From: bjm@rommel.apana.org.au (Brad McMahon)
Newsgroups: rec.games.board
Subject: A postal bid system 
Distribution: world
Date: 25 Jan 93 11:59:55 +1030
Organization: Private - member of Apana

I am only new on the net (about two months) and in that
time I have seen a few auctions take place. This "Dutch Bidding"
system seems unfair to all concerned except the auctioneer.
Brian Youse has come close to a fair system after he realised
that there was a lot of counter bidding - which is really counter-
productive. I participate in postal auctions on a regular basis
here in Australia for militaria and the system that is used seems
fair for all concerned. I will explain it for you, with a couple 
modifications and ideas and those of you that are considering
 holding a game auction should seriously consider it, as IMHO it
 is fair for all concerned.

The auctioneer lists a price beside the game listed.
This price should be what the auctioneer believes the game is worth.
ie.  Shell Shock - Victory Games MINT ............. $25

Bidders can bid a minimum of 70% of the listed price.
Any bids below this amount will automatically be increased to 70%
of listed price.
Maximum is, of course, unlimited.
For the above example, no-one can bid under $17.50 for the copy of Shell Shock.

Tied bids are awarded to the earliest bidder.
ie. Jack bids $22.00 for Shell Shock on Wednesday
    Ken bids $22.00 for Shell Shock on Friday.
Jack buys the game.

When the bidder lodges his bids, he can elect to increase his bids by a
percentage, IF competition necessitates.
Three percentages are available : 10% , 25% , and 50% (!)
In the above example, if Ken indicates on his form that he is
willing to increase his bids by 10% and Jack has elected not to
increase his bids, then Ken gets the game for $24.20.
If Jack had indicated a bid increase of 10% as well, then Jack would
have the game for $24.20 as he was the earliest bidder.
Of course, if Jack had indicated an increase of 25% then he would have the
game for $27.50 instead.

All bids are strictly private. No progress reports will be published.
After the end of the auction the auctioneer will publish a list of games
and the prices they achieved. He can also name the successful bidder if
the auctioneer so desires. All bidders names are public unless the bidder
specifically requests, on his bidding form, that his name is to be suppressed.

Any games or lots not sold are listed again at the original list price.
Two options are available to the auctioneer.
 1) The games are available at the original list price to the first
    person to contact the auctioneer. No bargaining or bids accepted.
 2) Another auction is to be held.

In my experience with this system, low bids are rarely succesful, though
if no-one bids against you, you can get a bargain, if you are lucky.

You are, of course, allowed to modify this system to your own ends, but
I believe this is a fair system, which does not discriminate against people with
limited net access to the same extent as the Dutch auctions that are occurring.
Up to you!

 --

 Brad McMahon       |  - bjm@rommel.apana.org.au 
                    |  
Disclaimer: Since I don't represent anybody but myself, the opinions
            are my own. They are usually poorly thought out, contain
            errors and fallacies, and are biased. 
            This is the foundation of modern civilisation.
             
 "There's just a fine line between stupid and clever" 
                                   -Spinal Tap