Allen Haff and Ton Jones, stars of Spike TV's Auction Hunter series, share their tip for those who might want to try their own hand at hunting storage units.
1. Know Your Market
Know your market and learn what stuff costs by going to antique shows and shops. Educate yourself, e.g. learn the difference between old glass and Fenton sold on QVC.2. Start Slow
Take your time and start slow. It always helps to do it with a friend, especially when starting out. Hopefully they will bring a different expertise than you have to the table.3. Have a Plan
Have a plan of what you will do with the stuff before bidding. Do you have a buyer or place to sell it? It's hard to sell it in a yard sale when you live in an apartment.Do you have space to keep merchandise until it's sold. Perhaps a storage unit might need to be rented to keep the larger and excess stock.
Keep in mind it might be hard to move stuff out of the purchased unit if you don't have a truck or large vehicle. Plan ahead!
4. Subscribe to Publications
Subscribe to the publications in your area that send out legal announcements about upcoming sales and auctions at storage unit locations and moving companies.5. Stay Close to Your House
Attend and buy at auctions close to your home. It's can be hard and expensive to transport a big piece of furniture or big lots that are purchased far away.Or as in Allen's case in Texas, learn how to fit that armoire into your convertible with top down.
