8 Things You Should Do BEFORE You Place Your Bid in an Online Auction

Atterberry Auction & Realty Company • December 8, 2025

Follow These Tips for Bidding Online & Join the Fun in a Real Estate, Personal Property or Micro Auction in Missouri 


When an online listing has caught your eye, you want to be fully prepared for the bidding process. Auctions create natural competition, and there will likely be other bidders interested in the same property, whether it’s a new home, advanced farm equipment, or a precious collection of antique coins. Knowledge will be your most valuable asset leading up to the closing date of your auction, and Atterberry is the team that Missouri buyers can trust to streamline every step. Before you click the “Bid” button, follow our comprehensive guide to auction preparation. 


#1: Create an account for bidding in Missouri online auctions


Many auction companies in Missouri will start by asking you to sign up on their bidding platform. This allows the bidder to receive updates on the auction, place bids with ease, check their invoices, pick up information, and more. At Atterberry Auction & Realty Company, our auctions provide secure bidding through MarkNet, ensuring fast service and simple navigation. Once you have filled out your contact information and agreed to the terms and conditions, it’s time to bid! 


#2: Thoroughly check the catalog of Missouri real estate & personal property at auction


Some people visit an auction site with a particular item in mind, while others choose to scroll out of curiosity. Either way, a wise bidder should explore all of their options within the digital auction sphere so they don’t miss out on a great opportunity. You’ll find page after page of different auctions in Missouri, including real estate lots, vehicles, equipment, antiques, and more to choose from, along with the deadlines for bidding. If you want to narrow your search, try looking into specific categories like coins and jewelry, real estate, and more.


#3: Discover what you are most interested in bidding on from Missouri’s auction company


As you review auction catalogs, it helps to mark the lots you want to remember for later. Saving and highlighting these auctions in one place will ensure you keep track of everything Atterberry has to offer. This step also makes it easier to spot your favorites at a preview, which gives you the chance to tour a property or examine items in person. By clicking the eye icon next to the bid button on Atterberry’s auction page, you can even “watch” personal property items and add them to your list, making sure you never miss an update or lose track of your bids.   


#4: If you have questions about a listing, ask an auction professional 


Do you have unanswered questions about an upcoming auction in Missouri? You might be wondering about additional fees, item pickup, or the bidding process in general. Before the auction begins, you should get in touch with the team for clarification on these topics. Leading with confidence from start to finish will be crucial when making your bid. For more information about bidding, give the experts at Atterberry Auction & Realty Company a call at 573-474-9295.

Auction Bidding Questions

#5: Determine how much you plan to pay for a bid in central Missouri


When it comes to online auctions, there are two types of bids: regular and max bids. Under the regular bid, you enter a starting price and continue to place bids while the auction is open. As the timeline continues, you can log into your account and check if you’ve been outbid or not. With max bids, you set the highest amount you are willing to pay, and the system will automatically bid against other people for you until the maximum is reached. A winning bid is legally binding, so pay close attention to the amount submitted and review the proper terms and conditions


#6: Research the specific items or property you want from an Atterberry auction


Having the full context of an auction should be your priority before bidding, and knowing what you’re bidding for will heavily contribute to guiding your financial decisions. If you are attending a preview in Missouri, you’ll need to focus on more than just the age of a property or item. For antiques and similar listings, it will be important to check the authenticity, looking for details like a signature or maker marks. It might also be helpful to research how much similar items in the industry are sold for, since it can give you a decent starting point. 


#7: Make sure to bid online within the required time frame


Auctions won’t be available forever. It is essential that you understand the schedule for a personal property auction, micro auction, or real estate auction in Missouri; otherwise, you could miss the time window for bidding. You don’t have to worry about being outbid in the last minute, either, because our online auctions use an extended bidding feature. This gives every potential buyer the ability to respond if a new bidder swoops in near the end of the closing date. Be sure to review payment deadlines, shipping schedules, and other significant details in the auction process. 


#8: Consider the best form of transportation for personal property in Missouri


After an auction results in success, you might be moving delicate materials across long distances. On the other hand, there could be heavy equipment that requires special handling. You will have a designated pickup time and date for retrieving your winnings, and it will be important for you to check the instructions for large or unique items before arrival. In real estate, closing is handled through a local title company with Atterberry Auction & Realty Company's team by your side. 


Place Your Bid With Atterberry Auction & Realty Company! Contact Our Professional Team in Columbia, MO for More Insight


For several generations, we have been a supportive and reliable auctioneer to the Missouri community. Whether you’re buying your next home, adding to your collection, or acquiring land for your agricultural operations, the Atterberry name is one to trust. Our team of professionals is ready to answer any questions you may have or assist you in preparing the most educated bid, no matter what your goals are. To learn more about our online auction services, call Atterberry Auction & Realty Company today.

Get in Touch
Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Offers Real Estate & Land Auctions In Columbia, MO.
By Atterberry Auction December 8, 2025
See the latest October real estate auction stats for mid-Missouri. Learn how our defined sale dates and fast closings beat the uncertainty of a traditional listing.
Atterberry Auctions Is Missouri’s Best Team for Real Estate Auctions, Personal Property & More
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company October 21, 2025
An Experienced Auction Company Can Take You Far. Follow Our Guide to Choosing a Professional for Your Online Missouri Auction.
Crystal and Tim Elliott Accept The Distinguished Alumni Award From Columbia College.
By Atterberry Auction October 1, 2025
Atterberry’s Crystal & Tim Elliott were recognized at Columbia College’s gala for their leadership, service, and community impact.
A family sits around a dinner table. Learn how to talk to your aging parents about downsizing.
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company September 15, 2025
Help Your Parents Make Downsizing Decisions Before It’s Too Late. Atterberry Auction Is Here to Help You Start the Conversation.
Sell Real Estate & More in an Online Auction With Atterberry Auction & Realty Company
By Atterberry Auction September 4, 2025
How Can You Benefit From Estate Auctions in Mid-Missouri? Learn More From Atterberry Auction & Realty Company.
Evaluate Your Personal Property’s Value in Mid-Missouri With Atterberry Auction & Realty Company.
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company August 27, 2025
How Do You Determine Your Personal Property’s Value Before an Auction? Learn More With Atterberry Auction & Realty Company.
A Man Browses a Laptop at His Kitchen Table, Looking at Online Auction Through Atterberry.
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company May 23, 2025
Make the Online Auction Process Work for You When You Learn How to Navigate It & Place Competitive Bids With Atterberry!
Sports Memorabilia Hung on a Wall. Sell Your Collection at Auction With Atterberry in Mid-Missouri.
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company May 1, 2025
Curious About How an Online Auction Works? Follow the Journey of Property or Real Estate Through an Auction With Atterberry.
Atterberry Auction & Realty Company’s New Headquarters, Located at 7855 E Progress Pl, Columbia, MO
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company January 23, 2025
Celebrate Atterberry Auction & Realty Company’s Next Milestone & See Our New Location for Auction Services in Mid-Missouri.
Let Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Handle Your Agricultural Estate Auction in Mid-Missouri.
By Atterberry Auction & Realty Company October 24, 2024
Are You a Farmer Planning for the Future? Learn More From the Agricultural Estate Auctioneers at Atterberry Auction & Realty Company.