An auction format where multiple identical or similar items are offered, and the winning bidder may choose how many they want at the winning price per piece. Also called 'bidder's choice.'
How It Works in Practice
Choice lots are common when an estate has multiples of the same item — a set of 12 dining chairs, a collection of identical figurines, or cases of wine. The auctioneer offers one, the winning bidder picks how many they want at that price, then the remaining items are offered to the next bidder at the same price. If no one takes the rest, they're re-auctioned. This format maximizes per-piece pricing while giving buyers flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a choice lot work at auction?
The auctioneer offers one piece from a group of identical items. Bidding determines the per-piece price. The winning bidder then chooses how many pieces they want at that price. Remaining pieces are offered to the next-highest bidder at the same price. If no one takes the rest, they may be re-auctioned or grouped into a single lot.
When should an auctioneer offer choice lots?
Use choice lots when you have 4 or more identical or near-identical items — matching chairs, uniform sets of china, cases of wine, or duplicate tools. Choice lots typically achieve higher per-piece prices than selling the entire group as one lot, because individual buyers compete for pieces rather than committing to the full set.
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