Hammer down Auctions • Leander

Hammer down Auctions • Leander

Written by Kara Vaught Thursday, 07 June 2007

Auction house sells it all from Cadillacs to cookie jars

As a corporate trainer for Dell Inc., Michele Hammer became accustomed to public speaking. It’s a skill she still uses – just at a faster pace.

Hammer is the auctioneer and owner of Hammer Down Auctions, which celebrated its first year in business May 20. Her twice-monthly auctions, consisting of estates, consignments, business liquidations and personal property, are booked through August.

“There was a real need for this in the area; business took off immediately,” Hammer said. “I can’t even sell my own stuff because there’s so much of other people’s.”

Having always enjoyed eBay and attending live auctions, Hammer said she decided to leave the corporate world and do something fun.

“Life’s too short, you know,” Hammer said.

Customers tell her the auctions have become their favorite Saturday night outing. The concession stand offers ballgame-type dinners, drinks and desserts, including homemade banana pudding famous among the regulars. Entertainment is provided by Hammer, guest auctioneers and the bidders, who become competitive for popular items.

Many attendees are regulars, including collectors and shop owners replenishing their wares.

“You meet all walks of life here,” Hammer said. “The next phone call could be your million dollar sale — or not. From cookie jars to Cadillacs, we sell it all.”

The shop also sells everywhere. Live bidders compete against Internet buyers using Java software to listen to audio streams of the auction.

“We’ve sold all over the world through the Internet process,” Hammer said. “I just sold a car to a guy in Norway. As long as they have a computer, they are good to go.”

But the Internet bidders, fast talking and competition shouldn’t deter anyone from attending an auction for the first time, said Hammer’s co-owner, Sherry Fairclough.

“I think a lot of people are scared that they’re not going to be able to afford anything or that it’s all going to be junk,” she said. “We keep the quality of items high, but stuff might go for $2.50 or $250. We’re surprised by something at every auction.”

Besides entertainment for buyers, Hammer said she and her staff also provide comfort and peace of mind to sellers.

“When people are selling their things, it is usually a stressful time,” Hammer said. “It could be because someone is sick, moving or has died, or a business liquidation. They want someone who is going to take care of things collected over a lifetime — someone to handle it tenderly.”

Before you bid

• Buyers should inspect items carefully before raising their paddles to bid, Hammer said. Maker’s marks, signatures and stamps can all be signs of quality, but are not guarantees.
• “A customer needs to know what they’re doing before they spend tons of money. Just like clothing, everything has a tag, but some items are much better quality than others.”

Hammer Down Auctions, 9220-B FM 2243 • Leander, 528-9119 • www.hammerdownauction.com