AboutBarbara Rogers Expertise > I would be able to answer questions like
> ~How to find the auctions??
> ~What to look for???
> ~Where do I sell the stuff??
> ~What should I charge for something I have no idea what it is??
> ~What are the points of running of profitable business?
~I won this locker what do I do NOW?????
> ..and so much more.
Experience I have run a very profitable self-storage auction business for the
last 5 years and recently completed a book on the subject.
Publications How to make Boxes of Cash with Self-Storage Auctions
www.selfstorageauctioncash.com
Education/Credentials I have learned over the past 5 years, by trial and error, as well as being mentored by auction attendees that have had well over 20 years in the business.
Expert: Barbara Rogers Date: 5/29/2008 Subject: Possible Staging in Avoiding Trash Fees
Question I have been attending these auctions for two years now and have had very good success. I believe it is a numbers game and that the more you attend, observe, listen carefully and buy selectively; the better you become. I have made two mistakes recently that I was very lucky(hard work)in decreasing my loss by only $100.00 per unit. Which leads me two the above subject.
I am hearing that with rising dump/trash fees it is cheaper for facility operators to remove one or two units off the market. They in turn fill (stage) these units with trash from what has been left behind by non-payers, vacating tenants, etc.. . Have you seen this or heard of it occurring?
I pay very close attention to how those doors are opened. Are the locks cut with everyone in attendance? Does the facility operator simply unlock their lock? Your thoughts?
Thanks
Answer Hi David, Thank you for your question. It raises a valid point of the integrity in this business. I have had a few like that at the beginning but I have also seen "veterans" of this business pay $800 for a set up locker. "Legally" my belief is that the facility needs to tell the bidders ahead of time that the locker is a "company" or "facility" locker.
Of course, I have seen lockers that I believe to be staged, like who stores 10 mattresses and 4 metal desks? I have not been back to that particular facility and have let the auctioneer know why.
In addition, you know how places like Public Storage that have their $1 for the first month sale. I always try to find out how long this tenant has been renting the unit. If it is 1-2 months I leave it alone, it is cheaper to rent a unit than to dump.
I also wanted to let you know how I cut down on dump fees is not only to make friends with the guys at the dump. I also recycle almost everything and for big items I put them on the FREE listing on craigslist. Just in case you were wondering:)
Thank you again for your question. I will be at Book Expo America in L.A. this weekend promoting my book How to Make Boxes of Cash with Self Storage Auctions. www.selfstorageauctioncash.com
