Archive - 2013

In general, online auctions are a convenient way to buy and sell storage units without the hassles of a live auction.

Despite their convenience, online storage auctions are still viewed with skepticism by some auction hunters. One major concern voiced by veterans in the industry is whether there’s any chance that the bids are faked.

They may be concerned that other bidders or even storage facilities themselves are placing false bids to raise the prices on an auction.

Unfortunately, the anonymity of the Internet does make this sort of activity possible. Luckily, there are safety measures in place to prevent it from getting out of hand. Some storage auction sites require users to leave their credit card information with the site.

Others, like OnlineStorageAuctions.com, don’t take a bidder’s credit card, but they do still require all bidders to sign up with the site and provide a legitimate email address and phone number.

OnlineStorageAuctions.com also watches for any suspicious activity, and anyone found to be manipulating bids will have their IP addresses blocked for their abuse. This will shut down repeat offenders very quickly.

Furthermore, it’s important to remember that the unit goes to the highest bidder who shows up to pay for the unit. If the unit’s price was run up by false bidders, the fake bids will be eliminated and the unit will still go to the highest legitimate bidder. This means that as long as you set yourself a budget and don’t go over it, you don’t need to worry about being run up by fake bidders.

In truth, most people in this business are out to make an honest living, and there are no more scammers at online auctions than might attend those at a facility.

Although a few dishonest people will always congregate anywhere that money is involved, the security features built into online storage auctions will help keep you as safe as possible.

Please leave your insightful opinion in the comment box below.

The Benefits of Internet Storage Auctions

May 1, 2013

Tiana Bodine

Internet storage auctions are quickly gaining in popularity among facility owners and bidders alike.

If you’re involved in the storage auction business, you should familiarize yourself with Internet auctions.

Like it or not, they’re the future of the industry.

Fortunately, they’re easy to like.

There are many benefits for Internet storage auctions for buyers and sellers alike:

Long auctions allow bidders time to research the lot
Sellers can post detailed descriptions and photos to help sell the unit to bidders
There are no large crowds to manage at the storage facility
Buyers don’t have to worry about wasting gas traveling to multiple auctions

Sellers can get higher bids from most auctions

Major online auction sites like eBay have paved the way for all sorts of Internet sales, and the format continues to gain in popularity. Everything from personal property to foreclosed houses can be sold on the Internet, yet storage auctions were late adopters of this technology.

The reason for this delay is due to lien laws in certain states mandating that auctions be held in a public place; although many states are rewriting their laws to be more technologically savvy, others still require auctions to be held at the facility.

Nevertheless, there are some loopholes that can help make internet storage auctions possible. By running the online auction concurrently with the live auction, storage facilities can stay within the law while still benefiting from the convenience of the Internet.

Just mention in the ad that bidding can begin online, and end the Internet auction a few hours before the live auction. If no one out-bids the winner from the Internet, the auction ends swiftly and painlessly.

Some websites offer to provide Internet storage auctions for a fee, but a listing service like OnlineStorageAuctions.com allows you to enjoy all the benefits of Internet storage auctions without paying a dime out of pocket.

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Barry & Jarrod Share Brandi

April 30, 2013

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 5: “A Time to Kiln.”

The auction was held in San Jacinto, California. On the drive to the facility Jarrod revealed to Brandi that he’s already rented a space for their new store. Surprise! She was not happy. He envisioned the store filled with lots of good inventory.

Brandi: All I can see is an empty wallet.

Guest appearance on this episode made by Nabila Hannis. She talked a big game but went home with nothing to gain.

1st Storage Unit
Briefcase, suitcase, drum set, books, vinyl records, Singer sewing machine, old TV; everything but the kitchen sink. Darrell and Nabila fought for this locker.

Darrell’s new bid strategy was the “wink-a-dink.” Instead of raising his eyebrows to bid, he winked. He doesn’t have a catch phrase, so we’ll cut him a break. It worked. Darrell won the unit at $750.

However, the only antique worth appraising was a small Concert Roller Organ. Appraiser stated it dated back between 1875-1905. Gold leaf letters were still intact with a nice art nouveau design on the side of the machine. He cranked the machine and it worked. Downside, it’s a less expensive model. Valued at $400-$450.

2nd Storage Unit
One of two sister units (default owner rented two units, but each auctioned separately). Two kiln machines caught everyone’s eye.

Kiln machine hardens, burns, or dries substances such as grain, meal, and clay. It’s used to fire and bake ceramics. Locker also contained about 1000 slip cast molds for masks, coffee cups, spoons, dolls… you name it.

Nabila thought to imitate Darrell’s wink-a-dink bid technique. Didn’t work. Barry won the unit at $925.

3rd Storage Unit
Kiln as well as a grandfather clock. Locker was stacked to the ceiling with plastic containers and boxes packed so tightly, that Dan the auctioneer could not lift the door all the way up.

Jarrod wanted inventory for his store. He won at $2,400. What did they find in the boxes? Junk and more junk. Brandi was furious.

Jarrod: You better watch your tone.
Brandi: You better watch your spending.

No fear, Barry to the rescue. He offered to split his profits down the middle if they would haul his kilns and moldings back to their thrift store.

Deal.

Appraisers came by and valued both of Barry’s kilns at $500. Older kiln models, but in very good condition. Jarrod’s single kiln was newer and valued at $800. But it was the slip cast molds that saved the day. At least 1000 molds valued at $5000! Appraisers thought it was cool that Jarrod, Brandi and Barry were willing to share the profits.

Barry placed his arm around Brandi.

Barry: Are we sharing… everything?
Brandi: Oh, my God. It’s not that kind of party, Barry.

Profit Scorecard:

Barry Weiss: $2,275
Jarrod Schulz: $1,100
Darrell Sheets: $1,066
Nabila Hannis: $0

Would you have bought the kiln storage units?

Please leave your thoughtful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Barry & The Asian Cowboy

April 30, 2013

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 6: “Like a Kung Pao Cowboy.”

Barry brought a new sidekick to the storage auction. An Asian Cowboy. Don’t ask, just go with it.

Guest appearance was made by the late Mark Bolelo.

Auction was held in Montebello, California.

Same storage facility in which Darrell scored $300,000 worth of paintings.

Darrell spread a rumor that the sister unit to his painting locker would be up for auction.

Seriously, the games people play.

1st Storage Unit
Full of mirrors and wall art. Tags on items read “Close out.” Everything looked new and the price tags were expensive; even for a close out. Barry’s Asian cowboy was really a restaurant store owner who needed supplies for his eatery.

While Jarrod and Brandi needed inventory for their new store, Jarrod whispered in Brandi’s ear to wait for the furniture units. Close out sales on wall art was just the tip of the store that went out of business.

Barry won this unit for $2,200. One item was peculiar. A type of weather meter. It had all the dials for temperature, humidity and such. It also had a rain collector and wind indicators.

Barry took his Asian friend (no longer dressed in western attire) to a Spanish weather station. Estefana, the weather person, stated the item was a high end home weather station. Appraised at $2,000.

Why did Barry go to a Spanish weather station? Estefana knew exactly what the item was for, but it also didn’t hurt that she was gorgeous. Oh, how Barry likes to flirt.

2nd Storage Unit
On the left side of the locker, boxes were labeled French fries. On the right side, boxes of exercise equipment. Mark thought to up the bid, but he accidentally won unit at $400. His scrunched face told it all – ouch!

To his favor the unit wasn’t a bust. Boxes had jewelry and more jewelry. Mark also found an entire piercing kit with medical supplies, instruments and jewelry for piercing. Appraised at $900.

What happened next was a blitzkrieg of bids by Jarrod and Brandi.

Unit 3 – Jarrod wins at $1,400.
Unit 4 – Brandi wins at $1,200.
Unit 5 – Jarrod wins at $3,600.
Unit 6 – Brandi wins at $5,250.

All new furniture, perfect for their new store.

Profit Scorecard:

Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $14,450
Barry Weiss: $4,316
Mark Bolelo: $1,560
Darrell Sheets: $0

Darrell, maybe at the next auction you should focus more on bidding than spreading rumors.

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.

Use Mobile Phone Card Readers

April 29, 2013

T.C. Lane

Storage Auctions 101

It’s become more and more uncommon for people to carry cash in their pockets.

In general, most people use their bank’s check card or a credit card to make their purchases.

Some people don’t even have banks, opting instead to use a prepaid card or spend money directly from Paypal.

With so much cash being replaced with plastic, it’s important to give your buyers a convenient payment option whenever possible.

Traditionally, most garage sale and flea market sales are paid in cash, and most regular buyers will bring a bit of cash with them.

But how do you reach the people who may have spent the money in their pockets but could still be interested in your items?

Or the people who came just to browse, but found something they really want to buy?

If you can accept credit card payments, you’re one step closer to making a sale that otherwise would not have happened.

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to take credit card payments.

You just need to buy an extension and the corresponding app for your smart phone or tablet.

You can use the card reader on an iPhone, Android or iPad. The funds will deposit directly into your bank or Paypal account, depending on how you set up your account.

There are several different apps and extensions available, so you’ll want to shop around to find the right fit. The best will give you a low interest rate on purchases, so you can retain the most money per swipe. You’ll also want something with a low initial investment and no monthly payments.

The best part of using a mobile card reader for your resale business is that your smart phone or tablet is already a vital part of your business.

Use the Internet on it to research items.
Map the way to auctions or markets with a GPS.
Keep in contact with buyers and sellers through phone calls and emails.

By adding a simple extension, you create a mobile business that can go anywhere; and by offering flexible payment options to your buyers, you can get a leg-up on the competition.

Once your buyers realize how much more convenient it is to buy an item from you than run to the ATM, you can begin securing more sales than ever.

Please leave your creative thoughts on mobile readers in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Barry’s New Sidekick – Cousin Itt!

April 23, 2013

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 4: “The PA Stays in the Picture.”

At any given storage auction one player may strike a huge payoff while others swing and miss. Then there are times when everyone loses.

Auction was held in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Guest appearance was made by the late Mark Balelo.

It’s a rainy day and Barry’s late. Everyone filed into the storage facility. Barry however hovered over the crafts table (service table of snacks set up on location for cast and crew).

He’s in a mood because he’s late. He’s hungry. He grabs a snack then kidnaps the PA (production assistant) Adam to be his new sidekick. Oh, why not.

1st Storage Unit
Bedroom set, refrigerator; and what Jarrod called a “funk-defied” sofa (beat-up). PA, being much taller than Barry, was able to describe what was in the room.

Jarrod promised Brandi to be frugal with money today. Yeah, don’t hold him to that Brandi. Jarrod won the unit at $1,000.

Brandi: Apparently Jarrod’s definition of frugal is over spending on the first locker he sees.

Only unique item was a sprucing kit. Jarrod and Brandi took kit to a bonsai nursery to have it appraised. Alas, all inexpensive tools. Worth only $50.

2nd Storage Unit
Few open boxes with camera and film equipment, old television, and an old cash register. Old = outdated. Not antiques. Barry wanted the unit and thought the best way to win was to disguise PA Adam.

Barry coiffed Adam’s hair. Oh, good Lord! Adam looked like Cousin Itt! Very tall, dark-haired, Cousin Itt. Did the disguise work? Barry won the unit at $600. Can’t say it didn’t work.

But that wasn’t the end of the PA’s participation in this episode. Barry took PA Adam with him to get the cameras appraised. Experts at Pro 8mm Shops stated they did have one high end 8mm camera and some low end cameras in the box. Entire lot valued only around $500.

3rd Storage Unit
Commercial printing and advertising equipment. Mark pegged this unit as his and Jarrod would make him pay. For some reason, before the auction, Mark made many snide remarks at Jarrod. Bad move to piss off the Young Gun.

Mark vs. Jarrod. $1000 bid after $1000 bid increments. In the end Mark won, but Jarrod never had the intention of victory. How much did Mark pay? A whopping $2,700. But when Mark had the machine appraised, he discovered it needed an entire overhaul.

Profit Scorecard:

Barry Weiss: $50
Darrell Sheets: 0
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: loss of -$230
Mark Bolelo: LOSS -$1,450

What did Barry and his sidekick PA Adam do with the 8mm film cameras? They made a short film, of course. An artsy, non-talking film starring Barry, PA Adam, Dan, Laura and a dwarf. Something tells me an Academy Award isn’t in their future.

Please leave your creative opinions in the comment box below.

Private Sales Are a Major Strength of Online Storage Auctions

April 23, 2013

Tiana Bodine

When you visit a public self-storage auction, the units you bid on will generally be sold by the storage facility as a way to satisfy a lien.

This isn’t always the case with virtual auctions. While online auctions are certainly a great place to find lien sales, they’re also a source of units being sold by private sellers. Online storage auctions offer tremendous benefits to buyers and sellers alike.

There are several reasons a private seller might choose to auction of his own storage unit. Perhaps he’s running behind on his rent and wants to sell off the contents of the unit before he gets evicted.

Maybe he’s realized he doesn’t want his stored items any more and would rather sell them than pay to store them. Or maybe he’s a fellow auction hunter who’s bought units he doesn’t want to bother with re-selling piece-by-piece. Whatever the reason, private online storage unit sales are a great opportunity.

Why Private Sales Are Good for Buyers:

You deal directly with the owner of the unit’s contents, and you can back out of the sale if the unit isn’t consistent with what’s been advertised.
The units may be of higher quality than those from a regular lien sale.
You can buy items in bulk rather than searching for them piece-by-piece on eBay or Craigslist.
Private sales offer resellers a low cost source of inventory.

Why Private Sales Are Good for Sellers:

You can sell off unwanted items for free and get money in your pocket.
You don’t have to haul away unwanted items from a storage unit.
You can stop paying rent on stuff you’re not using anyway.
It’s easier to sell a bulk lot of household items than try to sell them individually at a yard sale.
If you’re in financial trouble, you can sell of your merchandise before you get behind on your rent and lose your property.

If you buy and sell a large number of units on a regular basis, you’re bound to end up with large quantities of items that will take you a long time to sell.

Rather than spend time and energy donating them or selling them individually through other sites, consider consolidating your items into a single storage unit and offering it for sale to interested buyers. Since online storage auctions tend to earn more money than live auctions, you’ll be sure to get the best price.

You’ll then be free of the small items and can focus your attention on selling the biggest pieces for a good profit.

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: I Urn for You

April 23, 2013

1 Comment

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 3: “All’s Well that Urns Well.”

Have you ever seen an urn? I haven’t. Neither have Jarrod or Brandi. They thought they had matching beer steins. My skin just crawled out of my body at the thought of drinking beer out of an urn. Yeach.

Storage auction was held in Orange, California. Guest appearance by Ivy Calvin, a former MMA fighter. It was Barry however who had the fighter in him from the get-go. Make them all pay through the nose for lockers. Did his strategy work? Hmmm…

1st Storage Unit
Stacked poorly with office desk chairs, files, banker boxes, and office supplies. Barry stated it was not the locker for him but the – “Perfect locker to screw to the nut balls.”

Good strategy however one itsy-bitsy oversight on his part. Barry did not notice as the crowd filed in front of locker that they showed little interested in the contents. Barry shouted the first bid: $150!

Silence.

Barry looked around. Everyone shook their heads “No.” Darrell told Barry he could have bought the locker for only $20.

Barry: Note to self. You can’t bid up any other buyers if there aren’t any other buyers.

Good lesson, Barry. He unloaded his unwanted locker. Three desk chairs. He stepped inside and tossed items out into the hallway. Then it happened. The nut ball Collector thought to use an old computer monitor as a stepping stool.

Careful… steady… stop wobbling…. Barry… watch out… Barry!

Phew. He made it onto the desk without killing himself. What did he find inside his locker? A whole lot of nothing. Way to screw it to the competition, Collector.

2nd Storage Unit
Girl’s clothing, crib, and kid’s craft items. Of all people, it was the two big guys who went on a bid war on this unit. Darrell vs. Ivy. Former MMA fighter would not go down this time. He won the unit at $250.

Calvin found Garbage Pail Kids collectibles, both old and new, inside his locker. Those might be worth some money. Ivy visited Layron, who was once an original artist for Garbage Pail Kids, to appraise the items. Many cards were in mint condition; but the entire lot was not a gold mine. Valued at $600.

That was the end of the auction. Next day Darrell visited a storage auction held in West Covina, California. He saw Jarrod and Brandi standing in the parking lot. Darrell called Jarrod a sneak, sneaky-snake for attending this auction.

Knock, knock. Uh, Darrell. Storage auctions are publicly listed. What’s your problem? Well, in the end Jarrod and Brandi would out bid him at $250 for the locker. Two days of auctions and zero lockers for Darrell.

Storage Unit contained bedroom and dining furniture. One oddity Jarrod and Brandi found was inside a suitcase. Matching set of urns. And yes, they thought the urns were beer steins. Doh! They pulled a Darrell.

Couple took the antiques to one of Barry’s appraisers, Randy Esada at Thrift Décor store. Matching urns dated back about 150 years. Workmanship on the urns was extraordinary with detail and decoration. Both were in very good condition, but (you knew there was a but in there) they were not originals.

They didn’t have a hallmark on the bottom for maker of the urns and neither were made of pewter. Urns were made by a method called “pot metal.” This is compressed metals molded into less expensive versions of fancy items. The good news: the pair was valued between $400-$600.

Profit Scorecard:

Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $1,325
Ivy Calvin: $530
Barry Weiss: $221
Darrell Sheets: $0

What will Brandi do with the matching urns? She may hide her petty cash in hers. With Jarrod’s urn, depends if he keeps overpaying for lockers…

Please leave your creative comments in the box below.

Shopping is Fun – Why Not Buy a Storage Unit?

April 21, 2013