Registering for an
Auction & Bidding

Before you can place a bid at one of our auctions, you must register for that sale. You can find all our upcoming sales listed on our Auctions & Events page – choose the auction you’re interested in and register for it. New bidders will be asked to provide some essential information during registration.

What You Need to Register:

Contact Information: Your full name, current address, phone number, and email address.
Identification: A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and proof of address.

Additional Credentials: For certain high-value transactions, you might be asked to provide a financial reference or place a refundable deposit as a condition of bidding approval.

If you plan to bid remotely using our online platform or by leaving an absentee bid, you will need to create a My Dreibelbis Auctions online account (or log in to your existing account). This online account lets you register for auctions, place bids, and track results conveniently from your computer or smartphone.

If you plan to bid in person at the live auction or over the phone, we recommend registering in advance as well. You can pre-register by contacting our Client Services team. Early registration will save you time on auction day and ensure you’re all set to bid when the auction begins.

Tip: If you have any questions about the registration process, or if you need assistance creating an account, contact us at 814-280-1000. Our team is happy to help you get registered and ready to bid!

Choose Your Preferred Bidding Method

We offer multiple convenient ways to participate in our auctions. Whether you want to join the excitement in person or bid from the comfort of your home, you can choose the bidding method that works best for you. Here are five simple ways you can bid at Dreibelbis Auctions:

1 In-Person Bidding:

Enjoy the thrill of a live auction in our sale room. Once you’ve registered and received your bidder card, take a seat and get ready for the action. When an item (lot) you’re interested in comes up, the auctioneer will announce the starting bid. If the price is right for you, raise your hand or bidder card to place your bid. Continue bidding until you’re the highest bidder remaining. When the auctioneer brings down the gavel and says “Sold!”, you’ve won that item. It’s an adrenaline rush and a delight to hear your bidder number called as the winner.

2 Online Bidding via Dreibelbis Auctions LIVE:

Can’t attend in person? No problem. We offer a live online bidding platform that streams the auction in real time with video and audio. This way, you can bid from the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world while still experiencing the excitement of the live auction. Simply register for the auction on our website, and on the day of the sale, join the live broadcast to place your bids digitally. Important: Be sure to register for online bidding at least 2 business days before the auction day so we have time to approve your account and help with any setup issues.

3 Phone Bidding:

If you prefer a more personal touch but cannot be physically present, you can bid by phone. To arrange a telephone bid, contact our Client Services at 347-470-7653 ahead of the auction to let us know which sale (and which lots) you’re interested in. During the auction, one of our staff members will call you on the phone shortly before your lot comes up. They will describe the bidding in real time and act as your proxy to bid on the lots you specify. You’ll tell us your bidding decisions over the phone, and our staff will immediately relay your bids to the auctioneer. This way, you can participate in the live auction remotely with real-time phone updates.

4 Absentee Bidding (Proxy Bids):

If you’re unable to attend the auction at all (whether in person, online, or by phone), you can still participate by leaving an absentee bid in advance. An absentee bid (also known as a proxy bid) is your maximum bid for a specific item, submitted before the auction begins. Here’s how it works: at least 24 hours before the sale, submit your maximum bid amount for the lot you’re interested in (you can do this easily on our website by selecting the lot and entering your bid, or by contacting us to submit the bid on your behalf). During the live auction, our system or the auctioneer will bid competitively on your behalf up to your maximum. This means we will start low and only increase the bid if there are competing bidders, and we’ll stop once your max is reached or you win the item for less than your max. Absentee bidding ensures that you don’t miss out on an item even if you can’t actively follow the auction.

5 Online-Only Auctions:

In addition to live auctions, Dreibelbis Auctions also conducts online-only auctions. These are auctions where all bidding takes place online without an in-person event. An online-only auction typically runs for several days, during which you can place bids on items at any time (24/7) until the auction closes. It’s a convenient format if you prefer a more flexible bidding schedule. When the time period ends, the highest bid on each lot wins, just like in a timed eBay-style sale. Note: For all auctions, payment must come directly from the registered bidder – we do not accept payments from third parties (such as friends, family, or agents on your behalf). Additionally, the account name and address you provide during registration will be used on the invoice for any items you win, and these details cannot be changed after the sale. So please double-check that your information is correct when registering.

After the Auction: Results and Next Steps

The auction might be over, but our service to you continues! Here’s what to expect after you’ve bid at an auction:

Checking Auction Results:

If you placed bids (in person, online, or absentee), you’ll want to know the outcome. We post real-time auction results on our website as each item is sold. You can also view the final results for all lots shortly after the auction closes. If you left an absentee bid, you can log in to your account to see if you won, or simply look for your bidder number in the results. Additionally, you’re always welcome to call our Client Service Department to inquire about results. We can be reached at 814-280-1000 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm local time) and will gladly let you know if you were the high bidder on the lots you targeted. 

Invoice and Payment:

Congratulations, if you’re the winning bidder on any items! After the auction, our team will prepare an invoice for your purchases. This invoice will list each lot you won, the hammer price (final bid amount), buyer’s premium (if applicable), and any taxes or fees that apply. You will typically receive this invoice by email (or in person at the auction site if you’re attending live). The invoice will also include payment instructions, such as the accepted payment methods and the deadline by which payment is due (usually within a certain number of days after the auction).

Accepted Payments Methods

Dreibelbis Auctions offers several convenient ways to pay for your items:

- Cash or Check: You can pay in cash (USD) or with an approved personal/business check.
- Bank Draft/Cashier’s Check: For higher-value purchases, a bank draft or cashier’s check is often preferred.
- Wire Transfer: We can provide wire instructions if you wish to transfer funds directly from your bank.
- Credit/Debit Card: We accept major credit cards for most personal property transactions (note: for real estate purchases or very high-value items, credit cards may not be accepted due to limit constraints, and certified funds could be required).

Pickup or Shipping:

Once your invoice is paid in full, you can collect your items. If you’re local to the State College, PA area, you may pick up your winnings at the auction site or another designated pickup location (the auction terms or our staff will provide details for pickup times and location). What if you’re not local or can’t transport the items? Don’t worry – we can help arrange shipping or delivery! Dreibelbis Auctions is able to coordinate shipping services for the items you win at auction. We’ll work with professional shippers to pack and send your items safely to your provided address. Large items (like furniture or equipment) can be freighted, and smaller items can be mailed or sent by courier. Shipping costs can be added to your invoice or handled separately, and we’ll discuss the options with you after the sale. Our goal is to make sure you receive what you won at auction with ease, no matter where you are.

Benefits of Buying at Auction

Why buy at auction? Buying through Dreibelbis Auctions offers some unique advantages that traditional negotiated sales can’t match. Here are some key benefits for buyers at auction:

Fair Market Value Pricing

Auctions allow properties and items to be sold at true market value through competitive bidding. As a buyer, you only pay one bid increment more than someone else was willing to pay. This competitive process often means you get a fair price – or even a bargain – without an inflated asking price.

Serious, Committed Sellers:

Serious, Committed Sellers: When an item or property is up for auction, the seller has committed to sell it (often with no contingencies). You can bid with confidence knowing the seller is ready to complete the sale. Unlike private listings, there’s no risk of drawn-out negotiations or the seller backing out at the last minute.

Many Opportunities at Once

In a multi-property or multi-item auction event, you’ll see multiple offerings in one place at the same time. This variety gives you the opportunity to compare different options side by side. For example, if you’re looking to buy real estate at auction, a single auction event might feature several homes or parcels of land – you can bid on the one that best fits your needs (or even try for multiple properties). 

Buyer Sets the Price:

At an auction, buyers determine the purchase price. There’s no fixed listing price; instead, you decide what you’re willing to pay. The highest bid wins, so if you’re the top bidder, that’s the price. This can be empowering – you’re in control of your purchasing decisions, and you might end up paying less than you would in a negotiated sale if few others recognize the item’s value. 

No Lengthy Negotiations:

Auctions eliminate long negotiation periods. The terms of sale (such as closing date, deposit amount, etc.) are usually established in advance and apply to all bidders. You don’t have to go back and forth with a seller over price or contingencies – the auction process streamlines everything into one event. This saves time and effort for both buyers and sellers. 

Known Timeline & Fast Closing:

The auction date and closing date are set from the start. Buyers know exactly when the sale will happen and, in the case of real estate auctions, when the closing will occur (often within 30-45 days after the auction). This certainty and speed can be a huge benefit if you’re looking to purchase quickly, as auctions accelerate the transaction timeline compared to traditional sales that might drag on for months. 

Transparent and Fair Competition:

Auctions create a level playing field for all buyers. Everyone bids publicly (or in a transparent online system), under the same terms. You can actually see or hear what others are bidding. This open competition is fair – you know exactly what price you need to beat, and you’re sure that no one is getting a secret advantage or side deal. All bidders compete fairly and openly for the purchase. 

Comprehensive Information Provided:

We provide comprehensive information on items and properties before the auction (often called due diligence packets or auction catalogs). This can include property surveys, inspection reports, detailed descriptions, photos, and terms of sale. As a buyer, you have access to all the information you need to make an informed decision. We even host preview days or open houses for real estate and allow item inspections for personal property. Being well-informed gives you confidence when bidding. 

Excitement and Engagement:

Let’s not forget the sheer excitement of an auction! The competitive atmosphere can be exhilarating. Many buyers enjoy the auction experience as an event in itself. It’s not only a purchase; it’s also fun and engaging compared to a typical transaction. And when you win, it’s an amazing feeling.

By understanding these benefits, you can see why many people choose auctions as their preferred way to buy valuable items and properties. Dreibelbis Auctions strives to create a win-win environment where buyers get great deals and sellers achieve true market value.

Broker/Agent Participation for Buyers

Are you a real estate broker, agent, or attorney representing a client who wants to buy at our auction? We value our relationships with professional agents and offer opportunities for you to participate on behalf of your buyers. Here’s what you need to know about buyer agent participation:

Real Estate Auctions

Broker Participation: If your client is bidding on real estate, please complete our Broker/Realtor/Agent Participation Form before the auction. This official form registers you as the agent for your buyer and must be submitted according to the auction terms (usually at least 24 hours before the sale). It ensures you will be recognized in the auction process and (if offered) be eligible for any broker co-op commission. You can obtain this form on our website or by contacting our office. Fill it out with your and your client’s details and submit it as instructed (often via email or in person).

Personal Property Auctions

Agent Registration: If your client is interested in buying personal property (such as antiques, equipment, collectibles, etc.) at one of our auctions, contact us directly to discuss agent registration. We will guide you through the simple process to sign you up as an authorized representative for your client. This may involve a brief registration and presenting your credentials (e.g., your auction license or attorney info if applicable). Our team will inform you of any documentation needed and how to bid on behalf of your client for those specific auctions.

When your client wins an item at auction, the sale will be processed under your client’s name (the registered bidder). Your client will receive the invoice and be responsible for payment and pickup/closing, just as any other buyer. We will work closely with you to make the transaction smooth for your client. If there is a broker referral fee or commission offered (common in real estate auctions as an incentive for bringing a buyer), those details will be provided in the auction terms or the participation form, and we will make sure you receive the appropriate documentation and payment after the sale in accordance with our policies.

Important:

An agent or broker may not register to bid on items for their own account under the pretense of representing a client. In other words, you cannot act as a “straw buyer” for yourself or any entity in which you have a personal interest. All broker/agent participation must be on behalf of a bona fide client. This rule ensures transparency and fairness in the auction process.

Being a great agent for your buyer at an auction means educating them about the process, helping with due diligence, and guiding them on bidding strategy. We appreciate the role you play and are here to support both you and your client in having a successful auction experience.

Ready to Bid? Start Your Auction Journey Today

Contact Dreibelbis Auctions for a no-obligation consultation.

Call 347-470-SOLD (7653) or Toll-Free 844-BID-CALL (243-2255)

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Buying at Auction withDreibelbis Auctions in State College, PA

Registering for an Auction & Bidding