Dictionary
Telephone bidder

A telephone bidder takes part in an auction on the telephone. This possibility is usually only offered when objects estimated to fetch at least 3000 euros or more are concerned. A telephone bidder is rung up by an employee of the auction house shortly before the object for which he wishes to bid is called and is represented in the auction room by that employee. Since it frequently happens that telephone connections are not always reliable and may even break down during bidding (this is especially true of mobile phone connections), bidders are advised to place bids in writing, that is, commission bids with their order, in parallel to ensure success.