Woodworkers, builders and tool dealers mark one weekend on their calendars every winter. The Midwest Tool Expo and Auction 2027 runs January 28 to 30, 2027, in Shipshewana, Indiana. It brings hundreds of vendor booths, business seminars and a multi-ring auction under one roof. Therefore, it suits first-time visitors and seasoned buyers alike.
This guide explains the auction schedule, the main rules and a simple bidding plan. Additionally, it covers costs, payment and ways to find good deals. Please note that organizers set final hours closer to the show. The times below follow the pattern of recent years, so confirm them before you travel.
Event Overview and Location
Dates and Venue
The show runs Thursday, January 28, through Saturday, January 30, 2027. It takes place at the Michiana Event Center, 455 E Farver Street, Shipshewana, Indiana. The event began in 2002 as a small sale of unused tools. Since then, it has grown into a major winter gathering. In a typical year, about 10,000 people attend, and some drive hundreds of miles to get there.
What You Will Find
The expo combines a tool show, an auction and a health fair. Visitors can expect the following:
- More than 250 vendors, with peak years reaching about 430 tool booths
- New and reconditioned hand tools and power tools
- Woodworking machines, lumber and construction equipment
- Business seminars on all three days
- A separate Health and Wellness Expo in the same building
- A door prize giveaway worth about $25,000, with a drawing on Saturday at noon
Admission has recently cost $5 per adult. Children ages 15 and under enter free. However, prices can change, so check the official website before you go.
Auction Schedule for January 28 to 30
The auction does not run all weekend. Instead, it builds toward a big Saturday. Use the table below to plan your days. It reflects the most recent published schedule, which ran Thursday through Saturday.
| Day | Expo hours (expected) | What to expect |
| Thursday, Jan. 28 | 11 AM to 7 PM | Browse booths, attend seminars and preview items. The expo is open, but the main auction has not started. |
| Friday, Jan. 29 | 8 AM to 5 PM | Reconditioned tools sell starting around 3 PM. This sale usually lasts one to two hours. |
| Saturday, Jan. 30 | 8 AM to 1 PM | The main auction starts at 9 AM with up to six rings. The door prize drawing follows at noon. |
How the Saturday Rings Work
Saturday is the busiest day. Auctioneers run several rings at the same time. Each ring sells a different type of item. Consequently, you must decide where to stand before bidding begins.
| Ring type | What sells there |
| Two wagon rings | New and small tools displayed on wagons |
| Two row rings | Tools and miscellaneous items lined up in rows |
| One large equipment ring | Bigger machines and heavy equipment |
| One toy ring (10 AM) | Small toys and farm tractors |
Ring layouts can change from year to year. Therefore, ask staff for the current map when you arrive.
Consignment Deadlines for Sellers
Sellers can drop off items ahead of the show. In recent years, drop-off ran Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The auction accepted no consignments after 4:30 PM on Friday. The sale takes single pieces and full shop liquidations. To confirm dates and pickup details, call the auction contact, Robert Mishler, at 260-336-9750.
Auction Rules You Should Know
Organizers publish only a short list of official rules online. However, most tool auctions follow common practices. Treat the points below as a guide, and then confirm each one at the registration desk.
Registration and Bidder Numbers
You need a bidder number before you can bid. Visit the registration area, show a photo ID and fill out a short form. Staff then give you a card or paddle with your number. Keep it with you at all times. Every winning bid links to that number, so never lend it to anyone else.
Buyer Fees and Taxes
Some auctions add a buyer’s premium or sales tax to the winning price. Ask about both before you raise your hand. Additionally, ask whether fees differ for equipment and small items. A small percentage can change your budget on a large purchase.
Payment Methods
Payment rules vary, so ask early. Many tool auctions accept cash and checks, and some accept cards. Bring a backup method. Furthermore, a bank letter can help if you plan a large purchase. Pay for your items on the same day, because most auctions expect settlement before you leave.
Item Condition and Final Sales
Auctioneers sell most items as is. That means the seller makes no promise about condition. Therefore, inspect every item during the preview. Test switches, check blades and look for rust or cracks. Once the auctioneer says sold, the sale is final.
Removal of Purchases
Plan how you will carry your purchases. Large machines need a trailer, straps and often a forklift. Ask staff about loading help and removal deadlines. In addition, bring gloves, blankets and tie-downs. Winter weather can slow loading, so allow extra time.
Bidder Conduct
Good manners keep the sale moving. Bid only when you intend to buy. Do not interrupt the auctioneer. Keep walkways clear. If you disagree with a call, speak calmly to the ring manager at once.
| Rule area | What to expect | What to do |
| Bidder number | Required to bid | Register early with photo ID |
| Fees | Premium or tax may apply | Ask before bidding |
| Payment | Methods vary | Bring cash, a check and a card |
| Condition | Sold as is | Inspect items at the preview |
| Removal | Deadlines apply | Bring a trailer and straps |
Step-by-Step Bidding Guide
Before You Bid
Preparation matters more than speed. Start on Thursday or Friday, when the aisles are calmer. Walk the rows and note items you want. Then research typical prices for new and used versions. As a result, you will know when a bid reaches a fair limit.
Next, write a list. Include each item, its lot location and your top price. Keep the list in your pocket. It stops you from bidding on impulse.
Understanding the Auctioneer
Auctioneers talk fast. At first, the chant sounds confusing. However, the pattern is simple. The auctioneer asks for a price, and ring staff scan the crowd for bids. Staff may shout or point when they spot one. Listen for the current bid and the next amount requested. If you miss it, ask a ring worker to repeat it.
How to Place a Bid
- Stand where the auctioneer and ring staff can see you
- Raise your number or hand clearly when the price suits you
- Nod or hold up a finger to match the next amount
- Lower your hand to show you have stopped
- Say your number out loud after you win, so staff record it correctly
Smart Bidding Strategies
Set a firm maximum before each lot. Then stick to it. Excitement pushes prices up fast, especially when two bidders compete. If the price passes your limit, let it go. Another lot will come.
Additionally, watch the crowd. Some buyers bid early to test interest. Others wait until the last moment. You can join late and still win. Also, bundled lots often sell below the combined value of their parts. Look for boxes of mixed tools, because they can hide bargains.
Timing matters too. Saturday morning draws the largest crowds, so prices on popular items can climb. However, buyers often find lower prices near the end of a sale, when many bidders have already left.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preview and buying untested equipment
- Forgetting buyer fees when you set a budget
- Chasing a lot after the price passes your limit
- Bringing no way to carry large purchases
- Waiting too long to ask about payment rules
How to Inspect Items Before You Bid
The preview is your best chance to avoid costly surprises. Arrive early on Thursday or Friday, and give yourself at least two hours. Bring a notebook and a phone for quick price checks. Then follow a simple routine for each item.
- Check the brand and model number, then compare it with current retail prices
- Look for cracks, rust, worn cords and missing guards
- Spin motors and blades by hand when staff allow it
- Count accessories such as fences, chucks, batteries and chargers
- Take a photo of each item and its lot number
Furthermore, talk to the vendors nearby. Many have years of experience, and they often share honest advice. Some will explain how a machine works or what a fair price looks like. As a result, you gain knowledge that no catalog can offer.
Who Should Attend and Why
The show appeals to a wide mix of people. Professional woodworkers come to restock shops. Contractors come to buy equipment for job sites. Hobbyists come to find affordable tools. Meanwhile, small business owners attend seminars on sales, marketing and shop management.
The auction format also helps beginners. Prices often start low, and a patient buyer can pick up quality tools for less than retail. However, the best deals go to people who prepare. That is why a simple plan, a firm budget and early research matter so much.
In addition, the expo gives you a chance to meet suppliers face to face. You can compare brands side by side and ask questions on the spot. Therefore, many visitors treat the weekend as both a buying trip and a learning trip.
Seminars and the Health Expo
Seminars run on all three days. Topics usually focus on business skills for shop owners and tradespeople. The Health and Wellness Expo runs its own talks in the same building. Consequently, family members who do not plan to bid can still find something useful to do. Check the posted schedule at the entrance for room numbers and times.
Planning Your Trip
Budget and Checklist
A little planning saves money and stress. Use this checklist to stay on track.
| Task | Details |
| Book lodging | Shipshewana hotels fill quickly in January, so reserve early |
| Check hours | Confirm daily times and admission on the official site |
| Set a budget | Include fees, taxes and transport costs |
| Pack tools | Tape measure, flashlight, notebook, gloves and straps |
| Arrange transport | Bring a truck or trailer for heavy buys |
| Dress for winter | Wear warm layers and sturdy boots |
Local Tips
Shipshewana sits in LaGrange County, a region known for Amish culture and tourism. Therefore, traffic can build near the event center. Arrive early and allow time to park. For local questions, call the LaGrange County Visitor Center at 260-768-4008. In addition, bring snacks and water, since lines at food counters can grow long during peak hours.
Conclusion
The Midwest Tool Expo and Auction 2027 offers a rare mix of tools, learning and live bidding. Thursday suits browsing and seminars. Friday brings a short reconditioned tool sale. Saturday delivers the main auction with up to six rings. Register early, inspect every item and set a firm limit for each lot. Moreover, confirm hours, fees and payment rules with organizers before you go. With a clear plan, you can bid with confidence and carry home real value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2027 show?
It runs Thursday, January 28, through Saturday, January 30, 2027.
2. Where does it take place?
It takes place at the Michiana Event Center, 455 E Farver Street, Shipshewana, Indiana.
3. How much does admission cost?
Recent years charged $5 per adult, and children 15 and under entered free. Confirm the current price on the official site.
4. When does the main auction start?
The main auction has started at 9 AM on Saturday in recent years. A smaller reconditioned tool sale begins around 3 PM on Friday.
5. Do I need to register to bid?
Yes. Most auctions require a bidder number, which you get at the registration desk with a photo ID.
6. What payment methods can I use?
Methods vary. Bring cash, a check and a card, then ask staff which ones they accept.
7. Can I return an item after I buy it?
Usually not. Auctioneers sell most items as is, and a sold lot is final. Inspect items during the preview.
8. How many rings run at once?
Up to six rings run on Saturday. They cover wagon tools, row items, large equipment and toys.
9. Can I sell my own tools?
Yes. Sellers can consign items before the show. Call 260-336-9750 to confirm drop-off dates and deadlines.
10. Do I have to be present to win a door prize?
In recent years, no. The drawing took place Saturday at noon, and staff posted winners at the entrance.
