Where to find Storage Auctions? Need help with resources to find where they are at, best practices...

April 8, 2009 2:09 PM

Where to find Storage Auctions? Need help with resources to find where they are at, best practices...

I'm a heavy EBay Seller, but also in the process of running a successful auction service. So far, we've been using personal property we've accumulated over the years for our auctions, but we want to add more to our consignments.

What are the big resources I need to look at to find Storage auctions? It seems like most people keep it a huge secret, but how can I find out where they are?

Anyone have any ideas?

posted by MMALR to work & money (2 answers total)

Contact your local storage centers and ask how/where/when they make the announcements. State law probably requires publication in local classifieds, but you can find out what papers most of the u-stor-it outfits in your area use with a few phone calls. Sellers aren't likely to tell you because the more people who show up, the harder it is to make money, but the actual businesses themselves won't care.
posted by valkyryn at 2:21 PM on April 8, 2009

We were on the mailing list of storage units in our area. Just call them and ask them to add you. Every time they were about to have an auction, they simply mailed us a flyer with the date, time, and number of units (which could change since some people would come to pay literally minutes before the auction).

Keep in mind, it can be hit or miss. In my area, they wouldn't allow you to actually go into the storage unit or move anything around; you had to bid on what you could see from the door. But this could be a good thing. I bid on one once where it looked to be nothing but clothes. Turns out there were a box with a limited edition book of Madonna's that was worth $300. The storage unit cost me $15.
posted by Ugh at 2:40 PM on April 8, 2009