Schools to Auction Surplus Items Online

The Strongsville schools will start using an online auction site to sell off unneeded equipment and supplies.

Business Manager Mark Donnelly said the district will use Bus Movers and More, a Euclid-based company, to sell old desks, chairs, equipment, vehicles and other items instead of holding an auction on a Saturday afternoon.

"An online auction reduces our cost . . . and increases our revenue because more people can be there," Donnelly said.

There will likely be a lot of items to sell next year when the district empties out the former Allen School in preparation for demolition.

The School Board agreed to instead list items with Bus Movers, which handles sales in a number of other local districts, including Olmsted Falls, Richmond Heights and Chardon.

Company president John Zigman Jr. said he will be responsible for making an inventory of items, taking photos, writing descriptions and posting them on his website, which he said draws buyers from across the country.

In exchange, Zigman gets 20 percent of the proceeds for sales over $5,000; and up to 30 percent for sales under $3,000.

Most items will be listed on the site for 21 days. Customers pay through the website, and have five days to pick up their items. All sales are final, with no refunds. 

"You're going to open it up to many, many more people," Board President David Frazee said.

"It's just a sign of the times," board member Ruth Brickley agreed. "It's much more efficient."