Is this a big event or a small one? Our society has a large show and auction each year, in April, with typically, at least one thousand (minimum) items in the auction. The seller is charged $3.00 for each lot of fish or items, plus $1.00 per bag. Tables are set up and numbered, usually one to twenty. A seller puts one item per table up until they have placed 20 pieces. If they have more than twenty, the next 20 go into another lot and the process is repeated. We typically start with table one, and then, the sequence for the rest is decided by random draw. Used dry goods are no longer allowed because the auction got too big. Other clubs typically take 25% of the selling price without a seller charge. You need an auctioneer who can keep things moving. If it is a big event, you should have coffee and snacks. There are other ways of doing it, depending on size, but, because we only charge a buck a bag, it draws lots of sellers, with better quality and variety. This year was our 39th show and auction. Good luck.
