Question from Robert Watts: When looking at bits and bobs for the show, what is the best way to look at the items?
Philip Serrell: Try and make sure it's not damaged and try and make sure it's got some age. If you like it, there's a fair chance someone else might like it!
Question from Gemma: Which object has taken you most by surprise at the money it's raised at auction in Bargain Hunt?
Philip Serrell: On the first live programme, we sold a chair which made a major profit, I didn't think it would make that much profit! Likewise, we've bought things I thought would make money, and they've lost!
Question from Andrew Lee: What does Philip think about internet auction sites?
Philip Serrell: I'm a bit of a dinosaur. I think the internet is an invaluable tool for promoting auctions but from a personal point of view, I would always want to inspect the item before I bought it.
Question from Geoff Holt: How can an auctioneer really work on behalf of both seller and buyer?
Philip Serrell: I don't think you can. You're working for the vendor to get the most money you can and the buyer pays a premium for catalogue services and whatever. At the end of the day you're working for the vendor.
Question from Lynne Kearney: I have an old Singer sewing machine complete with thread boxes. Is it worth much?
Philip Serrell: Unless it's a rare model, probably under £30.
Question from Peter Radcliffe: I want to start collecting, can you suggest any ideas for good and reasonable collectables?
Philip Serrell: You should always collect what you like, something that gives you a buzz. Collect 10 really good pieces rather than 30 mediocre pieces, always try and get the best buys!
Question from Jamie Lauder: Where can I find out the venues of such sales as the contestants go to to buy the pieces at the beginning of the show?
Philip Serrell: The trade magazine, the Antiques Trade Gazette, it really is the bible. Most of the fairs and auctions are advertised in that.
Question from Garreth Waites: Has there ever been a time on Bargain Hunt that a contestant finds a piece that you think is really tacky and will not make a profit and have not had the 'guts' to tell them that it's tacky?
Philip Serrell: Oh no, I've always told them! But it might well prove me wrong and not the contestant!
Question from Patricia Hyndman: What's the funniest moment you've had on Bargain Hunt?
Philip Serrell: I was demonstrating an Edwardian child's swing and I hit the cameraman with it - and he went down like a sack of potatoes. It was Max who was working with David today! It wasn't live but the camera was still running!
Question from Anon: I'm going to an auction this weekend and it's my first one. Any advice for an amateur?
Philip Serrell: Always go and talk to the auctioneer, ask his advice, ask about condition and what his estimate is.
Question from Garreth Waites: What has been the biggest profit made on Bargain Hunt and what item was it on?
Philip Serrell: It was about £350 on a piece of metalware, but that's a bit of a guess.
Question from Bridget M: What is your most precious antique possession?
Philip Serrell: I'm tempted to say my wife!!! I've got a little Yew wood vase which I bought 20 years ago. Not the most valuable but it means a lot to me. I just love the feel of the thing, it was an early piece and it's given me a great deal of pleasure since.
BBC Host: Here's Kate and Phil with a final word:
Philip Serrell: The auction today was great fun, live programmes are always a buzz and as ever, it's nice working with lovely people.
Kate Alcock: It sounds like a lot of people are interested out there. Today's programme was great fun and there was a great atmosphere out here. I think the contestants had a great time too.
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