For livestock producers, organizing sale events is a major undertaking. From securing top consultants and sales advisors to coordinating photography, videography, and delivery logistics, it takes significant time and resources to ensure these events are successful. However, if you’re operating close to other producers, why not consider coordinating sale dates with them? This approach can help maximize the resources available to all involved, creating smoother and more profitable events.

Here are some of the advantages of coordinating sale dates with operations that are geographically close, plus practical tips to make it a success.

WHY COORDINATE AUCTION DATES?

1. Shared Access to High-Quality Consultants and Showpig Sales Advisors
Showpig Sales Advisors’ and third party consultants’ schedules are filling up fast in anticipation of the upcoming auction season. By coordinating with nearby operations, you can create an attractive schedule that allows these professionals to work multiple sales in a short period of time. This setup can be mutually beneficial, as they save time traveling and can potentially offer lower fees to clients in the same area. It also increases the likelihood of getting your selected  advisors to your farm prior to your sale, as they’ll see the chance to make more stops within a short timeframe.

2. Cost-Efficient Videography and Photography Services
High-quality visuals are crucial for attracting buyers, especially if your sale is an online auction or includes online bidding options. By scheduling sales close together, nearby operations can coordinate with videographers and photographers, allowing them to capture all necessary footage and photos in a single trip. This approach can significantly reduce travel fees for everyone involved, and it might even mean better rates or packages from the professionals, who will appreciate the larger, coordinated projects.

3. Streamlined Delivery Options
When several nearby farms hold sales within the same timeframe, it opens the door for shared delivery routes and schedules. Buyers from all over the country often prefer purchasing from multiple sales in the same region to make their trip worthwhile. This can be especially appealing for large buyers and those looking to build relationships within a particular area. Coordinated delivery options allow operations to save on transport costs and give buyers a more convenient way to get their livestock where they need to go.

4. Enhanced Buyer Experience
For buyers, attending multiple sales in a single area can be a major draw. Instead of traveling long distances for individual sales, buyers can make a more efficient trip, seeing a range of animals in a short timeframe. This convenience often increases attendance and bidding enthusiasm, as buyers have more opportunities to find what they need without traveling far. A collaborative, coordinated approach creates a more attractive event and can help build a stronger buyer base for all participating operations.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COORDINATION

1. Establish Open Communication Early
Planning starts with transparent, open communication among neighboring operations. Reach out to nearby producers you trust and discuss the benefits of coordinating sale dates. Make sure all involved are committed to the idea and ready to communicate about each aspect of their sale planning. Regular meetings or check-ins are key to keeping the project on track and ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

2. Plan a Regional Schedule Together
Once everyone is on board, work together to establish a sale schedule that makes sense for everyone involved. This doesn’t mean everyone has to hold their sales on the exact same day, but spacing them a day or two apart can help advisors, buyers, and service providers manage their time effectively. A well-organized schedule allows buyers to travel between sales easily, making it possible for them to attend multiple events without feeling rushed.

3. Coordinate with Service Providers
When you have your sale dates established, reach out to consultants, videographers, and photographers as a group. Explain your coordinated plan and ask if they’re willing to offer discounted rates or packages. By presenting your plan as a single, larger project, service providers are more likely to be flexible and willing to work with each operation’s unique needs. A unified approach also makes your sale dates more attractive, helping you secure top-tier professionals during busy seasons. BONUS: Reach out to your Showpig CSM or Sale Advisor if you need help selecting third party vendors. We have put together a full list of vendors we recommend! 

4. Create Joint Marketing Efforts
Collaborating with nearby operations doesn’t just benefit behind-the-scenes logistics – it can also enhance your marketing efforts. Work together on advertising materials that highlight the region’s events, such as combined social media posts, email blast, ShowpigTXT messages, or banner ads on Showpig.com. Buyers appreciate knowing they’ll have access to multiple sales in the area, and coordinated marketing can amplify this benefit.

5. Organize Group Delivery Routes
After the sale, consider organizing delivery options together for buyers who may need transportation. This is particularly helpful if buyers are purchasing from multiple sales in the area. By sharing routes, you can save on fuel costs, maximize the use of transport vehicles, and offer a more attractive delivery option to buyers. Some buyers may be more inclined to make large purchases if they know convenient, cost-effective delivery is available.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Coordinating sale dates with geographically close operations can bring significant advantages, from saving on services and improving buyer experience to simplifying logistics. By working together, you and your neighbors can boost the value of each sale, create a more efficient process, and increase profitability.

In an industry where collaboration often takes a backseat to competition, working together can be a breath of fresh air, creating goodwill and stronger relationships within your community. So, reach out to your nearby operations, explore the possibilities, and see what a coordinated approach can do for you as you plan for the 2025 sale season! 

BONUS: Showpig has the perfect resource to help you find firms that may be close in location, but you may not know about! Visit our Breeder Directory to ensure you aren't missing anyone in your community.