The flower auction in Aalsmeer follows the Dutch auction system – the price is set high and then drops until someone buys. ... The ball stops as soon as a buyer is willing to pay the given price. If the buyer does not take all the flowers on offer, the price continues to drop until further buyers are found.

How does the Dutch flower auction work?

The Dutch auction method serves to achieve the highest possible price within the shortest possible time, ideal when dealing with a perishable product such as cut flowers. The auctioneer begins each sale with a predetermined highest asking price, lowering it until a bid is made or a reserve price is reached.

How are flowers auctioned?

Carts of flowers are presented to the buyers, one at a time, while they bid on them. The flowers get bought and distributed almost immediately. By late afternoon, all the flowers will have moved out and the warehouse prepared for the next round. Flowers in Aalsmeer are sold using the infamous Dutch auction system.