In the world of liquidation and reselling, every entrepreneur's journey is different. Some jump in headfirst, while others take a slower, more calculated approach. For Cary Rash, co-founder of My Auction House, the decision to start an online auction business during the pandemic was a leap of faith. One that paid off in ways he never expected.
I sat down with Cary to hear his story, the lessons he's learned, and the advice he has for other resellers looking to build a successful auction business. His insights are packed with real-world experience, hard-earned wisdom, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the liquidation space.
The Beginning: Taking a Chance in an Uncertain Time
Cary didn’t plan on running an auction business. In fact, his entry into the industry was almost accidental.
“My business partner is also my best friend. He was working with HiBid on their processing side, handling payments for auction companies. One day, he called me up and said, ‘Hey, ATX Auctions wants to teach us how to run our own auction house. You want to do it?’ I figured, why not? I’m always up for something new.”
That simple decision turned into a full-fledged business. My Auction House was born in 2021, during a time when retail was shifting dramatically. With more people looking for discounted products and alternative shopping experiences, Cary saw the potential in online auctions.
“Auctioning liquidation goods made sense. Amazon was exploding during COVID, and when the economy takes a hit, people start looking for better deals. I knew there was a demand for what we were offering.”
But just because the demand was there didn’t mean the road was easy.
Lessons from the Field: What It Takes to Succeed
Cary’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. When asked about the biggest lessons he’s learned, he didn’t hold back.
1. Don’t Grow Too Fast
“Expansion can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. We tried opening a massive warehouse in Chicago, thinking the population density would work in our favor. Turns out, that was a huge mistake. Marketing auctions is tough, especially in big cities where people associate auctions with estate sales or junk. We lost our butts out there.”
Instead, he recommends starting small and testing the waters.
“Don’t sign a five-year lease if you’ve never done business in a city before. I learned that small towns with 50,000 to 100,000 people can be gold mines. People talk, word spreads fast, and marketing is easier. If you put up two billboards on the only freeways in town, everyone will know who you are in a couple of months.”
2. Build Relationships with Good Brokers
“Brokers get a bad rap, but a good broker will fight for you. I’ve been working with Matt and Dylan from BuyLow Warehouse since day one, and they actually care about my business thriving. The bad ones just want to dump a load and move on, but the good ones look at the long-term relationship.”
Cary emphasizes the importance of working with trustworthy suppliers and diversifying inventory sources.
“You can’t rely on just one supplier. Contracts change, inventory fluctuates, and what was a great load last month might be junk today. Always test different suppliers and have backups for your backups.”
3. Adapt and Keep Experimenting
“Too many people get comfortable buying the same loads over and over. If you’re not testing new loads, your business is going to get stagnant.”
Cary has built My Auction House by constantly adapting, trying new product categories, switching up marketing strategies, and staying ahead of trends.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there. Use every platform you can: OfferUp, eBay, Facebook Marketplace. I know people who started with just a storage unit, flipping items online, and built their way up. You don’t need a massive warehouse right away.”
Overcoming Challenges: Sourcing, Hiring, and Scaling
Running an auction house isn’t just about selling—it’s about keeping a steady flow of inventory, managing employees, and ensuring smooth operations.
1. Sourcing the Right Inventory
“Sourcing isn’t the hard part. Getting good loads is the real challenge. You’ll get lucky sometimes, and then other times, you’ll get a truckload of junk. The key is not to panic. If you get a bad load, try again in six months, that same supplier might be good again.”
Cary stresses that consistency is everything.
“You need to track where your best loads are coming from. I built my own software just to track ROI per facility because I was buying from multiple sources at once. If you’re not using software to analyze your purchases, you’re leaving money on the table.”
2. Hiring the Right People
Finding reliable employees is another major challenge.
“The most important person in your business is the one at the front desk. You need someone who’s patient, firm, and good with people. They set the tone for your customer experience.”
Cary has learned that hiring the right team can make or break a business.
“In California, labor is expensive, so I have to make sure my employees are getting full hours. That means I need inventory constantly moving. If there’s a slowdown, it affects everything: rent, payroll, cash flow.”
Advice for New Resellers: How to Get Started the Right Way
Before wrapping up, I asked Cary what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting an auction business. His response was straightforward:
Start small. “Don’t jump in with both feet and sign a huge lease. Test the market first.”
Use every platform available. “OfferUp, Facebook, Craigslist, just get your name out there however you can.”
Do your research. “Find out if your area is a good market for auctions before committing.”
Invest in tracking software. “If you don’t know where your money is going, you’re flying blind.”
Work with good suppliers. “The right partners will make or break your business.”
Final Thoughts
Cary’s story is proof that success in liquidation and reselling isn’t about luck, it’s about making smart decisions, adapting to change, and building strong relationships. Whether you’re running an auction house, a bin store, or an e-commerce business, the lessons he’s learned apply across the board.
At BuyLow Warehouse, we’re proud to support resellers like Cary who are building their businesses the right way. If you’re ready to start or scale your reselling business, check out our available truckloads or schedule a call with our team today.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-Min meeting today and get $250 off your first load and start reselling with confidence. 🎯
In the world of liquidation and reselling, every entrepreneur's journey is different. Some jump in headfirst, while others take a slower, more calculated approach. For Cary Rash, co-founder of My Auction House, the decision to start an online auction business during the pandemic was a leap of faith. One that paid off in ways he never expected.
I sat down with Cary to hear his story, the lessons he's learned, and the advice he has for other resellers looking to build a successful auction business. His insights are packed with real-world experience, hard-earned wisdom, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the liquidation space.
The Beginning: Taking a Chance in an Uncertain Time
Cary didn’t plan on running an auction business. In fact, his entry into the industry was almost accidental.
“My business partner is also my best friend. He was working with HiBid on their processing side, handling payments for auction companies. One day, he called me up and said, ‘Hey, ATX Auctions wants to teach us how to run our own auction house. You want to do it?’ I figured, why not? I’m always up for something new.”
That simple decision turned into a full-fledged business. My Auction House was born in 2021, during a time when retail was shifting dramatically. With more people looking for discounted products and alternative shopping experiences, Cary saw the potential in online auctions.
“Auctioning liquidation goods made sense. Amazon was exploding during COVID, and when the economy takes a hit, people start looking for better deals. I knew there was a demand for what we were offering.”
But just because the demand was there didn’t mean the road was easy.
Lessons from the Field: What It Takes to Succeed
Cary’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. When asked about the biggest lessons he’s learned, he didn’t hold back.
1. Don’t Grow Too Fast
“Expansion can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. We tried opening a massive warehouse in Chicago, thinking the population density would work in our favor. Turns out, that was a huge mistake. Marketing auctions is tough, especially in big cities where people associate auctions with estate sales or junk. We lost our butts out there.”
Instead, he recommends starting small and testing the waters.
“Don’t sign a five-year lease if you’ve never done business in a city before. I learned that small towns with 50,000 to 100,000 people can be gold mines. People talk, word spreads fast, and marketing is easier. If you put up two billboards on the only freeways in town, everyone will know who you are in a couple of months.”
2. Build Relationships with Good Brokers
“Brokers get a bad rap, but a good broker will fight for you. I’ve been working with Matt and Dylan from BuyLow Warehouse since day one, and they actually care about my business thriving. The bad ones just want to dump a load and move on, but the good ones look at the long-term relationship.”
Cary emphasizes the importance of working with trustworthy suppliers and diversifying inventory sources.
“You can’t rely on just one supplier. Contracts change, inventory fluctuates, and what was a great load last month might be junk today. Always test different suppliers and have backups for your backups.”
3. Adapt and Keep Experimenting
“Too many people get comfortable buying the same loads over and over. If you’re not testing new loads, your business is going to get stagnant.”
Cary has built My Auction House by constantly adapting, trying new product categories, switching up marketing strategies, and staying ahead of trends.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there. Use every platform you can: OfferUp, eBay, Facebook Marketplace. I know people who started with just a storage unit, flipping items online, and built their way up. You don’t need a massive warehouse right away.”
Overcoming Challenges: Sourcing, Hiring, and Scaling
Running an auction house isn’t just about selling—it’s about keeping a steady flow of inventory, managing employees, and ensuring smooth operations.
1. Sourcing the Right Inventory
“Sourcing isn’t the hard part. Getting good loads is the real challenge. You’ll get lucky sometimes, and then other times, you’ll get a truckload of junk. The key is not to panic. If you get a bad load, try again in six months, that same supplier might be good again.”
Cary stresses that consistency is everything.
“You need to track where your best loads are coming from. I built my own software just to track ROI per facility because I was buying from multiple sources at once. If you’re not using software to analyze your purchases, you’re leaving money on the table.”
2. Hiring the Right People
Finding reliable employees is another major challenge.
“The most important person in your business is the one at the front desk. You need someone who’s patient, firm, and good with people. They set the tone for your customer experience.”
Cary has learned that hiring the right team can make or break a business.
“In California, labor is expensive, so I have to make sure my employees are getting full hours. That means I need inventory constantly moving. If there’s a slowdown, it affects everything: rent, payroll, cash flow.”
Advice for New Resellers: How to Get Started the Right Way
Before wrapping up, I asked Cary what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting an auction business. His response was straightforward:
Start small. “Don’t jump in with both feet and sign a huge lease. Test the market first.”
Use every platform available. “OfferUp, Facebook, Craigslist, just get your name out there however you can.”
Do your research. “Find out if your area is a good market for auctions before committing.”
Invest in tracking software. “If you don’t know where your money is going, you’re flying blind.”
Work with good suppliers. “The right partners will make or break your business.”
Final Thoughts
Cary’s story is proof that success in liquidation and reselling isn’t about luck, it’s about making smart decisions, adapting to change, and building strong relationships. Whether you’re running an auction house, a bin store, or an e-commerce business, the lessons he’s learned apply across the board.
At BuyLow Warehouse, we’re proud to support resellers like Cary who are building their businesses the right way. If you’re ready to start or scale your reselling business, check out our available truckloads or schedule a call with our team today.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-Min meeting today and get $250 off your first load and start reselling with confidence. 🎯
In the world of liquidation and reselling, every entrepreneur's journey is different. Some jump in headfirst, while others take a slower, more calculated approach. For Cary Rash, co-founder of My Auction House, the decision to start an online auction business during the pandemic was a leap of faith. One that paid off in ways he never expected.
I sat down with Cary to hear his story, the lessons he's learned, and the advice he has for other resellers looking to build a successful auction business. His insights are packed with real-world experience, hard-earned wisdom, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the liquidation space.
The Beginning: Taking a Chance in an Uncertain Time
Cary didn’t plan on running an auction business. In fact, his entry into the industry was almost accidental.
“My business partner is also my best friend. He was working with HiBid on their processing side, handling payments for auction companies. One day, he called me up and said, ‘Hey, ATX Auctions wants to teach us how to run our own auction house. You want to do it?’ I figured, why not? I’m always up for something new.”
That simple decision turned into a full-fledged business. My Auction House was born in 2021, during a time when retail was shifting dramatically. With more people looking for discounted products and alternative shopping experiences, Cary saw the potential in online auctions.
“Auctioning liquidation goods made sense. Amazon was exploding during COVID, and when the economy takes a hit, people start looking for better deals. I knew there was a demand for what we were offering.”
But just because the demand was there didn’t mean the road was easy.
Lessons from the Field: What It Takes to Succeed
Cary’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. When asked about the biggest lessons he’s learned, he didn’t hold back.
1. Don’t Grow Too Fast
“Expansion can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. We tried opening a massive warehouse in Chicago, thinking the population density would work in our favor. Turns out, that was a huge mistake. Marketing auctions is tough, especially in big cities where people associate auctions with estate sales or junk. We lost our butts out there.”
Instead, he recommends starting small and testing the waters.
“Don’t sign a five-year lease if you’ve never done business in a city before. I learned that small towns with 50,000 to 100,000 people can be gold mines. People talk, word spreads fast, and marketing is easier. If you put up two billboards on the only freeways in town, everyone will know who you are in a couple of months.”
2. Build Relationships with Good Brokers
“Brokers get a bad rap, but a good broker will fight for you. I’ve been working with Matt and Dylan from BuyLow Warehouse since day one, and they actually care about my business thriving. The bad ones just want to dump a load and move on, but the good ones look at the long-term relationship.”
Cary emphasizes the importance of working with trustworthy suppliers and diversifying inventory sources.
“You can’t rely on just one supplier. Contracts change, inventory fluctuates, and what was a great load last month might be junk today. Always test different suppliers and have backups for your backups.”
3. Adapt and Keep Experimenting
“Too many people get comfortable buying the same loads over and over. If you’re not testing new loads, your business is going to get stagnant.”
Cary has built My Auction House by constantly adapting, trying new product categories, switching up marketing strategies, and staying ahead of trends.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there. Use every platform you can: OfferUp, eBay, Facebook Marketplace. I know people who started with just a storage unit, flipping items online, and built their way up. You don’t need a massive warehouse right away.”
Overcoming Challenges: Sourcing, Hiring, and Scaling
Running an auction house isn’t just about selling—it’s about keeping a steady flow of inventory, managing employees, and ensuring smooth operations.
1. Sourcing the Right Inventory
“Sourcing isn’t the hard part. Getting good loads is the real challenge. You’ll get lucky sometimes, and then other times, you’ll get a truckload of junk. The key is not to panic. If you get a bad load, try again in six months, that same supplier might be good again.”
Cary stresses that consistency is everything.
“You need to track where your best loads are coming from. I built my own software just to track ROI per facility because I was buying from multiple sources at once. If you’re not using software to analyze your purchases, you’re leaving money on the table.”
2. Hiring the Right People
Finding reliable employees is another major challenge.
“The most important person in your business is the one at the front desk. You need someone who’s patient, firm, and good with people. They set the tone for your customer experience.”
Cary has learned that hiring the right team can make or break a business.
“In California, labor is expensive, so I have to make sure my employees are getting full hours. That means I need inventory constantly moving. If there’s a slowdown, it affects everything: rent, payroll, cash flow.”
Advice for New Resellers: How to Get Started the Right Way
Before wrapping up, I asked Cary what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting an auction business. His response was straightforward:
Start small. “Don’t jump in with both feet and sign a huge lease. Test the market first.”
Use every platform available. “OfferUp, Facebook, Craigslist, just get your name out there however you can.”
Do your research. “Find out if your area is a good market for auctions before committing.”
Invest in tracking software. “If you don’t know where your money is going, you’re flying blind.”
Work with good suppliers. “The right partners will make or break your business.”
Final Thoughts
Cary’s story is proof that success in liquidation and reselling isn’t about luck, it’s about making smart decisions, adapting to change, and building strong relationships. Whether you’re running an auction house, a bin store, or an e-commerce business, the lessons he’s learned apply across the board.
At BuyLow Warehouse, we’re proud to support resellers like Cary who are building their businesses the right way. If you’re ready to start or scale your reselling business, check out our available truckloads or schedule a call with our team today.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-Min meeting today and get $250 off your first load and start reselling with confidence. 🎯
In the world of liquidation and reselling, every entrepreneur's journey is different. Some jump in headfirst, while others take a slower, more calculated approach. For Cary Rash, co-founder of My Auction House, the decision to start an online auction business during the pandemic was a leap of faith. One that paid off in ways he never expected.
I sat down with Cary to hear his story, the lessons he's learned, and the advice he has for other resellers looking to build a successful auction business. His insights are packed with real-world experience, hard-earned wisdom, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the liquidation space.
The Beginning: Taking a Chance in an Uncertain Time
Cary didn’t plan on running an auction business. In fact, his entry into the industry was almost accidental.
“My business partner is also my best friend. He was working with HiBid on their processing side, handling payments for auction companies. One day, he called me up and said, ‘Hey, ATX Auctions wants to teach us how to run our own auction house. You want to do it?’ I figured, why not? I’m always up for something new.”
That simple decision turned into a full-fledged business. My Auction House was born in 2021, during a time when retail was shifting dramatically. With more people looking for discounted products and alternative shopping experiences, Cary saw the potential in online auctions.
“Auctioning liquidation goods made sense. Amazon was exploding during COVID, and when the economy takes a hit, people start looking for better deals. I knew there was a demand for what we were offering.”
But just because the demand was there didn’t mean the road was easy.
Lessons from the Field: What It Takes to Succeed
Cary’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. When asked about the biggest lessons he’s learned, he didn’t hold back.
1. Don’t Grow Too Fast
“Expansion can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. We tried opening a massive warehouse in Chicago, thinking the population density would work in our favor. Turns out, that was a huge mistake. Marketing auctions is tough, especially in big cities where people associate auctions with estate sales or junk. We lost our butts out there.”
Instead, he recommends starting small and testing the waters.
“Don’t sign a five-year lease if you’ve never done business in a city before. I learned that small towns with 50,000 to 100,000 people can be gold mines. People talk, word spreads fast, and marketing is easier. If you put up two billboards on the only freeways in town, everyone will know who you are in a couple of months.”
2. Build Relationships with Good Brokers
“Brokers get a bad rap, but a good broker will fight for you. I’ve been working with Matt and Dylan from BuyLow Warehouse since day one, and they actually care about my business thriving. The bad ones just want to dump a load and move on, but the good ones look at the long-term relationship.”
Cary emphasizes the importance of working with trustworthy suppliers and diversifying inventory sources.
“You can’t rely on just one supplier. Contracts change, inventory fluctuates, and what was a great load last month might be junk today. Always test different suppliers and have backups for your backups.”
3. Adapt and Keep Experimenting
“Too many people get comfortable buying the same loads over and over. If you’re not testing new loads, your business is going to get stagnant.”
Cary has built My Auction House by constantly adapting, trying new product categories, switching up marketing strategies, and staying ahead of trends.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there. Use every platform you can: OfferUp, eBay, Facebook Marketplace. I know people who started with just a storage unit, flipping items online, and built their way up. You don’t need a massive warehouse right away.”
Overcoming Challenges: Sourcing, Hiring, and Scaling
Running an auction house isn’t just about selling—it’s about keeping a steady flow of inventory, managing employees, and ensuring smooth operations.
1. Sourcing the Right Inventory
“Sourcing isn’t the hard part. Getting good loads is the real challenge. You’ll get lucky sometimes, and then other times, you’ll get a truckload of junk. The key is not to panic. If you get a bad load, try again in six months, that same supplier might be good again.”
Cary stresses that consistency is everything.
“You need to track where your best loads are coming from. I built my own software just to track ROI per facility because I was buying from multiple sources at once. If you’re not using software to analyze your purchases, you’re leaving money on the table.”
2. Hiring the Right People
Finding reliable employees is another major challenge.
“The most important person in your business is the one at the front desk. You need someone who’s patient, firm, and good with people. They set the tone for your customer experience.”
Cary has learned that hiring the right team can make or break a business.
“In California, labor is expensive, so I have to make sure my employees are getting full hours. That means I need inventory constantly moving. If there’s a slowdown, it affects everything: rent, payroll, cash flow.”
Advice for New Resellers: How to Get Started the Right Way
Before wrapping up, I asked Cary what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting an auction business. His response was straightforward:
Start small. “Don’t jump in with both feet and sign a huge lease. Test the market first.”
Use every platform available. “OfferUp, Facebook, Craigslist, just get your name out there however you can.”
Do your research. “Find out if your area is a good market for auctions before committing.”
Invest in tracking software. “If you don’t know where your money is going, you’re flying blind.”
Work with good suppliers. “The right partners will make or break your business.”
Final Thoughts
Cary’s story is proof that success in liquidation and reselling isn’t about luck, it’s about making smart decisions, adapting to change, and building strong relationships. Whether you’re running an auction house, a bin store, or an e-commerce business, the lessons he’s learned apply across the board.
At BuyLow Warehouse, we’re proud to support resellers like Cary who are building their businesses the right way. If you’re ready to start or scale your reselling business, check out our available truckloads or schedule a call with our team today.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-Min meeting today and get $250 off your first load and start reselling with confidence. 🎯
