(06-11-2016 11:58 PM)Oselkhandro Resident Wrote: I am intrigued with what PrettyPoizen suggested "learn what the Quality traits are and beware the "cheap" stuff". This, to me, has been my reason for avoiding auctions. I have never been able to get a good answer about what it is that constitutes "quality". If I ask, the Party Line response is "all KittyCatS are wonderful; just breed what you like". This has never been a helpful answer, and in watching the markets, my only take away is that quality=new (with a bit of a bump for "recessive"). Prices seem to be dependent upon which traits are the newest. I am still not clear about how quickly the charisma of "new" wears off. For example, I have been working for some time to get a good line in Aussie Mist Dark Chocolate, but of course THAT is no longer fashionably new. I suppose that I have avoided auctions precisely because I cannot answer the question posed by PrettyPoizen. For me, the Bid Boards seem to be a reasonable alternative. I look at a kitty, and if it attracts me, I bid. Although I could also do that at a regular auction, I tend to believe that those are limited to the "best" cats, which may command prices beyond my means.
Hello, when I say "quality traits" I mean that a cat whose traits are either one step above genesis, or not well matched to the other traits in a cat, will not sell as well as one that is better designed. At my auctions we always get around to comparing with food LOL. So first decide what you want to make, then shop for the ingredients...You will never make a good Souflee if jelly beans is all you buy. I am not interested in a cat whose biggest accomplishment is how many New things it has...it must be esthetically pleasing as well, and hopefully some of its traits that i like pure. I like some "classics" and especially like updating older furs with newer traits...Ex: I go loony for a red tabby with Ody Burst Eyes and either flame, blonde or now cream double plush. Its very matchy matchy. I also recently saw a black beng with 18k eyes and blonde plush whisks and fell in love...that cat could pass for jewelry! The black and gold grabbed me. See what I mean?
When people say breed what you like, I understand the lack of clarity you mean...it doesnt help answer your question. So, the answer would depend on your end goal: Breed Good Beautiful Cats vs Breed to Sell Fast. It is possible to do both with time and practice, but not easy. I breed what I like regardless of which traits are "hot". If I dont like "curly" whiskers, I dont encourage them in my pedigrees no matter how popular they are. For quick sales I guess we can just load up a box with as many new or recessives as we can and call it a Super Hider, but is it pretty? Sometimes, and sometimes not so much. In the case where it is not so pretty I might still buy it if well priced and use it as a "toolbox kitty", as I call them because I can pull from them what I like.
I hope I have helped explain a little better. My best advice to new breeders and auction goers is "Dont buy every pretty cat, you dont need every cat. Go, read pedigrees, listen to the info about breedng methods used to make that cat, decide what you like and Then shop for the ingredients you need for your Own AwesomeSauce!" LOL
The Auction Experience - Why or Why Not?
