Cinebar
Power Conserver
For our members here in SW Washington, there is now an alternative to the 30% commission farm auctions (if you can even find one!).
There is now a new "agricultural swap meet" being held every Saturday in the southwest corner of the Yard Birds parking lot in Chehalis from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For a $10.00 seller's fee, you can bring your animals, plants, other farm/ag items and sell/trade/barter. Or, if you're looking for something, you can come and actually talk to the sellers (unlike the anonymity of an auction).
Tomorrow will be only the third Saturday and we really need the support of the community to get this off the ground.
Last Saturday, I took a momma hen and her twelve babies, some roosters, and eggs to sell. (I had planned on taking a couple Muscovy drakes but it's like they knew and made themselves scarce when it came time to round them up. ) I had prices set for what I was selling and I was not at the mercy of an auctioneer eager to keep things moving. I had interest right away in the hen and babies; I was able to answer any questions about ages, breeds, etc. and sold them (as a family) for the price I was asking. I also sold some eggs. I didn't do too well with the roosters but the weather was cold and wet and not many buyers showed up.
One guy pulled in with ten Muscovy drakes and had them sold almost before he could turn his truck off.....for $18.00 each. Not only did he not have to pay 30% commission on that $180.00, he got his price for them and there was no risk the auctioneer was going to settle for a few bucks for them. The previous week (the first day of the swap meet), this same guy brought a big white turkey. He wanted a certain price, nobody was willing to pay it, and he happily took the turkey home and will try again another day.
In my case, I like my animals being handled with some care and that is not something I've seen happen at many auctions. Once you consign your animals over, you lose control and they can be handled in any manner whatsoever. I really much prefer having complete control over my animals until the moment ownership actually transfers.
Anyway, the weather tomorrow is going to be awesome. If you are in the area, or know someone who is who might be interested, maybe we'll see you there! I won't be selling tomorrow (my helper/kid is going to be unavailable) but I will be stopping in to see how it's going.
Please, if you can, help support this effort!
www.chehalismarket.com
There is now a new "agricultural swap meet" being held every Saturday in the southwest corner of the Yard Birds parking lot in Chehalis from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For a $10.00 seller's fee, you can bring your animals, plants, other farm/ag items and sell/trade/barter. Or, if you're looking for something, you can come and actually talk to the sellers (unlike the anonymity of an auction).
Tomorrow will be only the third Saturday and we really need the support of the community to get this off the ground.
Last Saturday, I took a momma hen and her twelve babies, some roosters, and eggs to sell. (I had planned on taking a couple Muscovy drakes but it's like they knew and made themselves scarce when it came time to round them up. ) I had prices set for what I was selling and I was not at the mercy of an auctioneer eager to keep things moving. I had interest right away in the hen and babies; I was able to answer any questions about ages, breeds, etc. and sold them (as a family) for the price I was asking. I also sold some eggs. I didn't do too well with the roosters but the weather was cold and wet and not many buyers showed up.
One guy pulled in with ten Muscovy drakes and had them sold almost before he could turn his truck off.....for $18.00 each. Not only did he not have to pay 30% commission on that $180.00, he got his price for them and there was no risk the auctioneer was going to settle for a few bucks for them. The previous week (the first day of the swap meet), this same guy brought a big white turkey. He wanted a certain price, nobody was willing to pay it, and he happily took the turkey home and will try again another day.
In my case, I like my animals being handled with some care and that is not something I've seen happen at many auctions. Once you consign your animals over, you lose control and they can be handled in any manner whatsoever. I really much prefer having complete control over my animals until the moment ownership actually transfers.
Anyway, the weather tomorrow is going to be awesome. If you are in the area, or know someone who is who might be interested, maybe we'll see you there! I won't be selling tomorrow (my helper/kid is going to be unavailable) but I will be stopping in to see how it's going.
Please, if you can, help support this effort!
www.chehalismarket.com
