Keep an eye out (on craigslist) for somebody selling yard sale leftovers.  I've never actually done this, but have been tempted often.  Of course that was before we landed our first storage units.  Now......I've got inventory.  Although not enough to warrant a trip to the flea, so I've been using ebay as a major selling tool.

Yesterday morning I went to the swap meet as a buyer.  I'm now learning what sells on ebay and making some decent money that way.  Might be a thing for you to check in to, as you don't need a ton of storage space or capital.....just a couple nice pieces and lots of research~

Heya Money~freezing in Florida???  I thought there was this global warming thing~
Good deal on the auction house thing.  We've been pondering it.  Will have to check it out in the very near future~

Well I've now sold 5 items, received 2 positive feedbacks (don't expect one from a newbie and the other two items are in shipment somewhere across this vast country), have 10 items up for sale and one of those with a bid and another listed today (with two watchers.....don't ya just love them!), so all in all......
Yeah!  What was I waiting for?!?!  Excellent additional avenue for moving some of the more eclectic or specialty items.

And thanks to those here that gave out some advice.  I've got numerous items ending on Sunday~I'm anxious to see how that strategy works out!
Now if I could only grab a locker or two so I've got some flea market inventory~~~~~

Hey~with two kids to get ready for school in the morning.....I'm lucky if I can remember to put on my deodorant!

And I laughed at the milk-crate!  I'm 5' 10" and many of the vertically challenged guys hate it when I'm in front of them.....even more so when I forget my deodorant!

Seriously~we travel light.  Flashlights, locks and cash.  I've always got my big old pepsi.  Usually lasts me through an entire caravan!  And if not.....I drive fast and always have time for a pit stop!  In the truck you'll find garbage bags, gloves, an umbrella, broom, furniture dolly and extra locks.....on the off-chance we land more than a couple lockers....like that is gonna happen with our crowds lately.

Don went yesterday to day 1 of a two day caravan.  Crowds were 'normal', but bidding like crazy.  There were two elderly couples that blew through (at least we hope) their pension checks.  They bought 4 lockers yesterday and overbid on every one.  Many of the regulars ran them up and took quite a bit of joy doing so.

Supposedly another newbie (never seen before) who stated 'come on man!  let's get this auction going!  This is a rush! better than Vegas'~sheesh..... 

Well.....I'm going today and can report back what I find.......

Gotta agree with craiglst~There are as many stories here as there are pieces of unwashed laundry in a typical unit!

Some ideas for your article(s):
The real side of storage auction buying~show how the business really is.  You know, dirty, grimy and not glamorous in any way, shape or form.
After the bidding ends~the cleaning out of units isn't Brandi picking up a treasure or Barry busting furniture.  It's hard work. 
The real people~Speaking of Brandi, if anybody showed up at one of our auctions in 4" heels she (or he?!?! ) would be laughed outta the facility!
How to price and subsequently move items~few of us pick up a painting and say 'that's a $300 bill right there'.  We look at it and try to figure out if we can get $50 for it and to whom?  (or is it who?......I always get that wrong~)

I'd love for this business to be 'exposed' for what it truly is......hard work, with a decent payout.....if you're lucky and persistent.  And you can quote me on that!

best of luck on your article and as with most things in life......research is one of the most interesting (and often enjoyable) aspects.

Bought a unit yesterday it had a oil on canvas abstract.  The tag on the back said it was from the Artmaster Studios San Fernando California and it has the initials BJ on the painting.  Researching I found that this studio mergered with Vanguard in the early 90's so that is as far as I got.  I was wondering if anyone could give me some help?

Have you tried calling the (now merged) studio?  I was lucky to find a gallery that was actively seeking paintings by Velarde.  I can't remember the art site I used, but if I can think of it (or relocate it~why don't I bookmark???), I'll let you know.  I know I bounced all over the place before I stumbled on to it.

Good luck~

edit~it was askart.com.  I did not research your artist as initials make it kinda tough~

I've got quite a bit of scrap silver and gold and have been trying to figure out where to sell it.  Pawn shops or the gold buying places always (deeply) undercut.  I called a guy from a local craigslist ad that said he pays well for scrap silver.  He said he pays $17 per troy ounce.  Well when silver was at $30.....that didn't sound to good to me.  So I've been watching ebay and prices they are getting are right in line with the (dealer) market.  I've pretty much been bouncing from calculator sites and the jack hunt coin broker is the one I finally bookmarked.  I use it religiously!

I've been checking weight/prices/market value and I think lb for lb it may be the best best, but........
I've noticed that most folks start many silver scrap lot auctions at .99 and let the buyers do the rest.  I'm too cowardly to just step off the ledge.  What if I don't get what I want?  I've yet to see a lot with a reserve.  Doesn't seem that the BIN attracts much attention, perhaps they're asking over market value....

Any of you guys ever peddle your metals on ebay?

Wow ! ...... Only 6 pieces of "fallaparticle board" furniture this time ! (and only three of them with cigarette burns!)

LOL at the fallaparticle board!!  Will definitely be using that one tomorrow at the auctions!
And aint it the truth!