Jayba Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 Would you charge every seller a fee for a table? Or try to track sales and take a percentage? I think most sellers would say, "screw that!" and continue to sell their stuff in the classifieds, or make deals on the side to avoid the costs. Renting out a table would be foolish, most if not all sellers would say screw that simply because of cost. If the CAS uses the auction as a fundraiser, how does it make money from sales? Per item?Percentage?? ( I'd check myself but my CAS log on no longer works since my last renewal) lol I just know that myself I am looking for a slight deal, but moreover I am looking for a decent price on fish that aren't riddled with disease, plants that are sold for what they are actually worth. I have a bunch of plecos I would sell ranging in price from 100 to 300 per fish. There is no way I would gamble at the auction. But I would consider selling them (or a large portion) in a day for 75% of what they are worth prior to auction time, if I thought I could have a decent day. Maybe loose my shirt on a couple at the auction, but hey, it's all about averages. that's the gamble, the excitement, the thrill! The need for more crap at a good price! That's what drives us all to go to these auctions. Making the process or auction longer, or over several days is not needed. Stuff flying off the tables in itself would speed up the day. I have a wish list, I want it for an ok price and I wanna go home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince0 Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 cas takes a 30% cut from all auction items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingin' It Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 You can put a Reserve Price on your fish if you desire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairdeal Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 One thing about the table selling prior to the actual auction is that prices could always be negotiated between seller and buyer at the table where that is impossible at the auction. Unless it is a rather rare or unique item most people have a pretty good idea of what these things retail for and that's why reserve pricing at the auction is used by some that don't want low ball selling on more expensive or hard to find items. If I put a reserve bid on an item it is still priced well below what it is actually worth but it lets people know that there is value there. You still have to pay the 30% CAS charge on your reserve price if the item doesn't sell but as an example I for one will not be letting $50 plecos go for $15 any time soon either. This idea has merit but there is only one true way to find out if it will work and how it will work and that is to simply give it a trial run and then judge the results and the popularity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JORG Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 I'm not on the same page as the people wanting to change things. It's called an auction because it is an auction and most aquarium clubs in the world hold auctions to raise funds because this method works. I'm pretty sure that a Calgary Aquarium Society garage sale will come no where near the amount of funds raised by the tried and true auction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprucegruve Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 lets do a casino night to raise money, i like the auction once in awhile not every month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted April 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Yip, democracy where everybody can give their opinion, mine too! That is why I created this topic to see if other formats have been tried in the past and whether something different might be tried in the future. If my topic creates discussion, then I've done my job to get people talking...the good, the bad, and the not very pretty. Others have commented and consider myself a facilitator, take that for what you will. I'm actually proud of my topic for what discussion it has created, however on the same coin it is rather unfortunate that a simple question of "Always an auction format?" can have people so polarized, so defensive and so worried. Change can be a very hard thing for some. Some will fight to the tooth to prevent and only point out negatives, while some see a possibility for improvement and will embrace the idea of change to see if actually there might be a better way. I would have to say other 'gatherings' should be sought out, tables have proven to be quite lucrative for other clubs and societies. It cannot be said not for the CAS because I was told it was never tried. If someone can honestly can say that, I'd have to say your crystal ball is bigger than my crystal ball! I'm kind of surprised opponents cannot see value of this idea and what it can do for the CAS at the smallest level. From what has been posted in my topic, it seems wildfire apparent that the big $ sign is the sole reason that this club/society exists. I say this because that is what is being posted here and what any non-partisan person would say upon reading this topics contents. Every single argument against any sort of change has to do with $. I painfully understand that the almighty buck is what drives things. No worries it drives my car too. I do understand that $ is needed! I actually did think the mandate of a club or society would be to promote the hobby (business for some), promote/help/aid the study of (insert particular hobby genre here), get the word out to non-members that the club or society exists and what it can offer members in a productive social environment, helping people to have a free flow of information and finally to promote itself so that it does grow and stay relevant. Any club or society that i've been a member of has had this as a mandate. How this is starting to appear is that an old boys club wants to run things rather than the Board of Directors. I think I might actually attend that CAS meeting not to ask about the auction format but rather to have the societies mandate be read to me because I really don't want to be right! Ultimately in my mind it comes down to one thing. "we tried to improve, whether we succeed for fail, we can say we did try" =============================================================================== I'd have to give the mods a tap to make sure this topic stays on track and people respect each other and opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbarr Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 maybe there would be a possibility of creating a separate occasion all together. Maybe people would be receptive to the idea if the auction was left alone. After all, we all would love another excuse to get together and swap wares . Spring and Fall auctions and summer and winter table sales? I know that in the dead of winter I could sure use something fun to look forward to. I dont know why table sales should be so hard to pull off being that we have a classified section here and people are meeting up to do it privately anyway. As far as volunteers, I cant see why there would need to be anymore than there are, being that cash exchange would be dealt with between the purchaser and seller. Divying up the % could happen after the sale was over with a calculator, a seller, and a cas or ace member. No need for volunteers to run livestock around the auction mart and so on. Just my thoughts. I think you have a good idea here that has the potential to make the clubs more money and create a more social experience among members (outside of our pcs that is :P) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragonNeko Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Another social gathering would be nice. I love the Casino night idea! A BBQ could be nice too...or both together! Good burgers, some gambling, and socializing with fellow AA members. Yep, I like it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingin' It Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Another social gathering would be nice. I love the Casino night idea! A BBQ could be nice too...or both together! Good burgers, some gambling, and socializing with fellow AA members. Yep, I like it Just for the record, the CAS is having a social type event on June 10th. A Home Tour, to see people's tanks, with a BBQ to end the day...lots of social time Fun, Fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Here's a thought... CAS could have a meeting that's a swap/table sale to see how it goes. The seller could give a quick presentation on what they're selling and how they breed or grow it. Please pm me if interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted April 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Here's a thought... CAS could have a meeting that's a swap/table sale to see how it goes. The seller could give a quick presentation on what they're selling and how they breed or grow it. Please pm me if interested. That is very fair. I'd be among the first with my wallet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Another point with the tables might be seller participation. Will the sellers want to sit there at their tables all day? I know I wouldn't. With the auction you just drop your stuff off before 10am and you're good to go. A lot of the sellers don't stick around all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted April 17, 2012 Report Share Posted April 17, 2012 Sorry if you're feeling disrespected- I don't mean to invalidate your idea by discussing logistics. I personally wouldn't really care if there's an auction format or garage sale format- both are good opportunities. Yes, it sounds like a good idea... but there has to be some serious discussion about implementing it- hall rental, table organization, potential attendance, how to cover costs, etc., etc. The CAS is a not for profit society, so $$ aren't the goal (we do talk about fish occasionally.) However, the auction proceeds make up the lion's share of the money that is used to pay for all the hall rentals, guest speakers and other programs throughout the year (and it's a very tight budget.) Unfortunately, most of the people at the auctions never come to the monthly meetings or even buy a club membership. Having been on the CAS board in the past, I've seen several instances where (potentially good/great) ideas haven't been implemented because the people on the bandwagon won't actually commit to putting in any effort. It's not really fair to say, "We should try this or that!" and then sit back expecting someone else to volunteer their time to make it happen. Perhaps I'm just a tad disillusioned? I actually did think the mandate of a club or society would be to promote the hobby (business for some), promote/help/aid the study of (insert particular hobby genre here), get the word out to non-members that the club or society exists and what it can offer members in a productive social environment, helping people to have a free flow of information and finally to promote itself so that it does grow and stay relevant. Any club or society that i've been a member of has had this as a mandate. How this is starting to appear is that an old boys club wants to run things rather than the Board of Directors. CAS objectives You may notice a couple of open board positions further down the page. You are more than welcome to join the "Old Boys" and bring change from within. Sadly, most people can't be bothered. I think I might actually attend that CAS meeting... Yes, come to the monthly meetings. And If you're really looking for more than just another venue to buy fish, I challenge you to take part in the implementation of your ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 (edited) I've bred snakes in the past and the local society (TARAS) puts on 2 show and sales per year. They are 2 day table events and the society makes it's money from table and admission fees. I have a friend who organizes a very large private reptile show and sale, I could ask him what his major expenses are but realistically who wants to sit behind a table all day and probably lose money. I used to do the shows as a social event to hang out with other herptoculturists but hanging out behind a table gets old fast. Edited April 19, 2012 by Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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