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  The auction world is constantly evolving, and while it’s impossible to predict with certainty what the future holds, it’s always exciting to consider where things might be heading. At Windsor Auctions, we’ve been paying close attention to emerging trends, and I’d like to share some of our thoughts on what we might expect in the coming years. Of course, these are just our perspectives, and the auction world can be unpredictable – but that’s what makes it fun!   A Shift Towards Experience-Led Collecting   One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is a shift towards experience-led collecting. The younger generation, unlike the post-war era where people were focused on acquiring material goods, is more interested in experiences. This shift means that many of today’s collectables reflect experiences, memories, and nostalgia. Items like sneakers, Pokémon cards, and movie memorabilia are becoming more valuable, especially as younger people with disposable income look to capture pieces of their youth. Interestingly, fashion plays a significant role here too. For example, niche fashion brands like Daily Paper release limited-edition clothing items that sell out instantly and are highly sought after in secondary markets. As this generation ages and accumulates more wealth, we expect to see these types of items become increasingly popular at auction.   The Continued Appeal of Traditional Items   While there’s a clear focus on newer collectables, we don’t believe traditional auction items like watches, jewellery, and antique furniture will lose their appeal. These items, especially those of high quality, have always been in demand due to their rarity. There’s only a limited supply of these classic pieces, and that scarcity will help sustain their value. However, the younger demographic’s interest in sustainability and repurposing could also influence traditional auctions. People may look for ways to reuse and repurpose antique furniture, for example, as part of a broader trend toward environmentally friendly living.   Emerging Markets and Sustainability   As economies grow, we expect emerging markets to take a more significant role in the auction industry. Countries with growing middle classes will likely see a surge in auction participation, particularly when it comes to sustainability. In many of these regions, there’s a cultural emphasis on making things last and...

At Windsor Auctions, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our marketing and showcase the unique items that pass through our doors. That’s why we’re excited to share an incredible new opportunity for local businesses in the area, courtesy of Windsor College. Thanks to a substantial government grant, Windsor College has recently invested in a new studio, designed for both Virtual Production and traditional stills and motion photography. The best part? These state-of-the-art facilities are available for use by local businesses. We recently sat down with David Linaker, the new studio manager at Windsor College, to learn more about the studio and how it can benefit businesses like ours.   A World-Class Studio Right on Our Doorstep   With a £750,000 grant from the government, Windsor College has created a Virtual Production hub that rivals some of the best in the industry. According to David, the studio is only second to Pinewood Studios in terms of capabilities. “We have a five-metre by three-metre LED screen housed within our photographic and filming studio, along with a high-end cinematography camera called a Red Raptor,” David explained. “This setup allows us to do a variety of filming techniques that we can teach our students, making it a massive bonus for Windsor College.” What makes this studio truly special is its versatility. The LED screen allows for virtual backgrounds, meaning businesses can shoot in a variety of ‘locations’ without ever leaving the studio. Whether it’s the streets of Paris, the skyline of Berlin, or the iconic landmarks of London, these backgrounds can be easily swapped out during a single day’s shoot. This not only saves time and money but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of production, a benefit for businesses and the environment alike.   A Win-Win for Local Businesses and Students   One of the key aspects of this initiative is that it’s designed to benefit both local businesses and Windsor College students. As part of the funding criteria, the college must offer these facilities to local enterprises, providing them with access to top-tier production capabilities that they might not otherwise be able to afford. For Windsor Auctions, this means we’ll be able to have high-quality photos and videos...

When it comes to buying and selling, auctions are one of the oldest, most reliable methods around. While the online marketplace has made shopping more convenient, there’s something timeless about the auction process that continues to draw people in. At Windsor Auctions, we’re a bit biased, of course, but we believe that buying at auction offers numerous benefits, both practical and environmental. So, let’s explore why auctions are such a fantastic way to find what you need – and maybe even get a great deal in the process.   The Greenest Way to Shop In today’s world, where sustainability is more important than ever, auctions stand out as one of the greenest ways to shop. When you buy at auction, you’re not just acquiring something unique; you’re also helping to give new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfill. Whether it’s a vintage piece of furniture, a collectable, some jewellery, or an antique, buying at auction is all about reusing and repurposing items that still have plenty of life left in them. Unlike mass-produced goods, many items sold at auction are one-of-a-kind, and by purchasing them, you’re reducing the demand for new products, the manufacturing of which often comes with a significant carbon footprint. Plus, as auction houses like ours increasingly embrace online platforms, it’s easier than ever to participate in auctions from the comfort of your home, making sustainable shopping more accessible than ever – although we always recommend attending our auctions in person, as it’s much more fun!   A Wide Variety of Unique Items One of the biggest advantages of buying at auction is the sheer variety of items available. At Windsor Auctions, we pride ourselves on offering an eclectic mix of goods – from household items, jewellery and furniture to antiques, collectables, and even vehicles. Whether you’re a first time bidder or a seasoned collector looking for a specific item, there’s always something for everyone. For instance, if you’re not a fan of flat-pack furniture and would prefer something with a bit more character and sturdiness, an auction is a fantastic place to find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost of new items. And the best part? You can come...

  When it comes to collectables, the auction world can be quite a minefield. Figuring out which items are in high demand and which ones aren’t can be tricky. Popular culture often drives these trends, leading to fluctuations in value. But, we’re here to share some insights on the most sought-after collectables at auction.   Popular Culture and Collectables   Popular culture is one of the main factors for determining the demand for certain collectables. For instance, toys like Matchbox cars, and Hornby train sets, are highly coveted, as well as movie-related ones like original Star Wars figures. The key factors here are popularity, scarcity, and condition. People love finding items still in their original boxes because these tend to be rarer and in better condition, which makes them more valuable.   Traditional Collectables   Traditional collectables such as coins and stamps continue to do well at auctions due to their historical significance and rarity. Take coins, for example, rare misstrikes or those made from precious metals like gold and silver are particularly prized. Similarly, certain stamps like the Penny Black can vary greatly in value. While some Penny Blacks are relatively common and affordable, others, due to their rarity, can fetch high prices. It’s all about the scarcity.   Contemporary Collectables   Contemporary collectables like rare sneakers and trading cards (think Pokémon and sports cards) have skyrocketed in popularity. You’ll see countless videos on platforms like TikTok of people opening packs of trading cards, hoping to find rare ones. The value of these items is driven by rarity and popularity. However, not all contemporary collectables maintain their value. The recent plunge in NFT prices is a reminder of how quickly markets can change.   Comic Books   Comic books is a category that spans generations. They appeal to both older collectors, who seek comics from their youth, and younger fans, who are drawn to iconic characters and storylines. The nostalgia factor is strong here, with many collectors are essentially buying back parts of their youth. Collectors will buy comics they couldn’t necessarily afford when they were younger, but now they have enough disposable income to do so.   Sports Memorabilia   Sports memorabilia is a broad and popular...

  Participating in online auctions can be a great way to enjoy the excitement of an auction and bid on items from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions and improve your bidding experience. This guide will walk you through the essentials of buying online at Windsor Auctions.   Registration Process for Online Bidders   To start bidding online with Windsor Auctions, you need to register on one of the platforms we use: The Saleroom or Easy Live. The registration process is straightforward and standard, the platforms require information like your name, address, telephone number, email address, and card details for verification purposes. Registration is free and allows you to browse our auction listings and get familiar with the process before placing any bids.   How the Online Auction Process Works   Bidding online at a live auction is similar to being in the auction room. When your desired lot comes up, you’ll see the bidding increments on your screen, along with a bid button to place your bid at the current price. Keep an eye on the screen and be ready to bid quickly, as the auctioneer will keep the pace fast to maintain momentum.   What to Look for When Browsing Auction Listings   If you can’t attend preview days, you can still get detailed information about auction items online. Each listing includes a description and photographs, and you can request a condition report through The Saleroom or Easy Live platforms. Simply click the button to ask questions about the item, and our team will provide the necessary details. While online resources are helpful, there’s nothing like seeing and handling the items in person.   Strategies for Placing Bids in an Online Auction   Knowing your limits is crucial when bidding online. Set a maximum bid amount to avoid overspending. If you can’t be present during the auction, consider leaving an auto bid. This feature allows the software to bid on your behalf up to your specified limit, ensuring you stay within budget even if you’re unable to monitor the auction live. Auto bids are particularly useful if you have other...

We all know the premise of an auction. Items are up for sale, if you want them you bid, if you don’t want them you don’t bid and when the hammer falls the item is sold. But, in the last year we have seen an increase in people who won’t honour this, especially on our online platforms, and they find themselves experiencing what we describe in the industry as buyer’s remorse.   At one of our previous auctions, we sold a fishing boat and the buyer wanted it delivered to London, which is not something we offer, and she claimed she could not come and collect it. As a compromise, we offered to deliver it to her holiday home in Cornwall, but the buyer pulled out and refused to honour the deal. The same problem arose with another buyer, who to our surprise, turned out to be a fellow auctioneer and should be well aware of how the process works. He bought an item at one of our auctions, but after researching it, he decided he had bid too much and refused to pay. These situations are not only frustrating for the seller, but they’re also extremely time consuming to deal with for our business. A year ago this would happen every one or two months, but over the last ten months, we’re dealing with this problem five or six times every auction. We have a few options on our end if something like this happens. If instructed by the client, we will pursue the buyer for the money, this involves persuading them that they are morally obligated to pay, which in our minds is true. And then we can place the item back in our next auction with the buyer as the client, so that they can recoup their losses. In a few cases we have had to go as far as blocking buyers from all online auctions. If they try to go to another auctioneer the software will show that they have a block on them and the auctioneer can choose not to approve them to bid. We don’t want to have to do any of this and we try our best not to. Mistakes happen and...