Evan, I believe I suggested this idea last year, but I don't recall for sure. One ''event" I'd like to see at VCF-East would be a live auction event. There's often items that are either complete systems, or certain rare items that I know I would rather see performed as an auction as opposed to just 'for sale' in the normal sales room. I don't know if it would be too late to do that now for this year or not. I know I have a number of items I'd rather 'auction' off to either members or visitors to VCF-East. The specifics of the auction would likely be left up to the board to decide. (Lot size, percentage taken by VCF for facilitating the auction, etc.) I know there was times where I heard that 'someone will be selling X item' in the consignment room, only to get over there after getting my tables setup, etc, and see it's already been picked over like a corpse by a buzzard. But by setting a specific time, with a viewing of lots prior to the auction. It gives people a chance to purchase the specific item/lot. Thanks, Joe -- Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot. Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do. Normal Person: So you go surfing? Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a lot... Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level. Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?
On 3/3/2017 3:29 AM, Joseph Oprysko via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Evan, I believe I suggested this idea last year, but I don't recall for sure.
One ''event" I'd like to see at VCF-East would be a live auction event. There's often items that are either complete systems, or certain rare items that I know I would rather see performed as an auction as opposed to just 'for sale' in the normal sales room.
I don't know if it would be too late to do that now for this year or not. I know I have a number of items I'd rather 'auction' off to either members or visitors to VCF-East. The specifics of the auction would likely be left up to the board to decide. (Lot size, percentage taken by VCF for facilitating the auction, etc.)
I know there was times where I heard that 'someone will be selling X item' in the consignment room, only to get over there after getting my tables setup, etc, and see it's already been picked over like a corpse by a buzzard. But by setting a specific time, with a viewing of lots prior to the auction. It gives people a chance to purchase the specific item/lot.
Thanks,
Joe That's an interesting idea!
We can't have auctions. Requires a state gaming license and a professional auctioneer.
How about a silent auction? On Fri, Mar 3, 2017 at 3:29 AM, Joseph Oprysko via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
Evan, I believe I suggested this idea last year, but I don't recall for sure.
One ''event" I'd like to see at VCF-East would be a live auction event. There's often items that are either complete systems, or certain rare items that I know I would rather see performed as an auction as opposed to just 'for sale' in the normal sales room.
I don't know if it would be too late to do that now for this year or not. I know I have a number of items I'd rather 'auction' off to either members or visitors to VCF-East. The specifics of the auction would likely be left up to the board to decide. (Lot size, percentage taken by VCF for facilitating the auction, etc.)
I know there was times where I heard that 'someone will be selling X item' in the consignment room, only to get over there after getting my tables setup, etc, and see it's already been picked over like a corpse by a buzzard. But by setting a specific time, with a viewing of lots prior to the auction. It gives people a chance to purchase the specific item/lot.
Thanks,
Joe -- Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot. Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do. Normal Person: So you go surfing? Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a lot... Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level. Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?
On Mar 3, 2017, at 10:16 AM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
How about a silent auction?
Very funny.
Any kind of gaming/gambling -- auctions, raffles, 50-50, etc. -- is regulated by the state and requires a license which we're not inclined to seek.
I would suggest researching this in depth and/or reaching out to people who are familiar with the relevant laws. A cursory search indicates that in NJ, licenses are not required for auctions or auctioneers (which are considered sales of property, not gaming/gambling such as raffles or 50-50), and in PA sales run by/for charitable organizations where the auctioneer is not paid are exempt from licensing requirements. However, do note that I am not a lawyer and I only did a cursory search, so this would have to be researched further. David R
I would suggest researching this in depth and/or reaching out to people who are familiar with the relevant laws. A cursory search indicates that in NJ, licenses are not required for auctions or auctioneers (which are considered sales of property, not gaming/gambling such as raffles or 50-50), and in PA sales run by/for charitable organizations where the auctioneer is not paid are exempt from licensing requirements. However, do note that I am not a lawyer and I only did a cursory search, so this would have to be researched further.
We already looked into it a year or two ago. It's a hassle.
"Any kind of gaming/gambling -- auctions, raffles, 50-50, etc. -- is regulated by the state and requires a license which we're not inclined to seek." We ran into this with a car club I'm in. It was just too much of a PITA if you wanted to do things by the books. -J On Fri, Mar 3, 2017 at 10:16 AM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
How about a silent auction?
Very funny.
Any kind of gaming/gambling -- auctions, raffles, 50-50, etc. -- is regulated by the state and requires a license which we're not inclined to seek.
-- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085
On Mar 3, 2017, at 10:39 AM, Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
"Any kind of gaming/gambling -- auctions, raffles, 50-50, etc. -- is regulated by the state and requires a license which we're not inclined to seek."
We ran into this with a car club I'm in. It was just too much of a PITA if you wanted to do things by the books.
-J
I've done this more than once, it's relatively straightforward albeit a pain in the ass with paperwork. There are two different non profit organizations I helped start that have it (fisheries related but that does not change the basic process) and once it is in place renewal is a simple procedure. While not feasible for this years VCF, I would hope it is considered for future events (not just VCF east or west etc) The ability to raise funds for a non profit is severely hampered if you do not have the ability to do silent and Chinese auctions/raffles etc. to get equipment/items donated for raffle from corporate or other sponsors would also require this. For almost 10 years we have run fundraisers, raffles, auctions etc for one of the groups I referred to and tens of thousands of dollars a year would have been inaccessible without this simple permit. The fact that the 501 is already up and running makes it that much easier. Again, I don't believe it's feasible or even warranted for this VCF, rarely do things slapped together at the last minute work out. However, speaking from nearly a decade of experience with this specific topic, I for one would hope it is seriously considered for the future. Tony
How about using one of the exisiting online auctions to run it Then you don't have to adhere to state's regulations Start the Listing the moment VCF East opens, Set for Local Pickup only at VCF East @ InfoAge And then place a sign over the equipment to announce the Listing with a Link. So people can just bid online with their smartphones, or laptops And you can update the sign periodically with the current Bid Amount ie. eB@y OR VCForum Marketplace Dan
How about using one of the exisiting online auctions to run it Then you don't have to adhere to state's regulations Start the Listing the moment VCF East opens, Set for Local Pickup only at VCF East @ InfoAge And then place a sign over the equipment to announce the Listing with a Link. So people can just bid online with their smartphones, or laptops And you can update the sign periodically with the current Bid Amount ie. eB@y OR VCForum Marketplace Dan
L@@K R@RE! Dan 1.0 ... powers up STEVE JOBS
Estate find. Unable to test. On Fri, Mar 3, 2017 at 10:22 AM Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
How about using one of the exisiting online auctions to run it Then you don't have to adhere to state's regulations Start the Listing the moment VCF East opens, Set for Local Pickup only at VCF East @ InfoAge And then place a sign over the equipment to announce the Listing with a Link. So people can just bid online with their smartphones, or laptops And you can update the sign periodically with the current Bid Amount ie. eB@y OR VCForum Marketplace Dan
L@@K R@RE! Dan 1.0 ... powers up STEVE JOBS
My opinion on auctions is a resounding NO. After years of "running" the consignment area, the people coming there are not interested in spending money (except for Ian). I've seen great items, with reasonable but high prices go unsold because they were priced at more than a dollar or two. Hams are cheap, but VCF nerds make them look like big spenders. Maybe if we took the time to advertise it, have some key items, and were allowed set minimums then yes, but that would have to be a dedicated job for someone. Not something else to dump on the folks running the show. Just my $0.02. Kelly
On Mar 3, 2017, at 12:20 PM, Kelly Leavitt via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
My opinion on auctions is a resounding NO.
After years of "running" the consignment area, the people coming there are not interested in spending money (except for Ian).
I've seen great items, with reasonable but high prices go unsold because they were priced at more than a dollar or two.
Hams are cheap, but VCF nerds make them look like big spenders.
Maybe if we took the time to advertise it, have some key items, and were allowed set minimums then yes, but that would have to be a dedicated job for someone. Not something else to dump on the folks running the show.
Just my $0.02.
Kelly
I think Kelly hits a good point and one I was talking to someone off list about. I'm thinking more outside of just VCF east proper too. If we can get a corporate sponsor or a private donor to donate an item etc to help raise funds (for example we had one of the largest national angler organizations donate a 17' boat with motor for us to raffle to raise money) that's when you start seeing significant dollars come in. It simply opens up a world of opportunities that are not otherwise available. As for spending money at VCF, I would certainly defer to Kelly's experience and have seen the same in my limited time attending VCF east (only the last three years) However, with advance notice/promotion and the right items I firmly believe it could work. All depends on the circumstances and the items available. I know if I saw something of value was going to be made available and I wanted it id be prepared for my bid. However, not knowing such things existed till I showed up would preclude me from likely buying/bidding since I did not have the time to set that money aside. I'm sure I'm not the only person in that situation. Tony
We can consider the online approach if someone wants to donate something valuable enough to be worthwhile. For example, ahead of VCF West last year, someone donated a straight Apple II and a Sol-20 -- both working and signed by Woz/Felsenstein, respectively -- which we auctioned on eBay for a very nice amount.
On Fri, 3 Mar 2017, Kelly Leavitt via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
My opinion on auctions is a resounding NO.
After years of "running" the consignment area, the people coming there are not interested in spending money (except for Ian).
I've seen great items, with reasonable but high prices go unsold because they were priced at more than a dollar or two.
Hams are cheap, but VCF nerds make them look like big spenders.
Maybe if we took the time to advertise it, have some key items, and were allowed set minimums then yes, but that would have to be a dedicated job for someone. Not something else to dump on the folks running the show.
I'd like to offer my observations on a specific auction format I saw at VCF Midwest, last September. The auction was to solely benefit VCFMW, so all items were donated, either prior to the show or at the show itself. Items were still coming in while the auction was in progress. The auction was low pressure, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Because all of the proceeds went to VCFMW, there was no complicated record-keeping, just a list of who won and for how much. And yes, Ian DID buy quite a few things. :-) I'm not saying that we should go this direction, just saying that it does work in another venue. Mike Loewen mloewen@cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/
I'm not saying that we should go this direction, just saying that it does work in another venue.
Very different situations of course. AFAIK there's no legal entity behind that event. Whereas we report to a little thing called the IRS, maybe you've heard of it. :) ________________________________ Evan Koblentz, director Vintage Computer Federation a 501(c)3 educational non-profit evan@vcfed.org (646) 546-9999 www.vcfed.org facebook.com/vcfederation twitter.com/vcfederation
On Thu, 9 Mar 2017, Evan Koblentz wrote:
I'm not saying that we should go this direction, just saying that it does work in another venue.
Very different situations of course. AFAIK there's no legal entity behind that event. Whereas we report to a little thing called the IRS, maybe you've heard of it. :)
Infernal Resource Suckers? Yep. Mike Loewen mloewen@cpumagic.scol.pa.us Old Technology http://q7.neurotica.com/Oldtech/
participants (12)
-
Bob Flanders -
Dan Roganti -
David Ryskalczyk -
Dean Notarnicola -
Douglas Crawford -
Evan Koblentz -
Jason Perkins -
Joseph Oprysko -
Kelly Leavitt -
Mike Loewen -
Systems Glitch -
Tony Bogan