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Auctions are extremely dynamic. That's what I love about them. That's what I hate about them. They can switch on a dime, great bidding one moment, great begging the next. Some auction days, you're the bird, and some auction days you're the statue. You're either standing shiny doing your statue thing and people are saying "Wow, look at that shiny statue," or a bird with extreme gastronomic distress and with nary a Sham Wow in sight.
Well this particular auction, I felt like a naked statue.with not just a bird perched upon me, but a flock of birds who had obviously ingested something they shouldn't have. From my point of view, it was brutal. I'm having flashbacks just writing about it.
This house had all the makings of a good easy breezy auction. A new kitchen, updated baths, great doors, new light fixtures, this was a no brainer! I'd be in and out of this house in a heartbeat. It wasn't a tear-down, but a massive remodeling job and Murco selling out all the materials would really jump start the renovation process.
I don't know why, but for some reason, on auction day, the turnout was extremely light and those who were there went for the jugular. $200.00 for an entire new kitchen? Please God, say it ain't so.
Now I respect that people are there for a great deal. Anyone who has seen the show, knows that ridiculous deals are had by all, every auction. But from my perspective, good business isn't when one person sees one's neck exposed and goes for the jugular. Good business is when both parties understand the situation, but find a way that works for everyone. Good business is when all parties walk away feeling good about their transaction. Many people wonder why I can't just give the materials away, after all, I'm a recycler. However, I have clients to answer to. I am hired to sell and disperse house parts to generate revenue and to reduce waste. When the client has paid thousands for a kitchen that I sell for $200.00 it never goes over big, let me tell you.
It's often a tough road to navigate; provide great deals for my buyers while delivering decent value to my clients. Bottom line is that I care so deeply about what I do. Trying to make both sides of the equation gel doesn't always gel. But you know what? I try. Each and every auction, I try. And when it works, it is so sweet, and when it doesn't, it sucks cheese. But either way, this is what I do, and I accept the ebb and the flow of the open market. I don't necessarily enjoy when buyers give crazy low bids, but I accept it as part of the job. I have no choice other than to suck it up and work with the buyers I have. So ultimately whether it's a good auction or bad auction from a revenue point of view, the effort and intent are the same. Murco connects those who need materials with materials diverted from landfills. I provide buyers with outstanding opportunities to improve their scene while providing owners of a property an avenue to put their home parts to good use while generating revenue.
I'm so proud to be a conduit to the continuation of materials. If I have to swallow a little (or a lot) of pride to do so, whateva' tomorrow's another day!
Don't miss the Little Jodi That Could episode of Total Wrecklamation to see Jodi in action.
Read more about green building supplies:
Planet Green's Guides to Architectural Salvage
Total Wrecklamation: Trash or Cash
How to Go Green: Home Renovation
Is Old Particle Board Safe in Your Home?
Install a Natural Earthen Floor
Check Out 3 Cutting Edge Insulations
3 Reasons Building a House of Stone is Eco Friendly
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