Auctioneer James Bell knows his audience so well he says that by body language alone, he can predict if they are going to bid on an item 70 percent of the time. (Photo by Kristen Beason)

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Auctions are the way some people find their most prized positions. It can be a place where people find a matching piece of glassware for their set, a used lawn mower or tractor, or a valued coin.

Whether it is the atmosphere they crave, or the deals they make, many people are serious about auctions.

So how does the process of an auction work? James Bell from Davis and Bell Auction Service said it starts when those interested register to bid.

“If they see something they are interested in (in the sales bill), they register for a buyer’s number,” he said. “This allows them to bid on that item at the auction.”

The auction service begins advertising for the auction in newspapers and online. This tells people of the time of the auction and where it will be taking place. Tables and trailers are set up to display all of the items up for bid. Before the auction begins, the auctioneers decide where they want to start among all the items. As the auctioneers travel up and down isles of things, items are held up for bidders to see and the bidding begins.

Depending on the amount of items and the size of the house or farm, an auction can last from three to five hours. (Photo by Kristen Beason)

“Some people want to be discreet in their bidding, especially if there is someone else equally interested in the same item,” Bell said. “There is a relationship that is built between the bidder and the auctioneer. We can pick out who is going to bid through body language about 70 percent of the time.”

The average auction takes about five hours for a smaller farm and from three to five hours to complete a household auction. It mostly depends on the size of the auction and how many items are up for bid.

“(Auctions) are the ideal way to bring people together to sell items,” Bell said. “It is a way for people to raise themselves on a person-to-person basis. It shows what a person will give and who would give more.”

A farm auction could be a great place to find a John Deere tractor at a cheaper price. (Photo by Kristen Beason)

Bell has been in the auction business for most of his life. He was first intrigued by the auction atmosphere as a child and worked at a livestock auction when he was older. He was asked by his employer to sell items when they were short-handed and had the desire to get better afterward. He went to auctioneer school and became licensed in 1992. He worked for local auctioneer Densil Allen, a former UCM agriculture department professor, who owned the business for 26 years. He and his partner took over the business after Allen.

So what do people look for the most at auctions? Bell said that coins and guns are the most sought after at any auction because they hold their value better than most items offered. Glassware and other collectable items are not as popular lately, Bell said, because of the price of gas.

“People aren’t spending their money on collectables,” Bell said. “They are putting it towards their gas tanks. Guns and coins get better with age.”

A lot of times, auctions bring a lot of the same people looking to get a good deal. If an auction has specific items featured, it would bring a different type of auction goer. Sale bills give the public a taste of what will be featured at the auction, but don't list everything.

“More will come and see what is there if you give them a teaser instead of telling them exactly what is available,” Bell said.

At a May 3 auction in Bates City, Mo., the sky was bright and the weather comfortable for the morning outdoor event. Steve Gee said that he attended it because he was looking for a deal and attends auctions often.

“I came to look for antiques and enjoy this nice Saturday afternoon,” he said.

Vicki Markes attends auctions with her father, who buys farm equipment. They go as often as they can and she enjoys looking for gardening items.

“It’s better than garage sales,” she said. “We’ve been here since 9:30 a.m.”

Some people are very much involved in auctions and there are others who attend for specific items. Either way, it brings many people together for a day to get deals on valuable and highly sought-after items.