Storage Auctions
The Storage Locker => Stories about Storage Auctions => Topic started by: rugie on September 02, 2011, 02:15:38 PM
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The title is slightly misleading...I use to go to storage unit auctions for a few years in Modesto and San Francisco, CA but haven't since around 2005. I'm currently living in Mississippi and here's how the auction went:
I showed up about 20 minutes early and chatted with the man that was standing around. He said only 2 units will be up for bids as opposed to the 12 listed in the legal section...I'm not too surprised at this but just a bit disappointed. A few minutes later, 2 other gentlemen (separate bidders) drove in and they all started chatting with each other. They told each other how they did with their last units and were very friendly. The auctioneer was the last to arrive...she walked straight to the unit so we all followed. I said, "Hey" and she said, "Hi". This is 1 of 3 things she said during the whole auction. I was expecting a sheet to sign to register to bid....but nothing for me to sign and no rules mentioned. She opened up the unit and said, "I've been in this one...it doesn't look like much but ya'll can go inside and look around." So we all go inside and start opening boxes and drawers....after about 20 seconds we all walk outside and the older gentleman says, "$20"...another man says $40...and the older man says $50...silence for about 10 seconds...and the next thing i know he's signing a piece of paper. Not a word from the auctioneer...no "$50 here can I get $60...no going once...not even a "Sold!". The other man offered $50 for the 2nd auction and the older man said, "I'll just let you have it...I don't want to bid you up". - signs paper. Btw, the 2nd auction unit # wasn't even listed in the legal notices. Maybe the laws here are different. As I was getting into my car, I asked the auctioneer when the next auction will be...she said she works for the paper (The local newspaper owns the storage facility) so she only deals with the 2 facilities in town...and it's the first Friday of every month. I guess she's just an office worker and not a local auctioneer.
I've never been to an auction this small, slow paced, and friendly lol...The units weren't that bad either...I'd say $350 value in each locker. I honestly don't even think they bring more than $300 with them...I sure hope it's a cash only sale because if there's ever a high quality item, it's mine!
I'll also add that there are only 1-2 auctions per month in the area...so it's not like Friday morning is the slow day...auctions are always on Friday...there are no Saturday auctions. I think the picture below is everyone I'll be up against in the future (besides the lady).
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2z4wkyb.jpg)
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I'll be there next time ! ;D
Strangest one yet and I've seen some strange ones.
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lol, nice, wish I could get there :\
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Well unlike TV I've come to find out most of the auctions are done by the local manager, owner, or regional manager. I know one of the auctions I missed that had 3 units, only had 4 people at it. Didn't miss much from talking to one of the regulars that went there. For the most part everyone is friendly. Don't know if that is a southern thing or what. Good luck in your future auctions.
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Tough competition!!
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Looks just like they were back in the late eighty's , with prices to match ;D
Bandit
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Yeah, most people are friendly down here. I think the smallest crowd I ever saw in San Francisco was 15 people.