by admin | Apr 3, 2015 | Storage Auctions
When a storage auction occurs, the self-storage operator only gets to keep the amount it is owed with any excess auction proceeds going to the renter. Generally, the self-storage operator’s lien is only for a few hundred dollars so, the scam artist can profit by staging their units so that it looks valuable to the auction buyer when, in fact, it may be worthless. Since all auctions are final the auction buyer is stuck with the trade and the scam artist absconds with their money. Scam artists rent self-storage units, sometimes under a false name to hide their identity, perpetuate a fraud and then run off with an unsuspecting auction buyer’s money, never to be seen or heard from again. (To prevent this Carolina Storage Centers require photo ID’s from all renters.) Purposeful Default The scammer may make a couple of payments to avoid any suspicion and then, after a few months, will purposely default knowing the unit will be auctioned. (Renters who fail to pay their rent for 90 days are usually auctioned off to pay the unpaid rent.) Staging Scammers know exactly what auction bidders are looking for and they stage their units to give the illusion of hidden value. Empty flat screen TV or computer boxes, and boxes marked “jewelry”, or “baseball cards” will be placed artfully around the unit. Since the scammers know that self-storage operators are permitted to move auction items to another location prior to auction, they will weigh down the boxes with rocks so as not to arouse suspicion. Advantage Scam Artist Since auction bidders are only allowed to view the contents...
by admin | Apr 3, 2015 | Storage Auctions
If you are reading this article you have probably watched “Storage Wars” on AMC and you might think it’s easy to make money buying abandoned self-storage units. Think again – you are more likely to find household junk and used bicycles than anything of substantial value. The Honus Wagner baseball card is probably not going to be there. While it is true that there are lots of folks who make money on a regular basis buying self-storing units and then selling the worthwhile items on eBay or at flea markets, they usually have years of experience and know what they are looking for. The best advice I can give is to learn before you leap. Here are some tips to help you get a head start. Do a dry run Before you jump into auction buying, it is good practice to do a dry run. Storage auction are, by law, open to the public and you are welcome to attend. You needn’t bid – you can just observe and ask questions. Just remember that the old pros view newbies as amateurs that just senselessly drive up the price on things they want to buy so some may not be too forthcoming with helpful information. Affluent areas are best Common sense tells you that self-storage facilities located in affluent areas provide the best chance of finding something of real value. Monday auctions can be competitive, but are often the best Professionals make most of their money selling items on weekends so they are flush with cash and are eager to replenish their stock come Monday. Self-storage operators know this and...
by admin | Apr 3, 2015 | Storage Auctions, Storage Tips
Carolina Self-Storage provides Southern Pines residents and business owners a state-of-the-art storage facility. With 530 units in a 53,000 square-foot building available 24/7/365 storage couldn’t be more convenient. Video surveillance, full perimeter fencing and electronic gate access ensures security. There are many storage unit options including climate-control, drive-up, inside storage and mobile storage – the widest possible range of storage options for Southern Pines customers in the area. Conveniently located on US Highway 1 North, just 6/10 of a mile North of where Midland Road (NC 2) meets US 1. Our neighbors are Ingersoll Rand across the street and UPS located at the end of Air Tool Road (our cross street). The facility is easy to access for Southern Pines residents and provides many helpful features including a loading dock, plenty of free-to-use hand trucks. We even have a free move-in courtesy truck to make your move easier – just replace the gas you use. We’re locally owned and operated and have been serving the Southern Pines area since 2000. Stop by and see our beautifully landscaped facility and see for yourself why we say we’re. “Simply the best self-storage in the...
