Bidding on furniture, mattresses and home accessories through an online auction is a smart way to score quality for a competitive price. Yet sometimes things go wrong: a mattress that just doesn't fit, a bid amount that turns out to be higher than expected, or a lot that you bought without a collection plan. In this article, we discuss the seven most common mistakes when bidding on Home & Interior Auctions and how to prevent them.
1. Not checking the dimensions
The classic among bad buys: winning a closet, sofa or mattress that ultimately does not fit in the room or on the bed. Always look at the exact product sizes in the lot description and measure your own space. When it comes to mattresses, pay attention not only to length and width, but also to the height. For example, the Emma Preformance mattress 26cm 90x200 and the Emma Preformance mattress 28cm 90x200 two centimeters in height, which can affect your existing fitted sheets.
2. Not setting a maximum budget
In the heat of bidding, it is tempting to always go just a little higher. Before you start, it is smart to set a maximum amount and stick to it tightly. Also include any auction costs and shipping or collection costs. Compare your maximum with the new price in the store: only then will you know whether you are really getting a benefit.
Tip: don't be rushed
A bidding war on the last seconds feels exciting, but emotion is a bad counselor. Determine in advance what a lot is worth to you and accept that you will sometimes miss out on an auction. A similar plot is almost always returned.
3. Do not read the lot description and condition
Many products at an auction are new, but there are also returned items, showroom models or B-choice items on offer. Therefore, always read the full description and pay attention to any indications about the condition, any signs of use or missing parts. Look at the photos carefully and zoom in on details. What you know in advance cannot be disappointing afterwards.
4. Overlooking shipping and pickup
Large home items such as mattresses, sofas and cupboards are not always easy to transport. Before bidding, check if the lot can be delivered or if you have to pick it up yourself. Do you have a big enough car? A won Emma Flip mattress 90x200 is often easy to transport when rolled up, but with full box springs or dining tables that is a different story. Plan this in advance so that you are not faced with surprises.
5. Not comparing prices
An auction automatically feels beneficial, but that is not guaranteed. Therefore, look up the current retail price of the brand and model you want to bid on. This way you know exactly from what amount you actually save. With well-known brands such as Emma, the recommended retail price is easy to find, which helps you to determine a sensible maximum.
6. Wanting to do everything at the last minute
Waiting until the very last second to bid can work, but it also comes with risks: a slow internet connection, an expired session or simply being late. Sign up on time, check that your account is in order and keep an eye on the closing time of the lot. Some auctions automatically renew with a late bid, others do not.
7. Looking at only one lot
Don't focus blindly on one product. Often, similar items are offered in multiple lots, sometimes with minimal differences. Do you want an Emma mattress? Then compare, for example, the different versions, such as the Emma Preformance mattress 28cm 90x200, side by side. By following multiple options, you increase your chances of getting a good deal and avoid bidding too high on a single lot.
Smarter bidding starts with preparation
Most mistakes when bidding on Living & Interior are easy to avoid with a little preparation: measure your space, set a budget, read the description, arrange transport and compare prices and lots. This way you get maximum benefit from every auction.
Ready to put it into practice? View the current offer on the Home & Interior Auctions and make an informed offer today.