Food auction offers grocery savings

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - Wayne Blair, who owns Blair Auction & Appraisal, LLC , auctions just about everything. But once a month food goes on the auction block in Muskegon. They also have a location in Dorr.

Blair started auctioning food in 2004. He told 24 Hour News 8 it is the best-kept secret because you can save 50 percent, sometimes more, off the sticker price of a product.

Blair's Muskegon auction was held Thursday. Bidders came in with boxes and coolers, scoped out the products, and then bid on the price. Most of the goods are name brand products bought at wholesale.

"This right here has a price unit $3.79. Typically this thing right here will go for a buck and a half, something like that," said Blair.

William Lincoln and his wife are regulars who buy for their whole family.

"We have a daughter that does daycare. We take stuff to her. Then we have another that's laid off. We take stuff to them too," said Lincoln who is from Muskegon.

It's a story 24 Hour News 8 heard from a lot of people at the auction.

"I have five kids and 11 grandchildren," said Barbara Barnes, also from Muskegon.

She says some live with her while others visit often. They all say the savings pay off.

"I can buy bulk and get it for at least 50 percent off," said Barnes.

"Last month I spent $200, but usually about $150," said Sandra Wilson of Holton.

She says she saves at least $100.

Times are tough. And when you have many mouths to feed, people say the auction is one place where you can cut costs.