Kinda off topic, but.
I was talking to one of the employees of the major auctioneer in our area. She told me the regulars, especially those with thrift stores and such have been complaining bitterly to the auction company about how the newbies are running them out of business. The auctioneers have come to a realization that although they are making more money right now with the high prices of units, if all the regulars go out of business it may cause them some financial difficulties as well.
Just my thoughts, but I am thinking if all the regular flea market vendors, thrift store owners get run out of business, the scene might only be left with people looking to cherry pick the nicely packed units and units with obvious high value things in them. All the other marginal units could go unsold. If the auctioneer can't sell off the marginal units, which account for most of the units up at auction; why should the facility manager hire the auctioneer in the first place?
Anyway, long of the short of the story, the auction company employee says they are considering some policies/strategies to protect the regulars and thier industry from all the newbies getting in. She did'nt give any examples of what they are planning but charging admission could be one option. Requiring a resale certificate to bid could be another option. Having bidding deposits of say $50-$200 could be an option. I realize depending on state laws and the fact that these are "public" auctions their hands might be tied as to what they can require, but at least one auctioneer is considering doing something to protect the old timers/regulars/professional storage unit buyers.