Went to an auction where the description was loads of fabric from a sewer working in a fabric store and the fabric was for sewing or quilting, etc. Pictures were included of very large moving boxes of "fabric". She also had a machine and a nice upright cabinet for sale.

Well we got there and started opening these very large boxes we found a mixture of fabric from upolstery, quilting, sewing, etc. (mostly home dec. fabrics) Clean and not musty. Then the auctioneer ran over and told us no inspection and to leave them alone. She, in fact, covered the boxes so no one would even see them to ask about them. We did note that the items marked on the outside of the boxes did not match the contents.

We would have to stay all day to even inspect the box contents in the bottom boxes and did not want to waste any more time so we left. I complained to the owner's husband when leaving.

I also noted the auctioneer did not note significant damage on items so I am not returning. We have to many good auctioneers to give this one any business.

I am glad I did not convince anyone else to come.

I would have left too. I've never heard of not being able to inspect things before the auction.

Only one time did I go to an auction and they wouldn't let me look. But it was an open house to look at the property, and they had piled the personal property in closets and hallways. I could see quilts, and asked if I could look at them. They told me no. I didn't go back for the actual auction.

Around here, everyone shows up early and paws through the boxes to see if there is anything worth staying for. I'd leave, too, if they didn't let me look. In fact, usually the ads say "inspection starts at 9:00 a.m.) or whatever.

you did the right thing.

if everyone left though, you may have got some fantastic deals but it would have been taking a chance on getting junk, too.

Sounds like she might have had someone in the crowd wanting those boxes. Never heard of not being able to look through the boxes. Very odd indeed!

I don't like auctions. Why wait around all morning or afternoon or even all day - only to be out bid on something.

I'll stick with garage sales and resale shops. I'm in and out of both in a short time.

The very few autions we have around here, they advertise it the day before that you can view all the items. Viewing is usually 8 hours.

Ditto. I don't have time to waste on auctions. Estate sales sometime have quilts and fabric and like a garage sale, you can look and buy or leave.

Who was the auctioneer? I have been meaning to hit some auctions in the next month and I want to know to avoid these people.