Mail every buyer a bid prospectus. Some say it is important to know what the buyer buys in terms of product. But for the price of a postage stamp just send a bid invitation to all buyers within your procurement region - they have a network. A sealed bid system should be used and generally results in higher selling prices as opposed to other sales methods.
A bid prospectus should be simple but informative and include the following:
...date, time, and location of the bid opening
...terms for payment
...timber product, species, and volume summary
...location map
...bid form
...information about the deposit/performance bond
...statement of seller's rights to reject bids
...notice of a "show-me" tour of sale area
The potential buyer should be given a look-and-see opportunity and probably insist on examining the timber for sale before making you an offer. A tour or "show-me" meeting on the timber sale allows all interested buyers to check the volume and quality of the timber and to estimate their logging costs. They should also be allowed to inspect and keep a copy of the contract or agreement you attach to the sale.
