Aloha,

Of course self-storage lien laws vary from state to state; that said, our company conducts open auctions as opposed to a sealed-bid auction. We also will indicate at the time we do cut lock and inventory whether we feel the unit is poor - fair - or strong in it's potential offering. Our auction order will take these notes into account (set the stage; never sell the best, first!).

If you have a strong and gregarious personality leading the auction, I believe there is much to be said for the open auction format. The more bidders present, the more likelihood you can create a bidding 'frenzy' of sorts. The larger the crowd, the more they get caught up in the bidding process -- instead of keeping their eye on the prize (ie; their original percieved value of the unit at the auction onset).

As a result, we have worked hard to build a strong bidders list and personally call and invite each and every one in advance of our auctions. We have a small population base on island, so every attendee is important to our effort.

At the end of the day, my goal (as it is for us all) is to deliver the greatest offset to the balance owed on each unit sold, KWIM?