happy's in Ayden

(534 Third Street in Ayden).  Sorry...this is a poor picture!

At Happy's the auctions are usually once a month on Sunday afternoons.  We have an email list of people who are interested and we notify them of the date and when they can view ahead of time.  Sometimes, people just go to  www.auctionzip.com and look us up. We post a list of the items to be auctioned and some photos and room views of things to be auctioned.  Many people view ahead of time because they can leisurely browse items to see condition and consider pricing prior to bidding at the auction.  Usually the auction is set up by Thursday before the auction on Sunday afternoon.

 You come through the door to the middle portion of the building...

At the end of the long counter there will be someone to take your name and give you a card with a number...

See the yellow cards in the left hand corner...you get one and  and find a place to sit.   If you want to bid on an item, you raise your hand or your card.  If you win the item by bidding the most the auctioneer will annouce your number as the winner.  There is someone sitting at a computer that inputs your number and the item and how much the item sold for...

 Pat Persinger is the auctioneer.  She is very funny and always says interesting things to keep the audience's attention.

There are people who walk up and down the aisles showing the items that are being auctioned (if they are not too big to hold).

 Some people come to the auction right from church, so they always have good food to eat...delicious hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, chips, and awesome desserts (like Dutch Apple Pie or Strawberry Shortcake or Banana Pudding).

 Here is the last of some rich, chocolate, cream cheese thing...it never lasts long.  We are thankful to Barney Barker for the grilled hot dogs and Janice Hardee for the desserts.
Notice!!!  They are not small servings.

 

 

 We also have Smoothies.  Once you see someone drinking one, you automatically want one yourself. 

Here is Pat pointing at someone who is bidding

and in the background is her daughter and business

partner, Laura Todd.

When you are ready to leave or the auction is over, you check out at the place you picked up your card.  If you use check or cash they charge a buyer's premium of 10%...with credit cards and  debit cards it is 13%.

The greatest thing about coming to an auction at Happy's is

you always

leave feeling like

you are FAMILY.

Remember, God is always at work around us and often shows Himself in the most “unexpected” ways.

         Pat