They're SEVEN tips in all. Here they are:
1. Bring plenty of CASH (This is Most Important!). Auctions are all cash, all of the time. And since you never know whether a storage unit is going to sell for $5 or $5,000, it's better to come PREPARED--especially if YOU'RE the one the auctioneer looks at after the bidding stops and he takes a brief, calculated pause before announcing in a loud, clear voice (while pointing at you), ... SOLD!
2. Bring an ARIZONA TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX LICENSE (if you have one). If you're the winning bidder and you plan on SELLING the contents of the unit you've just bought, this handy little document will EXEMPT you from paying Arizona sales tax. Just wave it in front of the manager's face when you're back in the office paying for your unit after the sale is over. Otherwise, without a TPT in hand or on file with the facility, you can plan on paying the ubiquitous sales tax on whatever amount your auction purchase was. (Here in Chandler it's 7.8%.)
NOTE: if you have an AZ TPT, but you're purchasing the contents of the unit for yourself, i.e., NOT planning to resell, then you'll pay sales tax on it, just as if you were buying something retail for yourself as an end user (since that's essentially what you're doing). See our dear friends at the Arizona Department of Revenue for further details.
3. Bring a LIGHT. You know, even when it's bright and sunny outside on auction day, it's a good idea to bring along a flashlight. Why? Because the unit you're bidding on might be located down a LONG, DARK HALLWAY. Or else it might be in a SHADY part of the building it's in. Or else maybe it's NOT so bright and sunny out today. Or else there's just so much stuff inside the unit, it's hard to get a GOOD LOOK at it all. And since you're only allowed to GAZE longingly through the open door prior to bidding on the unit, you'll want to be sure and give yourself every advantage to see what's there. So, logically, a nice, bright flashlight will help. (Makes sense, no?)
4. Bring a LOCK. Once you realize that, hey, you just gave the winning bid for this locker of loot not five seconds ago, and now suddenly, through a swift, effectual (and usually peaceable) transferral of ownership of the personal property contained therein, by the power vested in that august personage, the auctioneer, it all BELONGS TO YOU now; and that means you'll need to SECURE the premises immediately against all enemies foreign and domestic (as well as local bandits, thieves and other nefarious types) until you come back later to take delivery of your booty. Of course, the best, most cost-effective way to do this is to PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR. (Keeps honest people HONEST, you know.)
5. Bring a FRIEND. Two reasons... First, special events like these are better enjoyed when in the company of a friend. So much more memorable. So much more pleasant and FUN. And, second, let's face it, after the thrill of winning the bidding wars has waned, and the adrenaline rush of conquering your competitors has worn off some--and you've forked over the appropriate amount of CASH (see #1) to consummate the deal that officially makes the stuff YOURS--you know that sooner (rather than later) it'll be time to HAUL AWAY all those heavy boxes, bags, books, beds, bins, and other bulky stuff that probably took TWO people to put it in there in the first place, you'll be glad you chose to bring somebody along--someone who, like you, had too much time on their hands (but I digress)--to share in the workload. (Only a joke, people, calm down!)
6. Bring a TRUCK (or TRAILER). Speaking of HAULING (see #5 above), in addition to having another able-bodied person along to help you clear the stuff out, you'll need an appropriate VEHICLE to do that with (naturally). So rent a truck, borrow a truck, bring your pickup or van, bring a trailer, bring a pickup or van AND a trailer, whatever it takes to get that stuff outta there in a TIMELY and orderly fashion.
7. Return the "PERSONAL" ITEMS. Just before the actual sale begins, you'll hear the auctioneer give some instructions to the crowd--basically the "rules of engagement." Among these is an admonition to RETURN ALL PERSONAL ITEMS from any unit(s) that you buy to the manager of the facility. This includes things like LETTERS, PHOTOS, FAMILY MOMENTOS/KEEPSAKES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, KIDS' HOMEWORK/ARTWORK, as well as TAX RECORDS, BUSINESS RECORDS, MEDICAL RECORDS, FINANCIAL RECORDS, and basically any other DOCUMENTS that ordinarily don't have any intrinsic monetary or resale value. Sometimes you can take care of this while you're emptying out the unit; other times you'll have to sort through it later after you've hauled everything away, in order to find these kinds of things and return them to the manager (ASAP). Be sure and ask the manager, or else the auctioneer (before he heads off to his next lucrative public sale!) if you have any questions about this important little STIPULATION.
************************
Well, that's it. It isn't an EXHAUSTIVE list by any means, but as a "quick-start" guide to Storage Auctions for Fun and Profit, it should help. If not, come see me, since I'm also in charge of our Complaint Department. (Which, coincidentally, is where our office shredder is located. Don't know why that is. All I know is, we aim for TOTAL EFFICIENCY here at Arizona Storage Inns! :)
See you at our next auction. (That's TOMORROW--FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH, 10:30 A.M.!)
Your Manager, Paul
***UPDATE: MARCH 12TH AUCTION CANCELLED! NO UNITS FOR SALE***
OUR NEXT SCHEDULED PUBLIC SALE IS: FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH, 10:30 A.M.
See you then!
0 comments:
Post a Comment