Auction prices reflect nothing but auctions. It is insane to think that in this economy, 70 alpacas will sell well in a single venue. There just aren't that many folks buying right now.
By having that many animals in an auction, you simply dilute the dollars spent. Folks get bored, they leave even though there might have been a fine alpaca they would have purchased without expecting to buy anything, but most don't want to sit that long.
If it were mine to decide, I would reduce the number in the auction to 40 or less and reduce the volume of the auctioneer as well. It is so loud that people are subconsciously uncomfortable and leave to avoid the racket.
You will note that no matter what, the auctioneers do pretty well, since they get their fees upfront, so the more alpacas in the auction, the more cash they make, unless they go on strict percentages of actual sales.
Laurel
The Shouvlins
Bluebird Hills Farm
Springfield, Ohio
937-206-3936
www.bluebirdhills.com
bluebirdhills@voyager.net
> I agree that goods and services are only worth what someone is
> willing to pay for them. I am also glad to see there are many people who
> understand that - including alpaca breeders. Nothing is exempt from the
> downward spiral this economy has brought us. I don't think "fire sales"
> are
> ruining the market....the economy in general has hurt the market, but
> there
> will always be (in any economy) bargain basement sales.
>
>
>
> I do feel for those that have paid top dollar for anything,
> just
> to see its value decline and I know the frustration of not being able to
> do
> much about it. The Real Estate market is a prime example and those that
> bought five or six years ago are looking at dramatically lowered values,
> too.
>
>
>
> We are fortunate to have started our business while prices are
> lower and we have hopes that sales will pick up- however gradually it
> happens, it will be welcomed.
>
> I wouldn't condemn anyone for selling at any price - we each
> know what we need to do to survive and many are unable to sit on their
> herd
> numbers and wait it out. I don't think anyone should be made to feel bad
> that they sold at bottom dollar prices, nor do I feel bad that we were in
> a
> position to buy at the lower prices.
>
>
>
> I hope all those that are having difficulties are able to do
> what they need to do to survive and their animals do not suffer due to
> financial hardships. We are not in a position to buy more animals at this
> time, but we do have room for more in the event of hardship on another
> farm's part.
>
>
>
> Good luck everyone and let's all keep our eyes on the light at
> the end of the tunnel and keep our fingers crossed that it isn't an
> oncoming
> train!
>
> Laura
>
>
>
> Laura Roberts
>
> R Half Pint Farm
>
> Spotsylvania, VA
>
>
>
> _____
>
>
From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of don@fleecefields.com
> Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 6:38 PM
> To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] MoRe: AOBA auction results
>
>
>
>
>
> (re quote from Pia's email below: ) No animal is worth any more than
> what
> it will sell for an auction where willing buyers meet willing sellers.
> Get
> used to the new valuation of alpacas. Just because you might find someone
> willing to pay more in a private sale doesn't mean the animal is
> objectively
> worth that private sale price. The market varies and values may be higher
> tomorrow than they are today - or they may go lower yet.
>
>
>
> Don Stanwyck, Carnation, WA
>
>
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