Storage Auctions

The Storage Locker => Stories about Storage Auctions => Topic started by: MovieMan on August 24, 2011, 10:56:31 PM

Title: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 24, 2011, 10:56:31 PM
Don't know which it will be, but right now it's looking pretty good!

All pics here were taken of stuff found in first 10 feet; still a packed 15 feet in back yet to go. Rented lkr for a month to sell out of it and take my time in summer heat to work on it.

This is a 10 x 25 lkr (thought it was a 10 x 15 !) that I got for $350. Bought it based on a couple of things including a small safe (open) that is the kind used in fancier motels/hotels. The prop mgrs had brought in a locksmith to open it and I think I will be able to reset the combination myself from what I can tell. I've also had a theory (unproven) about lkrs containing more than one safe. More on that later.

Scroll down through about 15 pics; text between some pics, especially toward end.

Here are some pics: I think I can make $1k profit and if all goes well in one area it will be more than that. See last few pictures for what I mean.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham1.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham2.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham3.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham4.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham5.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham6.jpg)

The jacket is in great shape; chaps to wear over jeans show wear at cuffs.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham7.jpg)

To bad this little tv won't pick up signals anymore; maybe in Mexico or elsewhere; any one know?


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham8.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham9.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham10.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham11.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham12.jpg)

This weedeater is still new in the box ! Both ends still have mfg staples in cardboard.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham13.jpg)

My theory about lkrs showing one safe...they might have another; haven't seen it in almost 8 years; until now !


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham14.jpg)

This thing has round edges on all four corners; handle on top fits in middle of door; no combination anywhere;
Could keep or sell; if I keep it probably have to spend $100 to $200 getting a new lock, etc. It would replace
two other safes I have.


Haven't gotten into it yet. Tight fit.  Will post pics of contents (if any) in a couple of days.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham16.jpg)

Safe measures  5 feet tall, 2.5 feet left to right and 20" deep front to back. HEAVY !




Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: parnisha on August 24, 2011, 11:17:45 PM
Lucky you! In LA this unit based on outside view  will easily go for $850- $1100,that's how crazy prices are...
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 24, 2011, 11:29:06 PM
Lucky you! In LA this unit based on outside view  will easily go for $850- $1100,that's how crazy prices are...

And they do that here too...some notes on this one:

Prior to this lkr selling a 10 x 25 which sold last month for $1800 (on contingency) was up again this month. The guy
who paid $1800 (and lost lkr to owner who paid up) got it AGAIN....this time for $900 and only a few things had been taken out.

Also anothe lkr went in the $750 area today. Only about 12 of us there with 5 regulars. Five auctions between 3 auctioneers starting just 30 to 45 minutes apart today in 3 cities split the crowd. I'm happy with mine. Haven't heard reports yet on the other locations.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 25, 2011, 07:44:58 AM
Let us know whats in the safe. Also let us know if you find a Harley in there as well.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: Cranky on August 25, 2011, 08:25:35 AM
Clearly, this will be a real money maker. Nice going!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 25, 2011, 09:35:07 AM
Let us know whats in the safe. Also let us know if you find a Harley in there as well.

Yep, the big reveal on the safe door swinging back will be fun in the first 10 seconds of opening it; whether there will be joy or disappointment is another story.  When I first started burrowing in there and saw the end edge and tapped it I was pretty sure it was a safe. I crawled up and in a bit and felt the far narrow edge...also round, so that meant the door surface had to be against the wall. I see that as a possible good sign too....packing that thing in there so no one could open it casually.

The fact the handle is loose from the door and that I could spot no combination bothers me, but as I said, I can either sell it or keep it and invest in some lockwork. One that size typically sells for $600 or more, so might be a keeper.

Guns?  That's what its made for I think...but better to think on the negative side at this point, but hard to put down hope!   ???  ;)  ;D

edit: as to the Harley being there....highly doubt that, but what a surprise if there was one. So far the Harley stuff is for a woman. The prop mgr described her as a little "tough" looking and sort of a "biker chick". The lkr was in her name and she paid up once then it went south again; the boy friend paid up that time and took out some tools that were in the front...prop mgr said the empty space to the left of the wooden bed base (about a 4 x 6 space) had his tool cabinet and some other stuff that was his. ALTHOUGH, I found the new Weedeater and a Porter Cable circular saw (new in box) about 10 feet in and tucked in in such a way that he couldn't have "sprung them" without major effort. So Harley, probably not, but.......??

Looks like she might have had two kids. Found the 2nd generation X-box and a manual for a PSP (hope it's there). Funny thing too...a regular DVD and a Blu-Ray DVD of "Easy Rider" movie with Peter Fonda ! Haven't found the DVD player yet.  The prop mgr also said that the empty space in front had contained several more flat-screens before the boy friend paid up the debt and took some stuff out. That back 10 x 15 is calling me...hard to restrain myself from more burrowing in, but time to just start unloading from the front. More later.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: Drew on August 25, 2011, 11:07:25 AM
Sounds like a fun one to dig through def keep us updated!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 25, 2011, 12:17:57 PM
Gratz man - not seen a locker like yours yet.  Seen a few family packed lockers with all the furniture, fridge, wash & dryer, etc. and they go for $500+ here.  That unit would of gone over 500 easy if some of the local regulars were there and/or Mr. Church deep pockets as I call one guy.

Please keep us informed on what else you find and how well you do.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: Bandit on August 25, 2011, 03:19:10 PM
 Nice Grab MM
Ps
  Don't forget to leave Your name and address with the office so they can pick up there personal stuff  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 25, 2011, 05:38:32 PM
More safe news:

When I got the little personals safe at the front of the locker it had 3 ILCO keys inside. Ilco seems to always deal with locks of some kind. My first tip that something else in the lkr used a lock.

Today I found the combination mechanism for the big green safe. It was an Ilco lock (combination and key) and apparently was torn off  (sheared the shaft) when they dropped the green safe up against a non-yielding wall. The handle is meant to come away and was on top of the safe when I got it.

*****

Today I got the safe out of its tight hole and toward the front of the lkr. There are five pictures below showing the hinged side of the door, the holes where the combination lk and handle go, etc.

Meanwhile I went to the local lksmith and all three of the guys who work on safes were out on housecalls. I go back in about 1.5 hours and will report back then on what costs will be.  Here are the  5 pics.

Edit: Safe guy got hung up on a safe call at someone's home...delay in plans until Friday morning the 26th...DRAT

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham17.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham18.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham19.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham20.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham21.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: stanleywhatnots on August 25, 2011, 07:08:11 PM
Nice find.  Can't wait to hear what you got!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 26, 2011, 11:19:07 AM
Nice find.  Can't wait to hear what you got!

Neither can I, but here is a safe update:

Looks like cost to come out to my lkr, drill safe, use my existing combination set and repair safe to operating condition would be about $350. If I keep it I can sell my other two smaller ones for about $150 making my cost $200 for a safe that's 5 times bigger than my other two (if not bigger than that) and will hold long guns as well as pistols (something I'm lacking now).  Or if I sell it, I would have to get $350 for it just to clear my repair costs.

Now if it has some currency, gold/silver, guns in it, that's the other half of the equation, but figuring it to be empty, all of the above would apply.

Any thoughts on any of this?  Thanks!


Oh, and if I keep it, I have to get it home !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: acman on August 26, 2011, 12:04:31 PM
Neither can I, but here is a safe update:

Looks like cost to come out to my lkr, drill safe, use my existing combination set and repair safe to operating condition would be about $350. If I keep it I can sell my other two smaller ones for about $150 making my cost $200 for a safe that's 5 times bigger than my other two (if not bigger than that) and will hold long guns as well as pistols (something I'm lacking now).  Or if I sell it, I would have to get $350 for it just to clear my repair costs.

Now if it has some currency, gold/silver, guns in it, that's the other half of the equation, but figuring it to be empty, all of the above would apply.

Any thoughts on any of this?  Thanks!


Oh, and if I keep it, I have to get it home !

Whatever is in the safe,  its obvious that the owner didn't care about getting to the safe in a rush and wasn't keen on letting the whole world know it's a safe if they ever saw the locker while the original owner was there in the unit.  Also the way I see it, the original owner put the safe in there in a way where it would be a PITA to get to in a quick getaway.

If it were me, I'd roll the dice that something important or expensive is in the safe, but then again it's your money and ultimately your decision.  Either way you look at it your going to make money on the unit safe unlocked or not.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: westgabargains on August 26, 2011, 12:48:06 PM
 Personally, I would examine the safe and if it appeared to be in really good shape, I would pay to have it opened and keep it for myself (I could use one for rifles and other vaulables). If it did not appear to be worth keeping I would just break into it. I would not pay to have it opened hoping that I could break even (or profit) from selling it. Of course, you may not feel the same way.
As with all the other posters/lurkers, I can't wait to hear what you find inside.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 26, 2011, 01:46:06 PM
Here is my personal opinion. Since the safe seems to be in good order, other than what needs to be fixed by the people that gave you an estimate. I would keep the safe and sell your other 2. At least this is what I would do. I personally dont hink there be much inside there, except maybe personal stuff. It would be a surprise to see anything of monetary value inside it. But as was pointed at, the safe was placed in there where it would be concealed., so then again there may be something good in there. But again, as said before, it is your money. But I am sure all of us are curious to know what could be inside the safe.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 26, 2011, 04:26:21 PM
I would keep it if I had that locker.  I'm always needing more room in my safes.  Currently don't have one that will fit my rifles and such.  If you could get more info on the safe as far as fire rating and stuff that could help you make decision.  I have 2 floor safes and 2 lock-box type safes.  The floor safes for my coins and weapons I don't keep on hand.  The fire box type safes for important documents, etc. that I can grab and go as need. 

I would also sandblast the safe and re-paint it.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: rugie on August 26, 2011, 07:24:45 PM
So you're the jerk that bought my stuff. When you get the safe open, I want my gold bars back!

Jk...can't wait for more updates :)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 26, 2011, 08:06:11 PM
I would keep it if I had that locker.  I'm always needing more room in my safes.  Currently don't have one that will fit my rifles and such.  If you could get more info on the safe as far as fire rating and stuff that could help you make decision.  I have 2 floor safes and 2 lock-box type safes.  The floor safes for my coins and weapons I don't keep on hand.  The fire box type safes for important documents, etc. that I can grab and go as need. 

I would also sandblast the safe and re-paint it.

mmm, thats alot of safes. Where do you live again, lol. JK.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: acman on August 26, 2011, 08:22:45 PM
mmm, thats alot of safes. Where do you live again, lol. JK.
I'm sure it's something like

01234 Nowhere lane
Non-existence Hieghts, Northwest Territory Canada!

lol
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 26, 2011, 08:36:02 PM
OK, safe fans ! Here's the latest.

Safe guy comes to the storage unit Monday, Aug 29, 2011 at 1 p.m. Pacific time; that means I'll either be jumping for joy or figuring out how to get it home (or both) about 2 p.m. or so. I'll be posting here sometime between 2 and 5 pm if all goes well.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: acman on August 26, 2011, 08:54:34 PM
OK, safe fans ! Here's the latest.

Safe guy comes to the storage unit Monday, Aug 29, 2011 at 1 p.m. Pacific time; that means I'll either be jumping for joy or figuring out how to get it home (or both) about 2 p.m. or so. I'll be posting here sometime between 2 and 5 pm if all goes well.



Waiting with baited breath!  I really wanna know if my thoughts on how the safe was positioned worked out.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Fayettenam Man on August 26, 2011, 09:30:09 PM
This is good stuff, best I've read on the forums in awhile..good luck Movieman!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: monkeybusiness on August 26, 2011, 09:45:17 PM
Congrats.We can all revel in your victory.Let us know the results.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 26, 2011, 09:46:58 PM
Damn, the suspense is killing us, puts some wheels on them heels, in reference to the safe crackers that are coming, lol.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 26, 2011, 11:15:58 PM
This is good stuff, best I've read on the forums in awhile..good luck Movieman!

Yep, it's interesting how someone else's possible good fortune can be shared by other people.
Safes might be one of the ultimate "Christmas" presents we get in the lkrs but remember when you were a kid and you opened those presents that turned out to be socks or shirts when you were hoping for that Red Ryder Repeater ?

Anyway, if others here can enjoy the "anticipation" that's great !  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Moonspell on August 27, 2011, 04:44:46 PM
Might be full of daddy's porn collection that was locked up to keep his son little jimmy away from.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Roger Mack on August 27, 2011, 05:06:13 PM
Just like when Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone's Vault
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on August 27, 2011, 05:11:31 PM
Video tape the grand opening!!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 27, 2011, 07:12:04 PM
Might be full of daddy's porn collection that was locked up to keep his son little jimmy away from.

Yes, it could be that or ANYTHING the former owner's placed a value on.....the guessing could go on and on.

Only a couple of days to the REALITY of the lkr buying biz....though I remember Jarrod got an empty safe on Storage Wars...older style than this; but at a minimum I've either got a safe I can use or one that I'll only be able to clear my expenses on (safe cracking costs).

But since Moonspell mentioned porn, here's a pic of an item found in the lkr. If you want to see how this harness would work in the bedroom (or the gym) go to eBay and do a search for Love Swing ! Retails for about $130.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham23.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 27, 2011, 07:27:13 PM
Just like when Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone's Vault

Hopefully with better results.  ;)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 27, 2011, 09:09:12 PM
Well if that was in there, tehn maybe the handcuffs, whips and *****s are in the safe.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Moonspell on August 28, 2011, 09:40:09 AM
Could be a sybian too, which actually are quite expensive for what they are.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 28, 2011, 11:43:34 PM
Found an interesting watch in my safe lkr. Here's a link to an eBay listing of the same watch. This is not my listing.
Mine is new in the box with all paperwork....and it was still running after who knows how long in the lkr.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STORM-MK4575-BL-MK-2-CIRCUIT-MENS-WATCH-/180710179568?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item2a132a82f0

A search of "completeds" for this watch showed a couple including this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENTS-MK2-CIRCUIT-MIRROR-STORM-WATCH-NEW-BOX-TAG-/150622722737?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item2311d05ab1

*****

Also found something else interesting but will wait until Monday morn the 29th to take a pic and post here.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: otbg on August 28, 2011, 11:58:38 PM
That's a pretty cool watch. I think I would have to keep that if i found it.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 12:01:43 AM
Could be a sybian too, which actually are quite expensive for what they are.

Here's the Wiki def of a Sybian and then a short story about one that appeared at my local flea market.

Web definitions

A Sybian is a masturbation device used by women and developed by dance instructor Dave Lampert in the 1980s. It consists of a saddle-like seat containing an electric motor connected to a rod that protrudes from a hole in the center. ...

The device described just above sells for about $1600 at retail, but I know some pricing  from the flea market and eBay. A friend had one of these new in the box at his flea booth. Sold it to a guy who has 15K feedback on eBay. The guy paid him $300 for it and it sold on eBay for $1200. My friend told him "You need to come up with another hundred for me or you'll never buy from me again."

Wish I had seen this before the other guy bought it....an easy $1K profit for almost no work.

Meanwhile, my Love Swing shown above is going to go on eBay or Clist for maybe $60.....no $1K for me there !

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 12:03:06 AM
That's a pretty cool watch. I think I would have to keep that if i found it.

Yeah, it's cool but it's HEAVY !  I think I'll sell it...I get along with a $20 Timex and if it gets broken while moving safes, it's no big deal.  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 09:39:40 AM
Could be a sybian too, which actually are quite expensive for what they are.

Interesting thought....that a sybian might be in the safe. Probably unlikely, but I never found a love swing in 8 years either, so anything is possible.

here's a pic of a sybian (no model is sitting on it !)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/sybian.jpg)

Money wise I'd rather have guns, but if I could get a grand for a sybian I wouldn't turn it down !  ;)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 29, 2011, 10:00:28 AM
This unit gets more and more interesting every time I check this thread. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 10:25:04 AM
This unit gets more and more interesting every time I check this thread.  

If you liked the posts on the STORM watch and the SYBIAN device, you'll LOVE this one and the promise it holds.

Here's a pic of three items I found in the same box as the STORM watch.  Hope is increasing for the contents of the safe. Text below picture.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham25.jpg)
The rounds are .357 (12 of them...two speedloader's worth); the incomplete holster is made for a flat semi-auto and then's there's the gun cleaner.

Odds are getting better (I think) for safe contents to include guns.  ;)

I also found a raggedy-a** vinyl rifle case that looked like it could have held a .22 or such. It was in another box and was all folded up and not even worth $3 as vinyl was torn in a couple of spots, but as an INDICATOR it might be yet another suggestion of guns in the safe. Somebody stop me from being HOPEFULL so I won't be disappointed !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 29, 2011, 10:41:16 AM
Dangit man - now I'm starting to get hopefull for you.  About ready to call the locksmith guy myself and ask him why can't he come earlier.

You just might have a major score here of sex toys and guns  :o
Now, you just need to find the drugs and cash in another box.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 11:03:03 AM
Dangit man - now I'm starting to get hopefull for you.  About ready to call the locksmith guy myself and ask him why can't he come earlier.

You just might have a major score here of sex toys and guns  :o
Now, you just need to find the drugs and cash in another box.

Cash would be nice...drugs would be destroyed.

This "biker chick" and her boyfriend appear to have lived in the Bay area at one time and in the foothills of the sierras as well...both places where drug dealing is like the ag business here in California.  The prop mgr said she thought the woman had a drug problem.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 29, 2011, 11:46:09 AM
I hear that.  I was just picturing the all inclusive unit...which you may well have gotten.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 11:52:39 AM
I hear that.  I was just picturing the all inclusive unit...which you may well have gotten.

Yeah, selling guns is one thing...drugs is another. No thanks on that one.

All the elements are "suggesting" good fortune, but reality is most often different; if not for the positioning of the safe and the gun stuff I found outside the safe I would be less hopefull. 

Answers will all be here in the next 4 to 5 hours. It's just about 10 a.m. here now and 1 p.m. appointment coming up.

Gotta go get some work done...starting to get too wrapped up in the potential here.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: westgabargains on August 29, 2011, 12:48:43 PM
Hope the ammo turns out to be a good omen for you. I have found 5 rifles so far in lockers, none of which had any spare ammo. On the other hand, I have found enough ammo (loose and in full boxes) in units without guns to stay on the gun range for a week.
Hope you find something great (guns or otherwise).
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 29, 2011, 01:45:08 PM
nice, I am feeling hopeful that you will have guns in there. I got a feelign you will also fidn drugs since its been stated taht tenant had a drug problem.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 29, 2011, 05:57:53 PM
Movieman, what was in the safe, should of had that puppy opened by now :)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on August 29, 2011, 07:39:14 PM
ditto! I take it as a good sign
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 07:39:19 PM
Movieman, what was in the safe, should of had that puppy opened by now :)

Patience JRoss, patience !  OK, it's open !

This is going to be a lengthy story with several parts, so I'll get right to the contents and then post more later about the doings between 1 and 5:30 today my time.

1)  No .357 to go with the ammo I found last night.
2)  No flat semi-auto to go with the holster I found last night
3)  See pics below for what WAS in the safe...text between pics.
4)  The former LKR OWNER  showed up !  Quite a day.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh1.jpg)

Drilling

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh2.jpg)

Putting scope in to watch tumblers fall.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh3.jpg)

"scope" which puts light in and allows safe guy to watch tumlers moving.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh4.jpg)

Moving shaft to move tumblers.

More pics in next post; should make them load a little quicker maybe.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 07:41:39 PM
Here goes guys !

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh5.jpg)

All the items were jumbled when the door came open. I cleaned out the crap (papers, etc)
and put one shelf up and put the good stuff back in.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh6.jpg)

Olive aviator helmet bag showed a 1974 date....not a helmet though.


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh7.jpg)

The canvas like bag had the following in it.

The full "reveal" and info on each piece in next post.

First reseach shows this is a British air pistol....maybe late 60's early 70's.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 29, 2011, 07:50:15 PM
damn, nice reveal so far on its contents, cant wait to see more, lol............oh wait, I am suppose to be patient right, lol :)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 07:52:37 PM
Now for the good stuff !

The pistol in the brown case is a S&W model 10. Beautiful condition...there were many bags of dessicant to soak
up any moisture in the air.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh8.jpg)


The pistol in the S&W blue case is a Colt, Officer's Model Match, .38 for target shooting in competitions.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh9.jpg)


The shotgun is 12 guage......pretty sweet. All guns in like new condition with no pitting or blems of any kind.
Maybe a little bluing lost on the Model 10 from holstering.

Well, I'm happy....how about you ! Newbies.....remember, I've bought over 355 lkrs in almost 8 years. This is the best set I've gotten and THIS SAFE WAS NOT APPARENT FROM THE DOOR !  It was 10 feet back, wedged against the wall and surrounded on the other sides by furn and boxes. DON'T expect this to happen to you !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: rugie on August 29, 2011, 07:56:09 PM
Wow! Congrats!!! Now I'm going to dream about storage auctions for the 4th night in a row  :o
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on August 29, 2011, 07:57:46 PM
NIIICE! Congrats on the big win Movieman!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 08:03:14 PM
Thanks guys, this definitely qualifies as a BIGGIE !

One other item worth dollars; in the bottom of the safe mixed in with throw away crap was ONE cuff link.
It is shaped like a boar and has a red "jewel" eye. On back it is stamped 14K and some word I haven't read without a loupe yet, but I made out the 14K. I think it weighs 3 to 5 grams so that's some gold money. Wish it were a pair !

Details on the owner showing up later tonight; I'm mentally exhausted from the opening and the owner encounter.

Yee-Haw !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 08:08:04 PM
Forgot the pics of the shotgun !

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh10.jpg)


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/safh11.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 29, 2011, 08:43:04 PM
Hot dam - I'd keep all of those weapons after I did a quick background check on them via the sheriffs office.  Those will fetch you some nice money.  You easily cleared your cost and then some on this unit.  I'll be like rugie and dreaming about such finds tonight.  Specially since have a 2 facility caravan in morning....that I can't make but 1 due to work.

Thank you very much for all the pics and story.

Love your disclaimer --- all the shows need it.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 29, 2011, 09:17:22 PM
Very nice, I am so jealous, lol. Beats any of the units I have gotten thus far. How much did you pay for the locker and how much to have teh safe cracker open it for you?

Have you decided whether or not you keeping this safe or selling it?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: drbecker on August 29, 2011, 09:33:30 PM
Great find I have never found a gun worth more then $100 in a locker. You have $1000 in guns there and that is a conservative estimate on a good day you might get a lot more. Nice safe to. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 29, 2011, 10:17:05 PM
Very nice, I am so jealous, lol. Beats any of the units I have gotten thus far. How much did you pay for the locker and how much to have teh safe cracker open it for you?

Have you decided whether or not you keeping this safe or selling it?
Jross.....

Remember getting this safe (or any other super item) is often a matter of DUMB LUCK. That was the case here as I had no clue the safe was in there.

It's one thing to see a good item and bid accordingly (and sometimes too high), and another thing to just stumble onto it.

You missed my note in post #1 here that I paid $350 for the lkr. Even without the safe and contents this was a winning locker. Safe was thick frosting on the cake.

The safe guy cost $313 total. I could have just stopped at having it opened, but that didn't make much sense to me.
I looked at the bottom inside to see the rust level and it looked OK, so I told him to go ahead and put on the new outer portion of the combination lock; he used the innards of the one already there. He said a safe of similar quality at his shop would go for about $1200 (plus tax) and he thought I could get $600 to $700 for mine.

I haven't decided yet to keep it or not. I am only in the safe $313 in repair costs so if I can sell my two current smaller ones for $150 to $200, I would be getting a safe with a lot more room for only $100 to $150. Seems like a no-brainer to me to do it that way, but I have to convince my friend with the power lift-gate on his truck to help me get this home. Lock guy says it would weigh between 600 and 700 pounds empty.

Quite an eventful day and have to say I am worn out....more emotionally than physically. I'm not up tonight to write about the encounter with the former lkr owner, but I will say it was not all bad and might even come out good for me. More later on that (maybe tomorrow).


Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: monkeybusiness on August 29, 2011, 10:36:31 PM
Awesome Movieman.Congratulations!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: lkrnoob on August 29, 2011, 11:29:26 PM
Now that is an awesome post that I followed from the first post!! Great pics and story movieman!!! I have one coming up and of course it's going to have gold in the safe.... :o....great score! Hope there are many more lockers like that to come your way!!!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 07:36:21 AM
Now that is an awesome post that I followed from the first post!! Great pics and story movieman!!! I have one coming up and of course it's going to have gold in the safe.... :o....great score! Hope there are many more lockers like that to come your way!!!

Thanks lrnoob....doubt I'll see or GET another safe in the next 50 lkrs I view, but hopefully there will be other good lkrs.

*****

OK, here's the story on the encounter with the owner of the safe lkr.

About an hour after the locksmith left and I had secured the guns in my car, a woman pulls up in a little blue pickup.
"Did you buy this lkr at the auction?, she says.  "That's my stuff!"

Of course I informed her that it used to be her stuff but that now it was "my stuff" !  She did the usual rant about they had no right to sell her stuff, that they hadn't notified her (yeah right!), etc, etc, blah, blah, blah. Then with out another word she burned rubber down the driveway between lkr rows.

About 10 minutes later, two white trucks pull up, each driven by black guys. I only mention their race because of something one of them said a few minutes later.  ALSO, she pulls back up in her blue truck.

The guy says something like, "I understand you bought her lkr and just want to know if you can show some compassion. I don't know how you feel about two big black guys driving up on you like this."  He didn't say it in a threatening manner, but I couldn't help but feel he wanted to get some of that across to me.

Of course I'm totally within my rights and I came back with "What's your relationship to the owner?" He responded they were friends and that she was with them as they worked in their lkr about two rows away.  So I said, "Then she followed you in. She's not supposed to be on the grounds."

He sputtered a bit but continued with the "be compassionate" bit. I informed him that this was my business and the way I made my living and that had to come into it.  He asked how much I paid ! My response was "It doesn't matter whether I paid $50 or $1000 if she wants to buy it back we would have to come to some mutually agreeable figure. All this time she is 3 car lengths away in her truck. The 2nd guy had backed off when I came on confident and he didn't say boo.

Finally she wandered over and we started to talk. Continued in next post.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 07:47:53 AM
She was not all that emotional and her main idea was that a LOT of her mother's stuff was in there and that was her primary concern.

I had already taken a fair amount of good stuff out (especially smaller stuff) but I did not tell her that or that I had sold $185 of that stuff in a $285 day at the flea just two days before !

What she said next surprised the hell out of me.  "What was in the safe?" Seems that she and her friends had driven by just as the safe guy was leaving from in front of my lkr. It had taken her an hour to get up the nerve to come over and say something.

Turns out that the safe TOO was her parents and she had moved it into this lkr when the last of the parents died without leaving a combination.

This jibed with what the locksmith felt....SHE and her old boyfriend HAD KNOCKED THE COMBINATION LOCK off the front and then had tried to PUNCH OUT the shaft thinking that would free up the bolts. When they did that, the locksmith said they pushed a panel out the back-side of the lock tripping the LOCK RESET ! He made pretty quick work of putting a tap like device in and pulling that reset plate back toward the front of the safe and enabling him to get the thing open....I don't mind paying for talent like that !

SO, here she is asking what's in the safe. Of course I said "nothing of any value" and we moved on to discussing her possibly buying back the lkr contents.

After some discussion (and no tears on her part) I said, "I'll keep the safe and use it myself and I'll sell you everything else for $1,000 with the contents "as-is, as you see them here." This was to cover me for the stuff I had already taken out.

Continued in next post.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Cobia on August 30, 2011, 07:49:31 AM
WOW Movieman, that's my dream locker! No auctions in my area until Saturday and there are only 2 units in two locations 40 miles apart! Auctions have dissapeared in the last week and nothing next week. You got me really sweatin' for some lockers!!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 07:54:43 AM
WOW Movieman, that's my dream locker! No auctions in my area until Saturday and there are only 2 units in two locations 40 miles apart! Auctions have dissapeared in the last week and nothing next week. You got me really sweatin' for some lockers!!

Thanks CopiaVita....don't worry there will always be more lkrs and some of them will be good !

*****

Continuing story from above.
You have to remember that I had already sold $185 out of the lkr AND that I had another $400 plus of items like the Storm watch, Harley stuff, etc IN MY POSESSION and not in the lkr, so I was in a good position (and I had the guns and safe).

She said "Could we come up with some kind of payment plan?"  HOLY CRAP  lady, you got to be kidding me. But I kept my calm and told her I had the lkr until Sept 24 (really until Sept 30) and that she could pay me a third now and then two more 1/3 payments by the 24th, and that NOTHING WOULD LEAVE THE LKR  until full payment was made and that if she decided after the first or second payment that she couldn't complete the deal, I would keep any money paid AND I WOULD KEEP ALL THE STUFF.

She thought that might work. She told me she had $250 right now and thought she could get the extra up to the $333 mark by 6 p.m. today and would call me. We left it at that and she went back over to her friend's lkr area. She also informed me that she had owed $550 on the lkr. If that were true she should have paid it up !

Continued in next post....I told you this was a long story, but the details count here I think and hopefully some of you will be interested in this and might pick up a pointer or tell ME  something I could have done differently. On to next post.  
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: rugie on August 30, 2011, 08:09:53 AM
LOL payment plan? From the same lady who couldn't pay her monthly storage fees...I don't know man...I would have just said, "It's legally my stuff now...and you can't have my stuff"...but if you can squeeze some extra $$$ out of the deal, go for it :D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 08:20:19 AM
OK, I think this is the last part of this long (4 part post) about the owner encounter.

Now that the initial contact was over, I locked up MY lkr and went to the mgrs office. I knew it was her day off, but when I told her helper the above story she called the mgr and the mgr came down from her upstairs residence.

Here we go. Mgr maintained her cool as I told her the whole story but she wanted the woman off her property. We went out on the golf cart with her young male help along for support.

She nicely informed the frm owner of what needed to happen and she and I had talked about this BEFORE we drove out there so I wasn't surprised.

Mgr says: "You can come to any agreement you want with the new lkr owner, but YOU can not be on the property and any transfer of the property has to take place outside the compound."

This of course was a NEW TWIST on what the frm owner and I had discussed and meant I would have to load all the crap into a truck, take it OUTSIDE to city streets, etc. YIKES!

The frm owner was all sheepish of course since she had defaulted on this lkr two or three times and boy friend had bailed her out AND apparently had taken some of HER stuff too before he left the relationship.

So, the male helper escorts the frm owner out of the compound and I talk to her outside....at which points the tears DO start flowing as new over-whelming details about the new complication come out....a double move of goods. I suggested to her that I could drive her truck into the compound and that some of her friends could load it (I didn't want to do physical work). She agreed that might work, but who knows what 6 pm today (Tuesday, Aug 30, 2011) will bring.

My final idea is that I would sell her all the mom's nick-nacks,etc for the first payment of $333 and just hold on to all the other bigger stuff and sell it myself.

One last note: the mgr told me the woman OWED $950 on the lkr not the $550 the frm owner had indicated. Of course, no matter what agreement is reached, the mgr will send the frm owner to a collection agency for the difference of $950 owed to the $350 I paid. In other words at some point the woman's problem will continue as she will owe ANOTHER $600 to the storage place IN ADDITION TO anything she pays me for goods. PAY YOUR BILLS LADY!  WHEW, WHAT A LONG STORY!  (but I hope it held some value or entertainment for you.)  Any thoughts ?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 08:34:54 AM
LOL payment plan? From the same lady who couldn't pay her monthly storage fees...I don't know man...I would have just said, "It's legally my stuff now...and you can't have my stuff"...but if you can squeeze some extra $$$ out of the deal, go for it :D

Most of the people who default on their lkrs just don't have a clue. They don't have much money, don't know how to manage it and just keep getting deeper in the sticky mud of their lives. I have some sympathy for them, but not much if they don't learn as they go along.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Fayettenam Man on August 30, 2011, 09:16:38 AM
Great find on the guns. Pretty dumb of those two guys to come over with the 'compassion' speech. Still your doing more for the former locker owner than most of us would, hopefully she'll appreciate that.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 09:20:54 AM
Great find on the guns. Pretty dumb of those two guys to come over with the 'compassion' speech. Still your doing more for the former locker owner than most of us would, hopefully she'll appreciate that.

I doubt she will come through even at the minimum level of buying back just the nick-nacks. Six pm tonight (8 30 2011) will be my clue to moving on one way or the other.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 30, 2011, 09:54:56 AM
I might have let her have any family photo's/papers I found, but as for the rest?  Nah.  Especially not on a payment plan from someone who had already defaulted at least once.
   Of course, if she does come back with her 'help', if you take a check you may be asking for it.  Tell her if you don't see Benjamin's, you don't sell. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 10:00:57 AM

   Of course, if she does come back with her 'help', if you take a check you may be asking for it.  Tell her if you don't see Benjamin's, you don't sell. 

I don't take checks from someone who drives up in the biggest Mercedes they make, let alone some biker "chick" (45 years old) who drives a 1993 Ford Ranger with a flat spare in the truck bed.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 30, 2011, 10:18:11 AM
I sort of thought that would be your answer.  I tend to be a master of the obvious at times.  Don't worry, I piss everyone off at least once with that attitude.
   I really don't know if I'd have let her have a damn thing out of it, but based on you saying all the good valuables were out?  I'd make damn sure that she knows her getting the other stuff is contingent upon cash in hand, and THEY clean the unit out completely, not 'cherry pick' the items she wants and leaves the rest for you. (Of course, if you've already turned a nice profit, a little bit of clean up won't be a big issue, I'm sure.)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: drbecker on August 30, 2011, 10:29:28 AM
Myself I woudl have probably told the woman that I had moved everything and would only sell it on a piece by piece basis. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 10:39:01 AM
Myself I woudl have probably told the woman that I had moved everything and would only sell it on a piece by piece basis. 

Two reasons I wouldn't do it that way.

1)  She was standing in front of the open locker seeing all the tons of stuff still in it.

2) Even if door had been closed, I wouldn't want to meet up with her and have her puttering around looking in this box  and that box....more trouble than it would be worth. She wasn't interested in the big stuff I would have been happy to piecemeal out to her.

I made her the offer of all or nothing thinking she would go for it...and to some extent she has. My backup position is the mom's nick-nacks for $333. If she doesn't go for that, I'll sell the better ones and others go to Goodwill or my backup volume buyers for cheap.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 30, 2011, 11:44:01 AM
Me personally, I wouldnt of gone with it. All cash now or no deal.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: acman on August 30, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
Well, got mad respect for you movieman, I would have told the women to save her tears and move on.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on August 30, 2011, 01:32:57 PM
You don't want her cleaning the locker as it wouldn't get done.  Thus, you would loose the deposit and maybe get the mgr mad at ya.  I'd of offered to load everything up in her truck w/ her friends if she paid up front.  If not, oh well.  As you say "PAY YOUR BILLS".

I have very little compassion for dead beats.  I have one in my family.  I do have tremendous respect and will help out those like my deceased father-in-law who raised 3 girls with little income, no HS education, etc. via plain hard work and determination.

Gratz again Movieman.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 02:53:38 PM
You don't want her cleaning the locker as it wouldn't get done.  Thus, you would loose the deposit and maybe get the mgr mad at ya.  I'd of offered to load everything up in her truck w/ her friends if she paid up front.  If not, oh well.  As you say "PAY YOUR BILLS".

Gratz again Movieman.

You might be right about her not cleaning out the locker, but that is a moot point for a couple of reasons.

1) Mgr won't let her on property; if former owner people do it, I would be with them watching them load their truck.
2) I rented the lkr through end of Sept and when I did the full contract rental I got back my deposit and it was only $25.
3) I already sold the mgr a lamp for $40 and I have a good relationship with her over the last year.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 03:07:13 PM
It's 1 pm Tuesday the 30th and I worked in the lkr for about 4 hours this morn; my thinking now is that I don't want to do the deal with her for the following reasons:

1) I have found some super items and expect to find more.
2) I don't want to fool with her over the next 3 weeks for 3 partial payments.

I don't think she's going to come through in the next 5 hours anyway, but if she does I think I will tell her I changed my mind because of the moving complications if nothing else.

Here's a quick list on what I found in the back of the lkr this morn:

1) Canon Selphy CP760 photo printer new in box.
2) Neon Sign...Miller Lite....new in box. (full neon tubing type)
3) Bose Companion 3 Series 2 Multimedia speaker system (used but in xcelnt shape)
4) Bose Docking system box (not the item...hope it's in there somewhere)
5) Glass and metal TV stand for large screen tvs...sell for $200 up at Best Buy.
6) Black and Decker rechargeable drill kit, fanciest one I've seen with 3 layers, wheels etc.
7) Tall glass and cherry wood (fake) entertainment center (gotta sell for $75 to $100 used)
8) Ruger .45 pistol case (no pistol, but might be in a side table drawer or something ...yeah right)
9) Another entertainment case that from the back appears to have components or other items in it.
10) Lane cedar chest in great shape
11) Antique sideboard cabinet on wheels with intricate wood design
12) Folding table (like many of us use at flea...worth $30 or so if I sell it)
13) Box of vintage board games from the 60s
14) 8 foot tall metal windmill with full blades and vane
15) Black "pleather" love seat....not ripped.
16) more and more boxes to go through....

Anyway, all that stuff above would come close to a grand I think and I wouldn't be dealing with this basketcase.
I think I just convinced myself to kill the deal if she does call me !   ;D

Here's a link to the Bose mentioned in #3 above. It's a completed listing on eBay and is like the one  I have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bose-Companion-2-Series-ll-Speakers-/370536181935?pt=PCA_Speakers&hash=item5645ad70af

The Canon Selphy printer has been selling on eBay for anywhere from $20 to $90...hope I hit at the right time !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: drbecker on August 30, 2011, 03:34:37 PM
I have never sold a unit back to an owner I have sold individual things. I once sold a guy back his clothes for $50.  I felt sorry for him his Girlfriend abandonded the unit after kicking him out and moving all his stuff into it.  He was at the auction and did not have enough money to buy it.  There was thousands of dallars of clothes at retail but probably only a $150 at garage saes and it was quick sale.  I was contacted once the day of an auction about selling a whole unit back for $150 that I had paid $75 for but turned her down. After going through the unit I wish I had sold it but I do not like the idea after buyign a unit of not at least seeing what is in it. Bought a unit for $225 once and was contacted the next day.  Woman said it was her sisters stuff and she had forgot to make the payment. Well I had already cleaned the unit out and 2/3 was at the dump. I have never seen such ugly furniture rotted out couches and chairs for instance. Stuff had been in storage 8 years.  Found 5 pieces of gold and a lot of junk.  If I was you I would take the stuff out of the unit and tell her you are not gogin to sell it. I wouls think the knick knack at $333 would be a good sale for you. Heh great unit one we all dream of getting and a great price on it.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 30, 2011, 03:40:55 PM
Break the deal with her, let her know she will get personal stuff and that is it. She can pick it up at the managers office.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 07:50:45 PM
Break the deal with her, let her know she will get personal stuff and that is it. She can pick it up at the managers office.

Unless the phone rings in the next 10 minutes SHE has broken the deal. Fine with me. My list of new found items continues to grow !

I'll still give her a shot at her mom's nick-nacks and her daughter's Beanie Babies (now that I've found them) and at a reduced rate just to get her to spend some cash.

Edit:  Counting down now.....2 minutes left till deadline.
                                          1 minute left till deadline.
                                           .......stick a fork in her.....she's DONE !


Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on August 30, 2011, 07:58:41 PM
Yea sounds like you will make off a whole lot better not selling to her! You are bound to find a few more gems in there! Thanks for sharing your story!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Cranky on August 30, 2011, 09:04:49 PM
Thanks for telling us all the juicy details on a great story ... wonderful locker, melodrama with the former owner. I think you made her a fair offer and she clearly wasn't going to come up with the $1k since she couldn't even manage the add'l $83 for the first third.

I suspect, tho, since she has your number that the melodrama isn't completely over. Based on reading of your posts so far, you're ready to deal with it should she call.

Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 30, 2011, 09:53:52 PM
Now watch, before mid September I betcha she will call with some sob story, from there it will even get more dramatic. Hope you gave her a google number or something.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 30, 2011, 10:06:44 PM
Now watch, before mid September I betcha she will call with some sob story, from there it will even get more dramatic. Hope you gave her a google number or something.

By mid-September she would be 2 weeks BEYOND her deadline for the first payment which expired about 2 hours ago.
Frankly, the only reason I would deal with her now is just for the satisfaction of getting any kind of cash out of her.

Her daughter wanted to get in and rummage around until she found a large white round tub with the Beanies in it. I didn't let her. Today I found it 7 feet up at back of locker. Haven't counted them, but has to be 50 plus. Anytime I put out that many  I might sell 1 for $1. IN MY OPINION they're a dead deal but I do know one fellow in TN who sold some for about $600 a few months ago .  ::)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 31, 2011, 08:57:36 AM
Well, got mad respect for you movieman, I would have told the women to save her tears and move on.

Well, believe me it wasn't all trying to give her a break. Part of it was trying to benefit me; here's how.

1) I don't usually deal with big furniture unless I have to; wanted her to move it but pay me for the chance to do so.

2) If she came through on first payment (or even on 2nd) and then bailed out, I would have had the money AND
    the goods !

In regard to point 2, this happened once on an eBay sale.

I sold a guy a nice pair of Peavy spkrs (local pickup). He was in southern CA. I think he paid $500 for them with his eBay bid. He couldn't seem to get up north to me in the 2 week time frame we set up, so I told him to send me $100 via
PayPal as a deposit for my continued holding them for him. He did that. More time went buy (maybe 3 weeks). I told him to send me another $200 for holding purposes. He did that.

More time went by (maybe another 2 or 3 weeks) and I told him that if he couldn't get them by a certain date I would no longer store them for him. All this was done through eBay email so there was a nice SOLID record of the dealing with his emails being saved along with mine by eBay.

He didn't come through by required date and I kept his $300 I had collected and I kept the speakers. Relisted them on eBay for local pickup. I think I got $300 for them the second time around and THAT guy picked them up in a week and gave me cash on pickup.

Overall worked out well for me and the speakers were in my permanent locker stacked on each other so weren't that much of a storage problem.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 31, 2011, 12:30:04 PM
Remember one thing about those Beanie Babies, Movie.  Some of them are actually rare and can run up some bucks.  If you aren't interested in going through all the headaches, I will seriously make an offer of $75.00 right now, and I'll pay shipping and handling for every one of them.  I know that some can be worth some money, but realistically, those are rare and hard to find, but I happen to be one of the weird guys that will buy them and sit on them for a while.  Let me know if you're interested in selling them.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 31, 2011, 12:43:35 PM
Remember one thing about those Beanie Babies, Movie.  Some of them are actually rare and can run up some bucks.  If you aren't interested in going through all the headaches, I will seriously make an offer of $75.00 right now, and I'll pay shipping and handling for every one of them.  I know that some can be worth some money, but realistically, those are rare and hard to find, but I happen to be one of the weird guys that will buy them and sit on them for a while.  Let me know if you're interested in selling them.

Well, if you're serious, I accept your offer. I am going to the lkr at 11 a.m. pacific time...20 minutes from now and will bring them home, pour them in a cardboard box and weigh it. I will then ask for your zipcode so I can get a UPS estimate for shipping and we can go from there. Payment should be by PayPal as an "other" payment.

I will not go through the babies and I will not picture them to you based on your offer of "$75.00 right now".

They are in a white "bucket" sustanially taller and more diameter than a 5 gallon bucket you would buy at Home Depot.

Do you still want to do it based on these conditions?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 31, 2011, 12:56:09 PM
Benluby....

I see you are still online here at 10:55 am my Pacific time. I am leaving in 5 minutes for the lkr as per my post above. I will go ahead and do what I said and hope to see a reply from you when I get back.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 31, 2011, 01:00:22 PM
Benluby....

I see you are still online here at 10:55 am my Pacific time. I am leaving in 5 minutes for the lkr as per my post above. I will go ahead and do what I said and hope to see a reply from you when I get back.



Gotta take a chance at times, right Movieman?  You have a deal.  Shoot me a PM when you get back, and I'll have the money to you tomorrow morning via paypal, as I have the money clearing the bank tonight.  Let me know how much shipping and handling will be. 
   I'll even keep you advised of my luck with the Beanie Babies if you like.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: jrossjr79 on August 31, 2011, 02:26:33 PM
Gotta take a chance at times, right Movieman?  You have a deal.  Shoot me a PM when you get back, and I'll have the money to you tomorrow morning via paypal, as I have the money clearing the bank tonight.  Let me know how much shipping and handling will be. 
   I'll even keep you advised of my luck with the Beanie Babies if you like.

Hell keep us all advised :)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 31, 2011, 04:18:38 PM
Hell keep us all advised :)

Beanie Babies are like sports cards.  If you don't know a collector that will buy them at a discount, you have to sit on the damn things and watch the market.  When your 'Babies' get worth something, then you have to be ready to stick it on the market.
   Most aren't worth much.  But some can be worth some jack, so I am willing to take the risk, and sit on them if needed, until they do go up in value.
   Last unit I bought I got about 5,000 sports cards from the eighties and early nineties.  It ain't gonna be a quick sell, because I can sit on them and sell them out bit by bit to get max value, seeing as I only paid $200 for the unit.
   Personally, I understand the 'quick turn' market, but when it comes to little items like Beanies and cards?  I'll sit on them if needed, as they don't take up much room.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on August 31, 2011, 08:34:36 PM
who said the forums weren't good for anything!! ha
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on August 31, 2011, 08:40:13 PM
who said the forums weren't good for anything!! ha

Hey Drew, I'm going to see if you're interested in a few big items.  Got a fridge, works in decent condition, white.  Also have a like new gas range and built in microwave and the fridge, all black, that I bought as a set two years ago.  They've been sitting in my garage ever since. (Fridge has been used, but it is in good condition.  Range and Microwave have less than sixty days of usage.)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: elvisluvs on August 31, 2011, 09:08:04 PM
Been out of power here- Movieman- sweet! :o
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 31, 2011, 10:02:04 PM
Benluby...

It's 8 pm here in California...haven't gotten the Beanies boxed up or weighed yet. Will do it first thing Thursday morn the 1st of Sept and will PM you the results. I got your PM with the needed info.  More later...I'm watching the SW Unlocked episode at the moment.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on August 31, 2011, 10:15:24 PM
Just got an email indicating this topic has been made a STICKY by Drew.  Thanks Drew !

(I think that means it stays at the top of the heap!)  ;D

Here's a couple of pics of the new combination lock on the safe:

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham27.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham28.jpg)



Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 01, 2011, 10:38:27 AM
Benluby...

It's 8 pm here in California...haven't gotten the Beanies boxed up or weighed yet. Will do it first thing Thursday morn the 1st of Sept and will PM you the results. I got your PM with the needed info.  More later...I'm watching the SW Unlocked episode at the moment.



Not a problem bud.  When you get the info let me know and I'll go do the paypal thing.  (To whoever had the Indy dolls, PM me some info and what you'll take for them.  I may actually be interested, but not at 250 a pop.)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Drew on September 01, 2011, 11:24:15 AM
Benluby- nope. In no need of appliances right now sorry. Have them on craigslist?

Movieman- yea figured I'd sticky this thread for awhile for any newcomers! It's a good read.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 01, 2011, 01:12:55 PM
Not a problem bud.  When you get the info let me know and I'll go do the paypal thing.  (To whoever had the Indy dolls, PM me some info and what you'll take for them.  I may actually be interested, but not at 250 a pop.)

We're almost good to go. I am sending you a pm at this time also with the total cost and my PayPal address for sending the funds. Please check the "other" option when sending the money.   Thanks!

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 01, 2011, 01:18:54 PM
We're almost good to go. I am sending you a pm at this time also with the total cost and my PayPal address for sending the funds. Please check the "other" option when sending the money.   Thanks!



Will take care of it.  Got an idea of about how many there are?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 01, 2011, 01:24:35 PM
Will take care of it.  Got an idea of about how many there are?

Well, I just "poured" them in as I said I would, but I have to think its closer to 50 than it would be 75. Could be 40, could be 60.

As I arranged them in the box for a good fit I did notice a lot of the bears which I think are the most popular. I saw a USA one, a green one, maybe 6 to 10 of the bears; a dragon. Maybe 5 or so didn't have tags on them.

Anyway, I only need to seal the box, print the label and take it to the UPS store.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 01, 2011, 01:35:15 PM
Well, I just "poured" them in as I said I would, but I have to think its closer to 50 than it would be 75. Could be 40, could be 60.

As I arranged them in the box for a good fit I did notice a lot of the bears which I think are the most popular. I saw a USA one, a green one, maybe 6 to 10 of the bears; a dragon. Maybe 5 or so didn't have tags on them.

Anyway, I only need to seal the box, print the label and take it to the UPS store.

Thanks!



All done.  At the very least it will make the wife happy, as she loves stuffed animals.  Don't worry about the 'pics' request in the pm.  Just send those boogers on.  I'll keep you advised as to how the Beanie Babies turn out.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 02, 2011, 09:15:38 AM
Latest on encounter with former locker owner on the "safe locker"...

She was to contact me last Tuesday the 30th of August, 2011 but didn't. I then got a call on Wednesday on my answering machine but she only left her number, no message.

I called her back and left a message on HER machine and asked her at that time to let me know the next time she left me a message what her current intentions were. It's now Friday, Sept 2, 2011 and didn't hear from her Thursday.

These people (old lkr owners) are for the most part (not all) FLAKES and can't keep their lives together. I think JRoss is right when he says I'll hear from her in a couple of weeks and I can just imagine her surprise when LO and BEHOLD the bulk of her goods are GONE !  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 02, 2011, 09:36:09 AM
Latest on encounter with former locker owner on the "safe locker"...

She was to contact me last Tuesday the 30th of August, 2011 but didn't. I then got a call on Wednesday on my answering machine but she only left her number, no message.

I called her back and left a message on HER machine and asked her at that time to let me know the next time she left me a message what her current intentions were. It's now Friday, Sept 2, 2011 and didn't hear from her Thursday.

These people (old lkr owners) are for the most part (not all) FLAKES and can't keep their lives together. I think JRoss is right when he says I'll hear from her in a couple of weeks and I can just imagine her surprise when LO and BEHOLD the bulk of her goods are GONE !  ;D

If she calls back I'd make it quite clear she's breached your agreement once.  You're not dealing with her any longer.  It is now over and done with.  Then put a call block on the number.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 02, 2011, 11:58:59 PM
Almost 10 pm here on the west coast, Friday, September 2, 2011 and about ready to turn in before getting up at 4:30 to get to my reserved flea space by 5:30 or so. After 6 they can give your space away if you are not there.

******
I always make up an Excel spreadsheet for each unit I buy and that ties to monthly and yearly figures. I start listing items as I unpack a lkr and if I miss something I add it when I sell it at the flea or online.

My original "estimate" of this safe lkr was that I could make about $1500 profit but I am now thinking double that as I have found more good items (and that is on regular items, not counting the guns or safe),  . I am usually not more than 10% off on these figures having a pretty good idea of values after some years of doing this.

I have sold about $400 worth so far and am therefore about even when considering gas, etc. The next few weeks will be the gravy.

Two nice boxes I found contained 36 Hubley die-cast models which came as kits and required painting and assembly. I've sold 3 so far and in looking at them on eBay, I will pull some for that purpose and sell lesser models at the flea. The three I sold went....2 at $20 each and 1 at $15, so if that rate kept up, these 36 models alone would more than pay for the lkr. Love it.  

I'll try to remember the camera and take some pics at flea.

Gotta go...only going to get about 6 hours of sleep tonight !

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 03, 2011, 07:28:00 AM
Nice locker.  It's just giving and giving and giving. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on September 03, 2011, 07:16:54 PM
Lol - this is one of those lockers that make you forget all about the 20 you bought and had to fight tooth and nail to break-even on.  Sounds like one of the lockers that they would of shown on one of the TV shows.  Gratz again man.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 04, 2011, 08:02:43 AM
Nice locker.  It's just giving and giving and giving.  

Well, the "giving" part is coming to an end. I'm within 5 feet of the back wall and am facing a "wall" of big pieces like hutch top (I don't see the bottom though). Aside from those big pieces there are about 5 cardboard boxes, one cheap footlocker (the kind WalMart sells for $20 or less) and one OLD trunk that when viewed from above looks like it's about 2 feet square and dates back to the mother's time period.

The other day I found a box full of "historical" newspapers the mother had saved and some old programs from some concerts (Cher final concert, some ticket stubs from a variety of rock shows, etc). Don't know how much value they have, but it's fun to "work" with those things and one or two might pay off. Those programs like Cher, Celine Dion, etc sell for like $50 at the concerts, so some hard-core fan might want one for $20 or so.

Saturday, Sept 3rd I didn't sell one Hubley model though several guys looked at them seriously but couldn't part with a $15 bill let alone a $20. Typically I don't go down on prices much until the bitter end. I have taken a pair of nice throwing knives to the flea for about 6 months and never came down from $20....finally the right buyer came along and took them away for $18....1/3 more than the $12 I was regularly offered.

Anyway, in unpacking the nicely-packed, bubble-wrapped Hubleys, a fair number started dropping off windshields, headlights, etc as I opened them up, so I am now thinking some groups of 4 might go on eBay in "as is condition" maybe $20 for all 4 as a starting point. Still good money to be made on that group.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 04, 2011, 10:00:01 AM
Well, the "giving" part is coming to an end. I'm within 5 feet of the back wall and am facing a "wall" of big pieces like hutch top (I don't see the bottom though). Aside from those big pieces there are about 5 cardboard boxes, one cheap footlocker (the kind WalMart sells for $20 or less) and one OLD trunk that when viewed from above looks like it's about 2 feet square and dates back to the mother's time period.

The other day I found a box full of "historical" newspapers the mother had saved and some old programs from some concerts (Cher final concert, some ticket stubs from a variety of rock shows, etc). Don't know how much value they have, but it's fun to "work" with those things and one or two might pay off. Those programs like Cher, Celine Dion, etc sell for like $50 at the concerts, so some hard-core fan might want one for $20 or so.

Saturday, Sept 3rd I didn't sell one Hubley model though several guys looked at them seriously but couldn't part with a $15 bill let alone a $20. Typically I don't go down on prices much until the bitter end. I have taken a pair of nice throwing knives to the flea for about 6 months and never came down from $20....finally the right buyer came along and took them away for $18....1/3 more than the $12 I was regularly offered.

Anyway, in unpacking the nicely-packed, bubble-wrapped Hubleys, a fair number started dropping off windshields, headlights, etc as I opened them up, so I am now thinking some groups of 4 might go on eBay in "as is condition" maybe $20 for all 4 as a starting point. Still good money to be made on that group.


Good idea on the Hubleys.  As for the rock memorabilia, try going to a fan site and putting it in general discussion or a link to your ebay or whatever auction of the product to stimulate some interest, rather than hoping Billy Bob at the Flea market is a fan. Should generate a bit more interest.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 04, 2011, 07:23:35 PM
Today I sold the little "wild boar" cuff link to one of 4 gold buyers at the flea market I use.

One guy (a friend yet) told me he was paying $27/gram for 14K. Another person (also a friend) was paying $30 a gram. I took the latter and got $84 for 2.8 grams.

I can either count that against the $313 safe repair, or against the lkr price of $350 in general...either way, a nice chunk off the expenses side.

If taken off the cost of lkr, it represents 24% of the cost....gotta love gold for it's value based on size.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 07, 2011, 05:25:38 AM
Nice locker.  It's just giving and giving and giving.  

Yep, and I thought it had stopped giving, but......

Posting these pics on Wednesday the 7th of September, 2011....the 2nd day of server problems. Hope these pics don't thrown the server off the cliff !

I finally reached the back wall of the "safe lkr" and these pics show some of the doings there. Mostly big stuff, but a few boxes of goodies as well. There are about 20 pics, so I will put 5 or so in each of the next four posts.

If you have any ideas on what some of the big stuff should sell for, please chime in; I don't deal in furniture pieces very much so I welcome any price input.

*****
(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham30.jpg)

Overall view above shows the big TV stand (glass and metal); below on the left are "cherrywood" entertainment center
and oak entertainment center with mahogony trunk and old sideboard cabinet on top.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham31.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham32.jpg)

Pic above shows the downward view of a trunk in right rear corner of unit; at this point looks interesting.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham33.jpg)

The "cherrywood" above is one piece I could use some help on for pricing. I think this is the kind of piece you would get at WalMart, but I didn't see anything like it the other day when I stopped in. The "rack" below the green piece of plastic tape are two wine racks that slide out. Gotta love that Sutter Home !  ;D

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham34.jpg)

The mahogony chest above opens upward on the top showing about a 4" deep, lined storage space. The two doors open outward. Nothing special was in it; thinking maybe $40 or $30 for this ?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 07, 2011, 05:42:23 AM
Here are the next 5.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham35.jpg)

Before I moved the "antique" sideboard cabinet on top of the hope chest I looked inside the hope chest; it's a Lane.
The sideboard hasn't seen an upright position yet, but I think the top hinges open and you put stuff down inside. It has small 1" wheels for rolling around. Maybe it was for storing linens or something. Trim looks nice.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham36.jpg)

The oak cabinet above has a broken piece of "frame" at the bottom of the upper display space, but I have it and is a simple fix. Haven't found glass that goes behind that grid. This is an entertainment center. I have bottom door also; needs putting on.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham37.jpg)

Green trunk held promise; next pic shows contents.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham39.jpg)

A "LOT" of letters....hopefully something of value in there too; other boxes contained historical newspapers like "Germans Surrender", "Rooseveldt Dead"  (both from the mother's era) and then "Diana Dies" from either the mother in her "golden years" or from the deadbeat daughter who lost the lkr. Papers like that going for about $5 each on eBay. I'll sell at flea for $5 to guys who go to more exclusive fleas that sell antiques...they'll get double or triple that.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham38.jpg)

This basketweave pattern trunk is pretty nice; thoughts on selling price?

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 07, 2011, 06:01:14 AM
Want some more? You get them anyway !

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham40.jpg)

Picture above and two below are of Gateway sound system to be plugged into a computer. That's a lot of sound.
This dates to 2006 and I found one on Craigslist with asking price of $100; I'd be happy to get that. Woofer weighs a ton.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham41.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham42.jpg)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ham43.jpg)

Pic above shows a Harbor Freight cheapie camera/monitor system. Sells new for $60.

OK, end of these pics. Feel free to jump in with some pricing ideas on furn. Thanks!
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 07, 2011, 06:18:25 AM
30-40 bucks for the Mahogany Chest?  Seriosly, Movieman?  Put that sucker on a scale and PM me shipping and handling.  Hell, if you're selling it and that big empty footlocker you found for that price, put BOTH on the scale and tell me shipping and handling.
   I love those things.  Both are old, and I realize that I'll be over paying, but those two items are just the 'got a chance, want them' items you stumble upon once in a blue moon.
   
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 07, 2011, 06:31:08 AM
30-40 bucks for the Mahogany Chest?  Seriosly, Movieman?  Put that sucker on a scale and PM me shipping and handling.  Hell, if you're selling it and that big empty footlocker you found for that price, put BOTH on the scale and tell me shipping and handling.
   I love those things.  Both are old, and I realize that I'll be over paying, but those two items are just the 'got a chance, want them' items you stumble upon once in a blue moon.
   

Don't tempt me to take you up on THAT offer, but please give me an idea of what you would charge for these at a flea or on Craigslist. They are both nice, but I just don't know if the market is there for them in my area at more than the $30 to $40 I indicated. I would guess the mahogony would have sold for $125 or so (maybe more) at somewhere like Pier One or World Imports; I'll check there for something similar.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 07, 2011, 06:37:35 AM
Don't tempt me to take you up on THAT offer, but please give me an idea of what you would charge for these at a flea or on Craigslist. They are both nice, but I just don't know if the market is there for them in my area at more than the $30 to $40 I indicated. I would guess the mahogony would have sold for $125 or so (maybe more) at somewhere like Pier One or World Imports; I'll check there for something similar.

Truthfully, I think you're about right on the prices, Movie.  (I'd get that Beatles album appraised separately.  Then, think about sitting on it until a Beatle dies).
   30-50 sounds reasonable.  And please, break my heart and take me up on my offer.  Those two old trunks just look cool.  The lighter one should bring you the same.
    The other two?  Tell me how much for shipping and handling and what you want for them.  I would seriously make an offer, as they just look cool, and wife would love them. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Cobia on September 07, 2011, 07:37:28 AM
About the cherrywood display case,

I have done real well on display cases like that. Typically $100 - $150. If its upscale name brand or large commercial style it goes to $250 - $500. Being in California where things are more expensive and people are use to paying more then where I live, you may be able to squeeze another 10-20% off my numbers.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: westgabargains on September 07, 2011, 07:44:13 AM
I'm in GA but I would start the mahagony chest at a minimum of $125 on Craigslist and work down from there. I think it would sell north of $100 but I wouldn't take less than $75 for it. The footlocker/chest could be anywhere from $50 to $150 (maybe more) depending on the age, condition and maker.
The piece with the wine rack would be 150 minimum if its a solid piece of furniture. If it is assemble yourself furniture then maybe 50 if it is in really good shape.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 07, 2011, 09:19:10 AM
30-40 bucks for the Mahogany Chest?  Seriosly, Movieman?  Put that sucker on a scale and PM me shipping and handling.  Hell, if you're selling it and that big empty footlocker you found for that price, put BOTH on the scale and tell me shipping and handling.
   I love those things.  Both are old, and I realize that I'll be over paying, but those two items are just the 'got a chance, want them' items you stumble upon once in a blue moon.
   

Well, some answers here from readers (thanks guys!) plus some research online at Cost Plus/World Market, Pier One, Sears gave me some good ideas on these furn pieces, but I think I'll sell them locally. It's mostly selfish (not wanting to pack them) but also, if you DID buy them, you would be paying heavily for shipping and that's not right. I have heard of guys shipping on Greyhound though, and something like that trunk wouldn't have to be boxed.

Thanks anyway though for the interest.

I think the "antique" market in California (in my area at least) is done. One of the guys had a slot in an antique mall and when it folded he got a full store about 20 miles away. It folded. He is now back at an antique mall; I need to visit his slot and the others to get an idea of large antique prices as the "sideboard" I have would qualify.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 11, 2011, 10:05:14 PM
Just an update for everyone.  As expected, Movieman was as good as his word, and I received the Beanie Babies Friday afternoon.
   Well, actually, my wife did.  She had permission to open the box, and did so.  She wants to thank Movieman for the Beanies, which are going on her hutch, which I now must find and buy for her.
   They have apparently found a home, so I have no need to find out if any were the rares. 
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 14, 2011, 06:06:54 PM
Ben....glad your wife is happy....that makes two (maybe 3) of us !

****

Spent 3 hours today at the safe locker .... it is down to about 8 large items now and I am putting those on Clist, eBay classifieds, and the storage facility is having a "garage sale" in a couple of weeks where typically 30 or so vendors open up their lkr doors and sell some of their stuff.

This is perfect for me !  My unit is at the end and there is a 12 x 12 square just beyond me which I will also get to use.
This will take the place of my regular Saturday flea, but hopefully the big items will sell (if they haven't before then) and I can set up my tables for small collectibles too.  A win, win I hope.

Last year they had 30 sellers and about 200 buyers...sound ok by me.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 15, 2011, 07:19:41 PM
The "hits" just keep on coming.  This is the antique chest that was high up in back of the locker. It has come down and out now and I posted a thread on it in the "What's it worth" area here. See this link.

http://storageauctionforums.com/index.php?topic=1718.msg9470

Check that link to see what I found out about this chest...as one poster said "It's cool."  And he is right...hopefully "cool" will turn into "cold, hard cash" !  ;D


(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ath1.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Benluby on September 15, 2011, 09:52:03 PM
Damn. That is nice.  If I ever meet you in person, I'm dragging you to the lottery sales office in the area and rubbing your head until I win the damn thing.  You hit a homer.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: acman on September 15, 2011, 11:51:22 PM
Just curious on how many trash runs you have had to make on this unit?

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 16, 2011, 09:33:51 AM
Just curious on how many trash runs you have had to make on this unit?



Why it's just like the two TV shows....no dump runs !  ;D

But actually, if I had loaded my van with the trash it would have been 2.5 to 3 loads. As it happens, I got rid of the trash in the following manner.

1) The prop mgr at the facility let me use theirs for smaller stuff which I poured out of boxes rather than throw the
    whole box in...makes for a "tighter" dump load. This I did 3 times for maybe 8 boxes.

2) The prop mgr at my main storage facility (where I have had a unit for almost 8 years) lets me do the same thing
    on a regular basis. I dumped maybe 4 boxes there.

3)  I paid a guy $10 to take 3 mattresses on top of the load he had in a big trailer. This would have been the biggest
     item I had to get rid of.

4)  Finally, I had the ratty, cheap footlocker, an old antique chair beyond salavage and some other "bulky" stuff....they
     went "clandestine" style over the top of a 40 yard dumpster 1 block away at a construction site where mostly the
     cardboard rolls from thousands of yards of carpeting were being dumped.

*****

Other stuff that I didn't want to sell went by the box load to nearby Goodwill, and one load of those boxes was sold to
one of the guys I help out by selling to cheap. It was 6 boxes for $20...he might sell all that for $80 or so and we are both happy.

More work perhaps (negotiating, figuring out, etc) than going to the dump, but it saved me maybe $75 for three loads, and the gas. The time involved would have been about the same amount using any technique.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 18, 2011, 09:01:21 AM
Nice Grab MM
Ps
  Don't forget to leave Your name and address with the office so they can pick up there personal stuff  ;D

Despite two live contacts with the frm owner and two "answering machine" contacts, this flake has not made any sustantive effort to get back MANY old photograph albums....many of them her mother's.

Pretty soon they all go to the dump. I'M not in the business of storing someone's stuff when they don't pay for that effort. Frankly, there will be a certain joy in throwing that history away.

******
Meanwhile the fellow who tried to help her out by coming around and asking for "compassion" for her asked if the stuff was still in the locker.....oh sure, I've just been SITTING ON IT for three weeks waiting for her $1,000. GIVE ME A BREAK.

He said if it was still available he would pay $1,000 for it. Well, fat chance buddy as I have already made $750 profit, still have a lot of smalls left and the big items are not yet sold. Probably will be renting lkr for a 2nd month hoping not to move some of the bigs.  Safe has two inquiries but nothing serious yet.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: drbecker on September 18, 2011, 10:33:48 AM
IN WA trhe personals are given to the managment and they store them for one year. If not picked up in one year they ar e tossed.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 18, 2011, 07:12:09 PM
IN WA trhe personals are given to the managment and they store them for one year. If not picked up in one year they ar e tossed.

In my area of California it varies widely.

1) Some managers say they could care less about the personals..go ahead and throw them away.

2) Others say they'll take personals but indicate they are RARELY picked up...like 98% don't pick them up.

3) I have found that if the lkr buyer takes an interest in getting the personal photos, etc back to the frm owner
    that the former owner will buy back some items as well, but it often happens they don't follow through
    on even getting their pics back, so not a biggie.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: drbecker on September 18, 2011, 09:02:39 PM
Yes the law requires they be left in WA most are not ever claimed. I hear 95% go unclaimed after a year from most of the managers. The managers hate having to store them so they want you to find as few personals as possible. I have one complain about me returning photos?  I guess if pictures are not personals what are?  I once had a whole truck load of personals from a locker box after box of slides from trips around the world. I have gotten lockers that had none also. Most a box or two.  I really hate throwing all the family pictures away but one manager had me toss it all the dumpster because the people moved to Texas and were not coming back.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 21, 2011, 08:05:14 AM
Things going slowly on Craigslist right now...seems to run in cycles for me at least.

I just sold this item off Clist for $75...came from the safe locker in this thread.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/winh1.jpg)

Saturday the 24th the storage facility has its "yard sale"....going to do that instead of my regular Saturday flea in hopes to get rid of some of the big stuff.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: LJSintheNW on September 21, 2011, 01:48:43 PM
This thread has been Awesome! Thank you to all of you guys, I laughed I cried and I was taught. 

I saw an antique roadshow piece about how windmills are becoming more popular as lawn art types of stuff but I can't find the link to it for some reason.  It was their segway part of the show between valuing antiques.  Popped into my head when I saw that pic.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Millertime on September 24, 2011, 07:24:19 PM
I agree, this thread has been epic. Thanks for all the time you put in to share it with us Movieman.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 24, 2011, 08:19:27 PM
I agree, this thread has been epic. Thanks for all the time you put in to share it with us Movieman.

No problem. This locker is holding up as the 1 in 50 (for me at least) that more than holds its own.

Here's the next part of the story:

Today, 9 24 2011, the storage facility has its 2nd "yard sale" of the year, and as I had rented the lkr, I became a participant. Instead of selling at my usual Saturday flea I wanted to sell here in an attempt to get some of the big stuff gone. Alas, it didn't happen.

The people who came were into smalls and that was OK as I sold a fair amount and half of them actually CAME from this lkr. I had one couple interested in the Lane hope chest at $70 (down from $100) but they didn't come through. The biggest item sold was the one pictured below...new in the box...asked $175 and it went for $150. This sign came from this lkr.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/mill1.jpg)

Two women showed up and asked about a 35 pin Harley Davidson collection AND two pieces of motorcycle leather.
I took an educated guess and asked if they were friends of the frm (deadbeat) lkr owner....they were. They bought the two leathers, so I FINALLY got some money out of her !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on September 24, 2011, 08:32:53 PM
Craigslist has picked up a  bit since I posted the windmill pic a few days ago in this thread. The item below sold through Clist for $70 after pitching it as selling at Sears for $100 plus tax. New in the sealed box. First person to seriously want it at $70 got to open the box when buying it. This item came from this lkr.

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/we1.jpg)

One of the challenges when selling stuff from this locker is that I have moved the smaller items to my permanent lkr and I have to keep track of that fact when putting stuff on Craigslist..."now where IS that item?".  I did this because my permanent locker is only 1 mile from my home, but the safe locker is 7 miles away.  

Fortunately, I haven't had a no-show at a Craigslist appointment for about a year, but I WOULD be ticked if I had driven to the distant "safe lkr" only to have no one show up.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: acman on October 05, 2011, 02:46:43 PM
Any more updates on this unit or the fmr owner?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 05, 2011, 03:28:52 PM
Any more updates on this unit or the fmr owner?

Well, enough time has passed now that the former owner is out of the picture. Aside from her two friends showing up at the "yard sale" the facility had in late September (see post above somewhere) not a peep out of her. She's been toast for some time now.

BUT, I had an idea that might work out in late October, 2011.  The facility is having its next auction, and I'm thinking of asking them (or their management unit) if I can auction off my lkr (with full disclosure and letting people walk inside).

There are only about 6 "big" pieces in there now, and really no interest in any of them (did sell a big glass/metal tv stand for large flat-screens) about a week ago for $100 which was nice. That $100 was used to pay for the month of Oct in an attempt to sell those other big items.

Still have: the safe, cherrywood curio cabinet, dual leather recliner, Lane cedar chest, antique English blanket chest, 50 gallon aquarium on stand. (that's six biggies).

If those don't sell over the next few weeks, I could hopefully auction off the lkr (and probably still do OK, but not as good as individual items) Could even auction off piece by piece for that matter and make reserves on some items.

Other than that, I would probably move the stuff to a GREAT lkr offer I tumbled on to.

So, things are winding down on this lkr.  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 14, 2011, 11:19:43 AM
To date (Oct 14, 2011) this locker has a NET profit of $1,675. Locker was won September 24, 2011.

Still have six big pieces of furniture and maybe another 10 items in the $25 to $100 area as well as some real smalls for the flea market.

Note to newbies and lookeyloos !

This locker is NOT typical of what you will buy on a regular basis. In my experience this kind of locker pops up somewhere between 1 in 25 or 1 in 50 locker buys !
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Cobia on October 14, 2011, 01:20:15 PM
To date (Oct 14, 2011) this locker has a NET profit of $1,675. Locker was won September 24, 2011.

Still have six big pieces of furniture and maybe another 10 items in the $25 to $100 area as well as some real smalls for the flea market.

Note to newbies and lookeyloos !

This locker is NOT typical of what you will buy on a regular basis. In my experience this kind of locker pops up somewhere between 1 in 25 or 1 in 50 locker buys !

Stop lying! EVERY unit grosses at least $5000!  ;)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: mncableguy on October 17, 2011, 10:41:04 AM
Stop lying! EVERY unit grosses at least $5000!  ;)

$5000 in dump fees maybe ;)

I found out my dump charges by the ton, one ton Minimum. 100 bucks a ton. I have a 3 yard behind my business (not related to storage lockers) and i had to go to weekly tips to keep up with the flow of junk.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 17, 2011, 11:33:57 AM

I found out my dump charges by the ton, one ton Minimum. 100 bucks a ton. I have a 3 yard behind my business (not related to storage lockers) and i had to go to weekly tips to keep up with the flow of junk.

My dump is charging around $40 a ton I think, BUT if you only take a pickup-load (stacked as high as you can get it) or a van load (no more than 8 feet behind last seat) you only pay the minimum which is $16.

In my van I have taken in about 1,900 pounds max and gotten by with the minimum price which saves a few bucks over the weigh-in price.

In the case of the 1,900 pound load the minimum price (without weighing in) would have saved $22 as that weight is 95% of a ton.



Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: mncableguy on October 17, 2011, 04:09:47 PM
My dump is charging around $40 a ton I think, BUT if you only take a pickup-load (stacked as high as you can get it) or a van load (no more than 8 feet behind last seat) you only pay the minimum which is $16.

In my van I have taken in about 1,900 pounds max and gotten by with the minimum price which saves a few bucks over the weigh-in price.

In the case of the 1,900 pound load the minimum price (without weighing in) would have saved $22 as that weight is 95% of a ton.





we recently replaced the floor in my store. We removed a layer of VCT tile, a layer of 1/4 sub floor, a layer of 1/2 chip board, another layer of VCT and then a layer of 3/4 due to water damage.

It all fit in my half ton GMC van. Tipped the scale at the dump at 8000 and change. Left at a hair under 5000...

Paid 150 to dump it. Construction debris is less.

The dump is own and managed by waste management. Maybe that's the problem.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Jumpinomega on October 19, 2011, 02:10:19 AM
That was a great read! Sometimes in lkrs I will find antique furniture that I am not sure of... So I post it on Cl as "Some kind of Antique furniture". I always get great feedback from savvy antique buyers/dealers. They r always nice and give me a lil lesson on what to look for and how to tell this from that. And they usually tell me what a fair price to start at and where to stop at. The windmill was awesome! I wish I seen the post earlier. I have a big back yard with cool things like that in it. It would have been a great Edition to my So Cal property. I have tried to inventory while going throughout the locker... But man that's hard to do. Well my husband gets so excited and just want to look through everything real quick... Then get it on the truck and get it home. By the time we have the time to dedicate to the lkr it's night time and I'm tired .... So instead of inventorying before. I do it at the time of sale. But Doin it this way, I have a hard time keeping track of the profit/loss per lkr. So instead I just tally up the cost of each lkr by month plus dump, gas, helpers,... And such then subtract that from what I have made for the month... There is my profit for that month. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 19, 2011, 08:38:17 AM
I have tried to inventory while going throughout the locker... But man that's hard to do. Well my husband gets so excited and just want to look through everything real quick... Then get it on the truck and get it home. By the time we have the time to dedicate to the lkr it's night time and I'm tired .... So instead of inventorying before. I do it at the time of sale. But Doin it this way, I have a hard time keeping track of the profit/loss per lkr. So instead I just tally up the cost of each lkr by month plus dump, gas, helpers,... And such then subtract that from what I have made for the month... There is my profit for that month. Any suggestions?

Well, I have to say that keeping a spreadsheet for each locker buy is important to me and lets me know exactly where I am in the overall picture as well.

When I buy a lkr I start a spreadsheet for it and list the major items in the lkr. I have columns for item name, asking price and sold price. These total at the bottom along with a "cost" cell and when putting in appropriate forumuli it's easy to see when the lkr is paid off and what percent of return has been achieved.

Each sheet in the overall spreadsheet ties to an annual sheet and I can see how each month has done, yearly total and totals for each of the last 8 years. That way I can see the trend in overcall expenses and income as well. As an example, 2006 was my best year and I can see that this year is down from last year (to date).

Once you get it figured out, it's pretty automatic.

When selling at my weekly flea market I make pencil/paper notations on big items sold and when I get home I put those in to the appropriate sheet and the totals and percentages all work automatically.

Maybe this is to "type A" for many people, but it works for me !

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 19, 2011, 09:28:23 AM



Maybe this is to "type A" for many people, but it works for me !


Well I think I fall in the 1/2 type A . I will start working on that spread sheet now. What kinda of formula are you using? time spent at auction/loading + gas + cost at flea market + misc. advertisement cost (ebay). Oh crap I think I just moved up to Full Type A. : ).
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: alloro on October 19, 2011, 09:31:34 AM
When I buy a lkr I start a spreadsheet for it and list the major items in the lkr. I have columns for item name, asking price and sold price. These total at the bottom along with a "cost" cell and when putting in appropriate forumuli it's easy to see when the lkr is paid off and what percent of return has been achieved.

Each sheet in the overall spreadsheet ties to an annual sheet and I can see how each month has done, yearly total and totals for each of the last 8 years. That way I can see the trend in overcall expenses and income as well. As an example, 2006 was my best year and I can see that this year is down from last year (to date).

Just get the Quicken program, it's super for tracking just what you're describing with a lot less work.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 19, 2011, 09:39:54 AM
Well I think I fall in the 1/2 type A . I will start working on that spread sheet now. What kinda of formula are you using? time spent at auction/loading + gas + cost at flea market + misc. advertisement cost (ebay). Oh crap I think I just moved up to Full Type A. : ).

Start with a blank spreadsheet.
In cell A1....name of facility bought, date and cost.

Start columns for item name, desired sell price, sell price.  Have total at bottom of those columns.
Develop forumulas (do research on those....return on invesment, etc). I didn't know these myself until I researched them.

Then, the next time you make a lkr buy, go to the next sheet to the right and do a sheet for it. (you could copy the first one to the 2nd and then edit the 2nd for appropriate content).

Make a separate sheet (in the same book) that will have two basic areas...expenses (lkr buys, etc) and income.
In the income sheet make a column that has monthly totals that draw from the cells showing your flea market and other incomes (indiviual clist sales, etc.)

After you have two or three sheets, make a sheet (in that same book) for the yearly totals.
Develop columns and lines for each year (this year, next year, etc).
Develop rows for each month.

I know this sounds complicated, but if you know Excel and know what you want to achieve, you will figure it out.
Nothing worth doing is going to be super easy, and I never just "hand" answers to anyone who asks (thanks for not asking me to send you a template). I have always believed that "doing it yourself" is a better experience than having something delivered on a silver platter.

Hope this at least gets you interested enough to give it a shot.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 19, 2011, 09:55:50 AM
Just get the Quicken program, it's super for tracking just what you're describing with a lot less work.

Well, since I've been using this spreadsheet for EIGHT YEARS there's no reason for me to re-invent the wheel, but maybe others would want to get quicken.

I suspect though there are some aspects of my Excel solution that may not be represented in Quicken.

If you HAVE Excel (or other spreadsheet) and you know how to use it, that works for me, but Quicken is relatively cheap and would certainly work as well. Since I used Lotus 123 before Excel came along, it was no problem for me to figure things out...history and experience are a wonderful thing.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 19, 2011, 10:03:24 AM

I know this sounds complicated, but if you know Excel and know what you want to achieve, you will figure it out.
Nothing worth doing is going to be super easy, and I never just "hand" answers to anyone who asks (thanks for not asking me to send you a template). I have always believed that "doing it yourself" is a better experience than having something delivered on a silver platter.

Hope this at least gets you interested enough to give it a shot.
Thanks Movieman would never ask for your  hard work just advice. I will get it very good with spread sheets. Did one for our company made end of year taxes easy. One question is on the small stuff. just general $1, $5, $10 column with an average oh wait making it to complicated (that is my problem) just a tally and punch in numbers after sales?
Just get the Quicken program, it's super for tracking just what you're describing with a lot less work.
Quicken Ok but I find it limited on I just want to know this information. I will do a little work and have exactly what information I want know.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 19, 2011, 10:38:56 AM
Money4nothing.... for you (and anyone else). (delete cells E169 and E170...they aren't needed)

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ss.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 19, 2011, 10:59:03 AM
Here's an actual sheet from my main book:

(http://webs.lanset.com/rjsmovie/images/ss3.jpg)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Jumpinomega on October 19, 2011, 11:03:12 AM
Thanks for the tip. I have something similar to what u were describing... not as detailed. ;) I got about 2 months into the spreadsheet and then found it too cumbersome to go out with pen and paper jot everything down. come back home input in comp, then do the research on ea item. I usually use the ipad for research so that I can be out in the living room with the kids... For me, it seemed that I was duplicating a lot of work. I donno. Maybe I need to invest in a separate server that all of my comps run from. At least that way I can take the ipad to the storage facility inventory there and have it go directly to the spreadsheet...? Sound expensive. I will try the spreadsheet again. I like nice and neat. I have good penmanship but having it all organized and the numbers totaled all the time is real nice. And the paper doesnt rip in spreadsheets... no matter how moany times u turn the page. :)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 19, 2011, 11:25:06 AM
Thanks Movieman will use with great appreciation.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Cobia on October 19, 2011, 12:11:31 PM
Thanks for the tip. I have something similar to what u were describing... not as detailed. ;) I got about 2 months into the spreadsheet and then found it too cumbersome to go out with pen and paper jot everything down. come back home input in comp, then do the research on ea item. I usually use the ipad for research so that I can be out in the living room with the kids... For me, it seemed that I was duplicating a lot of work. I donno. Maybe I need to invest in a separate server that all of my comps run from. At least that way I can take the ipad to the storage facility inventory there and have it go directly to the spreadsheet...? Sound expensive. I will try the spreadsheet again. I like nice and neat. I have good penmanship but having it all organized and the numbers totaled all the time is real nice. And the paper doesnt rip in spreadsheets... no matter how moany times u turn the page. :)

Having a database like this is just the first step in knowing what your business is doing. Yea, it's easy to say"I bought a unit for $100 and I sold $300 of stuff so I made $200", but when you start buying multiple units per month or week that kinda of determination becomes difficult. Knowing you made $200 on a unit, doesn't tell you WHY you made $200. This is the kind of information you need to extract and  examine to remain profitable, especially if you plan to become a full-time buyer.

I use a similar type database as a starting point for collecting data, then I create five other databases for statistical analysis. O.K, maybe, thats overkill, and I am a little bit of a math nerd. Guess I am an A++ personality. With that being said, I now have a bidding matrix that gives me complete confidence about every unit I bid on. Without it, I would be out there bidding on units based on experience (memory recall), mood (I don't FEEL like cleaning out a unit today), weather conditions, relationships (bidding against somebody because I don't like them, or NOT bidding because I like them), peer pressure (the whispers in the background-"it's all garbage","you will only get $x for that", "thats a lot of heavy stuff to haul") personal pressure (it's been weeks since I got a unit, I MUST HAVE THIS ONE!) group think (everybody bids on a unit for some unknown reason causing a bidding frenzy) and last but surely not least, cognitive dissonance (that unit was owned by a movie star, it must be filled with expensive stuff; or I see a helmet, chaps, Harley jacket, ther must be a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the back!)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 19, 2011, 04:36:31 PM


I use a similar type database as a starting point for collecting data, then I create five other databases for statistical analysis. O.K, maybe, thats overkill, and I am a little bit of a math nerd. Guess I am an A++ personality. 

I see a helmet, chaps, Harley jacket, ther must be a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the back!)

You win the prize for A+++ personality... And the last one have already heard.. Unit went for $800 crazy.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 28, 2011, 03:20:34 PM
Good news !

Been talking on the phone for a couple of days now with a possible buyer for the SAFE from this lkr.
Today I got his $100 deposit on the $500 sale; he's coming from almost 200 miles away, but his check is drawn on a chain bank, so I'm on my way to cash that today.

He arrives Monday or Tuesday (10/31 or 11/1) with the cash balance.

This sale was made through Craigslist where I was asking $600.

I have $330 in safe opening costs, so I will net about $170 on the safe.

I will try to remember to take a camera for the loading "ceremony".... I won't be providing any extensive help !

*******

After the bank I go to the safe lkr where people are coming to look at the leather dual-recliner. Hoping that will be a sale too.  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 28, 2011, 03:50:43 PM
Way to go Movieman..
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on October 28, 2011, 04:54:36 PM
Way to go Movieman..

Well, the safe is a definite go all right. I took the check to my branch of his bank and they cashed it but took out $5 because I don't have an account there !  FRIGGIN' banks....they and the oil companies have us over a barrel.

Then, the recliner appt didn't show up !  I think that was the first in about a year, but still a pain in the ass. Inconsiderate people.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on October 28, 2011, 05:10:13 PM
 
Then, the recliner appt didn't show up !  I think that was the first in about a year, but still a pain in the ass. Inconsiderate people.


they think you live there.... :)  I ran for I think two or maybe three appt's to sell my Aquarium (75 gal.) Left in our house when we moved could not bring with me... Posted it on my face-book and my cousin took it for free. I had to take it apart and deliver it... Oh well was glad she took it and my little fish.
With you on the D*** Banks and oil...
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Bandit on October 28, 2011, 06:20:27 PM
MM
  Here in New England when they move " Empty Safes " into Storage Lockers Before an Auction , they just rent a back hoe from a local contractor .
  I do not know if the same idea would work After an Auction ?    ;D
Bandit  ( ROFL-- CGU )
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on November 01, 2011, 05:38:40 PM
Images no longer available.

The safe is gone, the locker is empty !

Today a fellow came about 200 miles to pick up the safe and the following four pics show how he did it. I hardly lifted at all !

We wheeled the safe over to the truck with an appliance dolly and leaned it back against the tailgate.

He hooked up two 1" straps with ratchet mechanisms and fastened them to the fasteners he put through the bottom of the safe.

After tightening up the straps it was a fairly simple lift to tilt the safe. Once half of it was on the tailgate it wasn't hard to slide it on in.

I found the receipt for the safe drilling and lock replacement; it was $313...thought it was $330. So, I made 187 profit on the safe after expenses. Came out OK; lkr is empty now; moved last of big items to another place where I got a heck of a deal for the next 3 months.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on November 01, 2011, 06:32:36 PM
Wow that looked easy.. Lucky the tailgate held up.
What is he packing or is that you?
Glad you are about done with this unit and it was a jackpot.  ;D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on November 01, 2011, 06:55:56 PM

What is he packing or is that you?


That's the buyer; I believe like the natives of old that having one's spirit captured by a magic box is a bad omen (at least in the forum sense !)  ;D

I didn't ask what weapon he had with him; figured he had it as a guarantee that the cash he brought with him WOULD get him the safe and not a knock on the noggin! You hear Craigslist stories like that.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: money4nothing on November 01, 2011, 07:23:19 PM
That's the buyer; I believe like the natives of old that having one's spirit captured by a magic box is a bad omen (at least in the forum sense !)  ;D


LOL I agree with you 100%  :D
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Bandit on November 04, 2011, 09:18:48 PM
 And You also had Two Friends standing there with Shotgun's to make sure He was an Honest Buyer  ? ::)
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on November 04, 2011, 10:02:42 PM
And You also had Two Friends standing there with Shotgun's to make sure He was an Honest Buyer  ? ::)

Well, I personally don't blame him for bringing along a gun. He was bringing $400 in cash and didn't know me from the man in the moon.

It would have been a lot easier for me to take his CASH than it would have been for him to take my SAFE and run off without paying !

*******

I once had a guy come to a storage facility to see a BIG 11HP Honda pressure washer which I was selling for $700 I think.

As I got them through the gate they pulled up along side me as I walked and said "What are you packing?"  I didn't get it at first but realized they were talking about a bulge under the back edge of my t-shirt....I flipped it up and showed them a Swiss Army Knife in a sheath.  Guess they thought I was going to hijack them. Again, they had cash to lose....I had a big item they would have to have loaded in their truck ...... sure they could lock me in a locker, but good luck getting out the gate.

I guess you just have to be cautious but still maintain the thought that most people are honest.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on November 10, 2011, 03:54:44 PM
Just sold the aquarium for $100.....still have a few large pieces left, but right now this locker is at 8 times the money.

The lkr I got the other day for $1k looks like it will come out around 2 times the money. Quite a contrast!

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: D on November 18, 2011, 05:32:15 AM
Hi all first post..

Looks like you have made out on the locker, but man you are crazy to leave the stuff on property for so long. That whole deal with the owner could have gone sooo much worse. I mean just think if it had been the ex BF that had come back wanting his stuff, thing can easily get nasty with that kind of situation.

If you need to keep the stuff in a locker as you go through it, you are better off just moving it to another storage facility, as it will offer you much more protection if the owner decides they want stuff back. Hell if you have to rent a truck and move it in one run, you already have the profit built in to cover something like that in a unit like this and it will let you quickly find out what you have with the bigger stuff than having to slowly dig through.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on November 18, 2011, 07:58:22 AM
Hi all first post..

Looks like you have made out on the locker, but man you are crazy to leave the stuff on property for so long. That whole deal with the owner could have gone sooo much worse. I mean just think if it had been the ex BF that had come back wanting his stuff, thing can easily get nasty with that kind of situation.


Actually, since the ex boyfriend was on the contract, the last time they paid it up, he got all his tools and good stuff out of the front of the locker before it came up again for sale. HE was smart; she wasn't.



If you need to keep the stuff in a locker as you go through it, you are better off just moving it to another storage facility, as it will offer you much more protection if the owner decides they want stuff back.

Thanks for the advice, but having done this for eight years and almost 400 locker buys, that's not news to me. The guns went home right away; the 600 pound safe was in no danger of being stolen; flat-screen tv and any other small visible stuff went home with me.

Additionally, the facility is well alarmed, cameras all over and resident manager in a nice two story house above the office.


Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: shadowlaw23 on April 29, 2012, 02:40:16 PM
This is epic! Love seeing stories like this! Tired of hearing how fake storage wars is and that how you never find anything good. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on April 29, 2012, 03:37:32 PM
This is epic! Love seeing stories like this! Tired of hearing how fake storage wars is and that how you never find anything good. Thanks for sharing.

Oh, I've found plenty of goodies over 8 years, but I still say the SUPER-DELUXE lockers are only 1 in 50 or so. Of late I'm thinking 1 in 100.

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: Travis on October 25, 2012, 03:12:59 PM
I agree. Buy 10-20 units and you'll triple or quadruple your money on at least once. Buy 50 to 100 and you're bound to hit a unit where you make a 1000% return or more. It's just a numbers game.
Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: MovieMan on March 08, 2013, 08:07:14 PM
I haven't looked at this thread for a LONG time so thought I would just post here for a moment.
It doesn't bump it to the top of the list because it was locked there a long time ago by the former owner of the forum....DREW.

Come August, 2013 it will be two years since I bought this one, and off hand I can only think of one other that was similar in quality and that was in May, 2012, almost a year ago.

A lot has happened in the biz since this good locker was bought...primarily the onslaught (and wave after wave) of new buyers because of the tv shows.

Currently in 2013 I have not bought a single locker and have hardly even bid on any. Prices too high, quality lower than I want, etc etc.  But PICKING has been good !

Title: Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 11, 2013, 02:27:04 PM
First I saw the title and was thinking - that is a blast from the past thread.  Then I did have to laugh Movieman when first started to read the post.  I got to a "just paid $1k for a lkr" and was like - huh....I missed that thread.  Then saw it was from 2011.

Still waiting for my major score like this.  Maybe in another 7 years and 350+ units to go I will.