State of the Storage Auction Business

Just to get an update, how are the crowds and locker prices in your area compared to a year ago?

Still crowded and high prices but less knowledge.  They are a lot of looky loos and the pros are specific on what they want.  I usually can still get in a steal or two a week. 
I am working on selling my inventory before I go back out.  I have made a few good scores and now need to make some space and clear clutter.
I am going to try my first online storage unit as a seller in a week or two.

I am going to try my first online storage unit as a seller in a week or two.

Here, or with a competitor?

With you my friend.  It will be a small one.  I think I can get a good deal at my local storage facility.  Just need to get back from a trip this weekend.

With you my friend.  It will be a small one.  I think I can get a good deal at my local storage facility.  Just need to get back from a trip this weekend.

Yeah, you could rent a small unit, or use your garage, spare bedroom, etc.  As long as there aren't items that aren't included in the photos, any area is fine. They key to making money on private sales is taking good photos and writing an accurate description.

I haven't seen a really good unit in the last 9 months. Our local Super storage owner decided to put his units online this time. We usually have 20 to 30 units with his facilities in two days.  We will see how this goes? Mostly regulars lately with a few newbies. Newbies are still bidding unit to the moon. The piece sale last month wasn't to bad but I haven't bought a locker as a whole in 7 months. Working off of merchandise from estate sales, the barn auction and donations.

Ive found it a lot harder to find a good deal with the online storage auctions. now dont get me wrong ive only bought one and it was a winner so im not complaining. But i had to spend $400 whereas when i go to a live auction there are quite a few that go for less than $100. I think my worry is, online the bar has been brought up on the lower end(for instnace something that would hvve gone for $20 live is selling for close to $100 online).

Depends on the day. Generally, prices are a little lower then last year but we are no where near being back to pre-storage auction show prices. It seems those who have survived have gotten use to the "new normal" price range so people just can't back off and let prices come down. It does appear the junk rooms are getting back down to where they should be on most days, but any unit that looks nice goes to the moon! 

Oh, forgot to mention crowd size. Crowd size is pretty much back to pre-auction show normals. The only exceptions are Saturday auctions, auctions at a facility selling 40 or more units, auctions at new locations or locations who rarely have auctions. Then it's back to the madness!