Container auctions can be fun and a great way to get things cheap. There are essentially two types of container auctions; ones that are used as storage units and others that contain unclaimed freight. Both are ripe to find deals and things to resell. The question though is, where do you find local container auctions? Below I we will talk about where to find one, how they operate, the auction rules, and my experience with the container auctions near me.
Map of Container Auctions Near Me
For “Container Auctions Near Me”, see locations below…
How to Find Container Auctions Near Me
Abandon containers pop up every day across the states and there are auctions to sell their contents. These events run similar to storage unit auctions; the rules are the same and you have no idea what’s inside shipping containers. What makes a container more exciting than a storage locker, is they are often deeper and can hold more valuables.
These events are geared toward people who know about pricing for the resale of general items and also like the thrill of gambling. Everything behind the container doors is a mystery until the auctioneer unlocks it. So how do I find container auctions near me?
Here is how I find my local container auctions:
Google “Events” Search
You probably have already searched on Google for “container auctions near me” and got limited results. That is because these aren’t like auction houses, these are more like pop-up events. So the trick is to know where to search on Google to find the good stuff…
Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find container auctions. These events are not widely advertised and most auction seekers do not use this method to find auctions. This means you can find events that they don’t. That means less bidding competition. You can go there and dominate like a pro. Google Events will list any major listed Container auctions but also list smaller ones. These are what I call “pop-ups”. They are one-time events and run by smaller venues and companies.
Try Google Events here: Container Auctions Near Me This Week
How Do Live Container Auctions Near Me Work
When a shipping container is abandoned or in lien, the shipping agent schedules an auction to clean out its contents and recoup lost costs. It is the last legal thing the company can do to reclaim the container. The company hires an auctioneer and sets up an event where abandoned units are sold to the person willing to pay the most for it. These events follow strict rules and each bid enters the bidder into a legally binding agreement to pay if they win.
Some of these events are done by online auction. This increases their potential for bids, but buyers may need to pay customs duties if the container needs to ship somewhere.
Live events are more exciting. The participants are usually an array of veteran auction hunters and newbies. Everyone is there hoping to guess the value inside and make a bid, that will allow them room for profit of reselling what’s inside.
The flow of the Event
Every auction runs a little differently, but this is the general flow of the container auctions near me…
Register First In Order to Bid
In order to bid, you must register for the event. This will entail proving your identity and they may request proof of finances such as a financial statement. Some events will allow to register online. Others will have you register on the day of the event. Lines can be long, so get there early so you don’t miss the units you wish to bid on.
The Door Gets Opened And You Can Take a Peak…
The auctioneer walks with the participants from container to container stopping to run an auction on all the available units. They pop the lock and open the doors for the buyers to look in. They usually allow enough time so that everyone can get a fair chance to get a peak. The participants are not allowed to walk or reach the unit. You can only look from the outside and make your best guess on what’s inside and what you think it could be worth.
We Will Start the Bidding At…
This is a no-reserve auction and the winner takes all. The auctioneer announces what the bidding starts at and the event begins. The auctioneer will manage the bidders and facilitate the flow of bids. Participants will either raise a hand or make a verbal gesture in order to place a bid. Each bid raises the next in ascending order until the highest bid is placed and no one wants to go higher.
Sold To…
The auctioneer will say “sold” and the highest bidder becomes the owner. Payment should be made right away and the winner can not take anything out of the container until all fees are paid. Payments are always in cash and there is sales tax as well which varies by State. Once the winner pays, they can begin unloading the contents.
Cleaning Deposit…May Be Charged Post Sale
Some auctions charge a fee for a cleaning deposit. They hold usually about $100 until you clear out the unit. You will get this back, once the container is empty. The winner will have 24-48 hours to empty the unit.
Know The Rules for Bidding on Containers
Auction rules will vary by state. You should always review auction rules before bidding. Here are the general rules for the container auctions near me.
- Your bid is on the entire container unit. You can not bid on any individual item inside of it.
- This is a no reserve auction…no sealed bids.
- The winner takes all, and the highest bid wins.
- Payment is due in cash in full once a winner is determined.
- Cleaning deposits are required (varies by state) and returned when the unit is clean.
- The winning bidder has 24-48 hours to clear out the entire unit
- If a vehicle is inside, no title is transferred. It is sold as parts only.
- Any personal belongings in the unit from the previous owner must be returned. This includes photos, tax documents, IDs, and legal records
- Firearms need to be turned into law enforcement
Online Container Auctions vs Public Auctions
Some container auctions will be held online in whole or in part. This means buyers can use a proxy and bid from home on a computer or mobile phone. For a shipping company and auctioneer, it means more potential bidders. For a bidder, it means the event be run despite the weather and they can do a little research based on pictures. As an example, if you see in the photo an LG Refrigerator you can look it up on eBay and see what it sells for used. This helps you better understand the value in the unit and make an educated bid.
Auctions online are popular, I can’t argue that. Pictures though just don’t tell enough of the story about the contents. Going to a live public container auction gives you a better look at the contents. You can use your eyes and your nose to determine the value. While you can’t go in the unit, you can look at different angles and get down on the ground if you have to. Your nose will tell you if there is mold inside or if the owner is a smoker, which drops the value of the contents.
Similar Events to Container Auctions
Many people who like bidding on containers at auctions also like the following:
Legal Considerations and Auction Rules
When participating in container auctions, it’s essential to be aware of the legal aspects and specific rules that govern these events. Whether you’re interested in a shipping container or a storage container, understanding the regulations is key.
In various states, including ironclad assurance north carolina, ironclad assurance georgia, ironclad assurance massachusetts, ironclad assurance pennsylvania, ironclad assurance california, ironclad assurance kentucky, ironclad assurance illinois, ironclad assurance kansas, ironclad assurance ohio, ironclad assurance colorado, and ironclad assurance utah, the concept of ironclad assurance is significant. This term implies a guarantee provided by the auction house about the condition and legitimacy of the containers on sale. It’s a type of buying format ironclad assurance that instills confidence in buyers.
Understanding the auction’s terms and conditions is crucial. Before making a bid, it’s advisable to use the saved search or saved searches feature on the auction website. This helps in familiarizing yourself with specific terms like valuemarks features, current high offer, and the conditions for purchase.
The rules can vary between an online auction and a public auction. For online auctions, it’s often necessary to perform a search visit on the website to review notes compare and understand the type containers being offered. Information about top manufacturers and ensuring the items match your requirements is also vital.
Additionally, asset appraisal services might be involved, offering an estimated value for the containers, which is beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. It’s also important to check for operable doors on the containers, ensuring they are functional and meet safety standards.
Finally, always be mindful of the auction’s location and any additional fees or requirements. Whether you’re looking at Ritchie Bros listings or attending a local sale, being well-informed is crucial for a successful bidding experience.
Future Trends in Container Auctions
The landscape of container auctions is rapidly evolving, driven by both technological advancements and changing market dynamics. As we look towards the future, several key trends are set to reshape the way these auctions operate.
Technology Integration in Auction Processes
One significant trend is the increasing integration of technology. Online platforms are becoming more prevalent, making it easier for bidders to participate from anywhere. This shift not only broadens the market but also introduces new items to the auction scene. The use of sophisticated software allows for better watching compare mechanisms, where bidders can track and compare different containers before making a decision.
Enhanced User Experience through Digital Platforms
Digital platforms are revolutionizing the user experience. With a simple browser, participants can now access a wide range of storage containers available for auction. These platforms often list page items and item added details, providing comprehensive information at the fingertips of the bidders. This transparency and ease of access are likely to attract more participants, making the auctions more competitive and dynamic.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainability is another emerging trend. There’s a growing emphasis on the occupancy use of containers, promoting recycling and repurposing. This trend not only appeals to environmentally conscious buyers but also opens up avenues for other types of containers, previously not considered for auctions.
Changing Legal Landscape and Service Marks
The legal framework governing container auctions is also evolving. New regulations might come into play, focusing on the service marks and other marks associated with these containers. This could influence both the sale buy process and the types of containers available for auction.
Container Auctions Near Me
Container auctions are pretty exciting, but they can be hard to find. They are not often as well advertised as storage lockers. Some container auctions will have really valuable cargo that was abandoned, but you never quite know what you’re going to find.
Before getting involved in these vents though, I would advise attending one first and understanding the flow. While many people are there to bid…others are there to schill, which is to drive the price up. This is what I have learned from the container auctions near me.