Hi guys, yes I'm going but feel a bit nervous about buying there as I've never been before or to any other livestock sale & I'm a bit worried I won't know what to do, procedure to follow. Really looking forward to going though and getting some experience
Normally you register with the auctioneers and they give you a card with a number - this is what you bid with. All the stuff about nods and winks, well, most folk just raise the card. The auctioneer will have a watcher who'll be looking for bidders so when you want to bid for the first time, catch their eye. Then they'll watch you for further bids and even invite bids form you. Once bidding closes, if you are successful, show them the number and they will note that down as the winning bidder.
Get a catalogue and do your homework before you go. Try and get there early to view the stock, decide what you are interested in. Set yourself a maximum that you are prepared to pay and TRY to stick to it.
Once the sale is over (for you.If your animals are through early, this may be well before the end of the sale), go to the office, give them your number and pay. DO check how they will accept payment - none of ours up here take cards of any sort - it's cash or cheque. And remember there will be a mart % on what you pay plus prices may also be in guineas (?) so check the catalogue so that you don't get any surprises at the cash desk.
If an animal you are interested in doesn't sell ie doesn't make the seller's reserve, it's sometimes worth seeking out the seller and trying for a private sale. Most folk don't really want to take stock home again.
You will feel nervous; it's the adrenalin and the thrill of the chase
Others may have other advice and I'm sure SallyintNorth had a really good post about markets a while ago.