April 3rd, 2020
To our 71B Auto Auction Customers:
71B Auto Auction regrets to inform you we remain closed due to the growing problems of the COVID-19 virus in Northwest Arkansas. We feel it would be a challenge to have a sale and not potentially expose ourselves and you to the deadly virus. In our last attempt of the “online only” sale, everyone did a great job of social distancing and we want to thank everyone who participated in that sale. Auctioneers, ring men, clerks, servers, drivers and office people worked hard to make that sale possible and I thank everyone for doing a great job. Two weeks later we feel we were successful in our attempt to be safe, but to have another sale with the current number of cases in Washington and Benton counties would not be socially responsible. Our goal is to return to Tuesday sales at the end of April, but that will only occur if we are confident we would not create a health risk to you or our 71B family.
Our office continues to remain open for your convenience with limited personnel to process titles and control lot access. Our phones are being answered during regular business hours, and if you need to visit us a reception area has been set up near the Thompson Street entrance. Vehicles can still be taken to and from the lot via the Check In gate. Our “at risk” family members have been sent home and will not return until it is determined safe to be back, so you may not have your regular person assisting your needs.
To all of our 71B customers, we regret to not be able to have a sale. We as a family feel the risk is too great and believe, as always, that your safety as well as ours is the first and foremost priority. We know that this decision may place a financial burden on your business, and we want to assure you this decision was not made in haste. We as a family feel the risk of potential illness or death of one of your customers or 71B family members is far greater than any benefit a sale could provide us. We hope and pray this will pass quickly and without any loss of life.
Sincerely
Bryan Hunt