Storage Auctions

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Topics - a3rdRanger

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New to Storage Auctions? / Skip Tracing, advanced storage buying
« on: February 08, 2012, 10:48:46 PM »
O.k., so this post is for advanced noobies and for some regular buyers an unknown advantage. 

How do you know when the "person" who owns the unit your bidding on has "money." Simple, you do a background check on the units owner. This can be done free or for a small fee.  I showed up today with a list of all the unit numbers that were for sale, the renters names and "my guess" of their personal income based on a pictures I found of their houses.

So, how do I do it, easy. But what's more important is the small advantage I had over the other bidders. When I know storage unit 1234 rented by Jane Doe who lives in a $500,000 house in Buckhead, GA is for sale versus storage unit 4321 rented by Jack Johnson who lives in an apartment off Bankhead Hwy......I can kinda guess what quality I will find in those sealed boxes.  OF COURSE it's not ALWAYS accurate, and NO I don't "profile". I'm just saying, more times then not, I find better stuff when I research.

So, if you've followed me this far you may be asking how? Simple use the World Wide Web for free searches.  There are even more websites out there that will give you VERY personal information on the owner, income, criminal history, property value etc etc.  This may not seem relevant to some of you, but if you really want to make a business out of this you should do your diligent research to maximize your profit margin. When 80 people show up to an auction to bid on 2 units, you need all the help you can get. Have a great day!!

a3rdRanger

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New to Storage Auctions? / Noobie Packing List
« on: February 08, 2012, 10:12:17 PM »
I'm in the military and we always have a "packing list" prior to a mission.  You should look at your day of unit hunting as a mission as well and be prepared with all supplies necessary. Here is a list of items and mission plans.
Items:
1. Locks. As a noob you will need 1-2 "key" locks. As you get more experience, more locks.
2. Multiple copies of your drivers license. Many, not all facilities require it before registering
3. A 3 million candle watt flashlight, torch. Commonly found at home depot. Don't bring a cheap double AA battery Maglight brand. You may get a 5%+ advantage over the competition because you were able to see the ONE item to make more profit.
4. Food, water and gas.  If you schedule your auction schedule like I do, you will be maximizing your time by going from one auction to the next with no time for breaks. This is part of your pre-planning the day before. If auction "A" starts at 9:30 and had 5 units for sale with an average sales time of 5 mins per unit......and auction "B" starts at 10:30 but it takes 30 mins to get from A-B how much time do you have at "A"? Lol, this is not a math problem, I just want to get you thinking of planning. So, bring plenty of food and water, full tank of gas and full pack of cigarettes.  You may be like me going from auction "A" to "F" just like this from 9:30 to 2:30.
5. Personal protection. Depending on your state laws!  I carry $7000 on me just in case I find a great unit. With that much cash I want to protect myself, "just in case", so I carry a Glock 19C and OC(mace) spray. I have seen plenty of fights break out at auctions over a few dollars or someone being arrogant. PLEASE follow the rules and laws of your state when protecting yourself or others.
6. Printed out "map quest" type directions taking you from point "A" to "B" and even point "A" to "D" incase auctions B and C were cancelled last minute.
7. A smartphone with a "barcode" application.  You never know when a company has stored brand new items in the box and you have no idea what's inside.  You can snap a picture of the barcode and you phone will tell you the approximate value of that item. Obviously there are other uses for a smart phone at an auction.
8. A friend, truck, storage space, etc on standby. You may need help with all these things. Your friend to lend you his truck and give a helping hand, then allow you to use his garage. Otherwise expect to spend another $100+ on a rental box truck, spend 8 hours loading/hauling and putting everything in your living room while your wife/girlfriend/other beats you over the head with an empty beer bottle telling you to "get this crap out"!!!!!!
Anyways, good luck noobies and be prepared for a rude awakening. This is really hard work, time consuming and nothing like T.V.
By, a3rdRanger

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New to Storage Auctions? / Minimum opening bid and Credit Card
« on: February 08, 2012, 07:55:45 PM »
I've been out of the loop for 6 months now of buying units due to being called to duty by the Army Reserves. So, that being said, I've noticed some changes in Georgia. 1. I seem to remember they were always cash only. Today I went to 5 auctions totaling 21 units. At each auction the option was given to use cash and/or credit. Is this new? 2. They stated in the rules that the facility or auctioneer can predetermine an opening bid. Is this new too? I remember when the opening was always $1 and went from there. Today the opening "minimum" bid was $100 for a unit I personally thought was only worth $25. Can anyone from Georgia let me know if this is new or maybe I was just on a new circuit today. Thanks. -a3rdRanger

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The Lounge / Beanie babies and buddies
« on: February 07, 2012, 11:48:52 PM »
I bought a unit with 75 beanie buddies and 120 babies plus 35 mcdonalds beanies. All have tush tags and are in like new condition. Some are first generation. I have photos. If you want them, I'll sell cheap. They came out of a unit last week. I live in Georgia, but will ship. Respond to this post if you seriously want them and I'll get in contact with you. Thanks.

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New to Storage Auctions? / Beware of PODS delivery
« on: February 07, 2012, 11:40:51 PM »
FYI, be careful when buying a POD at a storage auction.  I bought one and decided instead of loading all my treasures into my truck, I would simply have the POD delivered to my house. I got a half price delivery deal, since I bought the POD.  It was delivered on time, right in my driveway.  Only problem was when they entered my delivery address their computer program automatically sent the "owner" an email of where the POD was going (my house).  So, when I pulled into my driveway and was happy to see my POD, I was quickly approached by two large thugs demanding I give them back "their" property. It was a very uncomfortable situation that could have gotten....let's say physical or deadly.  Especially since I found narcotic "stuff", gun "stuff", baggies and scales, bullet proof vests, police uniforms and MANY car radios/cd players etc etc inside the POD.   So, just make sure if you buy a POD and have it delivered they don't inform the owner of your info!! 

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