Customer Spotlight: Owatonna Public Schools Auction
With the opening of a brand new high school, Owatonna Public Schools reached out to Grafe Auction to use our services in auctioning off assets from their old facility. In this Customer Spotlight, we focus on Owatonna Public Schools and their transition to a new high school. This blog details how our expertise in handling school auction services and large-scale events helped in successfully managing this significant undertaking.
Customer Needs
The staff at Owatonna Public Schools needed an expert team to undertake the logistics behind a school equipment auction, so Grafe Auction was a natural fit. They needed to efficiently liquidate a wide range of surplus school equipment from their old campus, which required specialized handling due to the diverse nature and volume of the items. The school sought a trusted partner who could not only manage the logistics of such a large-scale auction but also ensure maximum outreach and return on these assets. Not only have we conducted other school auctions, we've handled many auctions that take days to execute and much longer to plan.
Given our extensive experience with educational institution auctions and a proven track record of managing complex, multi-day events, Grafe Auction was the ideal choice for this endeavor. Our team's expertise in cataloging, staging, and marketing a variety of items – from classroom furniture to specialized equipment – ensured that each asset was appropriately valued and presented to attract the right buyers.
Grafe Auction
Solution
After reviewing the extensive amount of assets and variety of categories available for auction, Grafe Auction staff suggested a three event auction. By doing this, it spreads out the logistics of the auction (including cataloging, setup and the removal process) into manageable events. Additionally, momentum tends to build in a series of events with media and word-of-mouth. The auctions were as follows:
Auction 1
The first event comprised of a wide selection of equipment and furnishings including home economics and art classroom materials, chalkboard maps, lockers, projectors, school furniture including desks and chairs, smart boards, grounds maintenance items such as metal trash cans and benches, and more. This sale also included architectural features such as wrought iron railings, doors, and windows dating back to 1921 from the oldest part of the high school campus.
Notable Sales:
- Mamiya M645 Cameras sold for $230 to $350.
- Several 65" SMART Boards with Epson projectors and accessories sold in the $250 to $475 range.
- A Kolpak Combination walk-in cooler/freezer sold for $550.
- A vintage (1942-43) Bubble UP 8oz. Pop Bottles with Coca-Cola Wood Box sold for $275.
Auction 2
Auction two featured musical instruments including pianos, horns, clarinets, and more from the school's band and orchestra programs. Also on auction were Wenger risers, stands, chairs, cabinets, and acoustic materials that outfitted the music spaces. The theatre department was featured as well, with hundreds of theatre seats, curtains, lights, and production equipment available. Classroom furnishings, IT components, and office furniture rounded out the wide selection. Last but not least, food service equipment from the cafeteria was featured.
Highest Single Item Sales:
- A walk-in cooler/freezer sold for $10,000.
- Several Rational combi ovens sold in the $5,500 to $8,000 range.
- A Wenger portable sound module room sold for $6,800.
Other Notable Sales:
- A Vito VSP baritone saxophone with case sold for $3,750.
- Multiple lots of Wenger Tourmaster 3-step Risers with rails sold for $850 per set.
- Several high-end musical instruments sold in the $1,000 to $1,500 range, including bassoons and a double french horn.
Auction 3
The final auction in the series concluded with high-quality equipment from the high school athletic facilities and metalworking shops. Bidders found weight machines, free weights, weight racks, mats, and more from the state-of-the-art weight room and training areas. Metal lockers, benches, and shelving from the locker rooms were also up for bid. The sale included metalworking equipment such as lathes, mills, saws, drills, and other shop tools and machines. Late model classroom furniture including desks, chairs, tables, whiteboards, TVs, and electronics from recently updated academic spaces were available. Office furniture, file cabinets, trophy cases, and other items rounded out the wide selection.
Trends and Sales:
- Notable high value sales included several Miller welders in the $1000-1900 range, an above ground car lift for $950, and a John Deere diesel engine for $400.
- In the furniture category, several L-shaped desks with overhead storage sold in the $120-150 range. Rolling wood laminate tables and portable laminate tables also had some sales over $100.
- Many microscopes sold, with prices ranging from $25 to $70 each. Packs of slides also appeared.
By the Numbers
The trio of auctions showcased an impressive breadth, featuring over 3,000 diverse lots and attracting nearly 200,000 bids. This remarkable participation underscores the vast potential of educational equipment auctions as a highly effective and lucrative avenue for schools to efficiently dispose of their surplus assets. The substantial bidder turnout not only reflects the broad appeal of these events but also highlights our expertise in reaching and engaging a wide audience in the educational auction sphere.
As the series of auctions for Owatonna Public Schools concluded, it exemplified the detailed planning and execution required for such large-scale liquidations. The strategy to host three distinct events ensured thorough cataloging, increased buyer interest and a smooth removal process, reflecting Grafe Auction's proficiency in managing complex auctions. This project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver tailored solutions in educational asset liquidation.
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