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Messages - rockin the retro

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241
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: Is this for me?
« on: December 22, 2011, 08:19:48 AM »
Rockin - I doubt he meant it that way.  I figure (correct me if wrong Ben) that he and wife are middle-income or higher financially and in those social circles.  People have comfort zones and certain views due to the situations they are in.  Going outside of those zones and views causes lots of nerviousness.  How many times have you walked on a street or mall and got a little nervous about the large biker looking dude behind you.  Or for even more modern times - you grow more alert when see a person in arab clothing or speaking such.  I know I do even knowing 99% of the time it's nothing.  Heck our pastor rides a harley, has a beard, and dresses in leather on some outings.
You may be right and that is why I offered apologies in advance.  I'm just one who feels pretty comfortable dealing with all types of people.   You have to be to do what we do.

Take for example the flea market.  Many of us buy and sell there.  Even I only sell in certain locations at the market as some parts stink to me due to all the candles, etc.  I love the Mexicans / Hispanics that come to the market.  Many of the sellers don't as they always want to negotiate the price of stuff.  I lived in Panama for 2 years and it's a way of life.  It's part of their culture to negotiate over prices.  Most americans just ask "how much" and either buy or not.
Our flea market is one giant melting pot!  Primarily hispanic and I don't speak spanish, but always manage to close a deal.  And it's amazing......a smile is universal.  We often give out toys to the wee ones.  Even with a language barrier you can understand the gratitude.  I do go to a smaller market as the large one just seems so commercial with mostly imports and the like.

Anyways - like you said Rockin.  Most people at the auctions can be just as bad or worse then the people you are in contact with at the flea.  I know for a fact in GA in the summer that we all smell pretty ripe by the time we look at 1/2 a dozen lockers.
OK picture this....Tucson Arizona, summer time with temperature hitting 105 degrees, 60 large men smushed around me as go from unit to unit, facility to facility, indoors outdoors indoors outdoors......Yikes!!!  Makes me so grateful for this time of year!

242
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: I may have made a BIG boo-boo.....
« on: December 22, 2011, 07:50:16 AM »

Also found a chase lounge chair.  Those are my bad luck.  Next unit I see with one of those in there I'm running for the hills.  My only other worst unit was a $100 unit at this same facility with one of those chairs.  So no matter what is in a unit if it's at this facility, in the D building, with a chase lounge I'm not bidding a cent :)

So buck up - we all make mistakes and just have to learn from them.


LOL~my most hated items in lockers are knife blocks (can't sell those things, they are never complete, don't fit nicely into crates/totes and weigh a ton!) and vacuum cleaners.  Unfortunately you can't (usually) see those from the door.  I do believe this is the first unit without a knife block. :D

When we found another bag of jewelry (mostly costume) I called my husband over and said "Remember what I told you the other day?"  He replied "you wanted a jewelry unit.....you got it."

I think we'll recoup, but dang.....I've never been more confused/concerned with a unit before.  not even the 'icky' one.  At least this one was a quick, clean cleanout!

I can say from you two , craiglstauction and now rockin when I see a trunk I walk away... LOL  JK


OK Barry.....step away from the trunk!!   8)

243
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: Is this for me?
« on: December 22, 2011, 07:34:22 AM »

I've  noticed that most of you sell at Flea Markets, so I went to a very large one in my area a couple of weekends ago to scope it out. This a well established place with lots of big indoor buildings and acres of outdoor booths. The place gave me the creeps. It smelled bad, and the clientele is not what I'm accustomed to dealing with in my everyday life. Not for me at all. 

Craigslist? I buy stuff on there for resale on ebay sometimes, but don't like the idea of selling from my home to strangers, and it seems that meeting at an a storage facility or whatever could be hit or miss, depending on whether they show up or not.  A lot of wasted time? Maybe.

Yard sales? No.

The above comes off kind of snobbish.  If I'm wrong, apologies.

Let me tell you.....if you find the clientele/atmosphere at a flea market/swap meet "creepy" and 'smelling bad' you'd hate your fellow 'bidders'.  There are very few Brandi's and Dave Hesters.  Most are like Darell with less of a wardrobe change and not as refined in the manner department~

244
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: I'm also questioning this Business.
« on: December 21, 2011, 10:31:22 PM »
I can't even imagine trying to do this business without a truck.  Our smallest unit (the 5X5 mentioned in my boo-boo thread) still contained a washing machine and I can't see you getting that home even if you were able to borrow the Explorer.  If you find this is something you seriously would like to try you can always rent a truck (uhaul and the like), but remember....you also need to have storage space.  My back yard (we're on just over an acre) looks like Sanford and Son half the time!

I love the selling portion and I have a great rapport with most buyers.  I have several repeat customers and a great reputation as I always make sure everything is in perfect working order or I point out any and all flaws.  I can sell at local antique fairs (where the atmosphere is a bit stuffy) as well as the flea markets where I cut up with the rest of the working stiffs.

This is a dirty, tough business and certainly not for all.  If you don't mind getting your hands dirty or busting your back for a couple days, you might just succeed.  But whatever you do.....don't believe it's like they show on TV. 

Best of luck to you.

245
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: I may have made a BIG boo-boo.....
« on: December 21, 2011, 10:16:54 PM »
Oh my.

Well I don't want to get your hopes TOO up,

but by the sound of finding "numerous crystals, minerals, meteorites and the like"

you may just be in for a VERY pleasant surprise.

Anybody know the Storage Wars episode where Dave Hester found a minerals collection; he made several thousand dollars on it.

Meteorites can be valuable too!
Oh believe me I remember that episode, but I seriously doubt that we're looking at those kinds of minerals/rocks.  I'll be happy if I can squeeze a couple hundred out of them.  There are some really neat specimens, but this is Tucson.....one of the biggest spots for gems & minerals.  Time will tell.

And as for the pearls, we know they're real, but really don't know the quality or value.  Still searching for somebody to check them out and a few other 'valuable' gems/jewels.

Thanks for the replies.  I'll update when I learn more....hopefully tomorrow~***fingers crossed***

246
Stories about Storage Auctions / I may have made a BIG boo-boo.....
« on: December 21, 2011, 04:10:14 PM »
Went to two auctions yesterday.  First had 16 units. Bid on one unit that ended up going for $200 more than what I wanted to spend.  Little did I know that that trend would continue all day.  Big crowds with deep pockets.  Yikes!

Caravaned to the next facility, where we lost maybe one or two.  Long story short~I overbid on the second to last unit.  I had set a limit of $500, which my husband didn't agree with (he was thinkin' more like $400 MAX).

It was only a 5X5, but very full.  What put me over the top was an old sewing cabinet and a trunk.  Yes the dreaded trunk.....I ended up in a bidding war with one guy and when it hit $500 I debated.  We needed a unit and I wanted this one.  I ended up winning it at $600.  Funny thing is, had the other guy bid one more time, I wouldn't have gone on.......Damn my luck, he didn't.

My husband was grumbling as we started to clean it out.  It was an interesting unit as every box, tub and bin we opened had unusual items, which I'll list below.  There was a decent washing machine, dresser missing a drawer, nice small dining set (only 3 chairs), small coffee table and end table.  Oh yes~the porn and drug paraphernalia (seems crack was the drug of choice this time).

funny thing is~I don't have a clue what I've got.  We found lots of jewelry, no gold but lots of silver.  Figure we've got over 10 oz of it, so that has some value.  The gal seemed to be a gem show junkie as we found numerous minerals.  Crystals, meteorites and the like.  I've got a guy coming out tomorrow (a friend recommended him) who specializes in meteorites and minerals, so I'll hopefully know more then.

In a nutshell I found:
a 4' clay (made in Mexico) rosary.  This is actually one of the coolest items in the lot.  It is so awesome!  Not worth a lot however.
a beaded necklace with what appears to be an intricately carved jade (?) Buddha
a gorgeous beaded bag, with no markings for identification.  I think it looks Native American, my husband thinks more middle-eastern
a woven Peruvian bag
lots of costume jewelry
two pearl necklaces.  One is very long and beautiful, the other small pearls with 5 strands and a 14K clasp.

I should never have bid that much on that unit, as the value wasn't apparent.  I really at this time have no idea how we're going to do on it, as I don't know jewelry (not your typical girl) and I don't know 'rocks'.  I don't think we're going to lose $$ and we may just turn a profit, but dang......I just don't know.

So wish me luck that the pearls are priceless and the minerals out of this world!  If I knock it outta the park, New Years celebratory drinks are on me......If I lose my butt, Can I come stay with you?  I don't think my husband will let me live it down......especially after I still kid him about the 'icky' unit.

And I know.....I know.....I know.....bid with your brain and avoid your women's intuition.

Oh anybody need a 4" amber crystal ball?  
Wow!  What a wacky unit~

Edit to add~this was my first time finding cash (well more than the customary pennies and nickles) as I found a 1957 Silver Certificate=value $1.25 and a two dollar bill.  Cold hard cash baby!!! 8)

247
 Mother in Law requested a coffee table, wished the three we have were in better shape.  So I just might have to do more shopping today... LOL

I've got a beauty out of my $50 locker.  Sell it to you for $35,  Now how do we figure shipping in time for Christmas from Tucson AZ?!?! :D

248
I have already told my family that I'm pickin' Christmas this year.  Whether it be flea markets, storage unit finds or antique fairs.....we're recycling this holiday.

Picked Christmas thus far~
Out of the 'icky unit'~a B-17 model airplane kit NIB with paints (military colors) and glues for my brother.  He used to love model kits as a kid (he is now 60) and my late father flew in a B-17 in WWII.

Antique Mall~a vintage sprinkler for my sis who dabbles in antiques and is a landscaper.  Her yard is filled with vintage garden art.

WWII unit~I had actually bought my brother-in-law a couple ZZTop cd's.  Then out to the swap meet and an old boy came by with the coolest cowboy coffee mug.  I told him I loved it and he asked if I'd trade it for some spice jars I had on the table.  My first actual swap at a swap meet.  But then......out of the WWII unit we found tons of XXL to XXXL western items, including a 75th anniversary of the Tucson Rodeo jacket.  He's a roper so that is going to him, the cd's to him from my girls and I guess my husband gets a really cool coffee mug????  Usually my bro-in-law is my toughest......

As far as the kids~so far it's all store bought items (ok....internet and Walmart), with a couple little picked items thrown in.

Still looking for something for my mom.  If all else fails, she'll get a new light fixture with a gift certificate for free installation from my husbands electric company~ 8)

Don and I have already decided this Christmas we'll forgo the gift exchanging until after the holidays as we've both been so busy.  And we already know what were getting~a dash mat for his Dodge and a pair of Ariats for me, as momma needs a new pair of boots!

As far as being cheap????  My family knows the financial stress and we've never been ones to go overboard at Christmas.  Finding the perfect gift has always been more important than spending the most money.  I'm actually thrilled with how it's turned out thus far.  And frankly.......who needs another pair of slippers or a singing Santa necktie????

And in all the time it took me to write this.....MovieMan comes in with the perfect response~must be a guy/gal thing~

Happiest of holidays to you!

249
I thoroughly enjoyed your post!  Think I'll try your 'skip cleaning my house one' tomorrow on my husband.  Hope he falls for it~

I am a relative newbie too, with only 7 lockers under my belt, but I consider myself a pretty quick study in the 6+ months I've been doing this.  Didn't bid on a unit until about my 8th time attending.  Didn't win a unit until about 3 months into it.

Best advice I can give to anybody starting out is to sit back and watch for your first couple times out.  It is not like they show on television.  There is far more to it than bidding, buying and selling.

I can't stress enough how much work this business is.  Cleaning out a large, full locker is a MAJOR chore.  Having a place to process and store items is HUGE.  Having a realistic idea of resale value is extremely important.

Crowds here in Tucson have not changed much over the course of my time doing this.  Last week we were out Mon, Tues, Wed in pouring rain.  Didn't affect crowds much.  Fewer lookie lous, but all the regulars were out in force.  Weekdays I've found draw more of a crowd than weekends, although I've only attended one weekend auction, so.....

You'll learn so much tomorrow.  And every time thereafter.  My motto on life is "It's a slow day if I only learn one new thing".......couldn't be more true when it comes to storage auctions.  Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.....well unless of course you're bidding~ 8)

Good luck~

250
Flea Markets / Had our best (and shortest) day ever!
« on: December 17, 2011, 06:31:19 PM »
Let me preface this with all day yesterday we had wind gusting up to  50 MPH.  It was supposed to 'blow' out by midnight, but I awoke at 3:45 listening to it howl.  We normally get up around 5:30 to hit the swap meet by 6:30.  Well, I never did fall back to sleep, called my sis at 5 and told her it was still blowing (she lives about 20 miles north of us) she said it was perfectly calm where she was.

Decided to forgo the whole thing until about 8, when I was stressing about moving the 'junk', making $$$ and generally driving everybody crazy with my fretting.  We were set up by 9:30, stayed for 3 hours and moved over $380 worth of merchandise in a whirlwind sale day!  On the way home got a call for a set of clubs we had on craigslist and our final for the day was right at $425.

So now I'm starting to think I'll forgo the setting up in the dark, while freezing my butt off.  Get in, sell quick and get out!  Of course the fact that we're one week from Christmas certainly didn't hurt and the 'new' inventory from two units won last week might have had something to do with it......but until proven otherwise.......I'm sleeping in!!

251
The Treasure Chest / Re: WWII German items found today!!
« on: December 14, 2011, 07:24:55 AM »
Even if I didn't make my money back I'd consider that locker a win.  Of course I'd prob keep the WWII stuff.  That sounds like a good locker for only $125.  Good hunting.
Wait!  Are we allowed to do that???  no! no! no!  We can't keep it all!....can we?  no!

The unit was not too shabby.  Lots of quality items, but mostly in the way of clothes which we have a hard time moving here.  There was a Wahmaker vest, a Tucson Rodeo 75th anniversary jacket, numerous Denver Bronco's shirts (I can always sell NFL~but why oh why can I never get a unit belonging to a Vikings fan???), nice western shirts & a couple very nice leather (western) belts.

Tools & misc consisting of brand new shop vac, Stihl chainsaw, car speakers (still in box) and some yamaha speakers on stands (have to investigate these), a playstation system with numerous games, jack stands.....can't think of anything else right off the top of my head.

To the dump goes an old sleeper sofa, a couple boxes of garbage and possibly a Roper side by side fridge.  Pretty nasty inside, but Don (my husband) has yet to really check that out, as it's been dumping rain since he bought the unit.  Will investigate further this afternoon after we hit our final caravan for the week.

Hoping for another unit as I didn't get to go digging for treasure.....he can't help himself....he searches while still in the locker~leaving me the scraps.  I 'discovered' 3 cents~

252
Had to laugh out loud to that...

rockin the retro is this some of your gems? LOL

We just found our first porn so will be using Cobia's advice there.. :D

Point #1~so did I!  That was a great reply!
Point #2~uhmmmm....no.  but one woman's trash......yikes~
Point #3~you've got to be kidding?  4 outta 6 units (we've purchased) have had some sort of porn.  You've been very lucky....or unlucky depending on your perspective. 8)

It's funny.....the last unit of the last stop on the caravan today was an obvious strippers unit.  A couple friends all looked at me like "ya wanna take this one?"......ugh......

My husband did talk to a couple regulars that said they do great with it.....think I'll see if they're interested in buying our two lots~

253
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: Lookey Loos Part 12.....December, 2011
« on: December 13, 2011, 07:38:53 PM »
3 separate auctions today~2 caravans.  It was dumping rain.  Something we're not quite used to here in the desert.  

I hit the single one to start and typical of this auctioneer....heavily advertised with over 100 in attendance.  Stayed for 2 of the 6 units and decided to go elsewhere.

My husband went to a new (to us) caravan auction and bought at the first facility.  He said about 12 in attendance.  All regulars.  Prices right where they should be.

I went with an auction buddy and we did the other caravan.  Crowd was small, maybe about 15 to 20.  Prices stayed lowed, but so did the merchandise quality.  I never bid on a unit.  Considered a couple, but by that time we were 4 stops into our caravan and had picked up some newbies who seemed to think every unit held a treasure.

All in all an enjoyable (and profitable thanks to my husband), yet soggy day.  Heading out tomorrow for day 3......then I really need to start getting ready for the holidays.


254
The Treasure Chest / WWII German items found today!!
« on: December 13, 2011, 06:24:45 PM »
My husband and I split up today to attend different caravan auctions.  He went to one we'd never attended before, while I went with the old standby.

First facility he bought a unit for $125 and a couple of the old timers said he overpaid.....they say that to pretty much everybody (save their own), so he took it with a grain of salt.  He paid, went to 'peek' and found a couple WWII items.  One is a German helmet that is in great shape and the other is a canister, that he later discovered contained a German gas mask.  Both are in very good shape.

On his way out he ran into one of the more boisterous of the old-timers and was again told he overpaid.  He smirked and replied "Yeah I know but these WWII German collectibles sure are cool!".  Off he went to the next auction having had the last laugh.

He went back to clean it out and knows the money will be doubled with just the tools and audio equipment, so the German stuff is gravy!  He did find an old knife with a really cool sheath.  There are not a ton more boxes to investigate.....but I've got my fingers crossed for more memorabilia as my dad was a WWII vet and I love 'learning' more about it!

That first unit ended up being the only one we bought today, but seems like the best wasn't saved for last for a change!

255
Practice!
Oh dang....laid that one right over the plate didn't I?

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