Do they always go through the unit before the Auctions???

On the show "Storage Wars" they show them cutting off the lock and everyone got the first look at the same time. When I went last week they had their own locks on the units. Is this how it is everywhere? How do we know they didn't go through everything and remove anything valuable?

Most places cut off the lock of the owner and put their own lock.  Some places in addition put on a little one-use breakaway tag.  It all depends on the laws in your state.  I would say 90% or more of the storage places you go to do not go into or through the unit.  They just pop the lock, do a sight inventory the way you do, and then put their lock and tag on.  One place near me takes a picture w/ a piece of paper showing the date, location, name on unit, and unit #.  Each facility is a little different.

You will quickly learn if a place is know to either stage units or search them.  If you go to a place that many of the regulars don't go to and it's the only auction going on that day...that can be a clue.  If the unit is old with dust covering most items but you see clear spots that can clue you in.  If every box you see looks to be open, tape (if taped) cut, etc. that can be a clue.  Many times it's the owner that has come in and grabbed what they want and discarded the trash.  Very few times is it the facility.

It only takes 1 bad apple to give the whole industry a bad wrap.  For myself I've not had a problem like this.  But I keep my eyes and ears open.

You should not worry about anything being taken from the locker. The person who owns the locker can pay-up 5 mins before the auction and if something is missing from their locker someone would have some explaining to do.

That puts my mind to ease. I bought a locker that was blocked view from a matress. I won it for $250, and really thought there was something good back there lol. I made $200 back and donated the clothes to Goodwill. I thought afterwards that they might had done that to run the bids up knowing there was nothing in there to bid over $100 for lol. Oh well, at least I got most of my money back:)

It is different at all the auctions.

Craiglstauction, gave the best advice, let it sink in.

When you go to an auction and none or most of the regulars are not there including the local whales it is a very good indication that the facility is known for either going through the units and get all the valuables out, or selling nothing but left over junk and garbage, or staging the units to increase the bidding, or the combination of all three!

Judy why are you throwing money away???
Here clothing is a HOT seller. I know of two thrift stores that buy all the clothing units they can. They get them cheep since no one wants to hassle with clothing. One has 3 employees besides their family members and a full time store of 20,000 sq. ft mostly clothing.

AS for a mattess in the door, it happens some times it's done to discourage theft and some times it's the last item unloaded. Always be careful when moveing mattresses many times thats where Art, Mirrors and guns are stored between the mattress and box spring.

Judy why are you throwing money away???
Here clothing is a HOT seller.

Not around where I'm at (Central TX). Goodwill wouldn't even come and pick the clothes up for free. I had to pull a night op and drop them off at their donation point after hours. And there was good stuff in there (GAP, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi 501 Jeans) all in very good condition. They didn't fit me or anyone I know and I couldn't sell them on Craigslist either with pics & detailed descriptions so I just unloaded the stuff to free up space.

Not around where I'm at (Central TX). Goodwill wouldn't even come and pick the clothes up for free. I had to pull a night op and drop them off at their donation point after hours. And there was good stuff in there (GAP, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi 501 Jeans) all in very good condition. They didn't fit me or anyone I know and I couldn't sell them on Craigslist either with pics & detailed descriptions so I just unloaded the stuff to free up space.

That is throwing money away.. Hit the mass market of Ebay... We got two pair of Levis in last unit. Husband kept one the other is on Ebay.. Current bid $7.50.. the tag on these is illegible other wise in good shape. Went to a yard yesterday and picked up two pair for $4.00 going on Ebay today. Double my money if they sell for $4.00. I will list starting bid $5.00.. And using the flat rate envelope from USPS. Ships for $4.95 and I add a Dollar to that.

"Craiglstauction, gave the best advice, let it sink in."

http://storageauctionforums.com/index.php?topic=1999.0

Back on topic.

judy79... keep your ears open. I have posted some-things I have overheard at auctions and some may have been BS to try and scare the Nobs away.. LOL But the other day we went to a new area and two regulars were talking one was an older gentlemen who likes to talk about the business. Anyway they talked about this auctioneer, who did not liked being asked how many units are here LOL Then they talked about another auction company and that they got into some trouble one of their auctioneers was being prosecuted for stealing. We did not get the auction company name (should be easy to find if there are criminal charges) But if we decide to go back to that area we will be on our toes.. Just by listening. Best to start out by just going and watching... and Listening. Good luck.

Don't ever just toss cloths aside out of hand.  You are going to get a ton of cloths.  I'm already sitting on 2 3' square boxes of cloths, plus about a dozen bags, a cloths basket, and few other odd size boxes of clothing.  I've only sold 1 faded glory long sleeve shirt for $1.  The stained, ripped, junk cloths go to a lady that uses the buttons, zippers and such.  Everything else is still waiting to be processed.  However, this is my plan (not had time to do it all yet)

1) Take to flea few times
2) Pull out all jeans & list as lot or individual on ebay.
3) Pull out name brand shirts for ebay.
4) After all else fails I'll goodwill it for the tax break.

As I said in another thread - make sure to do your research.  I had a box of ties for $1 each.  Never sold any so started to list on ebay when found out some ties individual are selling for $15+.

Shoes are the same thing.  Daughter today pulled out a pair of high heel sandles as ebay has them for 30+.  Even if you sale for 1/2 that it's more then the flea.  With 50 free listings it doesn't hurt to try a few each month.