Storage Auctions
The Storage Locker => Stories about Storage Auctions => Topic started by: ru baby on April 10, 2012, 02:21:27 PM
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Just got through with auction and pretty pumped about the first unit that I won. Can't wait to get off of work, so I can go through it entirely.
I think I might be able to either double or triple my money fairly quickly, but still have to find out exactly what everything is worth. (hopefully I find out it's worth a lot more than my unprofessional opinion)
From the moment the unit was opened, you could tell it was a business unit. Turns out it was a fast food restaurant.
CONTENTS THAT I KNOW OF:
Neon light (new in box)
5-6 Heavy duty metal shelving (new in box)
Three tier metal single locker (new in box)
Two Restaurant Lights (new in box)
lots of tile (some new in box)
These are the things that I can remember right now. I know I am leaving stuff off, but just wanted to start this thread and I will update (hopefully with pictures) soon.
I am new (obviously by being my first unit) so any and all opinions are welcomed.
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Welcome and gratz ru. Pictures would be nice, but so would what the auction scene looked like. How many people, prices for units, etc. We have a thread dedicated to that type of info if you would post in there.
How much did you pay for this unit? Restaurant equipment can be big money - but may take time to get rid of it all. The shelving and items like that you can sell via CL to someone redoing their shop, opening up a store, etc. I've sold a number of cloths racks to vendors at my local flea for example. The lights may be harder to sell, never tried that. Tile is hit or miss. If it's a popular brand, color, and design it's pretty easy. If it's some funky color or design that isn't going to match many home decor it's a harder sell.
Good luck.
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Sorry for leaving some key information out in first post, I was just excited and wanted to get some thoughts from you guys.
Auction was a caravan auction and I picked up about middle way through. Crowds have been usually 40-50 people at these sites, but there werent many units that day, so only about 15-20 that day. First 4 units (that I saw) went for average of $300, all these were 10x10 with lots of trash and no quality (IMO). The next stop there was only one unit, and it was a decent drive so there were about 10 of us that showed up for it. I thought I was going to get it for $50, but ended up getting it for $170 (amazing price to me, and couldnt believe it)
UPDATE ON ITEMS:
Everything is pretty much what I thought was in unit, although I did find two additional stainless steel sinks (new of course). Looked them up on Mfg website and they retail straight from them at $1200 each. I know I will be lucky to get rid of them for anywhere remotely close to that, but you never know.
Will keep updating as I find out more and actually sell some of the stuff.
Having trouble posting pictures. But I will keep trying.
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Congrats!
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thanks
I still cant figure out how to post pictures. Help!!
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I still cant figure out how to post pictures. Help!!
Well the following worked for me....of course I stumbled upon how to do it and explaining it is quite difficult, but perhaps you can start here and muddle your way through.
You have to have your pics hosted somewhere online (mine are at the Kodak Gallery). Open both windows. Click on the 2nd icon, lower left above (the one that looks like a pic). You should then see two sets of bracketed letters (img). Open the picture then right click on it. You'll have numerous options. Click 'view image info' and you should be given a link. Right click that link and copy it. Insert that between the brackets and it should show up.
Somebody needs to develop a photo posting guideline that even I can read and understand......would make life so much easier~
Good luck~
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http://pix.kg/p/107752855409%3A1363246892/sct
Finally got around to getting pictures. And hopefully they are viewable now.
Let me know you guys thoughts. Thanks for looking.
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Nice unit!
But I would have a VERY hard time letting those metal shelves go! :D
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Nice unit!
But I would have a VERY hard time letting those metal shelves go! :D
Ditto.
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Nice looking unit there. The shelves as others said would be hard to sell. I could do it since already have a bunch of shelving in my sheds but those are very nice. Everything else would be on CL or going to an equipment auction.
The toner in the back part of the shed if new can be sold on ebay. If it's been used turn it in to staples, office max, etc. Each of them have a buy-back policy. I do this with all the printer's that I get to scrap. That way I get free or almost free ink for my printer. There is a limit each month.
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I first want to tell you congrats on your purchase!!!!
I had bought a similiar unit a couple of months ago.....it also had office furniture, shelves, office stuff etc. Had I not bought multiple units at that auction the day would have been a total loss. Hopefully the market is better where you are at but here in CA. no one is buying office furniture and know one is buying used kitchen equip for a new restraunt ventture. I was able to scrap most of the stuff to break even on the unit, less fuel, labor and of course my time.
I chalk it up to the learning curve and getting a pulse on the local market.
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POST SOME PICS ASAP! CONGRATS!
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the link to the pics are on post #6.
Great finds there RU. Congrats.
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thanks for all the input.
I will be keeping some if not all of the shelving. :D
Will keep updating as I sell pieces. Right now the "other" job is really busy and I havent been able to put too much attention on the selling part.
Most Ive been offered is $800 for everything. Am I an idiot for not taking it?
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thanks for all the input.
I will be keeping some if not all of the shelving. :D
Will keep updating as I sell pieces. Right now the "other" job is really busy and I havent been able to put too much attention on the selling part.
Most Ive been offered is $800 for everything. Am I an idiot for not taking it?
well not an idiot but I would jump on it that is a great return on investment and you said you are very busy on your day job. If lockers was your only job then you may want to hold out for more but I think a quick turn for 4 times what I paid to be a no brainer.
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Hmm - if it was still in the unit when I got that offer I'd of taken it. That way I make a quick sale, don't have to move the heavy stuff, and ready for the next auction.
Now - If I had already moved it all out from the unit to my location, I would either pass or do a counter offer so that I keep the items I wanted (shelves).
It all depends on how much time and space you have. I've sat on inventory for months before it's sold. Wasn't an issue as I had plenty of space. When I'm low on space the inventory gets rotated much faster. Example: cloths get donated to Goodwill more often then not. I have dozen of totes with jeans, baby cloths, etc. in them. If they don't generate some interest and sales this Saturday I very well may just give it all to Goodwill.
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Hmm - if it was still in the unit when I got that offer I'd of taken it. That way I make a quick sale, don't have to move the heavy stuff, and ready for the next auction.
Now - If I had already moved it all out from the unit to my location, I would either pass or do a counter offer so that I keep the items I wanted (shelves).
It all depends on how much time and space you have. I've sat on inventory for months before it's sold. Wasn't an issue as I had plenty of space. When I'm low on space the inventory gets rotated much faster. Example: cloths get donated to Goodwill more often then not. I have dozen of totes with jeans, baby cloths, etc. in them. If they don't generate some interest and sales this Saturday I very well may just give it all to Goodwill.
I had already moved it when I got the offer...plus he was wanting me to deliver. I counter offered with $1200 for it all but he was stuck on $800. He was simply trying to low ball me. It is a "friend" of mine and if he didnt know what I paid for the unit, then he would have probably given me $1200 for it. Some reason people just hate the fact that somone is making money. I shouldn't have told him what I paid for it, and definitely learned a lesson on that.
I am treating this as a hobby, so will never HAVE to sell anything. I don't get caught up on the return on how much I bought unit for. But rather what % of retail that I can get for it.
I am storing it in my garage so its not costing me any extra to store it. The only problem is if I buy another unit at a great deal, then I will be in a little trouble. But I have several plans for that.
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I had already moved it when I got the offer...plus he was wanting me to deliver. I counter offered with $1200 for it all but he was stuck on $800. He was simply trying to low ball me. It is a "friend" of mine and if he didnt know what I paid for the unit, then he would have probably given me $1200 for it. Some reason people just hate the fact that somone is making money. I shouldn't have told him what I paid for it, and definitely learned a lesson on that.
He wants your labor for free. (finding auction, going bidding, loading, unloading, cleaning) and then to reload and deliver. ::) Price just got higher.. ;)
I am storing it in my garage so its not costing me any extra to store it. The only problem is if I buy another unit at a great deal, then I will be in a little trouble. But I have several plans for that.
We have all been there I can pack really well sometime too good... Forget what is stacked under that excreta but like digging through another storage unit. :D