Bargain hunters search for deals at Pallet Auction

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Big box stores are busy clearing out old merchandise to make room for new inventory, but what happens to some of those older items that are perfectly good. Things like overstock items and returns are on the auction block at a pallet hunt auction.

"I'm getting for the children that don't have anything for Christmas," said Carla Reid.

Leftover items were auctioned off in the valley Friday.

"Every year we take over 1,000 toys to Mexico for kids who need them and a lot of children here in town," said Reid.

She's one of the people bargain-hunting at the auction.

"Good deals, you never know what's going to be here," said Amy Shone.

"Get it for the kids on Christmas, and anything else I can buy household products from Home Depot, whatever," said Reid.

Pallets wrapped in plastic and packed with items from Home Depot were at the auction. One bidder who was looking for tools at low prices, says you have to know what you're doing.

"You really need to be smart, sometimes you can crush yourself, it's not easy," said Hector Delgado.

The auctioneer running the auction has been doing this for 40 years and has a real passion for the business. He says it's never the same day twice.

"It allows them to stay on control, they can decide how much they want to pay, they can decide whether the quality of what they buy is something they're interested in. I want everybody around me to enjoy the show as much as being part of it and bidding," said Todd Utpadel.

Seasoned bidders know when a pallet filled with items hits the auction block, you can't always get what you want.

"No! They went higher than I wanted them to go," said Shone.

If you'd like to learn more about Pallet Hunt Auctions go to www.pallethunt.com