Archive - 2013

Online Storage Auction Site Offers Legal Alternative

March 28, 2013

Legal Alternative to Online Storage Auctions

Although online storage auctions are gaining in popularity, they are still considered illegal in certain states.

This is because the lien laws in those states have vague or outmoded language that requires the auction to take place at the storage facility or a “reasonably near public place.”

Although the Internet is arguably the most public place imaginable, the laws haven’t caught up with technology to conclude whether a virtual space can satisfy the legal requirements.

Many of our competitors simply ignore these laws and offer storage auctions in the restricted states anyway. Others opt to avoid online auctions in any state with ambiguous laws. We’ve decided to do something different, however – a legal alternative for states where storage auctions must be held in person.

What we suggest to storage facility owners in these states is to have the online auction run concurrently with the in-person auction. When you post the notice of the sale, be sure to mention OnlineStorageAuctions.com in the ad.

Open the online bidding early, and close it just before the in-person auction starts. Have the auctioneer open the in-person bidding at the high bid from online. If no one places a higher bid, the unit goes to the online bidder; if the in-person bidder makes the winning bid, he or she gets the unit instead.

It’s no secret that storage units sold online sell for 25% to 100% more than those held exclusively in person. By combining the two strategies, you can increase the amount you get for your units while staying in step with the law.

By advertising the online portion of the auction, you can ensure that more bidders opt for online bids, and the ensuing lower turn-out at the in-person auction will help things go quickly and smoothly. Best of all, since our service is completely free, you get to keep your money and deal directly with your bidders.

This ground-breaking alternative for self-storage auctions offers the convenience and high earnings of online auctions without the questionable legal issues faced by other services. Eventually, as online auctions become even more commonplace, the law may begin to catch up with technology and you can transition your facility to online-only storage auctions.

Please leave your creative thoughts in the comment box below.

Is Auction Hunters Fake?

March 27, 2013

T.C. Lane

Entertainment

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Dave Hester from Storage Wars slapped a lawsuit against A&E that spawned a controversy. Dave claimed producers of the show “salt” the units with unique items to enhance the entertainment value of the show.

Layman terms – Dave claims the show is fake.

If Storage Wars’ lockers were and are salted by producers, then the spinoffs: Storage Wars: New York and Storage Wars: Texas may also be fabricated reality entertainment.

One of the most controversial reality series pertaining to storage units auctions is Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition. At the start of each episode you read this intro:

“Each year Allen Haff and Ton Jones dig through hundreds of unclaimed storage units hunting for discarded treasures. These are the stories of their most rare and valued discoveries.”

The series suggest each episode is a reenactment of actual true life events. How does the pawn shop come into play?

On both their IMdb credit, neither Allen nor Ton were mentioned as “partners” in their bios.

The series however insinuates the Haff-Ton team have been partners for a long time when in all probability they first met on Auction Hunters in 2010.

Employees at the pawn shop are also actors:

Big Sis – True identity unknown
Lalo Fuentes Elle – actress Laura Soares and yes, she’s Brazilian
Flula Borg – that’s his real name, he’s German and he is a musician

Check out Laura Soares’s IMdb page.
Check out Flula Borg’s Facebook page.

Reality TV defined as supposedly populated by real people, but even Allen Haff and Ton Jones are actors.

Who owns the pawn shop? Does it even exist for consumers to pawn and or to sell items? Begs the questions, “Is Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition fake or is it reality TV scripted and staged for entertainment?”

It is yet unresolved if the producers of Storage Wars salt the units. However, it’s very probable (though there’s no proof either way) that neither Allen Haff or Ton Jones own a pawn shop. So how can something that isn’t real be reenacted as a real life story?

History Channel’s Pawn Stars contains historical facts. Storage Wars bubbles with tension among the bidders. Is it fair to speculate that Spike TV capitalized on the success of the two series by creating Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition?

Is Amazing Race staged? No. They win Emmy Awards. Is Top Chef staged? No, they won an Emmy as well. Is any part of Auction Hunters real or is it a fake, staged and scripted reality TV entertainment show?

So, what do you think of Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition?

Leave you interesting and creative responses below.

Storage Wars: Part 2 Of 100-Vault Auction

March 26, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars

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Storage Wars: Season 3, Episode 30: “Still Nobody’s Vault But Mine.”

Second half of the 100-vault auction in Chatsworth, California with fifty vaults sold.

Many hobbyist left but the regulars and two new players still present: Barry, Jarrod, Brandi, Darrell, Ivy, Herb and Mike, and the late Mark Balelo.

Ivy stated it would take endurance, stamina and confidence.

It appeared Brandi was still in the game.

Jarrod: You still feeling confident?
Brandi: I’m always confident. As long as I have deodorant on, I’m good.

Whatever works, Brandi. Fifty lockers sold, fifty to go. On with the show…

First Lot: 5-Vaults

Thrift store haven. Furniture, rug, neatly stacked boxes, and much more. Barry wanted to bid for “gits & shiggles.” If you are unfamiliar with the term, I’ll give you the definition, in a minute. Barry bid up the vaults, but he went too far. He was within a hair’s breadth for the win. Jarrod out bid him at last call at $225 x 5 = $1,125.

Breathe, Barry. Breathe.

Second lot: 4-Vaults

Box spring, furniture, carefully packed items. Darrell spotted what he thought was artwork very well packaged at the back of the crate. Boasted that he was known as the “Art Dealer.”

Since when? We’ll see about that.

Bid war between Jarrod and Darrell, but nothing would stop “The Gambler” from fine art. He won at $500 x 4 = $2,000. Hope you find a Monet or Rembrandt.

Third Lot: 1-Vault

Clothes, boxes, luggage, all thrown together inside the crate. What a mess. Ivy won the single vault at $275. ONE vault. That’s it, Ivy? As he dug through his crate he accidentally dropped and broke some items. It was amusing even to him.

Fifth Lot: 1-Vault

In a word – horrible. Barry bid for gits & shiggles, but before I give you the definition, it was MMA vs “The Collector.” Barry won at $120.

Barry found decent furniture in the last vault, but nothing worthy of appraisal. Ivy however did find snake hunting gear which he took to an expert. One hook pole and grasp pole valued at $100. Two skeletal snakes inside displays cases also appraised at $100. Ivy didn’t make bank, but he didn’t go broke either.

Darrell had his crates unloaded at his warehouse. He wanted Kimber to see how a real man adds. He inflated the prices of the furniture to impress his lady friend. Artwork he thought was in the back of the crate – a mirror. He’ll now be known as the “Mirror Dealer.”

Best catch of the day, hats off to Jarrod and Brandi. Was it a Picasso? Furniture from the 1800s? Vintage jewelry from Tiffany’s? No, even better.

A freakin’ awesome pair of Texas Steer Horn chairs and ottomans. Antique expert Dennis stated the unique furniture was modern. Made around the 1980s. Very well made. Very collectible. Valued at $3,800 for the pair – Yeehaw!

Profit Scorecard:

Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $3,975
Darrell Sheets: $1,175
Ivy Calvin: $480
Barry Weiss: $230

Oh, and gits & shiggles means for the Hell of it.

Please leave your creative thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: The 100-Vault Auction

March 26, 2013

T.C. Lane

Storage Wars

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Storage Wars: Season 3, Episode 29: “Nobody’s Vault But Mine.”

Oh, 100-vaults up for auction, take one down, pass it around, 99-vaults up for auction today. Expectations high.

Maybe someone would find a lost Picasso sketch or painting. Or a carefully preserved 1800s chair or table. Or vintage jewelry from Tiffany.

Uh, no.

Most valued item shown in this episode was smaller than a breadbox. Guess who would be that lucky. I’ll get back to that.

Vault auctions differ than storage auctions. Vault sold as a single unit or as a “lot.” If you buy a lot, you bid on the purchase of one vault times the total number of vaults in that lot. For example, two vaults may make a lot. You bid $50 and win. That’s $50 x 2 vaults = $100. Reckless bidders, beware of vault auctions.

Players included Jarrod, Brandi, Barry, Ivy, Darrell, Brandon, and two new bidders – Herb and Mike. Also present was the late Mark Balelo who passed away in February.

Brandon sick as a dog. Once out of the car, H-U-R-L in the bushes. Poor sap. He stayed behind which left Darrell solo at the auction.

First Lot: 2-Vaults
Boxes marked office, clothes, books, and an old Singer sewing machine in view. Ivy talked a big game but Barry had deeper pockets. Won the vault for $375 x 2 = $750.

Second Lot: 2-Vaults
Glassware, clothing, and a hodgepodge of unappealing materials. Quick buy for new bidders Herb and Mike at $200 x 2 = $400.

Third lot: 10-Vaults
Time for the sharks to show their teeth. Herb and Mike the guppies were out. In the end it was Darrell against Mark who flashed his man purse full of cash. Feeding frenzy. Mark with bigger and whiter teeth won the vault for $150 x 10 = $1,500.

Who got lucky?

I’ll get to that.

Let’s start with the noobs Herb and Mike who float at the bottom of the food chain. Dug through the two vaults and found a washer and dryer, HDTV (older model), glassware, and household items. Oooh. Aahh. Tiaras carefully wrapped but we know they’re not real diamonds.

Herb and Mike took the tiaras to Haley, a beauty queen to have them appraised. You have got to be kidding me! She’s only nine-years-old. That’s your expert? Ugh. The items were crowns, not tiaras and she appraised the lot at around $550. Take that with a grain of salt.

Who got lucky? It wasn’t Mark. He bought ten vaults. Good furniture, bad furniture, mountain of clothes, carpet cleaner, bike, old television, computer, but was he happy. By the end of the show he had lost it.

Mark dug through a box. Found a cup. Threw it on the floor. Crash. “Opa!” He danced. Then he grabbed another item. Crash. “Opa!” Dance. Repeat. He went nuts. Mark lost money and lots of it.

Who found items of real value? You guessed it. Barry Weiss, “The Collector.” He found three silver trinkets inside a drawer of that old Singer sewing machine. Had the items appraised at an antique shop.

Expert stated that two of the silver trinkets were vinaigrettes. Women back in the 1800s would put a little vinegar mixed with lavender inside the trinket. If she came across a foul smell, she’d take a whiff of the vinaigrett (not a bad idea for present-day living). Last item was an egg-shaped pomander made around 1700s and extremely rare.

First two items appraised around $450-$800. Last item appraised near $1,000. Again, how does Barry walk away from two full vaults, leave with a small item, and still take a big bite of profit?

Profit Scorecard:

Barry Weiss: $2,200
Herb Brown & Mike Karlinger: $790
Mark Bolelo: LOSS-$700

What’s left to say about the episode — “Opa!”

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Church Camp Fundraiser Buy a Storage Unit Online

March 24, 2013

Chuck G.

Online Storage Auctions

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Church camps are fun!

But they don’t come cheap. According to the American Camp Association, church camps may range from about $100 per week up to $400 per week or more.

Now that’s per child! Plus the additional cost of travel that must be provided by the church as well.

Bake sales will work, but only if your church has a large congregation. Small to medium size churches must become more creative in their fund raising efforts.

Buy a storage unit online!

Think about it. You need to raise funds. Bake sales, spaghetti dinners, walk-a-thons, car washes, etc., you’ve been there, done that, and guess what? It didn’t work. If you buy a storage unit however, you may double or triple your money.

It’s customary to hold a fundraiser sale at the church parking lot, but if your church’s location is tucked away out in the boonies, that will generate little to no traffic.

You could resell items from a storage unit at a flea market or swap meet. Make signs to let people know the items sold will raise funds to send kids to church camp.

People are sympathetic.

They may buy an item just to help out, and most likely give you more than you are asking for the item to donate to your church camp fundraiser.

If you can pool enough money together to buy a larger unit such as a 10×10, you could possibly rake in enough in profits to send several kids to a decent church camp for free or at least at a huge discount off the church camp’s fee.

I came from a rather large congregation, so bake sales were a huge success. If however your congregation is less than 200, you may rethink the type of fundraiser that will generate the monies you will need.

Buying a storage unit is the easy part. Reselling the merchandise is the hard part. Get all the kids who want to go to camp involved and you should meet your goals far quicker than other methods of investments.

You may have a dozen kids who need to go to camp at $100 each. How can you raise $1,200 money in such a short period of time?

Buy storage units online.

Even if your locker doesn’t contain the best merchandise, people really are sympathetic and will buy items as well as donate to your church camp fundraising cause.

You’ve tried everything else, why not try this venue. Might become far more successful than you imagine.

What type of church camp fundraisers have been successful for your church?

Please enter your comments in the box below.

Auction Hunters: Pawn Edition: The Mother Of All Guns

March 23, 2013

Chuck G.

Auction Hunters

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Auction Hunters: Pawn Edition: Season 4, Episode 9: “Machine Gun Ton.”

Shootout at Panoma storage auction on Route 66. Haff-Ton team versus Hellcat man-haters Brunette & Blondie.Friendly banter between the two teams before the auction.

Allen: Maybe today I can give you a few pointers. Lend you a flashlight.
Blondie: Zip it, bitch.

Son of a biscuit it got ugly fast. Someone call 9-1-1. Fire in the house and the auction doors yet to open. But it would turn out the B&B team was loaded with blanks rather than bullets.

First unit stacked neat. Eyelet machine, boxes, and a handmade wooden box that caught Ton’s attention. The Hellcats were clueless to the value of the unit, but their strategy was to bid up then dump the unit on the Haff-Ton team. But the bid stopped at $800. That’s an easy win for Allen and Ton.

You call that a bid war? Puh-lease.

The second unit was a mangled mess of trophies, uniforms and mystery boxes. The Hellcats were bent to win the unit. Why? To make sure they won a unit. With that mentality they will quickly run out of cash and be forced to take up another hobby such as underwater basket weaving.

Allen and Ton used same strategy to up the bid up the gals. Brunette and Blondie paid $500 for, well, nothing. No one else wanted the unit. Maybe the Hellcats were both near and farsighted.

Last unit contained a gun case, guitar case, fishing poles, and other man cave items. The Hellcats were all talk about how they were going to up the bid but again tapped at $800. That’s like butter for the Haff-Ton team who in the end got the last LOL.

First unit dig was to fire up the USMC eyelet machine. Older unit but looked in decent shape. It’s primary function is to punch eye-holes in boots. Flipped the switch and nothing. Not a sound.

Next item, man-made wooden box. O-M-G moment for Ton – replica of Gatling battery gun. Ton flipped from manly man to little boy in a snap! Oh giddy, goody, gunny!

The gun case was empty in the second unit. A pink guitar in the guitar case (ew). Rest of the items a bust. However, they did find a huge metal box. Inside was a replica of a full medieval suit of armor with chain-mail. Allen flipped from man-boy to boy in a snap!

Two replicas worthy of appraisal. Off to a ranch to meet prop master Peter who supplies Hollywood with all things that go BOOM! Oh, my, my he was impressed with the 1862 Gatling battery gun replica. Fires single-action shots at 300-400 rounds per minute.

Dr. Gatling made this gun for the Union during the civil war to end all wars. Little did he know he had made the-mother-of-all-guns to come.

Ton was pumped to test the gun on a prop jeep on the ranch. He cranked the Gatling. Nothing. Gah! Not again. Ton took out the magazine. Prop master fiddled with the mechanics until he heard something pop inside.

Ready. Aim. Fire!

Single shots obliterated the prop jeep. Sold Gatling for $3,300. The medieval suit was appraised back at the pawn shop. Expert in Amory and Weaponry Dave stated the suit was a mid 1500s replica constructed of aluminum and custom orders run at around $15,000-$18,000.

Put the sword back in its sheath. No way would Dave pay retail. Remember, this suit will fit only a particular size because it’s custom made. Allen tried on the suit. He looked ridiculous. Few parts amiss but sold for $6,000.

Auction Total:

Bought: $1,600
Sold: $9,300
Profit: $7,700

Ton shot his way to a profit. Allen paraded in a suit of armor to Camelot, but only in his dreams.

Please leave your creative thoughts in the comment box below.

No Gas, No Time, No Frustrations

March 20, 2013

Chuck G.

Online Storage Auctions

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Stuck in traffic. Honk! Honk! Honk! Not as though honking your horn will help move cars along. You’re late to a storage auction and not sure you will make it in time.

You’ve had the date marked on your calendar. Ten storage units up for sale. You’re ready. Cash in pocket. Problem? The auction site about thirty miles away. It’s rush hour and everyone’s in a hurry to get to work.

Finally you arrive at the storage auction site. Several of the units however have been sold. You have just enough time to scoop up what’s left. GAH! Last units are sparse with worthless items.

What a H-U-G-E waste of time!

Gas is not cheap and you still have that thirty mile return trip. You’re frustrated and wonder if there’s a better way. Yes there is and it’s innovative.

OnlineStorageAuctions.com

You can browse online through the cities or states of interest to you. Take a good look at the photo of the open storage unit up for auction. You don’t have to drive, just “click” to bid if you are interested. This new venue cannot however replace the experience of attending a real live storage unit auction, it will however save you:

Gas
Time
Frustration

Time is your most valuable asset. If you are a fan of any of the Storage Wars series you have seen the auction hunters many times drive a great distance to attend an auction yet went home empty handed. Maybe they can afford a wild goose chase, but not everyone can.

Bidding on storage units online is painless and easy. No gas. No time wasted. No frustrations. You have up to 48 hours to clean out the storage unit once you have won that bid. More than enough time to get your gear in order for that long haul. No rush.

As you browse through the storage units up for auction, even if you find one that’s quite a distance away, no worries. No need to drive so take a good look at the photo, then “click” to bid and good luck. Hope you win.

Frustrations-be-gone and let the fun begin!

Please leave you creative opinions in the comment box below.

Expand Your Inventory & Business

March 20, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Auctions 101

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You own a thrift store, second-hand store, or maybe enjoy selling at swap meets and flea markets. But you need product, especially if you want to expand your business. Storage unit auctions are a solid choice for finding a variety of products for you to profit thereby.

One tiny, teeny, issue…

Buy low, sell high is still the status quo, but you cannot seem to win enough good lockers at every auction you attend. You need to generate inventory to keep up with the supply and demand as well as to expand.

Time to step into the 21^st century and bid online for storage units.

Think about it for a moment. We shop for virtually anything and everything online. From groceries, electronics, clothing to even the most basic household supplies such as bar soap.

It’s impossible to win every good locker you physically attend without cutting into your profit margin. You may however increase your win percentage by bidding on storage units online. More wins lead to more products which lead to expansion possibilities.

If you’ve traveled the storage auction circuit for a good while you may have developed this internal radar. One quick look at a storage unit and instantly you can assess if that locker will fill your needs.

Same difference in the virtual world.

Take a good long look at a photo of an open storage unit up for auction online and assess its value for your inventory and expansion needs. Pass or go. You just know because that inner radar kicks in. But at least you didn’t have to drive to the auction site and waste your time.

What type of items will you find at online storage auction?

Furniture – check
Clothing – check
Toys – check
Kitchen supplies – check
Tools – check

You can bid on several storage units online during the week. The more units you win the quicker you generate inventory.

What’s out in the real world is also in the virtual world.

Please leave you insightful comments in the box below.

Best Way To Bid On Your First Storage Auction — Online

March 20, 2013

Chuck G.

Online Storage Auctions

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Woman sits on white sofa with black laptop on her lap

Your favorite show is on. Snacks. Soda. You’re ready to watch the latest episode of Storage Wars to see who wins the best locker of the day and what cool treasures they might discover.

You’re bit by the auction hunter bug but you have yet to attend a real live auction. The crowd. The heat. The drive. You have one hundred excuses as why not to go, but you really want to experience a storage auction even if just but once.

But maybe you’re shy.

Maybe crowds intimidate you. Maybe you have the cash but it’s all too overwhelming.

Bet you won’t be shy about bidding on a storage unit online.

This new venue now allows you to experience virtually what you may find difficult to experience in reality. But have no doubts about the reality of online storage auctions.

Real storage units up for sale by real vendors. What’s missing? The auctioneer. The crowd. The heat. The one hundred excuses you made for yourself as to why you cannot attend a real live storage auction.

You can sit on your sofa. Browse through the storage units up for auction near your city. Sign up. Log in. Bid for the unit of interest to you. No pressure. No shouts from the crowd. No incoherent auctioneer chatter.

It’s quiet.

Just you and your laptop. This new venue is a great way for you to experience your very first storage auction. You feel safe. You feel in control. You feel secure.

Take your time and browse through all of the storage units available for auction online. And when you’re ready, bid.

Voilà!

You just became an auction hunter not just an auction watcher. Good luck!

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Storage Wars: Crazy Pants Contest

March 19, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars

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Storage Wars: Season 3, Episode 27: “The Big Boy vs the Heavyweight.”

Auction took place for the first time in La Habra, California, about 30 miles outside of L.A. New bidder Ivy Calvin former Ultimate Fighter known now as the “King of Palmdale” took part.

Darrell brought his money (check), his lucky charm gal Kimber (check) and his skills (cough, cough).

Jarrod and Brandi argued in the car about buying inventory for a 10,000 sq ft. store they don’t own.

Brandi: Let’s not put the cart before the horse.
Jarrod: We don’t have an empty cart either.

Barry arrived dressed in his crazy diamond patterned pants. Too cool for school. Let’s get class started and begin the auction.

First unit was stacked poorly but did possess some possible profit. Quality wooden chairs, boxes, and a rug. Jarrod won the bid without much pressure for $300.

Time for the ex-Ultimate Fighter to TKO the competition. Ivy won the 2^nd unit for $450, 3^rd unit for $225, and the 4^th unit for $60.

Fifth unit held promise. Furniture, writing desk, chairs, boxes and canvas bags. All players bid but Barry won the unit for $800.

Last unit of the day tagged the “Tool Unit.” Myriad of welding machines, tools, drills, and machinery. Darrell mano-a-mano against the ex-Ultimate Fighter.

And the winner after several raised eyebrow bids, wearing a black ski cap, black t-shirt and weighing in at (well, more than he should weigh) was Darrell Sheets at $2,600 for the unit.

Ivy dug into his first locker. Pulled out a girl’s bike frame. Wheels were off but he said he saw the white walls inside the unit. Ivy stated he could sell the bike for $200.

Throw in the towel!

I may not be a bike expert but realistically Ivy might get $25-$40 for that bike, but no way would someone pay premium price unless it was a collectible. Talk about inflated appraisal to make your unit look good. Moving on…

Jarrod and Brandi found a HP-01 Hewlett Packard Calculator Watch. They had it appraised. It’s the only watch made by Hewlett Packard and the gold version is highly collectible. The nerd watch was valued at around $1,300.

Darrell made out like a bandit on his unit. Bucket full of grinders. Two large welding machines. Industrial machines and several tanks. He made bank. I’m still not sure it was skill as much as it was to impress his gal Kimber, but I give him props for buying the best locker of the day.

Barry won a huge unit. What did he keep? A small range finder then walked off. This is what I don’t get about Barry. Why does he buy big units and only keeps one or two items?

He went to a golf course to meet professional golfer John Daly. Definitely contest of the crazy pants with those two. John told Barry he had never seen such a technical range finder.

Called it the “Mac Daddy” of range finders and appraised it around $1,500-$1,600. How does Barry manage to take one item and still make a profit out of the unit?

Profit Scorecard:

Darrell Sheets: $7,360
Ivy Calvin: $2,225
Jarrod Schulz & Brandi Passante: $1,370
Barry Weiss: $1,125

Darrell KO Ivy on unit profit. John Daly KO Barry with his golf swing and with crazier pants than Barry. Didn’t think that was ever possible.

Please leave you insightful opinion in the comment box below.