Make Money with Storage Auctions: Reselling Options

 

Do you want a relatively easy way to make money?  If so, you should consider attending and participating in mini storage auctions.  These auctions occur when unit renters do not pay their bills.  As for what you will find inside, it will vary, but there is always the potential to make money.  As for how that money is made, reselling.

Since you profit from mini storage auctions by reselling the merchandise you bid on at an auction, it is important to know what your options are.  As for what option is best for you, it will depend on the items you have available for sale and your own personal preferences.  To help you decide, please continue reading on, as a few of your storage unit auction reselling options are discussed below.

Yard Sales

Yard sales are an easy way to resell merchandise you purchased at a self-storage auction.  This is mostly due in part to convenience, as you are able to lay all of your items out for display at once.  Although you can profit from hosting a yard sale, know that many shoppers expect to find low prices.  It isn’t recommended that you sell valuable jewelry or antiques at a yard sale, but they are a great way to resell furniture, books, movies, clothes, home décor, and toys.

If you do decide to host a yard sale, be sure to advertise.  Place signs around your neighborhood.  List your yard sale online and take out a newspaper classified ad.  Be sure to include the date, time and location of your sale. Also, post a small summary of what you are selling to generate interest.

Yard sales are a great way to profit from the reselling of mini storage auction contents, but they aren’t right for everyone.  Do you live in a high trafficked area?  Do your local laws prevent you from hanging yard sale signs?  Do you not have enough space for a yard sale?

Flea Markets

Flea markets are a nice alterative to yard sales.  If you don’t have the space to host your own sale, rent a table at the flea market.  Although the dealer fees may be a turn off, you are automatically paired with shoppers without having to pay for advertising.

To find the best luck with flea markets, choose those that receive the most shoppers.  Visit flea markets in your area to gauge the traffic coming in and out.  Flea markets where shoppers must pay a fee to enter are nice, as many do not want to leave without buying anything.

Although flea markets are a good way to resell items you bought at a mini storage auction, some do have rules and restrictions on what can be sold.

eBay

eBay is another reselling option that you have.  What is nice about eBay is that it is a popular online marketplace; shoppers flock to the website on a daily basis.  This means that thousands of shoppers can see your auctions. 

Since eBay is an online marketplace, it allows shoppers from across the country to view and buy your merchandise.  On that same note, these items must be shipped.  Unless you take a gamble and make certain items available for pickup only, not everything from a mini storage auction can be resold on eBay.  Large household appliances and furniture may be too difficult or costly to ship.

It is also important to note the fees eBay charges.  They can cut into your profits.  If you do decide to sell on eBay, track your sales and subtract your fees.  Make sure you are making money before you continue to use eBay.

Craigslist.org

Craigslist, in addition to flea markets, is another great alternative to hosting a yard sale.  What you do is create free classified ads outlining the items that you have for sale.  When you place those listings under the heading for your closest city, local buyers will contact you when interested.  It is best if you create individual listings for your large items and always include pictures.