And this is why online storage auctions have such a major hurdle.. One misrepresentation and buyers will run from the scene!

They look pretty well torched. I'm interested to know how much they were asking..

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.

I don't even count Big Steve as a part of the cast, even though he's been on quite a few shows in a row. I don't "like" him either, but he's a good agitator.. I understand why he's there. Mike, I think, was cast to be that agitator, but he's too much of a sweetheart to really piss anyone off. I was glad to see John Luke ban him from that auction. Wish more auctioneers locally did that.

I don't know why that stuff is there to begin with. Same goes for food. There's never been a functioning kitchen in any locker I've seen. Why the hell would you store your rice and beans there?

How were you able to get the story?  Did they call you out of the blue or did you lobby some?  It really is a great piece of free advertising.

A customer visited my shop and fell in love with the stuff. He coined the phrase I now use "anti-boutique". He called the local paper and told them that they have to check us out, that we were going old school, and the rest was history! I think he had a reporter friend at the paper..

I haven't seen anything to really go crazy about in black Friday sales. Not enough to get up early/leave my Thanksgiving dinner over.