Bidding Strategies

Various bidding strategies can increase your chances of success in Kolbe & Fanning sales. Several examples follow.

All or Nothing Bids: When a set or run of a particular publication is offered as individual lots, an "all or nothing" total bid on the lots involved will increase your chances of success, and items already in your library can be deleted from such a global bid.

Either/Or Bids: When there is more than one example of a book or catalogue in a K&F sale, you will increase your chances of success by placing an either/or bid. You can also, if desired, express a preference if condition or edition differs and, accordingly, bid different amounts.

Limiting Total Expenditures: If you wish to limit the total amount spent, please write a note at the top of the bid sheet, i.e., "Limit Total Purchases to $1000," and then bid on the lots you wish to purchase in their order of preference.

While the first above strategy is generally inoperable in a public auction, except in special circumstances mutually agreed upon before the auction, absentee either/or bids and a limit on total expenditures are possible options, though both are restricted by the lot sequence in which the desired items are to be sold.

Live Internet Bidding: This option is offered in some of our public auctions and, though a small additional service fee is involved, it approximates attending the auction in person.

Use of an Agent: This option can be quite effective, especially if the agent chosen is an expert in the field. Upon request, Kolbe & Fanning may be able to suggest possible independent agents.