Storage Auctions

The Storage Locker => General Storage Auction Talk => Topic started by: rockin the retro on March 08, 2012, 07:38:57 AM

Title: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 08, 2012, 07:38:57 AM
Well yesterday totally sucked!  Don and I again decided to divide.  He took Cubesmart (U-store-it) while I did the local popular auctioneer.  His crowds were minimal, while mine was over 100 by 8:30 am.  I bid on a few, but never won a unit.  Both auctions were sort of paralleling each other.  I took a break from my auctions to stop in and see my bro and drop off some musicians equipment for his buddy to evaluate.  While there Don called and said he had a unit that might run more than he had but looked to be good.  I was 5 minutes away and headed over.  When I got there he said he got it for $1000.

I waited outside the facility while he was inside paying.  One of the regulars (our whale) was there and said Don may get hosed as Cubesmart was selling this unit for the tenant on consignment.  I walked to the door and Don had just paid (cash) and was getting papers shoved in front of him with 3 woman saying just sign this and this and we'll be done.  He questioned them and they said he was not signing an agreement with Cubesmart but with the tenant.  It appears that they let the tenant go and remove personal items and the like then put it up for auction.  At no time was Don (or the other gentleman who was also duped) told beforehand this information.  When Don balked the gal who runs the auctions said "oh I guess I should have told everybody huh?"  while the store manager said 'this is something new we're doing'.  After a time we went to the unit to begin clean-out.

The doors go up and I start in and found that all tools were arranged to show value, when in fact 90% were either broken or incomplete.  behind the second door (it was a 10X20) was a particle board desk with a nice industrial shredder and vintage sewing machine on it, while right behind it were bags of trash and more broken items.  Don was devastated.  About this time the other gentleman walked up and said his locker was also staged (he spent $1600).  Both guys were grumbling and talking about fraud when I said 'just go up and take it up with the manager.'   They did.

I spent the next 10 minutes shoving things back in, shut the doors, locked my husbands truck up and went to the office.  The manager was frustrated as were both guys.  She said she (and they) would need to talk with the district manager.  Both parties agreed to put their locks and locks from the facility on the units so neither could enter without the other in attendance.

I left and hooked back up with my caravan.  Never did land a unit, but by this time my heart wasn't in it.
Later in the afternoon after not hearing from the district manager, I called the corporate headquarters in PA, explained the situation, was put on hold and ultimately transferred back to......you guessed it.....the store manager here in Tucson.  I was frustrated and she talked a good compassionate line.  I told her the other gentleman was talking about a lawyer and she said 'we talked with our legal department and we did nothing wrong'.  I mentioned misrepresentation and she clammed up.  I told her that it would be nice to hear from the district manager and she took my info.

Don called and left another message for him and an hour later he called back and basically said all sales are final.  When Don told him I had called the corporate office he kind of balked and said he would have somebody from corporate call us today.......we'll see.

I'm planning on taking a loss.  We can probably squeak $500-600 out of the unit, but I will not simply lie down for this.  They should never had told certain individuals about the consignment and not the entire crowd and they certainly should have said we were not going to have a contract with them, but with a tenant.  Shady practice and one that I don't think will last without MAJOR rethinking!

OK~rant over.  Now I have to finish typing up the timeline and then head out to auctions......
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MovieMan on March 08, 2012, 08:50:28 AM
Well yesterday totally sucked! 

And we can see why !  I'm sorry you had that experience and when you mentioned your heart wasn't in it to go on to other auctions we can totally relate.

Now you have to wait on the new responses from mgrs and then fool around with all the stuff too boot. Not going to be a pleasant feeling working in there, but your attitude will have to be to get as much out of the stuff as you can. Hopefully you'll be able to break even or get close to that anyway.

We'll be anxious to hear if they give you any relief, but I'm kind of doubting it. If nothing else, how about (if all else fails) getting them to give you say 3 months of free storage in either that locker or another (say a 10 x 15 or 10 x 20). That would make you feel a little better and give you some working room. That would be of course if it's a convenient distance to your home.

Anyway, feeling for your frustration.  :'(
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Cobia on March 08, 2012, 08:52:51 AM
Hey Rockin,

That story really sucks, if you can get $500-$600 back It might not be as bad a set up as you think. I have bought "staged" units and some I made money on and some I did'nt. There is no guarantee of value in any unit made by the facility to auction buyers, so it really doesn't matter if it is a typical customer unit we all think we are bidding on, or a build-up unit, consignment unit, or a garbage unit. This entire industry is poorly regulated and I know this is too cliche but it really truly is "buyer beware"! Remember, Don bid on what he could see from the door. He would have spent $1000 on that unit blind to any other knowledge.

 One of the best units I ever saw was one of these "consignment" units, the lady scrounged up just enough to pay what she owed but was flat broke otherwise and knew she would not have the money next month. She asked the facility to go ahead and auction off her contents even though she paid up, and made conditions that she wanted just a few personal items out of it.

I have also seen the "garage sale" units were friends or family of the facility owner/manager load their personal stuff they are trying to get rid of and auction it off. Since there is no guarantee of quality, condition, or type of items in the units, I am not sure how you can claim a suit of fraudulent representation concerning the contents themselves. I guess you could argue you had no agreement to enter into a consignment contract with the tenant. If you plan to pursue this in court, I would'nt start selling off the contents of the unit until you get some legal advice.
 
I'm no attorney, so I can't say how far you would get with a lawsuit. You would be fighting a corporation so I am sure they could keep the case in limbo for a long time and drain you guys of time and money. I guess the only thing I would have done is refused to hand over the money when they started to push that consignment contract in front of me, and let them try to sue me. I am sure they would'nt bother and just sell it to the next highest bidder or re-auction it off. Like I said, not sure what kind of case you have, but you can certainly spread the story around the auction crowd and hope it hurts their auction attendence.

Anyway, I feel your pain, I have bought units that had a few nice things up front and nothing but household garbage and paper/junkmail in the back. Were these units purposely staged by the manager/facility? Were these units completely set up? Who knows, but it's just part of the business and learning not to over bid, remembering that 90% of all units are a gamble, regardless of if you spend $5 or $1000; everyone who gets in this business is gonna pay for a booger or two or even more the longer they stay in it.  
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 08, 2012, 09:22:51 AM
forgot to add that when Don got home he tossed something on my desk and said he found this in the parking lot of the last auction facility he attended.  He added that he thought it was appropriate.........
it is a small charm of a doghouse~

poor guy is really kicking himself~

Off to another set of auctions.....this time with a little less gusto (and capital)~

***sigh***
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: BigBizzz on March 08, 2012, 10:30:05 AM
I dont get how this happens to yall all the time. Ive really never seen it. And the idea that theyd admit to it is appauling.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: genie144 on March 08, 2012, 02:05:42 PM
You can read my post in the other thread... But if the auction was represented as a auction due to default and that wasn't the case.  You should have legal recourse.  And you don't have to worry about lawyers and such - just take them to small claims court.  If nothing else, they will be forced to hire a lawyer to represent themselves in court.  You could also then talk to your local news about it - I am sure that a story on fraud at storage auctions would do well in the ratings...

Sam
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: fredgsanford on March 08, 2012, 03:35:06 PM
im sorry to hear that !
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 08, 2012, 04:09:16 PM
Okay~so.....we went to the auctions today with a different auctioneer.  I was very nervous to see who knew what and how......Immediately hit with questions, smart-assed comments and the like.  Seems we were the buzz.  Our whale said that he felt it was BS and that there would be repercussions, but as most pointed out we have little recourse.  Furthermore an old-timer (that I adore and has taken me under his wing) said that the last thing we want to do is proceed with a legal case as that would kill us at future auctions (even those not run by CS).

All in all it was very uncomfortable at first, but by the end of it, we were being backed as all realized it could have been them.
Don has been in contact with the upper-management and things are still progressing, but I truly believe we will own a pile of pooh.  I've pretty much resolved myself to that fact.  One interesting point and very disturbing is that one of the CS managers said we might have legal recourse against the tenant and suggested we could call in the police......I'm like HUH???

Was interesting to find out that the owner (tenant) was in the crowd and told a couple people that he had taken out all the welding equipment and such.....why oh why wasn't my husband in the vicinity at that time~

Oh well.....sometimes the best lessons are those that cause pain~
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: fredgsanford on March 08, 2012, 06:21:11 PM
again im sorry to hear about this

this is the first time ive heard about this where you enter an agreement with the tenant


its not uncommon however for the storage company to cut a deal with a tenant  , let them take their items and sign a release on the rest of the stuff to go up for auction , leaving whoever bought it with a pile of crap
 just one more thing to keep in mind
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 08, 2012, 06:36:09 PM
Ouch Rockin - I can feel your pain (member I lost $875 last year).  Think I wouldn't of signed any paperwork as soon as I found out it was the "tenant" and not the facility I was buying from.  Red flags would of started to go off I think.  I try to be very careful on units that just look too good.  With many things showing.  In fact I've gotten to the point if a unit isn't on my paper but up for auction that is the first flag that goes up.  Granted I bid on one of those units today but didn't win.

I very well may stay away from that facility in the future.  Sounds like they are starting to do some shady things IMO.  The no announcement thing at start of the auction should of made the contract null and void as it's now not a contract in good faith.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MovieMan on March 08, 2012, 06:47:11 PM


However, OTOH, what are y’all doing bidding on a locker that was not showing 2-3 times bid value?



In my area of California if I went by the guideline quoted just above I would NEVER get a locker.
It's more a matter for me and my fellow regulars of making a controlled, educated gamble based on what we see
and how much we are willing to gamble.

I would have to see $1200 of value to bid $400 and as I said...that just isn't happening here right now.
The more likely scenario is I see $500 and I bid $600 or $700 and cross my fingers.


Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 08, 2012, 07:16:31 PM
Oh well.....sometimes the best lessons are those that cause pain~

Nobody needs to learn a lesson like that.

So sorry for this situation. I hope that you can get something out of it either from unit or the facility.

On one of our caravans two locations lockers looked bad (same manager). So started avoiding just those two facilities. Started hearing about bad units there. Ran into a guy who had bought one from there managed to get his money back, not sure how. But he was blaming the auction company not the manager. The manager is now gone.  ;D

Keep your chin up.  ;)
Would buy you and Don a drink but would be a little water down by the time it got there.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MovieMan on March 08, 2012, 08:01:57 PM
Hey MovieMan - I enjoy reading your posts. Some of the best entertainment for me during the time I was lurking here was because of you.



Thanks !  Since the tv shows came on I've had more time to spend here swapping "war stories".

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MovieMan on March 08, 2012, 09:50:25 PM
Ouch Rockin - I can feel your pain (member I lost $875 last year). 

Craig....

I saw you make one reference to that loss a week or so ago, but I don't remember ever reading anything else about it back in 2011. Can you point me to a thread in which you might have talked about it?  Maybe I could pick up a pointer on what "not" to do. Never stop learning !

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 08, 2012, 11:35:36 PM
I imagine if the locker paid off or did slightly better than breaking even the story would have been different here in that case.

I think you've missed the point here. This is not a question of the locker paying off or not paying off. What happened here is a conspiracy between the tenant and the property manager to first remove the valuable items and then send the left over garbage off to auction. They intentionally set the stage for an unsuspecting buyer to get robbed, especially when they failed to disclose this arrangement prior to the start of the auction. This goes beyond being unethical and is a criminal act. The buyer has every right to file charges.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 09, 2012, 07:44:55 AM
I think you've missed the point here. This is not a question of the locker paying off or not paying off. What happened here is a conspiracy between the tenant and the property manager to first remove the valuable items and then send the left over garbage off to auction. They intentionally set the stage for an unsuspecting buyer to get robbed, especially when they failed to disclose this arrangement prior to the start of the auction. This goes beyond being unethical and is a criminal act. The buyer has every right to file charges.

Thank you alloro~that was my point.  We have had numerous lockers that were not what we planned on them being, but we knew beforehand who we were dealing with-namely the storage facility.  This time we're dealing with a private individual.  Completely different set of circumstances.

We are chalking this one up to a loss and learning experience.  We will no longer deal with Cubesmart and stay with the 'professional' auctioneers. 

We should be able to recoup about half.  Costly lesson, but one that will not be soon forgotten.  Not only that but others are now aware of EXACTLY what happened.  We talked to our whale yesterday and he had bid up to $1500 before stopping on the other unit that was misrepresented.  He said he is so grateful he didn't go any further......so folks, while we may be relatively new to the game.......even the seasoned vets were duped here.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Cobia on March 09, 2012, 08:19:18 AM
I guess I am having a hard time wrapping my mine around the logic I see being used concerning this particular issue. I think it's mainly because where I live, the industry has no law enforcement component that I have ever seen or heard, and the law here allows the facility to take possession of the leined property and dispose of it however they wish, so ALL of it could be auctioned, SOME of it could be auctioned, or NONE of it could be auctioned.

I think if I understand the logic, it's the assumption of hidden value  in a unit based on the fact that the property was seized by a lein and will be auctioned off in whole, therefor any other type or condition of auction is fraudulent, mainly because of the decreased potential of hidden value/property?

In my mind, there is no difference between bidding on a unit with leined property in it that includes a couch, loveseat, and 10 boxes of unknown stuff; and bidding on a unit that the facility owner let his mother-in-law put in a couch, loveseat, and 10 boxes of unknown stuff.

The risk is the same. you have a general idea of what the couch and loveseat is worth in the resale market and if you bid beyond what is profitable on those two peices of furniture to get to the unknown boxes then that decision is on you.

I agree with one of the posters that in the long run it's not a good idea to have a reputation as a trouble maker for the other facilities that hold auctions. I would just avoid that facility all together until I heard from others that the managment has changed or it appears everything is on the up and up.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 09, 2012, 08:48:31 AM

Rockin’ and Hubby were rolling the dice all the way up to the point they found out the locker was not going to payoff. When they found out the locker wasn’t going to payoff they cried foul. The time to back out of the deal was when they were presented with the paperwork from the previous tenant BEFORE they did a closer inspection of the locker, period.

You weren't there and you have no idea how it went down and furthermore you don't know either of us, so quit trying to paint us with your broad brush.  Don did question it over and over before ever approaching the locker.  He was told the tenant was not allowed to go in and remove anything but personal items (photos, documents et al).  We found out later that was not the case and he went and removed other items just prior to the auction.  He was told the only difference was he would be entering a contract with the tenant and not cubesmart.  Granted the big mistake was signing the document, but what's done is done and we'll deal with it.

We're not crying foul because the unit is crap, we're crying foul because of the way the whole thing was handled.  Old-timers that were there are talking about how it went down and most agree that it was shady. 

Again, you don't know us and for you to be so condescending is getting tedious.  I'm sure you've never made any mistakes in your illustrious career, but people like you are quite rare.  Most have to learn by taking their lumps, which we are doing.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 09, 2012, 11:34:49 AM
With all due respect, no, I didn't miss the point. I am being extremely pragmatic about this. If you were to step back and look at it unemotionally I think you would understand what I am saying.

Not only are you are missing the point, but you are showing extreme naiveté regarding criminal acts and law. There was a deliberate conspiracy between the tenant and property manager to remove the valuables and defraud whomever bought the unit at the auction. This is not my opinion, this is what fraud is, and conspiring to commit fraud is a criminal act.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: bulldogmom on March 09, 2012, 03:51:43 PM
Crappy deal Rockin'!

I hope things work out for you.

Bev
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 10, 2012, 08:41:33 AM
Hmmmm, it looks like you left out some vital information in your OP. RE: “Don did question it over and over before ever approaching the locker. He was told the tenant was not allowed to go in and remove anything but personal items (photos, documents et al).” Strange how that happens.

Maybe bidding on a locker with such a close relationship too the previous owner wasn’t the best idea. I’m just saying…

Me, I wouldn’t bid on it knowing there was some sort of arrangement between the facility and previous owner. Which, IMHO, makes the situation even worse. You are now saying Don knew there was a deal with the previous owner and still bid on the locker. And then after seeing the locker wasn’t worth what Don bid you cried foul.

Seems to me the new information you brought to the thread kind of throws out the whole collusion concept. Don knew (before bidding) what he was bidding on and knew somebody went into the locker to remove stuff.

OMG!


No he didn't know that prior to the auction going up for bid.  He was not told that he was entering into an agreement with the tenant until after the auction was over and he had paid.  We did not know the former tenant was there until the following day when we were at a different auction.

I know my writing this out has been a bit scattered as I'm adding information as I learn it, but really......your comprehension skills seem a bit off~
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 10, 2012, 08:47:19 AM
Come to the Atlanta area and get a real Self-Storage Auction education. We eat thin-skinned people alive while they are gasping for air and spit out their bones leaving them with nothing but the tail between their legs when they go home too their spouse – LOL!

Just kidding of coarse -  ;) ;) ;)


edit~just not worth the time~
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: fredgsanford on March 10, 2012, 01:01:34 PM
.

We are chalking this one up to a loss and learning experience.  We will no longer deal with Cubesmart and stay with the 'professional' auctioneers. 


again im sorry you got burnt , it happens to all of us at one time or another

no guarantees the professional auctioneers are any better , the entire process anywhere anytime is going to be as legitimate or as illegitimate as the person involved with the least ethics will let it. It could be the auctioneer the storage manager , the corporate office , or the guy sweeping the place up,

this business is making money off peoples misfortunes at its best , and dodging questionable and crooked people at its worst, anything involved with the auctions will rarely bring out the best in people

this being said if this happened to me id be livid but id still go back to the facility , i would just keep my eye on what i bought you never know whats someones idea of valuable is and isnt
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 10, 2012, 01:26:37 PM
Well final update:
Don is over finishing the 'dump run'.  While there he ran into the other guy who was duped.  We've managed to find out that both units were owned by the same tenant and it seems he is.....wait for it.....a storage auction buyer.  No doubt an 'old-timer' with tons of knowledge on how to stage a unit.  So here's a new way to make money in this business....screw your fellow bidders.  Just make sure you find a way to keep your identity concealed.......unfortunately this one was not that smart.  And of course having a facility manager in your pocket can't hurt.

We're probably gonna take about a 700 loss on the unit, but thankfully we have enough inventory from previous units/endeavors to cover that loss.  Expensive lesson, but one that will inevitably be learned by many of our fellow local bidders.  And hopefully a few of you.  Do not pay a dime until you've got all the facts! 

I pray that I never become as crass and arrogant and unscrupulous as some of those 'regulars'.
 
I will state that the gentleman working the weekend there has been wonderful and told Don how bad he feels for what happened.  He basically confirmed what we knew to be true.  Nice young man with morals.....
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 10, 2012, 02:26:36 PM
I have to ask - Where did you get your law degree?

That's your best comeback to my post? Obviously you didn't even do something as simple as looking up the definition of fraud before carrying on like this. Any normal person that had, wouldn't even both responding with uneducated remarks like you're making.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 10, 2012, 03:51:11 PM
Come to the Atlanta area and get a real Self-Storage Auction education. We eat thin-skinned people alive while they are gasping for air and spit out their bones leaving them with nothing but the tail between their legs when they go home too their spouse – LOL!

Just kidding of coarse -  ;) ;) ;)



Glendon Cameron is that you?  If not could be his twin.

Sounds like you are full of hot air blaming everything on Rockin and Don. Sure they may have made a mistake or two who doesn't (hindsight is 20/20). But from her description of events they were scammed.


Rockin still up set about this. We have been fortunate and have not run into this, but we do go together and I stand in the wings while Bob (husband ) looks. Over here some good stuff.

If you and Don ever visit Fl look us up we will buy you guys a drink.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Cobia on March 10, 2012, 06:15:03 PM
Well final update:
Don is over finishing the 'dump run'.  While there he ran into the other guy who was duped.  We've managed to find out that both units were owned by the same tenant and it seems he is.....wait for it.....a storage auction buyer.  No doubt an 'old-timer' with tons of knowledge on how to stage a unit.  So here's a new way to make money in this business....screw your fellow bidders.  Just make sure you find a way to keep your identity concealed.......unfortunately this one was not that smart.  And of course having a facility manager in your pocket can't hurt.

We're probably gonna take about a 700 loss on the unit, but thankfully we have enough inventory from previous units/endeavors to cover that loss.  Expensive lesson, but one that will inevitably be learned by many of our fellow local bidders.  And hopefully a few of you.  Do not pay a dime until you've got all the facts! 

I pray that I never become as crass and arrogant and unscrupulous as some of those 'regulars'.
 
I will state that the gentleman working the weekend there has been wonderful and told Don how bad he feels for what happened.  He basically confirmed what we knew to be true.  Nice young man with morals.....

Great!!! Since they made you sign that "contract" (by the way, Don was under distress, and a third party cannot compel you to sign a contract with another party without your knowledge and agreement. The "contract" is void.  No law degree, did take business law in college though) You now have the tenant's/storage locker buyer's name. Now you guys just need to put a face with the name and implement project "RUNHISA$$UP!!" I would make sure that guy never got a unit for a good price again!!

I wish you guys hadn't spent the extra time and money to clean out the unit. Remember the "contract" was between you and the tenant, not the facility. The facility had a "deal" with the tenant. I would have left that crap and told the facility "sorry, I don't have a contract with YOU!

Contracts are funny things. Cubesmart might have a full legal team at their disposal to cover themselves, but I bet the "tenant" doesn't. Might not hurt to consult an attorney and see if you can get some satisfaction from the "tenant". A nice little letter from an attorney telling this guy he is going to be spending a lot of time in court fighting a pricey lawsuit might make him consider a "deal" with you guys.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 11, 2012, 08:57:23 AM
But if you look at what I quoted back to you, you clearly said Don was asking questions about the locker before the locker went up for auction.
Wrong again~why am I not surprised?  I said he was asking questions before approaching the locker, but that was after the bidding was done, after the payment was made and while discussing it with the storage facility manager.  Sorry if that was not clear enough for you, but I figured with your omnipotence you would have known that or at the very least figured it out.

As far as moving on.......we're in the process of doing so.  Seems you're the one who can't let it go as you keep coming back and getting your digs in to those that don't see everything your way~

I anxiously await your oh-so-smarmy reply~

***yawn***
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 11, 2012, 01:45:49 PM
You’re Funny!

Every time you make one of these ridiculous responses you reduce your credibility around here. If you plan on sticking around you might want to take a step back and try and grasp the concept that you're not making any friends this way.

Enough people have pointed out that you're off base and yet you still you keep trying to fault the buyer. Perhaps its time for you to stop talking and start listening.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Roger Mack on March 11, 2012, 05:36:09 PM
Every time you make one of these ridiculous responses you reduce your credibility around here. If you plan on sticking around you might want to take a step back and try and grasp the concept that you're not making any friends this way.

Enough people have pointed out that you're off base and yet you still you keep trying to fault the buyer. Perhaps its time for you to stop talking and start listening.

NO, I think that StorMe is pointing out the obvious....which is that Don looked the unit over and made a decision
on what he would go based on what he saw, which was $1000....then whines when things did not pan out

As for "Making friends" here....if having to stroke the ego of a poster or following the lemmings off the cliff is what it takes to make friends here, just call me the "lone wolf"
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MatchesMalone on March 12, 2012, 01:15:11 AM
...And that thing about Mr. Glendon? Thank you! To be compared too a successful individual like him is quite a compliment. It warms my heart you thought of both of us in this manner.

It would appear that you don't know Glendon's reputation around these parts. He hasn't represented himself very well when jumping onto these boards.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Cobia on March 12, 2012, 07:32:02 AM
It would appear that you don't know Glendon's reputation around these parts. He hasn't represented himself very well when jumping onto these boards.

Glendon may not have a great reputation on this forum, but I can tell you he is a good guy and a wealth of knowledge. I communicate with him regularly (FB friends) and he helps me with questions concerning specific aspects of the "storage auction business" that I can't find on this forum or any other forum.

He knows a great deal about the storage auction industry AND about successfully running a business. His books and videos might be a little rough around the edges for some, but he knows what he is talking about, and he is continually watching the changes in the industry (storage auctions, retail business, legislation and laws, Ebay, PayPal, other leading technologies, products, resources) and keeping us informed.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 12, 2012, 08:31:21 AM
@Rockin - Just keep this mistake/unit in mind in the future.  Is an expensive mistake but you can learn from it.  First off - don't ever pay/sign another contract like that again.  It hurts and will still piss you off 6 months from now.

@StorMe - not sure who you are man but for someone that just registered 6 days ago you are coming on strong.  Don't know if it's to help gain you clicks on your signature / auction listing page or what.  You may be an old hand at this or talk a good game, not sure which.  I respect Movieman's thoughts, rants, or raves 100x more then yours currently.  We'll see if that changes.

@MovieMan - the post should be in one of the monthly auction scene threads and I think in a response to another thread that month.  Quick story was this was a 10x40 or something drive thru unit in the industrial side of town.  They opened both the front and back doors.  From the door saw plywood / sheetrock on left, rack with nice CD player and some tools on right by door.  Large air compressor, portable air tank, table saw, bamboo dresser, 2 mirrors, a dark walnut color dresser.  On the back side looking in saw an older looking wood chest, bag behind the dresser with "Mack Tools", a large tool box, 2 heaters on wall, a stand w/ propane tank to boil like peanuts or deep-fry a turkey.  This was a silent auction and I had first wrote down $550.  Was first in line so I took a step back and watched the reaction of the crowd.  Saw a few excited faces, whispers, etc. and started to second guess myself.  Marked my bid out and put $875 and won the unit.

The air compressor's engine was blown.  I know what to look for in future.  The portable air tank doesn't hold air.  The saws and table saw both had cords cut on them (got new cords to try and re-wire).  The dresser was particle board and chipped/marked all up - sold for $50.  The bamboo dresser is/was just gorgeous.  However, the left side of it is broken off on the top by about 2 inches and one of the legs is broken.  I've kept it and is my scrap shed holding parts.  The stero and heaters sold.  Tool chest I kept but it didn't have many tools in it after all.  The wood chest - a kid painted the front of it red and green smear but was able to sell it.  Number of smaller things have either sold or went to Goodwill.  I made $100 back in cash, kept a few things, but still call it my $875 mistake.

Lessons learned:
1) don't second guess your gut
2) look for oil and leaks (know what a blown engine looks like)
3) check power cords if can
4) train your eyes

I'm still pissed with myself even today.  It has improved my ability to buy units however.  I'm learning to spot things quickly and still working to train my eyes.  Between myself and buddy now we spot things now that others miss.  Always listen to your gut and don't second guess yourself is the biggie.  If I had done that I'd of lost the unit by $50 (next highest bid was $600).  I turned very conservative in my bidding for weeks there but got back in stride in January.

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 12, 2012, 10:02:08 AM
You sound like some kid playing on Facebook or some social network looking to win a popularity contest

If you're as perceptive in the real world as you are here, then I suggest you give up the storage auction routine and stick with your job at McDonald's.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: alloro on March 12, 2012, 11:04:34 AM
Heck Yes! Do you know how much McDonald's management gets paid? EZ Money!

LOL, it just amazes me post after post just what goes right over your head.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 12, 2012, 12:09:10 PM
Maybe it's me man, I have been in a bad mood of late.  At the registration bit - I agree even if you are new you may be a old hat at this, or not.  My point was to me you just got on here and started to come on very strong like you know everything and the rest of us are amatures.  Even if in fact I know I'm an amature at this.  You have some good post with some good advice.  Then we have the other post that reminds me of the WOW forums.  I just don't want to see this place turn into a flame roast with you vs majority of other posters here.  I love this place as a location we can share stories, ideas, comments, etc.

You had a point about credibility earlier.  The digital world is a double edge sword.  New posters like yourself may not be taken seriously even if you have been doing (insert topic) for 20 years.  The reverse is true.  A new poster can claim he has done whatever for 20 years and talk a good game, when in fact he knows jack.  I'm mostly a skeptic so I lean toward option B by default.  It's the same with post that I see from new people buying their first locker and making 3x and 4x the money on less then $200 spent.  I just read those post with a block of salt.  If true I'm happy for them as they are getting better prices and returns then I'm seeing.


Being in Atlanta area you'll go up against a number of people here (if they are still around) I suspect but not me.  I'm closer to Money's then Atlanta.  I do get up there sometimes for other things but not made it to auctions yet.  If do ever run into you it would be fun.  I've met a few people in the RL, that I first got to know online.  They never look, talk, act like you would picture.  If that ever happens - great.  I've tried to introduce people (even newbies) to this place in my area but have not gotten any bites that I know of.

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: justacent on March 13, 2012, 01:44:48 PM
Rockin I feel for you and agree that there was something shady going on.

And I don't care what Bore me oh excuse Snore me says  8)
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: UGA*FAN on March 13, 2012, 07:57:31 PM
I have been out of town, WOW, I have missed a lot.

Sorry this has happened to you, Something definateley shady.

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 14, 2012, 01:19:19 PM
With all that asphalt in Atlanta we will melt!!!!!  Hmm - wonder if that will keep the newbies away.  I know there wasn't as many people last summer as now at my auctions.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: bwd111 on March 14, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
Consigned or not consigned if I  wouldn't care if I knew I could make my money back on the unit. Yes it diminishes the element of surprise but I'm in it to make money and only bid on what you know you can sell. Other than that its Barry bidding in hopes of finding the pirates gold.
 But Yes your situation sucks. And never go to an auction the day after the tv shows air cause mass people and high insane prices.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: fredgsanford on March 21, 2012, 08:09:29 PM
watching it now , you made one of glendons videos
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: MovieMan on March 21, 2012, 09:17:00 PM
watching it now , you made one of glendons videos

Watched 2 minutes 50 seconds of it and that was all I could take. During that entire time the screen shot of rockin's first post was on screen, THEN he started reading it. Bye, bye for me.  No way I could make it through the 29 minute video.

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 21, 2012, 10:17:46 PM
Watched 2 minutes 50 seconds of it and that was all I could take. During that entire time the screen shot of rockin's first post was on screen, THEN he started reading it. Bye, bye for me.  No way I could make it through the 29 minute video.



Well I suffered through the whole thing and bottom line, other than making us sound like fools (yes.....we know the mistake came upon signing the contract) he didn't say much that wasn't true.  Of course he didn't say much that we didn't already know either.

A few corrections and then I'm done with this thread~we had plenty of cash.  We've won a few, we've lost a few.  Plan on continuing to do so.   Again without knowing us or the situation or the facts, it's seems awfully easy for others to judge.

First time I've ever been a part of Youtube video......yawn......

Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 22, 2012, 06:18:47 AM
Not going to bother with watching like Movieman can't handle much of that.

Rockin what are you going to do with 5 minutes of Fame?  ;) 8) JK

Makes me suspicious of StoreMe I accused of being Glendon and he has not been on here for a day to busy making a video.  ???

Just my opinion.

Glad you have moved on. Think I would still be stewing.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: Cobia on March 22, 2012, 06:45:47 AM
Not going to bother with watching like Movieman can't handle much of that.

Rockin what are you going to do with 5 minutes of Fame?  ;) 8) JK

Makes me suspicious of StoreMe I accused of being Glendon and he has not been on here for a day to busy making a video.  ???

Just my opinion.

Glad you have moved on. Think I would still be stewing.

You might want to watch it, you are qouted in the video too!
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 22, 2012, 06:54:51 AM
You might want to watch it, you are qouted in the video too!

Really crap.  ;)

Wasted 30 min. of my life.  Guess because of me sorry just spoke my mind.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on March 22, 2012, 08:44:33 AM
You might want to watch it, you are qouted in the video too!
As are you Cobia eh?  sorry :-\

What a mess.
Apologies to the board for creating this hydra~
Oh well......there's no such thing as bad publicity right?

I just sent a message to money, but thought I'd make the same point here as I did there~
if Glendon's video saves one person from dealing with what we had to, then that would be fantastic.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on March 22, 2012, 06:59:31 PM
Ya - I know is wishful thinking.  I think I'll count this year how many toddler butts get toasty riding around in the stroller in July and Aug. this year.

Already getting warm in the 85 degree weather.  The crowds have to go down.  If not I'll have to clean the hood of my car so can fry some eggs while waiting for all the looky-loos in July.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 22, 2012, 08:00:59 PM


Already getting warm in the 85 degree weather.  The crowds have to go down.  If not I'll have to clean the hood of my car so can fry some eggs while waiting for all the looky-loos in July.

Think we can already fry some eggs down here.  ;D
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on March 28, 2012, 06:09:58 AM
Clean it? Heck, there is nothin' better in the morning than hood fried eggs and pollen!

;o)



We can add caterpillars for protein too.  ;)
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: rockin the retro on April 03, 2012, 11:00:04 AM
Final final (I know I keep saying that, but more and more it keeps coming up) update~
Don is at the CubeSmart caravan auction as I type.  I called to ask if he'd been blackballed and he laughed.  He said and I quote "Just the opposite.  The district manager walked up and shook my hand and apologized profusely."  He went on to tell me that they would no longer be doing consignment auctions and that there is now more paperwork to fill out ahead of time (sorry to those in a hurry) and that copies are presented to you immediately!

So out of this mess comes some good. 

Oh and it wasn't just Don and the other guy.....we found out a couple weeks ago that there was another issue on the same day with another facility.  Rough day for local buyers and CubeSmart staff.

But all in all~many lessons were learned, procedures changed and nary a bridge burned~
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: money4nothing on April 03, 2012, 11:12:36 AM
Well glad the policy's have changed. Too bad you had to pay the price.

Wonder if you had not made all the attempts to resolve the issue if they would have realized the problem with the consignment.

So good for you and Don for contributing to the policy changes.  Stardom and all.  ;)
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: craiglstauction on April 03, 2012, 01:55:30 PM
That is good Rockin.  Still a tough lesson to learn but hopefully you learned it well and others from your mistake as well.  I know how painfull those lessons can be.
Title: Re: Collusion & Fraud and a grand down the drain?
Post by: che85mor on April 03, 2012, 06:20:15 PM
Cool that they did the policy change. Just seems dirty. That was big of Don to shake hands. Not sure I would have been back, much less been friendly.