Remote buying (KOA) allows buyers to take part in the auction from their own computer, at home or at work, anywhere in the world. Customers participate live in the ongoing auction and see the auction clock on their screens. The other auction clocks are shown in the background so that it is possible to switch between auction clocks at will. Products can be bought with just a click. Once purchased, flowers and plants pass through the standard procedure from distribution to delivery.
Global purchasing
Remote buying is not only used by wholesalers and exporters who work from the various auction locations but also from the premises of their customers located abroad. The new growth of exports in Southern and Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, is due in part to systems like remote buying. Nowadays some 40% of all flowers are sold on the basis of information, without actually seeing the product itself at the point of sale. This means that wholesalers in Russia for instance, can now bid at the Dutch auction in real-time.
Benefits for buyers and breeders
Production and distribution are even more efficient thanks to this system as it saves costs and traveling time because the customers can now choose the buying location themselves. This also means that fewer buyers are physically needed at the auction. Flowers and plants no longer need to be brought physically into the auction area but can be custom packed and shipped directly to the customer’s distribution facility.
Remote buying also makes the market more transparent and increases purchasing power because it gives buyers more detailed insights into the assortment. And of course, it benefits breeders as they are able to follow the selling process live on the Internet.
Rising success of remote buying
Statistics indicate that trading flowers and plants digitally is the future. In 2005 and 2006 the trade grew by 100%. In 2007 turnover from remote buying increased by 74%. Currently one third of all transactions are digital and it’s anticipated that this number will grow to 80% in the next ten years.
Read more: Fast and efficient distribution is essential
