Hey, auction hunter from Chicago here. I started doing this a little over 6 months before the tv shows came out and it's a whole different ballgame now.
I'm probably most interested in networking with others on how to get rid of merchandise. Sure cars, motorcycles, electronics, etc are easy to get rid of but how bout that hard stuff. Just networking with buddies at the auctions I'm constantly learning of new stuff. Who knew there's people out there that buy old random paper to be recycled. Interested in networkign and learning how to get rid of clothes as they dont sell on ebay. How to find out history, value, etc on certain collectibles adn other odd items.
Prior to the shows it would be me and the same 4 or 5 other guys at all the auctions. We kind of had an unspoken agreement that we woudln't run prices up on each other and would sorta take turns buying units.
Those days are gone, last PODS auction I went to over 300 people. I saw a unit with 4 old mattresses and nothing else go for over $900. The guy would have had to make $225 off each used mattress just to break even, I dont know what some of these people are thinking these days.
Look forward to hearing from you guys on the boards