Hogben's Handy Hints for Auction attendance

Read Michael's 50 top tips to advance your auctioneering abilities.

Always view the lot before you bid.
Read the catalogue description carefully and check for any disclaiming phrases such as "in the school of", "in the style of" or "after such and such period".
Ask for the condition report if you intend to bid by phone, or are leaving a commission bid with the auctioneer.
Bid with confidence, but don't get carried away and bid more than you intended to.
Unless the lot is unique, another one will turn up one day.
Never be afraid to ask the auctioneer for his or her advice.
Check the saleroom's Buyer's Premium, which will vary from 10%-25% and may also have V.A.T.
Do not base your buying or selling price just on price books, the quality and condition of an item is always an important factor.
Do not feel unlucky; you make your own luck in an auction room.
Remember that if an item has been restored the value will always drop.
If buying a lot that needs restoration, check the cost of the additional work before you bid.
A piece of furniture made up of various pieces - a 'Marriage' - will be cheaper but harder to spot, look closely and see how well it sits.
If a dinner or tea service is a couple of items short you will get it cheaper and then have fun tracking down the missing pieces.
Always go with your gut feeling; first impressions are nearly always right.
You can restore and repair everything except glass.
If you aim to profit from a collection of items, build your collection in one field and then sell it all in one specialist auction sale.
Never buy antiques or collectibles without getting a receipt.
If you are selling on a stall, at an Antiques Fair, or in a shop, always 'Display Well to Sell Well'.
Always haggle when buying at a fair or in an antiques shop, most traders will give a 10% discount, some even more.
You can often buy cheaper things at antique fairs later in the day because traders want to minimise what they take home.
'Early Birds Catch the Worm'. To ensure the best choice, go to fairs early to find your bargain.
Charity shops can be a great source of vintage clothing and the odd collectible.
You can't rummage enough when visiting a general auction sale or car boot fairs, you'll be amazed at the bargains found at the bottom of boxes.
If you are starting a collection, stick to one field and concentrate on learning as much as you can, you will be an expert before you know it.
If selling, get two or three people's opinions on the price to make sure you are offering the right price.
If you need to reference items viewed in an auction sale, most local libraries have a reference section on antiques and collectibles.
Modern household furniture and fittings can be bought cheaply in general auction sales; you could furnish a house for £500 or less.
Beware of buying electrical items; don't be afraid to ask to plug it in, especially televisions and fridges.
Restoration is acceptable if the item is a rarity, otherwise steer clear of restored items.
Silver is a great investment and it is very hard to fake.
'All that Glitters is not Gold'; if it has no hallmark you will need to test the gold content.
Sometimes a picture frame can be worth more than the painting or print enclosed.
If investing in antiques, think of current trends. If something's in vogue then it will cost more, but if it's not so fashionable but has potential, it could be a better buy.
If silver jewellery has a small gold tip on the clasp, it normally means it is platinum.
Becoming an antiques dealer is easy, making money is the hard bit. When you start, keep a close eye on your profit margins.
When bidding, stick to what you know; costly mistakes can be made with impulse buys.
Antiques are the keyhole to the past. In their day they were contemporary, but now they capture a moment in history and time.
You can never stop learning about antiques; there is always something new on the market.
Make yourself known to the auctioneer, they will guide and advise you in the right direction if you need help.
If the porters are helpful, tip them, you will be amazed what inside information they have.
If you are buying a 'big lump', check the delivery cost first; especially for pianos.
Don't talk about the 'one that got away'; be positive. There are plenty more fish in the sea.
If you are a trader, always think profit not passion.
Dealers and traders need to survive too so don't ever begrudge a man a profit.
Don't be afraid to invest in Modernist furniture, as lots of money has been made by investors who spotted future collectibles.
If you are wearing designer labels hold onto them. Top names such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, D&G, and Versace will show you a profit one day.
Even modern technology is becoming collectible so hang onto old mobile phones, computers and handheld games.
If you want to collect blue and white china there are many other patterns apart from Willow. Keep your eyes open for unusual shapes and designs, especially those with animals.
If you're seriously collecting jewellery then invest in a diamond tester, it will cost you a few quid but it will make life easier.
The Victoria & Albert Museum has one of the world's largest reference libraries on Art, Antiques, and Artefacts, with experts on hand to advise you.