How-to-Complete-a-Private-Sale-Auction

Some auctions on StorageTreasures are listed by private sellers. These auctions are handled directly between the buyer and the seller, without involvement from a storage facility. Because of this, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared before placing a bid.

Please bid only if you are comfortable managing the transaction independently.

1. Bidding Is a Commitment

Before placing a bid, take a few minutes to carefully review the Auction Details, Unit Description, Rules, and any Additional Information listed on the auction page. These details vary between listings and may include specific requirements like payment methods, cleanout deadlines, and cleaning deposits.

Reminder: Placing a bid is a legally binding agreement to purchase the unit. Bids cannot be canceled or retracted, so make sure you're confident before clicking Place Bid.

2. After You Win: Your Paid Invoice

If you win the auction, StorageTreasures will charge your credit card for any applicable service fees. If your payment is successful, you’ll receive a Paid Invoice by email, and a copy will also be sent to the seller. You can also access it anytime under My Account > Invoices.

The invoice includes:

• Contact info for the seller

• Auction location

• Amount due at pickup

• Cleanout deadline

• Your buyer details

If the service fee payment doesn’t go through, your invoice will be marked Not Ready for Pickup. You won’t be able to move forward with the seller until the fee is successfully paid.

3. Use Caution with High-Value Units

If you're bidding on a unit with a high value, we recommend a few extra steps to protect yourself:

Before paying the seller, always:

• Verify the address matches what’s on your invoice

• Inspect the unit and make sure it matches the auction photos

• Confirm the seller’s identity (we recommend seeing or photographing their ID)

Do not agree to meet anywhere other than the location listed on your invoice. Sales should always take place at a storage facility or warehouse. If you're asked to meet elsewhere, please pause and contact StorageTreasures Support right away.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off when you arrive, don’t enter the unit—contact the seller and review the auction details for accuracy.

4. Scheduling Pickup

Once your invoice is marked Paid, the seller will typically reach out to coordinate pickup—or you can contact them using the information provided.

Important: Please do not contact the storage facility. They are not involved in private seller auctions and will be unable to assist.

For a smooth pickup, be ready to:

• Confirm your Auction ID or Invoice number

• Bring a valid photo ID

• Bring exact cash for the Total Due at Facility and cleaning deposit (if applicable)

5. Meeting the Seller and Completing the Sale

When you arrive:

• The seller will check your ID

• They will open the unit so you can confirm its contents

• If everything looks good, you’ll pay the seller (usually cash) and leave the cleaning deposit if required

Once you've emptied the unit and left it in broom-swept condition, the seller will return your deposit.

Partial cleanouts (cherry-picking) are not allowed. All items must be removed by the cleanout deadline, or your account may be suspended.

6. During Cleanout

The seller must remain on-site during the cleanout. Since private sellers typically do not provide gate codes:

• You’ll need to coordinate re-entry if multiple trips are required

• The seller is still the legal tenant and responsible for your conduct while you're on the property

7. If Your Invoice Is Declined

If your service fee payment fails:

• Your invoice will be marked Not Ready for Pickup

• You’ll need to update your payment method under My Account > Invoices and select Pay Now, or reach out to Customer Support for help

⏱ Please take care of this quickly—if payment isn’t made within 24 hours, the seller may offer the unit to the next highest bidder.

Summary – Buyer Tips for Private Seller Auctions

✔️ Read all auction details carefully before bidding
✔️ Bids are binding and cannot be canceled

✔️ Always confirm the private seller's identity before submitting payment
✔️ Always meet at the listed facility—not offsite
✔️ Trust your gut—pause if anything seems off
✔️ Bring ID and exact cash for pickup
✔️ Clean out the unit completely and on time
✔️ StorageTreasures does not mediate or guarantee private seller transactions—units are sold as-is