We have seen them on the television and whether it is property, antiques or even the junk in our attics, an auction appears to be an easy way to sell something – or find a bargain.

With so many auction houses in Suffolk and Norfolk what is the advice to newcomers from the experts? What is the appeal of an auction… and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

Antiques, household, collectables and objet-d’art:

Suffolk-based James Fletcher worked in auction houses for nearly 50 years and is now a freelance chartered arts and antiques surveyor. “If you watch an auction I guarantee you’ll be hooked. You’ll be on a high!” he laughed, with a gleam in his eye. “If you don’t want to get excited, don’t go to an auction is my advice.” So how is the best way to get started?

“Just go along to an auction and watch to see how it works. After all it costs nothing to attend,” he reassured. James advises that you then go to an auction’s viewing session to see if there is something you particularly like. You should buy an auction catalogue because that means you know exactly what the lot you are bidding for comprises of, and the description in the catalogue also gives you some consumer protection, “You are governed by the conditions of sale, so if you want to retract your bid after you make a mistake you need jolly good grounds. To say ‘I didn’t know what was in the lot’ is no excuse.”

Is it really like the old comedy films when a scratched nose at the wrong time could mean that you are lumbered with a six foot bureau or a stuffed rhino head?

“No! The auctioneer can tell if somebody is going to bid. They know their regulars and if it someone unsure you can see the uncertainty in their face. Don’t be frightened. All bidders have to register beforehand for security, by filling in a form. You are given a number on a card and when you item comes up make your mind up what you want to go to,” explained James. “What you must do is fix a price in your mind. Don’t dither and don’t change the maximum you have decided to bid. Stick to it.”

For more top tips on coming away with a bargain, get the latest January issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life out now in stores and online.