For livestock producers, organizing sale events is a major undertaking. From securing top consultants, selling platforms and sales advisors to coordinating photography, videography, and advertising, and even the post-sale delivery logistics, it takes significant time and resources to ensure these events are successful. However, if you’re operating in close proximity to other producers in the area, 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 – a win-win situation for all involved.

Here are some of the advantages of coordinating sale dates with other cattle 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 Cattle Connect Sales Reps

Cattle Connect Sales Reps, representatives from AMS and CK Sales, 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 sales rep to your farm prior to your sale, as they’ll see the chance to make more stops within a short timeframe.

2. Shared Access to Customer Traffic and an Enhanced Experience for Prospect Buyers

For buyers, attending multiple sales in a single area can be a major draw. Instead of traveling long distances for individual sales, or traveling to the same area multiple times in a few weeks due to variable sale dates, buyers can make a more efficient trip, seeing a range of cattle 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.

3. Easy Coordination of Delivery Logistics

When several nearby operations host sales within a close timeframe, it opens the door for shared delivery routes and delivery options. Coordinated delivery options allow operations to share on transport costs and in many cases make delivery time faster and more efficient to get sale cattle into the hands of their new owners more quickly. 

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COORDINATION

1. Establish Open Communication Early

Planning starts with transparent, open communication among neighboring cattle 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. It can also help to discuss a sale date with your Cattle Connect sales rep when booking your sale. They may have helpful insight regarding other online sale customers in your area that have already booked a date to sell.

2. Plan a 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 reps, 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. This can also be beneficial from a marketing perspective. Setting a sale schedule early allows for opportunities to advertise said schedule on social media or other outlets, so prospect buyers are aware of all sales in the area and can plan their travels accordingly. 

3. Create Joint Marketing Efforts

As briefly mentioned above, 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, text message marketing provided by Cattle Connect, or banner ads on CattleConnect.com. Buyers appreciate knowing they’ll have access to multiple sales in the area, and coordinated marketing can amplify this benefit.

4. Organize Group Delivery Routes

After the sale, consider organizing delivery options together for buyers who may need transportation. This is particularly helpful if cattle are going to multiple buyers in the same state or general geographic location. By sharing routes, you can save on fuel costs, trucking 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! 

Want more tips from the Cattle Connection team? Visit our SELLERS page HERE.