931
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: Sent wife to the auction alone again...........
« on: October 31, 2011, 08:55:03 AM »
Nice buys! good luck with the sales.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
932
Stories about Storage Auctions / Hows this for irony
« on: October 28, 2011, 07:54:57 AM »
I won a 10 x 10 3/4 full.
It looked descent from the door, a lot of boxes, clothes on hangers, etc. As I started going through the boxes I was finding nothing but garbage, dollar general knick-knacks, and pieces and parts to things not anywhere in the unit, a lot of old stuff from the 80s and 90s. Then I found the business paperwork. It was a THRIFT STORE that went out of business and left all their garbage and unsold inventory (including what they could'nt sell at their blowout yard sale) in the unit and defaulted. How is that for irony!
The good news or bad news, not sure at this point, is I have about 500 articles of clothing. I typically don't bid on units with a lot of clothing, it was all behind the first couple rows of boxes in the unit (besides the ones hanging on the shelves).
It looked descent from the door, a lot of boxes, clothes on hangers, etc. As I started going through the boxes I was finding nothing but garbage, dollar general knick-knacks, and pieces and parts to things not anywhere in the unit, a lot of old stuff from the 80s and 90s. Then I found the business paperwork. It was a THRIFT STORE that went out of business and left all their garbage and unsold inventory (including what they could'nt sell at their blowout yard sale) in the unit and defaulted. How is that for irony!
The good news or bad news, not sure at this point, is I have about 500 articles of clothing. I typically don't bid on units with a lot of clothing, it was all behind the first couple rows of boxes in the unit (besides the ones hanging on the shelves).
933
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: Lookey Loos Part 10.....October, 2011
« on: October 28, 2011, 07:35:01 AM »
Not sure what to make of trends this month, I will just give my general observations and you all make your best guess as to what is happening.
So this month,
The small independent facility auctions had less people including less regulars (10-15% less on average) and prices have come down proabably about 10-15%.
The large corporate facility auctions (well advertised) had more people (10-15% more on average) and prices were WAY up about 20-50%
I don't know what to think about this month, maybe it's an anomaly.
So this month,
The small independent facility auctions had less people including less regulars (10-15% less on average) and prices have come down proabably about 10-15%.
The large corporate facility auctions (well advertised) had more people (10-15% more on average) and prices were WAY up about 20-50%
I don't know what to think about this month, maybe it's an anomaly.
934
The Lounge / Re: Any boardies into hoarding copper pennies and or buying copper ingots/bars?
« on: October 26, 2011, 08:31:52 PM »OK, I'm curious, what is it you think is going to happen exactly? I know times have been tough lately and things might get worse, but do you really think things are going to devolve into a Mad Max type post-apocalyptic world?
As far as the topic goes, I collect coins, but I just can't get into modern Lincoln cents. The mintage is too high for them to ever really be that collectible. I guess if the melt ban is ever lifted someone could make some money hoarding tons of them, but it's not like the price copper is likely to sky rocket enough to make a modest collection that valuable.
Watch these videos about Argentina's economic/currency collapse in 2001. I think there is a better than 50/50 chance of someting very similar happening here. There are 12 parts, if the link doesn't work just type in Argentina economic collapse in Youtube.
935
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: Disicions disicions
« on: October 26, 2011, 07:44:58 AM »Well Auction day finally here... Unfortunately life happened. so seed money short. I am trying to convince my husband we should still go and see so we will know next month weather to bother or not. He just doesn't want to go and see a good deal that we can't take advantage of because of the money. We will be in the area so not like we are wasting gas just time, which we have. : ). Will keep you posted.
Would be our first with out an auction company. Just want to no their rules ect.
I kinda know what you mean. I have money but I am kinda out of storage space. I am still going to the auctions tomorrow. Even if I don't bid or buy anything (which is likely), I still get valuable research on crowd size, pricing, bidder behavior, etc. If you intend to do this full time, there are a lot of good reasons to go to the auctions even if you don't have a lot of money to spend.
936
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: What do you all think about Glendon Cameron's books and videos?
« on: October 25, 2011, 07:38:50 AM »I've spent quite a few hours watching the videos. It certainly helps that I am running around in the same territory that he was in when he was still buying. The flea markets and storage facilities are the same that I am still traveling to when I have time. I have heard that he likes to lead you through one book to entice you into purchasing the next, which in my opinion is a good marketing strategy.
I am sure he had to compete with sterling and wes and some of the other "whales" that I have to deal with all ofthe time.
Either way the videos are great because they are free. I personally don't think I would purchase a product, although 6 months ago I had considered it.
Why are people getting so up tight about this. I'm happy he stopped by.
P.S. Glendon, you articulate yourself much better in your videos.
Well since your "name dropping" in the Atlanta area, who are you?
Who are the other "whales" in Atlanta besides Sterling and Wes? I know Sterling and know of Wes, but don't go to auctions in Atlanta, yet... 
937
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: Read this! This person put out an add to get there stuff back.
« on: October 25, 2011, 07:24:45 AM »
One of the units I won was from a small independent facility. When I was paying up the manager begged me to bring back all the pictures and personal items from the unit. I agreed. About a week later I took the personals back, and the manager told me he found or received in the mail the day of the auction a money order to pay up the balance on the unit. He was actually very distraught about auctioning off the units, especially that one knowing the money was in the mailbox, but he had to do what he had to do to keep the business going.
938
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: What do you all think about Glendon Cameron's books and videos?
« on: October 24, 2011, 08:26:35 AM »
Thanks for the feedback you are helping me in more ways than one! Tell me more about this research you speak of In 2009 there were maybe a Google search page of information about storage auctions. I am preparing some lawsuits for folks who have ripped me off, before I did the blog, created the videos there was very little information on the web about this business, very little. Define teaser, I have several people who bought the books send unsolicited- Thank You! for the information it is making me money emails. As for not delivering, did you really try, I have waaaaaaaaay too many people happy with the results they gained from buying my books, for what you say to be true! Not to mention I have sold thousands of books and only a handful of reviews like yours ( 3 or 6) , that speaks volumes!!!
Hey Glendon,
Ease up a little bit, I'm a paying customer! LOL! Admittedly a lot has changed since the 2009 edition of your EBook, even you say the 2011 edition has a lot more information (did you say 75% more?).
Two major concerns when I made that post.
1. I was looking for in depth information on how to run a re-sale store, it wasn't in there. I am conditioned to reading University level textbooks and professional journals. I think you would agree your book is not written at this level nor attempted to be, I understand you wrote a book that is fairly easy to comprehend by just about anyone who buys the book.
2. I was afraid this would be your only contribution. I was excited about your experience in the business and really wanted to "sink my teeth" into your knowledge. I expected a lot more from the book. I thought it might be possible this would be the only information you were going to share and disappear into the night with all your money. lol.
I now know your are continuing to refine your publishing business and the information you sell. (Damn Capitalist!
) I am a member of your resellers Master Mind group, and I find the group and the information to be very helpful in running the business.
I am also looking forward to your Boot Camp Webinar happening today!
Peace
939
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: I couldnt be anymore upset with myself.......
« on: October 21, 2011, 07:52:50 AM »I passed on two units at the same auction becuase I didn't want to move the stuff. I regretted not buying both of them. The first was full of commercial equipment like meat slicer, coffee maker/warmers, industrial trash cans etc. The reason I didn't buy it was becasue of the two large chest freezers. One was stacked on top of the other and I could not figure out how I would ever get it down. The meat slicer by itself, assuming it worked, would have paid for the unit but I let it go.
From there we went dow to another unit that was full of restaurant equipment like chairs (30 or more), 3 large prep tables made of aluminum and one very large, very heavy looking pizza oven. I just couldn't figure out how I was going to move that oven. The unit sold for $105. I should have bought the unit, rented it for a month, moved all the other stuff out and sold the oven from the unit.
I believe I could have had both units for under $400, even with continued bidding from the other people.
Oh well.
You had the right idea in the last two sentences. Don't let fear of the unknown stop you from biding on certain types of units. Yes, it's possible you could lose money, but if you are in this for the long haul consider it paying for your education. You know restaurant equipment will come up again and you will have to bid on it with no more education and experience than you have now. So to everyone out there your choice is to take a chance now, or continually let good units get away! Of course, if you are negatively effected by temporary failure don't take my advice.
940
Laws about Storage Auctions / Re: Can you get arrested for buying a storage unit?
« on: October 20, 2011, 08:34:49 AM »
If you have no intent to sell or distribute said contents and you dispose of them properly as soon as possible you probably have nothing to worry about.
I would think the most dangerous time for having possession of these items is during transport. A routine traffic stop could turn into a bad day if nowingly in possession of illegal items. That is why I don't sort at the storage unit. It's plausible deniability. I did not know it was in there. Here is my reciept showing I just purchased the contents from auction. If law enforcement wants to take it further and make an arrest, then I just keep my mouth shut and let my attorney handle the rest. Unfortunately, if you pre-sorted and found drugs and then loaded them into your vehicle anyway and get stopped, you are going to have a hard time talking your way out of that pickle.
I know another storage auction buyer who doesn't want the hassle for that reason and pre-sorts at the units. When he find drugs he just tosses it up on the roof of the storage building. LOL!
I would think the most dangerous time for having possession of these items is during transport. A routine traffic stop could turn into a bad day if nowingly in possession of illegal items. That is why I don't sort at the storage unit. It's plausible deniability. I did not know it was in there. Here is my reciept showing I just purchased the contents from auction. If law enforcement wants to take it further and make an arrest, then I just keep my mouth shut and let my attorney handle the rest. Unfortunately, if you pre-sorted and found drugs and then loaded them into your vehicle anyway and get stopped, you are going to have a hard time talking your way out of that pickle.
I know another storage auction buyer who doesn't want the hassle for that reason and pre-sorts at the units. When he find drugs he just tosses it up on the roof of the storage building. LOL!
941
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: City Slicker or Country Bumpkin?
« on: October 20, 2011, 08:13:57 AM »Sounds like we might be better off going to auctions where we are rather than in a larger area. I'm not sure what a "whale" is, though. Does anyone care to explain? Thanks for all the advice, guys!
A "Whale" is a discription of a bidder in the storage auction business who exhibits certain traits. These traits can include, but not limited to:
1. Local auction buyer who buys high numbers of storage units per year.
2. Local auction buyer who always or nearly always wins the best of the best storage units that come up for auction.
3. Local auction buyer who protects their territory by "running up" the bids on which ever units the choose, making it dificult for other buyers to win units or win a profitable unit for low initial investment.
4. Regional auction buyer who has an operation large enough to attend auctions in different cities through out the week, and even have representation at different auctions on the same day.
Others can probably give other discriptions, but I think this gives you a good picture of who a "Whale" is.
One of the pitfalls of small town auctions are the small town "whales" who will bid anything to protect thier territory, very few people can do this effectively in larger cities, just too many auctions with too many units available.
942
Storage Auctions "In The News" / This is REALLY BAD news!!
« on: October 19, 2011, 12:34:58 PM »
Cold hard cash. It's good everywhere you go, right? You can use it to pay for anything.
But that's not the case here in Louisiana now. It's a law that was passed during this year's busy legislative session.
House bill 195 basically says those who buy and sell second hand goods cannot use cash to make those transactions, and it flew so far under the radar most businesses don't even know about it.
"We're gonna lose a lot of business," says Danny Guidry, who owns the Pioneer Trading Post in Lafayette. He deals in buying and selling unique second hand items.
"We don't want this cash transaction to be taken away from us. It's an everyday transaction," Guidry explains.
Guidry says, "I think everyone in this business once they find out about it. They're will definitely be a lot of uproar."
The law states those who buy or sell second hand goods are prohibited from using cash. State representative Rickey Hardy co-authored the bill.
Hardy says, "they give a check or a cashiers money order, or electronic one of those three mechanisms is used."
Hardy says the bill is targeted at criminals who steal anything from copper to televisions, and sell them for a quick buck. Having a paper trail will make it easier for law enforcement.
"It's a mechanism to be used so the police department has something to go on and have a lead," explains Hardy.
Guidry feels his store shouldn't have to change it's ways of doing business, because he may possibly buy or sell stolen goods. Something he says has happened once in his eight years.
"We are being targeted for something we shouldn't be."
Besides non-profit resellers like Goodwill, and garage sales, the language of the bill encompasses stores like the Pioneer Trading Post and flea markets.
Lawyer Thad Ackel Jr. feels the passage of this bill begins a slippery slope for economic freedom in the state.
"The government is placing a significant restriction on individuals transacting in their own private property," says Ackel.
Pawn shops have been forced to keep records of their clients for years. However under this bill they are still allowed to deal in cash.
And we were discussing the pros and cons of business licenses, registrations the other day.
But that's not the case here in Louisiana now. It's a law that was passed during this year's busy legislative session.
House bill 195 basically says those who buy and sell second hand goods cannot use cash to make those transactions, and it flew so far under the radar most businesses don't even know about it.
"We're gonna lose a lot of business," says Danny Guidry, who owns the Pioneer Trading Post in Lafayette. He deals in buying and selling unique second hand items.
"We don't want this cash transaction to be taken away from us. It's an everyday transaction," Guidry explains.
Guidry says, "I think everyone in this business once they find out about it. They're will definitely be a lot of uproar."
The law states those who buy or sell second hand goods are prohibited from using cash. State representative Rickey Hardy co-authored the bill.
Hardy says, "they give a check or a cashiers money order, or electronic one of those three mechanisms is used."
Hardy says the bill is targeted at criminals who steal anything from copper to televisions, and sell them for a quick buck. Having a paper trail will make it easier for law enforcement.
"It's a mechanism to be used so the police department has something to go on and have a lead," explains Hardy.
Guidry feels his store shouldn't have to change it's ways of doing business, because he may possibly buy or sell stolen goods. Something he says has happened once in his eight years.
"We are being targeted for something we shouldn't be."
Besides non-profit resellers like Goodwill, and garage sales, the language of the bill encompasses stores like the Pioneer Trading Post and flea markets.
Lawyer Thad Ackel Jr. feels the passage of this bill begins a slippery slope for economic freedom in the state.
"The government is placing a significant restriction on individuals transacting in their own private property," says Ackel.
Pawn shops have been forced to keep records of their clients for years. However under this bill they are still allowed to deal in cash.
And we were discussing the pros and cons of business licenses, registrations the other day.
943
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: Jackpot ! Jackpot in the Safe ?
« on: October 19, 2011, 12:11:31 PM »Thanks for the tip. I have something similar to what u were describing... not as detailed.
Having a database like this is just the first step in knowing what your business is doing. Yea, it's easy to say"I bought a unit for $100 and I sold $300 of stuff so I made $200", but when you start buying multiple units per month or week that kinda of determination becomes difficult. Knowing you made $200 on a unit, doesn't tell you WHY you made $200. This is the kind of information you need to extract and examine to remain profitable, especially if you plan to become a full-time buyer.
I use a similar type database as a starting point for collecting data, then I create five other databases for statistical analysis. O.K, maybe, thats overkill, and I am a little bit of a math nerd. Guess I am an A++ personality. With that being said, I now have a bidding matrix that gives me complete confidence about every unit I bid on. Without it, I would be out there bidding on units based on experience (memory recall), mood (I don't FEEL like cleaning out a unit today), weather conditions, relationships (bidding against somebody because I don't like them, or NOT bidding because I like them), peer pressure (the whispers in the background-"it's all garbage","you will only get $x for that", "thats a lot of heavy stuff to haul") personal pressure (it's been weeks since I got a unit, I MUST HAVE THIS ONE!) group think (everybody bids on a unit for some unknown reason causing a bidding frenzy) and last but surely not least, cognitive dissonance (that unit was owned by a movie star, it must be filled with expensive stuff; or I see a helmet, chaps, Harley jacket, ther must be a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the back!)
944
eBay / Re: Account Sell Limits
« on: October 19, 2011, 11:46:07 AM »
alloro,
Have you made drastic changes to your selling behavior recently? I here this triggers a warning with Ebay even if you have been a member for several years. For instance, if you go from listing a couple to a dozen items a month to 100 or more, this could be a trigger, Or if your past history was selling socks and now all of a sudden you are selling HD flatscreen TV's this could be a trigger. My examples don't have to be that drastic, any measurable change in your selling behavior can trip an alarm with Ebay.
It's supposed to protect buyers and yourself from fraud (assuming someone has hacked your account and using it for fake sales).
Thats why some people in the biz have multiple Ebay accounts.
Have you made drastic changes to your selling behavior recently? I here this triggers a warning with Ebay even if you have been a member for several years. For instance, if you go from listing a couple to a dozen items a month to 100 or more, this could be a trigger, Or if your past history was selling socks and now all of a sudden you are selling HD flatscreen TV's this could be a trigger. My examples don't have to be that drastic, any measurable change in your selling behavior can trip an alarm with Ebay.
It's supposed to protect buyers and yourself from fraud (assuming someone has hacked your account and using it for fake sales).
Thats why some people in the biz have multiple Ebay accounts.
945
The Treasure Chest / Re: Got a 10x30
« on: October 18, 2011, 07:55:11 AM »Another locker with a PS2, really! How many people are storing ps2's?
Found some xbox 360 hdd's and a hdmi hook up today. Lots of kids and board games. All boxes down unless I missed one. Still got garbage galore but hopefully it's only one more load.
The way new video game consoles come out like every year or so, the "old" becomes obosolete in the minds of the owners/kids so those get stored and the "latest version" is kept.
For instance, got a unit the other day, PS2 console, PS2 games (mostly scratched up), new PS3 remote control, a couple of PS3 games, NO PS3 console. So it looks like they stored the "old" PS2 and kept the PS3, except they accidently? left the remote for the PS3 in the unit.