Gabfocus Spotlight: What makes a successful self storage auction?

Collections are rarely something we want to talk about, but they are a significant part of any self storage business. In this Gabfocus Spotlight, Alonna Ross of StorageAuctions.com shares her tips for a successful self storage auction.

Question: "What makes a successful self storage auction?"

Check out the video clip below to hear their answers:

In this Gabfocus Session: What Now? Handling collections, auctions, and lien law, we discuss how to navigate these tricky (and personal) topics. With a clear process, straightforward communication, and diligent follow-through, you can make it easier and safer for your team and your customers.

Check out the full Session to dive deeper! 

Don't want to watch the clip? Here's what Alonna had to say:

"Good pictures. Good pictures. Good pictures.

Don't give me ninety percent shadows. I mean, if I can't see it, they're not going to bid on it. A picture of the door does no good.

We kind of found the sweet spot between 10 and 12 photos minimum for your unit. Now, I will say this for the person who we've talked about has the Honda Civic, and they're trying to move out of a 10 by 30. They can't fit everything.

So some of the big items, Let's say it's a big dresser or an armoire. They couldn't move it. You can't take 12 photos of an armoire. I mean, it is what it is.

I'm a firm believer if you're doing online auctions, think of it like your dating profile. You post the good photos. Same thing with your online auctions. It's like your online storage unit is a dating website. Who's going to want to date your unit? So photos, your description and length of time.

Do not give me 12 hours to sell your unit and think you're going to get 1,000 dollars for it. It's not going to happen."