When most auction companies are doing more and more online, one is keeping their focus on locals. Photo (CC) by Mangrove Mike
In an era when we’re encouraging every rural business to look further outside their local market, it’s interesting to see a business go the other direction.
Most rural auction companies use the internet to promote the items at their sales and to accept bids from far-flung customers. But one auction service I heard about in Elkhart, Kansas, advertises their auctions of antiques and collectibles as “farm fresh auctions.” They don’t take online bids.
See, antiques and other country collectibles are often “picked” from farm auctions and other sources by dealers, then marked up and re-sold time after time. This company is differentiating their service by promoting that their sales are a chance to get items “fresh on the market.”
Another reminder that there is no one correct way to run your business. Find the angle the works for you, and go for it.
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I think this is great. You’re right, it’s all about finding your niche and making it work for you and the way you market it can make a big difference.