How many people buy online?

How much is "big money" ?

Over $1,000 for sure. I haven't needed to spend more than $500 on an online auction yet. Other units have gone for more money than $500, but either had items I wasn't interested in, or I felt like it wasn't worth the money.

As for shill bidding, that happens at in person auctions as well.

Very true, in fact I've seen a lot of bad behavior at live auctions.  The difference is that at a live auction I can see it happen and adjust my bidding strategy or not bid at all accordingly.  Online that ain't the case.  As I said though, I'm not against online bidding.  I just want to see some things fixed before I get out my wallet. 

Its probably fine for most people just like it is.  Lots of people go to the casino knowing the odds are stacked against them.  I'm just not one of them.

i bought my first online storage unit about a month ago. payed $380, turned over $300 in the same day, had about $2k worth of stuff left afterwards. It is just another tool to grow your business. I PREFER live auctions but if there is a nice unit I will set a price for myself and go up to that price. The online auction I won was about 5 minutes from my house too so it was in my best interest to at least try it out.