I can see getting a kick out of being the local dave, lol, however my attitude is to basically fly under the radar. you start pissing people off or becomming the guy who gets every unit or overbys or whatever and it just brings you hassle, people try to run you up, etc.

What storage wars and the other shows don't tell you is that it costs money to get things appraised, in most cases. The way I like to appraise things is to make friends with local auctioneers. Maybe list a few items in their auctions to get the business relationship going. This way, when you get something needing an appraisal, you can always ask their opinion. Some items that you get an opinion on, you may want to list in an auction anyway..

I think, however, there is enough information online to get enough of an idea to put a price on things. In my shop, I have a big sign that says "We Welcome All Offers" because I know that I may be shooting the moon on some items. If someone has more knowledge than me, and can educate me on an item or genre, I may just accept their offer!

A good example of this is the book "The Little Prince". I have a first edition copy with mistranslations. The book was originally written in French and translated to English with errors. I have one of these priced at $100. However someone came into the shop who is a book guy. He said that while yes, this is a first edition with mistranslations, the books that are worth much more have a different color cover. Mine is a cream, the salmon covers go for much more. He pulled out his iPad and showed me examples. He said that my book, in fair condition brings $40. My book he said was better than that. So he offered me $60 and I took it.

yah i undertand what you're saying and I don't throw any of that stuff away. But when a new guy asks about things like that I don't want him bidding on a unit because he sees a bunch of faded glory t-shirts or something You can make money on clothes but It's never the reason I buy a unit.

i sell all in tact jewelry as-is. as far as scrap, it all goes into a 5 gallon water jug stones and all

A few years ago, I had to clean to out a rat infested unit with feces everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean every item had a turd stuck to it. It really sucked, but you just have to grin a bare it. This can be some nasty work at times.