I have been at their auctions for my clients.  If you put in a bid before the auction, they will use that as a starting bid, and you won't get anything.  I have never been in an online auction, so I don't know how that will work.  If you go there live, and get in a bid war with one or two other people, they have agents on the floor who will prompt you and get you excited.  They don't do anything illegal.  Usually, no one is allowed to start the equipment, so be aware you might be buying junk.  Be sure it is not a "Right Title and Interest only" auction.  Be sure that the whole kit and kaboodle bids are given first, so you don't spend the whole day there and the machinery dealers add a few bucks and get the whole thing for a few bucks more.  Be sure to take your paddle with you when you leave, so someone else doesn't pick it up and over bid in your name.  If you are buying a lot of small items, such a Hougen Bits, be sure that the same number of pieces are in the box by the time the bidding starts.