ZLV Online

Abstract

On average, more than 15 million cubic meters of timber are traded annually in the Czech Republic. Economic literature describes several methods, which are used in the sale of timber worldwide. Methods include, for example, independent sales, supply contracts, auctions, sealed bid auctions, regular and electronic auctions, calls for subscriptions, sales on the stock exchange and sales through commercial organizations. Selecting the business method depends on the size of the forest estate, and also on traditional practices. The representation of the business methods has been the subject of estimation in the Czech Republic. The purpose of this work is to determine, which method and to what extent is used in the country. A survey of individual forest owners was conducted. Due to the requirement of anonymity for most of the respondents, the results were evaluated in five property categories: state-owned enterprises, national parks, school enterprises, municipal properties, and private ownership. The survey results show that the majority of forest owners and managers use a very limited number of business methods, which is a consequence of traditional attitudes and practices. Only two state operators use seven business methods, which allow for the mutual comparison of the achieved prices and the establishment of objective price levels, and provide argumentative material for business meetings.