Online estate sales in Amarillo TX are no longer just a trend—they’re the new normal. From the comfort of your couch, you can bid on collectibles, vintage treasures, tools, and home décor that once required a weekend of in-person hunting. But if you’ve ever lost out on an item you loved, you know that strategy matters.
Whether you’re a first-time bidder or a seasoned collector, these seven tips will help you get the most out of online estate sales—especially if you’re shopping with Double S Auctions in Amarillo, TX.
1. Always Check Preview Day Details
Preview Day is your first and best chance to see items in person before bidding begins. Photos are great, but nothing beats inspecting a piece up close.
Double S Auctions offers in-person previews before most of their sales. Make time to attend if you’re local—it’s the smartest move you can make.
👉 Visit the preview schedule here
2. Create an Account and Register Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Some auctions require registration approval or payment method verification, which can delay your bidding access. Register at least 24 hours before the auction closes.
✅ Register here to start bidding
3. Know What You’re Bidding On
Read item descriptions carefully. Look at measurements, conditions, and materials. If something isn’t clear, reach out and ask questions before bidding.
A great external guide for identifying vintage or antique values is Kovels’ Price Guide, a trusted resource for collectors.
4. Use the Watchlist Feature
Most platforms, including the Double S Auctions app, let you “watch” items before bidding. Use this to keep track of multiple pieces without having to search again. It’s a great way to plan your bids ahead of time.
5. Set a Budget—but Leave Room to Win
It’s easy to get caught in bidding wars. Set your top number in advance—but understand that some items may go fast. Having a cushion can make the difference between scoring and missing out.
6. Don’t Just Focus on Big-Ticket Items
Some of the most valuable items are small, niche collectibles—like vintage thimbles, first-edition records, or western belt buckles. Seasoned bidders often score big in overlooked categories.
7. Be Online When Bidding Closes (Double S Uses Soft-Close!)
Even if you’ve set a max bid, being online as the auction ends gives you a major advantage. Double S Auctions uses a soft-close system, meaning if someone places a last-second bid, the bidding window extends for a few more minutes. This prevents “bid sniping” and gives everyone a fair shot—but only if you’re present to respond.
🕒 Pro tip: Set a reminder for 2:45 p.m. CST on Sunday so you’re logged in, watching your top items, and ready to win when the lots start closing at 3:00 p.m.
Wrap-Up
Buying at an online estate sale is fun, exciting, and rewarding—especially when you know how to play the game. With the right preparation and a little strategy, you’ll go from browsing to buying with confidence.
Looking to start bidding?
👉 Browse this week’s estate sale now
Or learn more about how Double S helps families and collectors in Amarillo, TX at
👉 www.doublesauctions.com
