@m4n: That's quite awesome that you've got someone who will let you set up in a retail commercial area. I recall reading in another thread that you did pretty well your first time in that spot. Hope the holiday selling season is a good one for you.

Here's my opinion, not as someone who does the fleas, but as someone who has been in retail his entire career.

The only stores that do huge black friday numbers are the ones that do major discounts AND advertise the heck out of them. Macy's, Penney's, Wal-mart, Disney Store all do big black friday sales.

Stores that treat it as just another business day might have a nice day, but don't do blow-out numbers. Stores like Barnes & Noble and the TJMaxx type stores come to mind.

Based on this, I would assume that the shoppers you would hope to be at the flea will instead be at the big-boxes and malls. Second-hand shoppers know that the prices aren't going to be any better on black friday than they will the following weekend.

As for m4n, I think you could do well as the traffic will be there and you'll get more impulse customers who cruise over to check you out. They happen to be there for something else and that will get more eyes on your merchandise.

Hope this makes sense.

Only place I've seen around here that accepts CCs is Public Storage and I figured it was due to their size and they probably run a massive amount of CC transactions in the normal course of business so a few more from auctions couldn't hurt.

Obviously, you don't want to overpay for a locker, but try not to let on when the price is nearing your max. This guy may be able to get a "read" on other bidders and will go just beyond that persons max.

Also, see if there are any patterns to the auctions he attends. If he always hits the same facilities or follows around a couple of the same auctioneers, you may be able to avoid him by attending a different auction.

Hey, everybody. Been lurking in these forums and decided to join in.

I am a total newb to storage auctions, but have been out of work for a few months, so it should at least keep me busy while I look for a job.

Will be attending my first auctions next week. May bid, may not, depends on what is available. I do have a plan in place, based on budget and logistical considerations.

All that said, I have already learned a ton from reading everyone's posts and truly appreciate all of your willingness to share information.