Storage Auctions
The Storage Locker => The Lounge => Topic started by: Alias on March 25, 2012, 03:41:06 PM
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Been on a selling rampage and today looked at my stuff and I don't have anything left!
Some hard to sell items, some scrap but nothing really.
Auctions. Picking. CL Free. Can't find much.
Surgery on Wednesday so unless I come up in the next two days I'm out of business for a while.
Was really hoping to spend my down time just selling.
Guess I'm stuck with day time tv......
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Man wish I had that problem. I am up to buying 2-3 lockers a week now, my issue has been selling yardsale/flea market type items. I have a shed full and hold yard sales every week, but I am seriously worried about my space situation with the constent flow of furniture I have coming in too.
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That is sort of a good problem to have Alias. I'm in-between you and Fayettenam. I am running out of good stuff and have a bunch of "so-so" items to still sell. I've already decided most if not all of the nick-nacks / cups / figurines are going to Goodwill. Will keep some of the newer items I've not tried yet but just about everything on my one shelf is going.
I've been selling the crap out of world currency. Only take a little at a time but sell each note for $2 each. Sometimes will give a break of $1 each. I decided last night to spend some of my paypal money and order some new notes. Cost per note is $.25. Those that I don't keep will be sold at that $2 mark.
I've also have bought some itmes / lots from other auction buyers. Mostly it's computer electronics that they don't feel like messing with, don't know crap about, or just have too much stuff. I've done so/so with this. Last purchase was 5 boxes of stuff and 3 computers for $150. If the computers work like he says and are P4s will break even if don't sell anything else.
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Since I'll be pretty much house bound I'm looking into "service" rather than "product" ideas.
Rebuilding xBox's. Cell phone screen and iPod/iPhone battery replacement.
Does anyone know that actual legalities of unlocking/jailbreaking phones?
Only have done a cursory google search, didn't come up with a definitive answer.
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Alias on last question no answer here.
But wished had your problem. Kinda like Craig, good stuff getting thin, and junk stuff plenty.
Had someone come out for a table and three chairs price $50. need to move it. Said too much work to be done on it ??? Not perfect but not falling apart either.
And the guy was terrified of my Uncles dog that came over so missed opportunity to try and sell different table and chairs for $125. dog harmless just big. But they did not want to spend more than $50. Oh well.
Hope your surgery goes well. And hope you find something better than day time TV. to do. ;)
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I had a co-worker that use to jailbreak his apple stuff. Unlocking cell phones to be used on various networks I don't think is illegal. If it was how could 80% of the phones on ebay be sold. Jailbreaking I'm just not sure about. I see people doing it all the time to stuff. However, they run the risk of getting hit with major penalties by the carriers.
My co-worker had his phone and ipad jailbroke. So that he could teether his ipad to his phone instead of paying another $30 a month for unlimited teethering data. He finally got caught and they canceled or made some change to his service.
If your good with repairing stuff just look on craigs, ebay, etc. and buy some of the broken stuff, repair it, and then re-sell. Is how we got one of our newest regulars. He use to do yard sales picking up old electronics. He saw all the cars in front of a storage place one day and ran up (in his PJs no less) and asked what was going on. He has been buying units since Nov. He works from home repairing electronics and sells them on ebay / flea. Listening to him he is doing very well and is pretty reckless with his bids. But I always take what people "brag" about with a grain of salt.
May want to give that a try.
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I've done some minor DIY stuff and enjoy it.
Have some broken iPods and 'decent' phones to practice on.
Brother says it's all a total b*tch at first but once you've done a few, learn the programing and have patch scripts written (or downloaded) it's really pretty easy.
Also have three broken xBox's that I had listed for parts but no takers so I ordered parts from china and will sell.
Friend has the set up to make it so they can read burned game disk but not so keen on that idea. 1) I KNOW thats illegal and 2) you can't go on xbox live with them so ur standard buyer doesn't want them.
I'll give it a shot. Got all I need so if it doesn't work out it's just my time and I have plenty of that in the next month.......
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Hope you get good at it Alias. I have a whole bag of phones that need repair / work. Have them in my "escrap" pile. Did pull one to see if can sell it for parts.
Spent just under $100 for 320 world coins and 295 world notes. Have been selling the coins at $.25 or more each. Notes go for $2 each. Even with doing some "bundles" with people I should be able to make some nice change. Coins were $.07 each and notes $.21 to $.25 cost for each.
If have some cash on hand you can always do coin roll searching in dimes/quarters/halves for silver. Those coins sell easy for spot or little more at the flea. Pulled a bunch of wheat pennies that I put in my mix to sale. No bites yet but who knows.
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Heck I'd offer to give ya half our junk if you were in the vicinity. Like most here we're down to crap & scrap with a few 'decent' pieces, but they don't seem to be selling right now~~~
Good luck on the surgery~
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Came thru surgery. Looks like I'll have plenty of downtime to research the in's-n-outs of repairing electronics.
They ended up not being able to do a lot of it arthoscopicly and had to do a full incesion to remove bicep.
Means I have a full month of healing before I can start therapy or I might rip out the sutures.
I've been pretty drugged up but watching YouTube and browesing DIY sites on phone repair and other electronics. If anyone comes across anything interesting or informative in this area, message me a link if you would.....
Step one) learn to do it
Step two) learn to do it with only one arm! lol
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First off, I've found that the 'Digital Millennium Copyright Act' allows for systems to be jailbroken. Perfectly legal. Though it voids the warranty.
As far as unlocking, it's legal as long as phone isn't still property of carrier. Basically, the phone can't be under contract.
AT&T announced that they now authorize the unlocking of their phones after contract has expired.
Working on the owner of this little scary convience store that sells used phones to let me learn on some of his. And picked up a pay-as-you-go phone to practice on. Don't really like putting money out but figured worse case, everyone needs a burner from time to time. ;)
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Well I've already made back 1/2 of my money I spent to buy world currency. Sold $40 worth just to one guy. If this keeps paying off I'll have to re-order in a month or so. Some notes I suspect will be slow in selling but others are doing very well. Trying to keep an eye out on what people are buying so can try and just re-order those type notes.
Alias - glad you came out of everything fine. Working with just one arm is just always so much fun. Had to do it myself when I was a teen due to an injury, cast, sling, etc. Really sucks if its your dominate hand.
You have a clue how to replace the screens and stuff yet? If need some practice phones I have 1 AT&T one that is fairly new with a busted screen. Could round up my kids phones with same issue and send them to you. All the older phones I'm packing up to send to my escrap buyers.
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That would be great!
I'll pay you a bit for them and shipping of course. PM me what you think is fair. Just remember these most likely are not going to be sold for profit. Just need practice phones.
And I'll have to send a money order. I don't have paypal right now. Long story.
If money order is a problem Ill see if my room mate will let me use his, I'd just prefer not to but not that big of deal.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Truly a pain....and painful. Got "talked to" by therapist today. In my mind I haven't been useing my arm but even the little I have is to much in his mind. Guess my incisions are opening below the skin. His fear is that if those are disturbed then possibly the anchors they put in the bone's are being pulled at also.
Considering my entire bicep is being held in place by a single stich.....
Long story short, I'm now in a total immobilization sling for 4 weeks!!
Have a really cool video of surgery if anyone is into that sort of thing. Not gory. No blood or anything. Let me know and I'll send you a link.
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Here is the gold pic's.
Project is on hold until my shoulder is healed. Apparently it's frowned upon to be lifting 10-20lb rocks right after surgery....
I'll get some better one's. Some have really nice viens.
http://s1062.photobucket.com/albums/t484/Alias300/Alaskan%20Gold/
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That is a really cool rock. Would end up on my mantle over the fireplace. Maybe on my desk at work if could lock up my office.
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HA! Great minds work alike!
THAT one IS on my mantle. lol
Put that one up cause it has a lot of pyrite along the top so is all sparkly. :)
It has a really nice spot of gold and really want to break it to see if it's just a trace or a big nugget inside!
Another one is quartz with a strip of granite and thru the granite is a vein of gold sitting on vein of silver like racing stripes. After some practice, that one will be cut. Thinking a nice policed face and rough edges.
If I can it will be cut in half and be book ends....
Mine is rated at 7oz/ton for gold. So under $100 in it if you average it out. Each rock has potential for ounces in it.....or nothing.
Another batch is on it's way next week. Hopefully along with an assortment of crystals.
I'll send ya some if any make it thru shipping. They seem to sell well at flea and yard sales.
Haven't figured out a way to get them here tho.
From the mountain it's a two hour, rough, ride.
2-3 hour, even rougher, boat trip that all cargo is strap'd on deck.
Then a bush plane ride,
And then packed on a commercial jet.
All without any padding or packaging cause you cant bring in anything that isn't crucial cause of space.
Do the best you can with clothing.....
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Pretty much still outa stuff....
Thanks to Craiglstauction's donation of cell phones to practice on I've learned that I'm not so good ST cell phone repair. lol
Have tools and parts on order from china so haven't got to deep into it but not nearly as easy as iPod battery/screen replacement.
And the rocks sell but not much money in that. Really need to get on making them into things, book ends or what not. But arm is still limiting my abilities in manual labor.
Anxious to get on it tho even just at hobby level. Not a rock hound myself but really interesting talking to the guys that are. Amazing how some of them can look at my rocks and instantly tell they are from Alaska.
Hit some auctions this week with no luck. Another I'm thinking about in the morn.
This morn (and thru Sunday) im hitting the estate sales.
Got some really old tins and medicine bottles for $0.25/ea. And some old ceramic figures that I thought were underpriced but got home and researched a bit more and not really. Wont loose money but gonna be more hassle than it'd worth I think...
Hopefully by next week I'll have something worthy of sharing......
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With you on the slow end and not adding much content.
Good luck on the hunt this weekend.
Had plans to hit a pallet auction but now looks like Husband has to work. Don't think I could load a pallet by myself. With both arms. ;D
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With the spring weather all the yard sales have started back up here in GA. I've spent the last 2 saturdays doing more picking in prep for the 5th then doing auctions. Some people want almost retail for the items, but many others have good prices. I almost always offer them 1/2 of what they are asking or package deals. Gotten a few NO but get more OKs or counter offers then not.
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Today's estate sales went well. Some small, inexpensive, easy to sell items picked. Tools and crap. $5-$20 profit range.
Got a few low ball bids out. Doubt I'll win.
Did get a brand new, top of the line, electronic money counter for $20. Lists for $500. Used are still $300 range.
And then....drum roll please!?!.....a 1960s Eames chair for $50!
Condition it's in? $500-$600 chair.
Get my interior guy to re-leather it and we're talking $1500-$2000!
Hard part will be selling it. Not finding a buyer, I have an outlet for chairs. But ACTUALLY selling it.
I love that chair!
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But ACTUALLY selling it.
I love that chair!
Don't you hate that.
We picked up an old sideboard, tiger wood, not the greatest condition but nice. We love it. Got it and a TV for $50. Sold the TV for $36 (thrift). So we are out $14. Have it on CL for $350. Easy to say if we don't get what we want then we will keep it. ::). Nice math did not figure in the gas and time. ;). We did get other things there that covered that.
Sounds like you did good picking.
Plan for the day is to re-purpose stuff or throw it away. Wish me luck.
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Nice math did not figure in the gas and time.
My friend didnt understand the gas thing. I made some "jokes" about it hoping he would kick in a few bucks.
He'c never been to estate sales and after a few was hooked.
I had a nice list and it went in a circle so wasn't driving all over. He was trying for going to this one and that one....things 60miles round trip outa our way!
As it was I spent $25 in gas. So when he asked to go yesterday I told him sure but HE buys the gas.
We didn't go. lol
I'm heading down south soon to do some pick'n. Hit Oklahoma City and Dallas area for sure. Depending on if I have time, I'm thinking of driving over to panama city, with a weekend stop in NOLA just because I really like it there. Oh, and the 20hour lay over in Vegas! That's just for fun too! ;D
But anything I pick, air/hotels/car/gas/food.......will NOT be included in the items price. Looking at it as a vacation and picks are just a bonus
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Have fun on your vacation, Hope you find some good picks.
Funny how people don't realize the total cost of things....If it is a hobby fine but when you are trying to make money you have to count what cost.
Can't believe your friend didn't go.... LOL
Posted some pics in the mattress thread got a few things done this weekend. ;D
My husband has a rock from Vegas and it only cost him $3000.00 ;).
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So close to being on the road....
Just gotta drive over to Eastern Washington Monday morn to fight that ticket then a redeye out that night.
There are a huge number of estate sales this coming week in both the Dallas area and Oklahoma City but looking at the pictures it's not my sort of things....
Game plan is to find an area that has multiple sales then see if there is anything I wanna do in that area, if so...I'll hit the sales.
Hopefully find something. My flight home has "one checked bag free" and I travel with just a carry-on. So I as long as things don't add up to over 50lbs I can get it home free! ;)
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Have a safe trip and find some light picks. ;)
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Pick'n hasn't been great. Found some nice things with profit margin but all to big/heavy to transport.
Had some estate sales lined up for today but instead took my niece to the Fort Worth zoo. Priorities ya'know.
Think I might just go lay down some wagers on the ponies tomorrow. Odds of making money might be better. ;D
......actually.....with the gas it takes to get around down here ..... That might be true. lol
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Back home.
Good times with niece and new born nephew.
Didn't get around to much pick'n. Estate sales were mostly big items.
No nearby auctions that fit my time frame. Obviously had to be in the first few days and small units so I'd have time to clean/sort and ship. Though my brother said if I did get something he'd eBay/CL and take a cut. But I'm a "no partners" guy. I'll pay you a set amount to help with something or commission on individual piece but that's it.
So came back with some trinkets. Rusted spurs. Hand made jewelry. Nice old holster.
No clue if I'll make money. Just looked cool so are in the category off if I can't sell I'd like to have them anyway so not a loss.
Also, some rocks for the old guy at he swap. Another thing I have no idea if he'll want but didn't cost anything to carry them home so....?
And then the weirdest item I've ever carried on a plane and wasn't even sure it's legal.....
Turtle shells. Found some while hiking. Sun bleached. Clean.
Figured down there they are common but here? Maybe some will be intrigued. Again, free so why not......
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Again, free so why not......
FREE = GOOD ;D
Good luck!
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Been running dry of good stuff lately myself. I had a nice run of buying and upgrading old computers to Windows 7 but the storage auctions have been dry for me lately.
Too many people bidding each other up on junk. I had a unit last most that had a lot of good but heavy furniture. It also had a lot of junk ( over 200 VHS movies, over 200 cassette tapes, DVD which I find myself watching instead of selling). This unit cost me $5. This person had $15 in change and some collectible coins so I instantly made a profit. I been selling off the little stuff on online sites but most of my money is from large lot of stuff that I buy on Craigslist. I gave away the furniture not wanting to deal with it.
I like doing the storage auctions but the best stuff is either too high for me or located too far away. I'll give it a couple of more months it should turn around soon.
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Looks like I might go from no inventory to more than I can handle.
Dad called and said he wants to sell my grandma's old house.
Said whatever I can sell, sell it, keep the profit. Going to take a week, full time, to halfway inventory the place.
Luckily my grandma was an organizer. "Everything in its" place type
Depending on what's there I'll decide on eBay/CL or just go estate sale route. Most likely both.
I know the furniture is still there. Most of it my great-great grandmothers. Really nice hand made stuff.
And the china, which isn't a great seller these days, is there. Most likely have to piece it out online.
Think the major money is in the shop. My grandfather was a tinker type. Lots of old school tools. Only a few medium/high dollar value items but the shear volume will add up if I go estate sale route.
Best part is the family just wants the house empty and it's all profit so I can accept low ball offers.
Downside, I have a money grubbing aunt that if she catches wind of this she is gonna want to get involved, do no work and expect a payday. And she is one of those that bases worth off of what she thinks things are worth. No research. No appraisals. If she's involved I think my plan of under pricing and moving the items quick will not be tolerated.
Once I get it inventoried I'll post a link of pictures and if any of you think there is a gem there I'll give ou first crack and at a hell of a deal. This isn't going to be about making money but getting the house empty fast so.......
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WOW - you have struck gold! Personally, I would take my time and try to sell to get top dollar (or maybe "best" dollar). Who knows, you may never get another score like this again. The great part about this is you win no matter what direction you take!! :D
Good luck - and keep us informed!! (Said that quietly, didn't want your aunt to hear! ;))
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Who knows, you may never get another score like this again.
I don't know. Wait till my mother gets off her butt and gets her house to market. SO much crap there. We've been trying for years for her to start he process. Personally, I think her plan is to live there till she dies so us children are stuck with it! lol
I have a couple old cars and motorcycles stored in the back of the shop and she's taken that over. Can't even get to them. Really upsetting when summer rolls around and I can't get to my toys! ;D
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I don't know. Wait till my mother gets off her butt and gets her house to market. SO much crap there. We've been trying for years for her to start he process. Personally, I think her plan is to live there till she dies so us children are stuck with it! lol
On this subject my mother already did hers. (Thank goodness). But my Aunt's house is how you described your mothers. And her kids don't want any part of it. So tag I will be it when the time comes. ::)
Just got home from helping her today, She needs professional help. She could not throw away 5 year old potpourri. ::)
On the house clean sounds like a win win. I would do a quick inventory and pull whatever you know you can flip. You know the stuff your Aunt will either want to much for on want to keep.
You know if she is close she will get wind of what is going on. You could always draw up a contract if any one wants a portion of the sales they have to contribute X amount of time in the investment.
Just a thought.... I have a few of those in my family can you tell?
Wish you luck on it. Can't wait to see some pics.
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Well......
My father told my uncle that I'd be down and suddenly my cousin is living at the house.
So now can't hold estate sale. Not going to pick it if I can't sell the big ticket items. >:(
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Man that stinks.... Sure it has already been picked....
Now you have time to make planters out of those chairs... ;)
LOL
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Well......
My father told my uncle that I'd be down and suddenly my cousin is living at the house.
So now can't hold estate sale. Not going to pick it if I can't sell the big ticket items. >:(
Sorry to hear that. I'm never one to condone violence, but are you bigger than your cousin!!?? ;)
Seriously, I feel your pain. My wife's Grandma died about 15 years ago, and Grandpa was actually a Step-Grandpa. He let his two kids from a previous marraige come in ON THE DAY SHE DIED and clean the place out. My wife's family history was sold at a garage sale that next weekend (as we found out later). It wasn't so much the stuff, but the old B&W family photos, etc. Photos of great-great grandparents are now hanging in some random dude's house.......
You may not be able to have a sale, but maybe pick a few nostalgic items before they "magically disappear" forever......good luck, it will probably all work out.
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I already grabbed the one thing I really . Was pissed cause there were a few items I wanted that disappeared. Some old tools and fishing gear. Some had only value to me, some were very valuable but I would never have sold them.
What gets me is no one on that side of the family sells so they grab but then let it sit in there garage!
If your going to use it, no matter the value, take it! It's yours, enjoy. And if your going to take it cause it's worth money, great. Make a buck. But don't let it just sit when someone else could either use it or make money.
At least I have one thing over them. They dont know the value of things. My dad said the gold tableware is suddenly gone. Told him good! Only place to get a decent amount for that is eBay and no way do I want to try and ship it. I could never carry that thing upstairs without flatware going everywhere! lol
Soon whoever took it will realize that gold flatware is just electroplated stainless steal. Gold buyers won't even take it (unless it's silver underneath, which this set is not)
I'm looking at the furniture, old board games, misc dishes and kitchen stuff.......pretty sure everything I'm looking at, in their mind is goodwill or dump items.
But who knows what will be left when my cousin moves out.
(my cousin is a girl cheesehead.....and No, not even close to her size. She's got a good 50lbs on me and a country girl thru-n-thru. She' d kick my...... :-\ ). ;D. lol