[GSAS-board] plant auctopsy 2005

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

OK, here's the annual "morning after" report.  First, the numbers:

                2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000

bidders         39      43      30      34      39      38
lots            242     322     264     259     231     260
gross $         1299    1636    1327    1180    1624    1479
splits $        194     453     265     150     403     413

This is right in line with previous years... not nearly as crazy as last 
year in terms of numbers of items sold, which I consider a good thing 
(see below).

Actually, I think the net to the club will turn out to be about the 
same.  Items went for less money last year (probably more duplicates, and 
people flagging out by the end).

The computer says that Steev is owed $19.20 for his split -- not sure if 
that was given to him already.

So what worked?  As far as I'm concerned, EVERYTHING worked.  This was the 
smoothest auction I've experienced.  Having four auctioneers was a treat. 
Having four working conputers (Thanks Paul!) was excellent.  Paul also 
helped me set up the computers, so we were able to check in sellers very 
smoothly.  Once the auction started, everyone running the machines found 
their footing.  Items were moved swiftly, far fewer stalls than most 
auctions.  But more importantly, it was FUN, something missing from a lot 
of the auctions when we're so worried about getting everything out by 10. 
I didn't hear of any major discrepancies in what was bought and what was 
picked up, except for that one guy who said we undercharged by a buck. 
The software was unchanged from last year's.  Checkout seemed good too.

OK, there were a few things that could be improved.  The printer (gak). 
Didn't get a chance to do the usual level of testing, as I didn't have 
paper.  This will be fixed by April.  Actually, it's fixed today. :)

Another mistake *I* made was using the same file for producing the pink 
and white labels.  Normally the pink labels start at 1000, while the white 
labels start at 2000.  Oops.  This too will be fixed by April.

Judy was busy making labels for the bag staging area.  I will try to 
remember to make two sets of cards, one for the staging area, next time.

Excellent job everyone!

  - Erik

--
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com
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