TBAS Fish Auction

[GraphicGr8s]

So today the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society held their annual fish auction. Tons of bags of fish. The auction took hours. I left before it was over but I still managed to go over my "budget" a bit. Some of the cichlids were bid up over $90.
I've got a bunch of new livebearers to let into tanks.

[Mugwump]

So today the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society held their annual fish auction. Tons of bags of fish. The auction took hours. I left before it was over but I still managed to go over my "budget" a bit. Some of the cichlids were bid up over $90.
I've got a bunch of new livebearers to let into tanks.

I'm not a big auction fan, preferring the swap meets...but there are some real bargains to be had at some of the auctions.....   sounds like a nice score there..

[GraphicGr8s]

I've not seen a swap meet here though. We have an auction after every monthly meeting and I usually get something for a decent price.

[JC]

I've been to swaps but not an auction. Not sure I'd be a fan of them but hey you never know

[wsantia1]

I have been to both and the swaps win hands down.  You often over pay to win those auctions.  The swaps have far more selections and you can bargain your price most times.

[b125killer]

I liked the auctions as far as a buyer.  I wouldn't want to sell at auction. There's too much risk. Also alot of people take there low quality fish to the auctions. It's a good place to dump unwanted fish.

[GraphicGr8s]

This auction had a few of the local farms participating. One of the farm owners is also a member. There were also a bunch of fish that aren't generally found for sale so for collectors it was a boon. I've been hit before with what I would call culls at the monthly meeting auction but I've also gotten some really great breeders.

[ilroost]

Love the auctions. You just need to get there early and look all the fish over.
Got some real deals. But you're right you gotta look them over or you will be getting culls.
Mostly i just love going and cutting up with the fellow club members. You know sit in the back row and have fun  LOL

[greydragon]

TBAS Auction are great i used to be a runner at them several years back

[Ron Sower]

I liked the auctions as far as a buyer.  I wouldn't want to sell at auction. There's too much risk.....

There is risk in the price you get for your entries also, at least at our monthly auctions. I've had some very nice entries of plants, fish and dry goods that have gone for almost nothing.

2 things I've noted that contribute to this:
1. A long-winded speaker and everyone is anxious to leave and they are hurrying the auction along
2. A low meeting turnout and there aren't as many people interested in your items.
I have had $50 items go for $3 or so. It's discouraging.
Plus, since we have such a large club, we are limited to 5 or 6 lot entries each month and sometimes I have way more stuff to move. Our semi-annual auctions (the bigger ones - total meeting devoted to them) allow more entries.

However, we have a 60/40 split and the 40 goes to the club, so at east the club gets something in financial support.

Swaps are my favorite though. That's why I started them here in the South Puget Sound region 2+ years ago. You can have control over you pricing, you can sell/trade as many items as you want, and you can chat all around the room with other hobbyists. Plus, there are some really good items brought in!