Auctions can be fun and bargains can be had.  But if you’re not familiar with auction protocol and choreography you could find yourself suddenly center stage doing pirouettes of anxiety, clutching a Degas dancer you had no intention of owning.  Here are some hints that might help ensure you go home from an auction feeling you’ve done well rather than you’ve been well done.

1. Information

If you’re interested in a particular item or items offered at auction, gather as much information as you can.  Talk to the auction house specialists, who can provide valuable insights about the work’s condition, its provenance (acquisition history), its reserve (the lowest price a seller will accept) and the level of interest from other buyers.

Study an artist’s previous sales record.  This can be done online by visiting such databases as Artprice.com and Artnet.com both of which have an enormous amount of data available on thousands of artists including auction prices achieved for their work worldwide, biographical details and media coverage.

Get to the auction early and ask to closely examine any item that particularly interests you.  At Sothebys in New York one day, I bid on a beautifully decorated Faberge cigarette case I’d spotted in the sale catalogue.  It was only after I’d acquired it that I realized that closing the case would squash any cigarettes inside. it was intended to contain calling cards.

2. Location

When the bidding gets hot you want to make sure your every gesture will be observed.  This can be difficult in a packed room crowded with people sitting and standing, coming and going.

Some bidders like to be in the front rows where the auctioneer can see them clearly and they can have eye contact.  Some prefer to be a less visible, more mysterious bidder and tack a back row; others prefer to stand against the wall where they can survey the action.  Still others like to be close to an exit where they can duck out to make a cellular call to seek input from a spouse, friend or consultant.  Wherever you chose to watch the action from, if you’re interested in bidding make sure you stay in one place and your gestures can be readily seen and recognized.

3. Paddle

Bidders are generally recognized by a numbered card or “paddle”.  Donald Trump may not need one but most of the rest of us do.  This official identification is obtained by registering prior to the start of the auction, which means showing some sort of picture ID and providing basic financial information.  Once you’ve got your paddle, you’re off to the races, but be careful.  Don’t use it as a fan or to wave hello to a late-arriving friend.  You could end up owning something you don’t want and don’t need.  You need use it only if you are the winning bid.  Otherwise, simply raise your hand as if you were hailing a taxi.  If you’re identified as the highest bidder, which is when the auctioneer shouts “sold!” and points at you, then raise your paddle number so the auctioneer can note it.  If you haven’t registered and don’t have a paddle, you’ll cause confusion and a minor riot than could turn very nasty.

4. Spotters

Some auction rooms use employees as “spotters” to ensure no buyer’s bid goes unnoticed.  These can be useful people to cultivate prior to an auction for those who may wish to remain anonymous.  Bidders can alert them to look for a particular signal from them that a potential rival bidder won’t recognize.  They might say, I’m bidding as long as I’m holding a pen in my right hand or my legs are crossed.

Don’t show your hand – literally — too early.  Some believe early, aggressive bidding intimidates competitors.  But most suggest don’t get into the bidding until the bidding pace slows and the room seems almost spent.  Don’t feed the frenzy.  Wait until the top to jump in.