Storage Auctions
The Storage Locker => Stories about Storage Auctions => Topic started by: MovieMan on October 30, 2011, 08:36:58 AM
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Getting a couple of day jump start on November, 2011 auction doings, but a busy couple of days coming up....Monday the 31st I move the last big items out of my "SAFE" lkr and the 600 pound safe itself gets picked up Monday or Tuesday, so doing some typing today.
Fall auction buying is always my favorite due to cooler temps in the California central valley, but winter's coming and here that means rain problems now and again, but no snow problems at my elevation.
Feel free to tell your good and bad "buy" stories here and of course the main thrust of the thread....reporting on crowds and prices.
General feeling is that both may be going down a bit as we see old "newbies" or lookey-loos dropping out AND the tv shows might be losing some of their popularity as it's pretty much the same action on them from week to week.
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Well had the silent auction on the 29th of Oct. Out of the almost 20 units in 3 locations we were down to 4 units in 1 location on Saturday. One very nice units, two blah units, and one that no one bid on and it was a silent auction. Crowd was lower then before but still a good dozen people. Between saturday 5th and friday 11th there are 7 different auctions. Only going to be able to make 2 or 3 but am hopefull.
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Went to an auction on Sunday(Sunday auctions are my favorite.Advertised 8 lockers only 4 when I got there.Smaller number of people.One 5X5 went for 65.,One 10x10 220,One 10x10 265,10X15 325.
Didn't even bid.Looked like you would be doing too many dump runs.
Maybe I should open my own dump.
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November 7, 2011
Went to a couple of auctions today; crowd about 30 (knew 25 of them); prices somewhat moderate until at the 2nd auction I went head to head with a regular who was either running me up or thought as hopeful about it as I did.
A 10 x 15...got it for a grand. Notable furniture piece was a nice birdseye walnut dressing table in perfect condition with mirror and stool. I don't have all that much luck with antiques but will give it a shot. (maybe $200 if lucky)
Along left wall...10 boxes high and when I got inside I was happy to see my guess was right...10 deep front to back as well, so 100 boxes give or take. Another 20 or so boxes along back and right side.
Some junk furn to break up or pawn off cheap on one of my buyers who will haul it away and throw me $20 to $50 depending on quantity and quality.
Took 10 boxes home and only put together 1 box out of 10 as trash. Four RC cars (one like new in box) and an envelope that said "Christmas card stamps"....turns out they were 42 cent stamps and there was a total of $81 in stamps....9 full books of 20 plus a partial book. Well, that's not quite 10% of the cost of the lkr, but it'll do !
So, I think it will come out OK, but profit may only be in the couple of hundred range as it takes a bit to pay off a grand ! ;)
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My monday auction was canceled which really sucked as I was working nights and could actually go to a 9:30 auction for a change. Missed today's auctions due to work. Thursday is my big caravan. Just hope they have more units then did last month. Friday also has a decent size auction but doubtfull I can go due to work. Will report back thursday night now that auction goes.
I love finding stamps in units since they are just like cash to me. Found a book of old .34 stamps in a $27 unit the other day.
Good luck with the unit Movieman. Let us know what else the boxes contain.
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I love finding stamps in units since they are just like cash to me. Found a book of old .34 stamps in a $27 unit the other day.
Good luck with the unit Movieman. Let us know what else the boxes contain.
Yep, stamps are just like cash to everyone I think....will take me a while to use up $81 worth though; I think I only mail about 6 letters a month. I also found another $6 in stamps, so they are adding up.
Went through more boxes this afternoon. While the first 10 had a good ratio of 1 bad to 9 good, the next batch of about
20 or so fell more in the 8 bad 12 good. On the other hand, the good were really good...the kind of small collectible stuff I like. Here's some of it:
Zippo lighters: just two, but new in the box with seals on back of lighters.
Camel Cig memorabilia: 20 pieces.
Toys: good quality and quantity...will put out a full table of Toy Story, Winnie the Pooh, etc.
DVDs: 20 children's; 15 regular.
Etc, etc.
The stuff I am calling bad would still sell, it's just not the kind of stuff I sell, so it goes as a lot to several different buyers who basically give me 20 to 30 cents on the dollar; fine with me...they handle it, I don't.
I had one exciting moment when I saw a pistol in a nice nylon holster; the fact it was in a teenager's box made me suspect it though even before I picked it up. It was too lightweight and turned out to be a made in china replica of a 9mm; the holster was good though...Uncle Mike's good to go at $8 to $10 I would think.
So, the lkr is coming out good...better than I thought. My list looks to total up to about $1700 so far. I still have about 40 boxes to go through. Also I found a dresser to go with the dressing table and two matching nightstands too...almost a complete bedroom set except for the bed.
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Went to a 6 unit auction today, started as 22 and slowly made its way down. First for me in many ways:
1. Locks were actually cut off with a small power tool. (No other facility in my town does this, along with the other things on this list.)
2. Pictures were taken before and after the door was opened.
3. Buyers Premium
Prices were high and so was I. Left with nada, but that wasnt exactly a bad thing.
PS: Sounds like a good locker MovieMan, congrats.
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Yep, stamps are just like cash to everyone I think....will take me a while to use up $81 worth though; I think I only mail about 6 letters a month. I also found another $6 in stamps, so they are adding up.
Could use the stamps on your ebay stuff. LOL
So, the lkr is coming out good...better than I thought. My list looks to total up to about $1700 so far. I still have about 40 boxes to go through. Also I found a dresser to go with the dressing table and two matching nightstands too...almost a complete bedroom set except for the bed.
Need to find a good contact for the antiques. Easy in our area tones of places and buyers.
Sounds like a good locker so far.
Heading out today for the first Auction runs in our area. Will post what the market is like. Only two facilities with 8 units listed more tomorrow.
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November 9
OMG !!! guess the shows are doing us in...
Auction started at 12:00 P.M. 4 units listed, 1 left at time of Auction.
50 people. 4 regular
$850 + 10% 10X20 refrigerator, hove-around scooter, boxes, totes, looked like a lot of large pictures. Guy that bought a lot last month bought this one was hoping he paid to much last month.
Talked to two gentlemen that this was their first auction. A retired gentleman said he was waiting on the TV crew to show up, Or at least the girl what's her name Barbie, I said eye Candie... LOL He had a lot of questions about the shows... He said do other people get units ? I said they only show the ones they have contracts with.
The next one was at 2:00 PM 4 units listed, 3 left at time of auction
over 60 people. 3 regulars missing the one who bought $850 unit, surprise.
All + 10% 10x20 1/4 full misc. stuff $120
10x10 1/2 full stuff no furniture looked like been gone threw. $400 Noobie
Same owner 10x10 3/4 full rest of household of above... no big furniture. $250 Regular
First time to this chain of facilities. Not sure we will return The Manager was very chatty and said they try really hard to work with their customers. The two same owner units said they should have been Auctioned back in January.. He said some legal stuff took this long ?????
Have more tomorrow and Friday will keep you posted. Not looking good same Auction company different facility.
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Well today saw at least one unit at every facility in the 7 facility run I do once a month. Crowds were again larger for my area. First place we started out with a dozen bidder, 20-25 people. By the time we were 1/2 way done we had 50+ people and about 20 bidders or so. Units were mediocore to really good. Had one unit that opened the door and it had 2 of the kid battery powered cars, a fabric castle, professional packaged boxes stacked to the ceiling. What caught every eye however was the craftsman toolbox (retail 453+) and the craftsman closet or upright tool chest (retail 500+). Unit sold for $1200 which was a great price IMO. Got outbid on a few units I liked but didn't go for hardcore. Wish I had on one as behind the furniture was a nice stero system, surround sound system, blue-ray, etc. Oh well, live and learn.
I did picked up a small 5x5 that had golf/fishing gear in it for $80. I'll post a picture later here to see what ya'll think. If it was worth $80 or not.
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Went on a caravan today... Way to many Nob's first Auction about 30 people 7 regulars. Only Nob's purchased. We left the caravan and went to a new one to us 8 people 5 bidders. The manager was talking about the TV shows and said if he had a guy like Hester he would shoot him... LOL Our local Whale was at this one and did not look to happy to see us. ;D He offers a class for Storage Auction buying... must not be a good class... LOL 3 units. 5X5 $35.00, 5x5 pretty full small furniture pieces $70.00 Purchased a 5x5 with one tote, a kids bed from the 70"s (big orange and yellow flowers on the material) has the wheels on it with a foam mattress.. And 20,000 lbs Reese hitch. Paid $60 So should be good. I quickly looked in tote had clothes on top.. Levis. After going threw it in the bottom 28 beanie babies... LOL Oh ya and .11
Returned to the caravan it just got worse.. 60 people a junk 4x8 unit $350 All Nobs. And they had a sell and hold on two... Looking to go somewhere else tomorrow. This is crazy. Guess we are a little slow here in the south with the TV shows... All the Nob's were straight from the couch. ::)
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I just noticed this week that all of the storage places now put up a little sign in the office of when the next storage auction is. Wonder if that is why I'm seeing more people / noobs only at certain auctions.
Anyways - I took a little longer then normal lunch to hit a auction this afternoon. Place is a new facility that opened 2 years ago and is part of a chain of 3 in the area now. First time doing an auction, they had 27 units up and was a silent auction (boo). Was a good 40 - 50 people with a ton of newbies. Was about 12 of us regulars (count myself since I'm now known by name and such) and the rest new people. Everyone had questions, was talking about the shows, etc. Sort of glad it was a silent auction as I'd hate to see what the bids would of been live. Saw a few good lockers but most of it was furniture and junk. Stuff that didn't interest me. So I doubt I'll get a phone call in the next 20 mins saying I won something.
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First time doing an auction, they had 27 units up and was a silent auction (boo). So I doubt I'll get a phone call in the next 20 mins saying I won something.
I like silent auctions; if you read the crowd and the contents right you can sometimes score quite well. Certainly the first few lockers might set the trend for the duration of the auction.
As far as getting a call saying you had won something....I WOULDN'T LIKE THAT !
I want to know right when it happens who gets it and for what amount. That is also an indication of what kind of money and smarts are out there. I hope the "call you later" never happens in my area.
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This was the first time that it was a "call you later" type. Was ok with me since I had to get back to my main job.
I did just get a call and I won a unit for $26.
D-106 C. Lutes, bed frame, boxes (cont. unk)
Started to clean out the unit. Now I know why I got it was junk furniture, trash, and 2 trunks. I'm a sucker for trunks and thus put the token bid in. First trunk had some nascar coke bottles and stuff wrapped in newspaper. Second trunk had nascar and coke stuff. Should do well with the unit despite the $20 dump run I expect.
Found a gift card on the floor from best buy -- just called and it has $34.66 on it.
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This was the first time that it was a "call you later" type. With Movieman on that one
I did just get a call and I won a unit for $26.
D-106 C. Lutes, bed frame, boxes (cont. unk)
Found a gift card on the floor from best buy -- just called and it has $34.66 on it.
Can't complain about that.
We went with same caravan today. Stayed for two, prices not bad but still high. 10x20 3/4 full household. $560 nice stuff.
5x5 packed, trash sofa at least two dump runs. $250
We left and drove a little ways to new place 100 people 10 bidders. Prices really good. a 10x20 packed to the ceiling full household $1200. Set of cervin-vega speakers at the door.
We got another one. Had leather love-seat, Microwave cart with glass cabinet on top, small entertainment, center, small flower table?, 4 Michelin tires with tread. no totes no boxes no trash. $75.00 Most of the people looked at us like we were crazy.. Our truck is empty dropped it all the furniture off at thrift/consignment shop on way home priced at $160..Low end furniture but she can sell it. I am going in tomorrow to help her get some things done for trade on the commission. We will put the tires on CL. Not rolling in it but moving forward.
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Sold the microwave cart yesterday for $60 so $15 away from being in the black. With $165.00 inventory. ;D
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The silent auctions here (two that I've been to) will wait until all units are sold and then only give the name of the person who won it. I'm not a big fan of that.
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Hey eveyone, haven't had much time to chime in lately but went to a caravan on Friday and picked up a couple of units. There were 2 caravans going on and I went to the smaller one and was happy to only see about 15 bidders, ones I see often, and good prices. Got one for 65.00 ( queen bedroom suit, leather couch and chair, bunch of boxes I haven't been through), and a 5.00 unit that turned out several kitchen items including a brand new set of springform cake pans my wife grabbed. Sounds like some nice units are turning up out there, congrats to all.
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Did a saturday auction on the edge of Metro Detroit civilization. 1 unit a 5x8 packed(went because a 8x40 was on the block, but owner redeemed it). Anyways 6 people, 4 Bidder. Thought I'd have a decent shot at getting it. Had a foosball table, a TV(non flatscreen) Leather chair kinda vintage but I'd say not worth more then $100, a power wheel, and a bike showing. Went for $350. The guy who won it had the I would bid it to $500 or $600 look. Even at $350 there was little to no money to be made on the locker. So pissed!
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Went to a four facility auction today, the last only having one unit to sell, which also happened to be the one I got. Paid $175, the most I ever have for a locker. Boxes stacked high and tight, brought 3 or 4 home to look through.. iffy returns so far, but there is a music keyboard!
It was professionally packed, and local manager said she was a teacher. I seem to remember a post on here about someone as well getting a teachers locker. Anyways, first couple boxes have been cheap ceramics, but there is a set of glass bells that look interesting.
Keep ya posted.
Update: The keyboard works, it is a Concertmate 680, hope to get $40 off craigs. Also found a Lenox Wedding Plate, new in box, should be $60-$75. Its exciting finding stuff like that, I feel some what anxious for having "so much" invested into this locker. But if the first few boxes are like the rest, I should certainly see a nice profit.
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Hope you do well Fayettenam. I also purchased a teachers unit last month at a silent auction. Don't think I'll make money on the unit...way too many boxes of papers and such. Can't wait till next week and another new set of auctions for me.
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Hope you do well Fayettenam. I also purchased a teachers unit last month at a silent auction. Don't think I'll make money on the unit...way too many boxes of papers and such. Can't wait till next week and another new set of auctions for me.
My Aunt is a teacher and would not want her locker... LOL but on the flip side she has a ton of craft supplies.
Could advertise the stuff for Crafts or to teachers as supply. Just a thought.
Heading out tomorrow for new auctions.
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Got one today...an 8 x 15...paid $400.
Looked OK when I bid, but looking not so good now. Guess I didn't look carefully enough at the quality and overestimated the number of boxes with the small stuff I like.
Hopefully will be a break even or maybe a little profit....working 4 nothin'...and the chicks AREN'T free. :o
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Got one today...an 8 x 15...paid $400.
Looked OK when I bid, but looking not so good now. Guess I didn't look carefully enough at the quality and overestimated the number of boxes with the small stuff I like.
Hopefully will be a break even or maybe a little profit....working 4 nothin'...and the chicks AREN'T free. The chicks are never free :o
Hope you find something in there to break even.
Changed our plans and heading out on Tuesday hopping for something good for Thanksgiving and not a Turkey. :D
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Attended my first two auctions yesterday and today.
Yesterdays auction was one facility towards the end of a caravan, publicized on auctionzip. 4 units up for bid, maybe 50-60 in attendance, some obvious newbs, hopefully I didn't look as obvious as these folks ;)
Anyhow, the first three units were ALL EMPTY. Not so much as a piece of trash. Fairly crappy way to start one's auction adventures. The last unit was a 5x10 lightly filled. Old TV, beat-up filing cabinet and your typical rough detritus. This sold for $40.
Today's auction was run by the same auctioneers and mostly the same crowd. Today was also the first day of a multi-day Public Storage caravan that runs through Friday. I was hoping that most people were going to attend the PS auctions, but no luck.
2 units up. first was a closet-sized unit with a couple couch coshins, old HP printer and a 3 or 4 foot tall organizational system thing. The bins were labeled, but couldn't really trust them and could see much of what was in them, but did see that most things were in zip-locks. Wife and I were interested, but wanted it around $25 and it got bid up to $45.
Last unit was a 10x10, mostly empty with fridge, washer or dryer (was covered) a piece of luggage and a mystery box. Went for $300. Couldn't see enough of the appliances to know if it was worth that much.
So, big crowds, few units and nothing coming home with me, but happy to have those first auctions under my belt.
Got one more on Friday. 11 units in the notice. Hope there's an opportunity for me to get one.
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Just went completely through the teacher locker, man am I tired. Its currently 6 AM my time and I've been going since 11 PM. This locker is going to hinge on glass ware. I have a few complete sets of plates, this lady loved fruit designs. Couple of nice coats and suits, a little iffy on what to expect there. Oddly enough for her being a teacher, I only have one tote compiled of teacher stuff, but it is alot of nice borders and supplies, alot of elementary work books that are pretty much brand new.
Unfortunatly there is also alot of cheap spray-painted ceramics. And TONS of trophys/plaques, that I hope to turn in as scrap metal ???.
Anyways, heres a pic of it all.
PS: If anyone needs black jesus merchandise, I could open a store that sells just that. So uh...let me know. :P
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc491/Enticingbiter/holycrap.jpg)
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Movieman - since you have had the mitus touch of late Mr. Murphy was bound to show up and screw with ya :)
Matches - don't get discouraged. If you look in one of the threads on here about how long before some of us purchased a locker you will find many waited 4 or more auctions in.
Fayettenam - that is a ton of smalls. More then I normally find that are worth a dang. With Christmas here you may move the angels and such quick. Take it to the flea or yard sale this weekend and see. Is what I plan to do. Have a number of the black jesus, angels, and such. Sometimes get a few funny looks being a white guy selling what people think of as "black person items" but who cares. Money is money and it all can sell.
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Sometimes get a few funny looks being a white guy selling what people think of as "black person items" but who cares. Money is money and it all can sell.
I certainly agree, I do it all the time. GREEN IS THE ONLY COLOR I CARE ABOUT.
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Well last minute decision to do a run to an area we have not been too. Could not make the first two facilities but hit the last two. about 30 people all more professional compared to Lookey Loos..
5X5 Dryer kids toy 1/2 packed. $250
5X5 roll of bubble wrap, hard hat, vinyl floor backing. a lot of totes $170
5X10 Furniture, sofa, love seat, mattress, bed frame, dinning room table. Not high end maybe ten boxes
$300.00
5X10 a lot of boxes looked like clothes. 1/2 full clean looking. $170.00.
Better than our immediate area. but still a little High IMO.
On the hunt next week. have to get the final touches for the Flea this weekend.
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Well last minute decision to do a run to an area we have not been too. Could not make the first two facilities but hit the last two. about 30 people all more professional compared to Lookey Loos..
5X5 Dryer kids toy 1/2 packed. $250
5X5 roll of bubble wrap, hard hat, vinyl floor backing. a lot of totes $170
5X10 Furniture, sofa, love seat, mattress, bed frame, dinning room table. Not high end maybe ten boxes
$300.00
5X10 a lot of boxes looked like clothes. 1/2 full clean looking. $170.00.
Better than our immediate area. but still a little High IMO.
On the hunt next week. have to get the final touches for the Flea this weekend.
Yea all those seem high imo, good luck to you though
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Hope you find something in there to break even.
Still looking break even; oh well, it happens !
*****
No auctions around my area for the next two weeks, so plenty of time to sort out stuff from two recent buys and get more stuff on eBay.
Good luck to everyone else over the next two weeks!
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Went to two auctions today, first one had a unit got for 1.3 G, my highest seen in person. Wasnt all that impressed with it either. Second location I got a unit for $1. I am the proud owner of 100+ shrink wrapped gateway old-style computer monitors.
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc491/Enticingbiter/PCMonitors.jpg)
Not sure what I was thinking, I feel in a little over my head after just purchasing a pretty big locker tuesday.
My 'hope' is to leave them in the unit and sell them out of that, maybe to someone who will scrap them out for copper/cords etc.
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Not sure what I was thinking, I feel in a little over my head after just purchasing a pretty big locker tuesday.
My 'hope' is to leave them in the unit and sell them out of that, maybe to someone who will scrap them out for copper/cords etc.
If in my town they would sell to a recycler for .06 cents per pound. 100 pounds = $6.00.
Four would maybe weight 100 pounds.
Take that 4 computers into your 100 computers ....you have 25 batches of 4 at $6 per batch.....you do the math!
My place only lets you bring in something like 5 or 6 tvs/monitors per 2 or 3 month block of time though.
*******
Good luck selling them. You MIGHT get $10 in my area, but it would be the rare buyer who wants one. They all want the flatsreens and those are going at my flea for $30 to $50 depending on brand, size etc.
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Well last minute decision to do a run to an area we have not been too. Could not make the first two facilities but hit the last two. about 30 people all more professional compared to Lookey Loos..
5X5 Dryer kids toy 1/2 packed. $250
5X5 roll of bubble wrap, hard hat, vinyl floor backing. a lot of totes $170
5X10 Furniture, sofa, love seat, mattress, bed frame, dinning room table. Not high end maybe ten boxes
$300.00
5X10 a lot of boxes looked like clothes. 1/2 full clean looking. $170.00.
Better than our immediate area. but still a little High IMO.
On the hunt next week. have to get the final touches for the Flea this weekend.
Those are about average prices for my area. I'd of purchased both of the $170 units. I'm a sucker for totes / boxes to search in. Hate furniture - even if that is where the money is.
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Fayettenam Man - I'd of bought the unit for $1 also. Of course I'd scrap the monitors myself if they didn't work. If they did work would try a few to sell and then scrap the others if need.
Went to an auction at lunch. Guy was up front and said one unit was full of tires and the other two were only so/so. He wasn't kidding either. Was a silent auction. I saw I got outbid on my token bid and took off. Don't know what winning bids was.
For only 3 units the crowd was still little heavy. Saw 5 or 6 regulars and about the same number of new people I didn't know. Wondering if many of them have lockers there and come out when they see the sign in the office. Just don't see these people from auction to auction. Either that or they tap out first time out.
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Those are about average prices for my area. I'd of purchased both of the $170 units. I'm a sucker for totes / boxes to search in. Hate furniture - even if that is where the money is.
Yeah the first one my husband really wanted... But the guy bidding would have kept going...Same with the second $170.00... I liked that one. This auction was in a much larger city than ours... Our area is in pretty bad economical situation. So The prices were high to make a profit off in our area..
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I read your post it's interesting.. :D
I'll save any readers of post #36 above the trouble of clicking on the link.
It is YET ANOTHER STORAGE LIST PLUG which costs $15 a month or $140 a year.
Reported to Drew; up to him to see if he wants to move it to the appropriate thread area or delete it.
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I'll save any readers of post #36 above the trouble of clicking on the link.
It is YET ANOTHER STORAGE LIST PLUG which costs $15 a month or $140 a year.
Reported to Drew; up to him to see if he wants to move it to the appropriate thread area or delete it.
Thanks Movieman... That is what I figured.. Didn't even bother to try... LOL
the give away very little content..... LOL
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Fayettenam
I wouldn't of gone near that locker , I couldn't of afforded too @ ( - ) $ 25 ea..
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts DEP
regulations prohibit the disposal of computer
monitors and televisions in the rubbish, due to the
lead content in the cathode ray tubes.
The Town of Natick will collect and recycle
these items. Computers and televisions are
$25.00 each and are collected as bulky waste.
Please call the Sanitation Division for information.
These items will not be accepted at the Recycling
Center.
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So far it has been pretty profitable, but not without time and hard work. Me and my father took apart 15-20 monitors today, going for the metal casing, (boards, which we threw in with the other scrap metal, and no one at the yard said anything, but it IS a little iffy), copper, and the degaussing cords. Also the actual cords that connect to the CPU.
Our results: $140.
We worked non stop for 2-3 hours, and my backyard looks like a computer grave-yard. There's 50+ monitors still waiting to be taken apart, and I also havent disposed of the black glass and plastic casings. Hoping to find a recycling company that will take it.
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Congrats.You earned the money.
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So far it has been pretty profitable, but not without time and hard work. Me and my father took apart 15-20 monitors today, going for the metal casing, (boards, which we threw in with the other scrap metal, and no one at the yard said anything, but it IS a little iffy), copper, and the degaussing cords. Also the actual cords that connect to the CPU.
Our results: $140.
We worked non stop for 2-3 hours, and my backyard looks like a computer grave-yard. There's 50+ monitors still waiting to be taken apart, and I also havent disposed of the black glass and plastic casings. Hoping to find a recycling company that will take it.
Yep, you earned that cash. I think that could work in my area too, but I don't have the time or energy for it so I would still go with getting the 6 cents per pound for an untouched (except for loading) monitor/tv.
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Even if wanted to be lazy I'd yank or cut the power cords at the least and put them in my stockpile. The rest I may of done like MovieMan if the yard here would of taken them. They don't so I'd be pulling everything out like you are.
Auction wise this week has been a miss. The one auction yesterday and the POD auction today have both been cancels. If the silent auction saturday is like last month 90% of the people will pay up and 3 of the 4 units that do come up will suck. Here is to hoping everyone goes out of town this weekend and/or spend all their money and don't think about storage lockers.
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Well round two of the regular caravan for our area... Only three facilities 11 units total.... Called the first one because only one listed and then a 1.5 hour wait for the next... She asked where we were coming from then she said if you are interested an an appliance then come... It was just a washer... So we passed on that one.
Next had 8 there were 60 people there. Most looked like retired couples coming out to watch... Some regulars and some defiantly in the business but had not seen them before.
One unit with just a single metal bed $25.00.
Then a 5X5 I think may have been smaller. Had some antiques in it and a guitar case $500.00..
Another one 10x20 had two large flat screens couch standing on end, broken small pool table, an exercise machine... Would have to pay me to take this one... $300.00.
10x20 stacked full bags of clothes thrown in. could see name brand stuff... $300.00. Found out at next site that under all the stuff thrown in neatly stacked totes full... A Panasonic panoramic camera in the case.. The kid that bought this buys all the units like this he has a store. He is there with his grandmother they are serious... :)
The rest were ugly in the money department. The only good buy was the $300 10x20. Even it was just clothes and odds and ends he would have done fine. but sounds like this one is a Jackpot...
So we are still on the prowl for more of the less advertised and possible farther away... One of the regulars gave me a lead for Wednesday. Going to check it out might be to far to drive.
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Well, things are looking pretty bleak. I've been to three caravans and two single facility auctions in the last seven days. I purchased one locker for $750....and I overpaid for that one.
Too many people bidding on too many crappy lockers. The prices have shot back up to total stupidity! Formerly $10 lockers selling for $150! $100 lockers selling for $500!
I don't know how anybody is making any money at these prices! I've noticed that even some of the regulars have dropped out and aren't making the runs anymore. I've had a couple of them tell me that they aren't going to waste their time until the crowds and/or prices decline.
I got so disgusted after starting out on a caravan today......I dropped out and went and worked in my store. After talking to some friends that continued on until the end, I learned I made the right choice! The crowds are back up to around 100 people on the larger caravans!
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Ouch - those are some bad prices. I have noticed the crowds also. Still under what most of ya'll are seeing but they are up. Heck, even yesterday at a canceled auction there was 3 of us, one a guy I've only seen once before. The other was a lady and her father that buy crap units for high prices. They have a store but I've heard it's total crap stuff.
I'll see what the crowd is like Saturday at the silent auction. I really don't like silent auctions but seem to be doing better in price / profit vs normal bidding.
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Well today was our 3 facility (only did 2 today) silent auction. I change my mind on them - I should of stayed home. Could tell there was a storage wars marathon this week. Was only about 6 of us regulars and the rest noobies. A few I think were regulars from out of town but the majority of the 60+ people were new. I had tons of people asking me questions and such. Didn't stop me from spending lots of money on a unit I liked. Starting to wish I had passed on it however.
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Can't wait for friday to get here, my silent bid place is coming up and I am in the frame of mind to get all 5 lockers. 2 months after the 10x30 I think the rest of these peoples stuff is going for sale. Has same red trash bags WM and hospitals would use(10x30 had bunch of red bags), was in the same building #, and is only 2 lockers away from my original 10x30. Plus looks like some of the same crap the 10x30 owner had.
I already know 2 units look like **** but I can make a few bucks off of them. Best part all units will go for under $350 with 4 units probably going for under 150 and one I think I can get at the most $5.
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Today saw cloudy skys, cold wind, cold temps, and back to a decent size crowd. Instead of the 100 people we had saturday we only had maybe a dozen people. Half of them were regulars. This was a 2 facility auction, but could only hit the first facility before heading back to work. Units were nothing great.
1st - $10 (me) - musical keyboard, box, small musical keyboard, original nintendo, few other odds/ends
2nd - $230 (regular) - small bedroom set (bed, dresser, night stand)
3rd - $5 (me) - empty backpack, 2 blankets, and a small dorm fridge. If it don't work no big loss.
4th - $100 (regular) - a 10x10 with kids bed, lots of scattered cloths. Guy opened with 100 but could of prob gotten it for $50
5th - no takers - was a chair, 2 baskets, and cloths, odd shoe, purse on the floor. I may give them the $5 they want for the 2 baskets and just to see if anything was left behind. Isn't much to really clean up - maybe a garbage bag full of cloths.
Trying to decide if want to skip the 2 auctions on wednesday to do a metal run or attend them. Only a few units for sale so may not bother. Next week is my big week. 3 facility caravan on the 5th and 7 facility caravan on the 8th.
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Today saw cloudy skys, cold wind, cold temps, and back to a decent size crowd. Instead of the 100 people we had saturday we only had maybe a dozen people. Half of them were regulars. This was a 2 facility auction, but could only hit the first facility before heading back to work. Units were nothing great.
1st - $10 (me) - musical keyboard, box, small musical keyboard, original nintendo, few other odds/ends
2nd - $230 (regular) - small bedroom set (bed, dresser, night stand)
3rd - $5 (me) - empty backpack, 2 blankets, and a small dorm fridge. If it don't work no big loss.
4th - $100 (regular) - a 10x10 with kids bed, lots of scattered cloths. Guy opened with 100 but could of prob gotten it for $50
5th - no takers - was a chair, 2 baskets, and cloths, odd shoe, purse on the floor. I may give them the $5 they want for the 2 baskets and just to see if anything was left behind. Isn't much to really clean up - maybe a garbage bag full of cloths.
Trying to decide if want to skip the 2 auctions on wednesday to do a metal run or attend them. Only a few units for sale so may not bother. Next week is my big week. 3 facility caravan on the 5th and 7 facility caravan on the 8th.
Sounds like some good locker prices. I have one tomorrow way out in the country, 3 units. Hoping for a small crowd. I found it through a list service... the ones where you can see the 'general location' but dont get the address until you pay. It was so rural and unique it has me considering to pay. ($20 a month)
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Went to the only Auction today that I found in a 30 mile radius... 30 people.. Some of our regulars from our town and the rest regulars... A few Lookey loos.
$360... Had chairs, bed, microwave, some small furniture.
$ 475.... Boxes, Labelled Books, Kitchen plastic, Kiss, have no idea what was in there worth that kinda of money... Think two college kids bought it.
$0.... Empty.
So prices still running away high.. Off to more tomorrow. Hopefully better than today.
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Went to an auction recently with 25 lkrs advertised and 25 sold.....BUT....
This is one of those auctions where they pull the items out into the aisles while keeping the buyers back.
Then you get to come under the ropes and walk around in a long circle of "stuff". Each item (or small group) is then
sold...you hold up your bidder number if you win.
Takes a while for each lkr, so for 25, this took from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I have recently been buying more single items at estate sales and such so this is a good chance to pickup on single items. But, I only bought 3, $5 items and didn't make any good scores really. Most of the lkrs and stuff in them are poor quality due to the area, but I have gotten a few good items here. There is also a 15% buyer's premium.
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Kind of funny that you mention Estate Sales MM, because I have been doing a lot better buying either full or partial estates than I have at the storage auctions lately. Prices are just too damn high to make any money at the auctions!
I have been buying items from other auction buyers though. I let them overpay, clean the locker out and go through it, then I go over and pick out what I want and cash them out. The plus side is I don't have to clean out a locker on a deadline, I don't have to make any dump runs, and I just take what I want. The downside is, I know I'm not going to find any hidden big ticket items because it's already been gone through.
Overall it's been working out.......having a store is a double edged sword.....you can get rid of the "smalls", but you have to keep buying them so you have enough inventory in the store to sell........no inventory...no customers!
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Overall it's been working out.......having a store is a double edged sword.....you can get rid of the "smalls", but you have to keep buying them so you have enough inventory in the store to sell........no inventory...no customers!
Yep....the old saying is right...."You can't sell from empty shelves."
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I have recently been buying more single items at estate sales and such so this is a good chance to pickup on single items. But, I only bought 3, $5 items and didn't make any good scores really. Most of the lkrs and stuff in them are poor quality due to the area, but I have gotten a few good items here. There is also a 15% buyer's premium.
We have been hitting yard sales, spent $32 at one on Sunday and got a small trailer and Tonka truck for $10, a book shelf and hand made cabinet for $10, Then bought a leather Columbian bottle, rock mushroom book ends, two end tables, and a silver turquoise bracelet for $12. All the furniture at the thrift shop for $75. Taking the Bracelet in today to see if it is real keeping it even it is not... LOL Husband said depends on what it is worth, So if I want it I guess I am hopping it is fake... LOL.
Hitting an Auction today never been to this facility hopefully better than yesterday.
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O.K. Here is my general observation of the auctions this month.
Well advertised, large facility chains: Still drawing crowds of newbies out. Last months (October) newbies who dropped big money did NOT return in November. November newbies still overpaid, but not as bad as October newbies. Prices generally starting to trend downward slightly.
Of the beaten path, independent facilities: The newbies haven't found these places in large numbers, so you don't get the "feeding frenzy" effect on the bidding. Prices almost back down to normal? (Pre-show levels) except for anything that looks really good.
Many old regulars are not showing up consistently to auctions, and when they do, they are not bidding to win many units. We might be witnessing a "changing of the guard" in this industry where many of the old timers can no longer compete and are retiring or moving to other ventures.
Probably my cheapest month for buying this year, but I was also a little more disciplined this month. I raked myself over the coals in September.
Won three units: 10 x 10 - 1/4 full $15, 10 x 10 - 1/2 full $65, 10 x 15 - 1/3 full $220.
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Many old regulars are not showing up consistently to auctions, and when they do, they are not bidding to win many units. We might be witnessing a "changing of the guard" in this industry where many of the old timers can no longer compete and are retiring or moving to other ventures.
Another good assessment Cobia. In my area the regulars are still showing up pretty consistently, but some are going futher afield and ALL are picking and choosing more carefully those lockers they DO buy. I don't go further away, but I am being more picky about lkr buys. I am also buying more single items at fleas, estate sales, etc.
The day I can't compete won't come, but certainly adapting to the times is a reality.
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Lol Cobia - your bad month was Sept and mine was this month. You win some and you loose some.
As for the Regulars it's still pretty steady around here. I only know of one regular that I saw a ton in July/Sept that I've not seen in Oct / Nov. Don't know if he has moved on, health issues, or what. Of course outside of the 1 thrift store guy, most of the other regulars are retired guys that do this to stay busy. When I think about it the breakdown in my area is interesting.
1 - Regular Thirft Store Guy -- hits just about every auction except weekends.
2-5 - older "retired" regulars. One hits most auctions, the others have certain stomping grounds I always see them at.
2 - older newbie-regulars -- myself and another guy & his wife + his son or friend - not sure which young guy.
2-4 - older newbies that only hit specific auctions. Don't know if it's the facility they like or day/time.
3 - newer newbies that have still showed up after 2 months.
Then depending on the facility and how well advertised 3 - 80+ newbies and looky-loos.
Next week will be interesting. Have the 3 facility auction that use to be a dozen of us. Was close to 30 last month. Also, have the 7 facility auction that will start out with 12 - 20 people and by time 1/2 way done be around 40-60 if trends stay the same.
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. In my area the regulars are still showing up pretty consistently, but some are going futher afield and ALL are picking and choosing more carefully those lockers they DO buy. I don't go further away, but I am being more picky about lkr buys. I am also buying more single items at fleas, estate sales, etc.
The day I can't compete won't come, but certainly adapting to the times is a reality.
I will agree with Movieman. The market has changed and many are finding ways to adapt. Even being a Noobie it is easy to see how things have changed in just the past month. To close out our month went to a new facility to us. Saw some of our regulars and a lot of Lookers. 1st facility---- trash unit $25. Guy said a friend needed a sofa. One that was manly trash and old clothes went for $250.. All they had.
2nd facility 30 miles away 75 people, more regulars and even more lookers. Pretty clean units prices still high not sure how they make any money. No Regulars purchased.
We have been travelling around trying to find better prices. Our Town the prices are way too high.
And I left the best for last The local paper was there with camera! Raise your hand if you don't want to be photographed.. Only 4 of us raised our hands ??? The reporter asked why we didn't want to be photographed, said nobodies business were we get our stuff. At second facility I asked the reporter if he got a good shot of the trashed sofa unit? I said that is reality. He did ask one of the regulars why he stopped bidding on a unit and he said to much money for that trash. Then the reporter asked if he had a store he lied and said no... LOL
So we are going to have to adapt to this situation. Only going to get worse in our area.
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The other day there were three auctions by the same auctioneer. The first one had about 15 lkrs and was only 18 miles away but I decided not to attend as the auctioneer has a large following.
Anyway, the first auction took a long time and I arrived at the 2nd auction 15 minutes late because I knew the auctioneer would be late getting there. I waited an hour. People from the first auction slowly started arriving, but word was he wasn't even through collecting money from half the buyers when they left the first place (18 miles away).
I decided not to stay and I later heard he arrived (where I had waited an hour) about an hour after I left.
Thanks for wasting my time. I went to another auction where at least they were on time and I got to do something beside cool my heels.
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Goodbye November, you had your ups and downs.
Going to 4 of about 7 auctions tomorrow, Dec 1, 2011 and hoping to get one as most recent inventory I got is going down....need to restock the shelves.
See you in LookeyLoos #12 tomorrow.
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What to do? Looked up our local paper to see what they reported on from yesterdays Auctions. And low and behold a nice 8x10 glossy of my husband... Raise your hand if you do not want to be photographed. He even asked why not. I am in one photo a little disguised hat sunglasses. But still. Could have cropped me out. Have the phone number to the editor Will let my Husband handle it when he gets up.
Other wise what he wrote should not send any more droves of people to the Auctions.
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I'm thankful we have not had any newspaper or news coverage in a good bit. The last coverage was some time last year when a body was found in one of the storage units. It wasn't even an auction - was a raid by police on the suspects unit of a missing person or such.
Starting to turn cold even down here in the south. Hope that keeps some people at home but highly doubt it.