Club Auction Rules

Participation

Both active ECAAC members and visitors may purchase items at an ECAAC auction. However, only active ECAAC members may sell items. Anyone may donate items to the club for the auction — thank you!

Seller Rules

1. Limit of 5 items per member.
2. Print your name on every bag or container you bring, so we know who to credit the sale to. If your item has a reserve, please state the value.
3. Label every item for auction so the Auctioneer can easily identify what's in the bag — it helps to list the number of livestock or plants included.
4. Please bring only healthy livestock or plants. Try to keep plants algae-free, or clearly indicate on the bag if otherwise.
5. Equipment may be auctioned, but only if fully functioning.
6. ECAAC takes 10% of every item sold, based on the final selling price. To donate the full proceeds to ECAAC, write "ECAAC Donation" on the bag.
7. You may bring as many items as you wish to donate — the Auctioneer reserves the right to auction similar donated items simultaneously.
8. Bag/container etiquette: fish should go in plastic containers (avoid plastic bags unless your packing competency has been pre-approved). Jars work for small fish and shrimp. Small, lightweight plants can go in Ziplocs, but plants needing water should be in a tall fish bag.
9. All items should display, in clear block text, wherever possible:
   • The scientific name, if known
   • The common name, if known
   • Quantity / sex / pairs / etc.
   • Item reserve price
   • Any additional brief information

Large Fish

If you have an unusually large fish that needs to travel by bucket, make sure to bring along a heater and air stone to keep them alive during the meeting.

Dry Goods

Equipment and other non-living items should display the same information on masking tape or a label, including descriptions such as "works" or "needs bulbs". Dry goods are allowed at the auctions.

Reserves

If a member has a high-value item they don't wish to sell below a minimum price, that must be clearly indicated and marked on the item. The Auctioneer will start bidding at that price. If bidding accidentally starts below the specified minimum, it's the seller's responsibility to flag the error to the Auctioneer before the item is sold.

Prohibited Items

General / Bidder Rules

1. All winning bids are final.
2. Only cash is accepted as payment, unless otherwise arranged with the Treasurer/Secretary prior to the auction.
3. Bids increase by R5 up to R100. After that, a bidder may indicate any price higher than the previous bid.
4. Items to be auctioned will be inspected only during breaks and before the auction. Please don't inspect inventory while bidding is in progress — but it's fine to come forward and inspect the item currently up for bid if you have doubts about quality, health, or identification.
5. Please consider bringing suitable containers if you think you may be buying livestock at the auction.

Rules for Commercial Members

• No posting or advertising of shop photos, videos, or any reference to items your business has available or for sale. These can be discussed privately outside of the Club Meeting — no exceptions.
• No reserve prices are allowed on any auction items entered by a commercial member.
• Commercial Members are afforded a time slot once every quarter at a Club Meeting to advertise their business.
• Advertising slots for Commercial Members' businesses are available to purchase in the club newsletter.

We hope these guidelines give our membership a quicker and more enjoyable auction experience every month.