Auction System

When the auction starts, the grower, variety and grade of the flowers are announced and the clock descends from a set start price which is determined by the auctioneer. For example, the clock hand (running light) falls anti-clockwise from a set start price of $10.00.

Each buyer has a button at their seat which will enable them to stop the clock when the hand reaches the price they are prepared to pay for the flowers. The price and seat number will appear on the clock which will confirm their purchase. The buyer will then inform the auctioneer of the quantity of flowers they wish to purchase. This number is then subtracted from the total number in that line, and the process is repeated until the balance of the line is sold.

The system is able to sell 200 items per minute. The flowers are then delivered by auction delivery staff onto the buyers bay.

Auction days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. After every auction the grower's report of sale is faxed to them or mailed out at the end of the week.

The report contains the following information.

1. The price they received
2. The low, high and average price for the day.
3. The total for the day.
4. The growers total bunches sent.
5. The growers own average price for the day.
6. Local market growers are paid weekly by Direct Credit.