OpenTech Alliance Inc., a Phoenix-based provider of self-storage kiosks, call-center services and other technology, is rolling out a television-advertising campaign aimed at online self-storage auction bidders. The promotion comes three months after OpenTech acquired a majority stake in StorageTreasures.com, an online-auction website that serves self-storage businesses and auction buyers.

The 60-second commercial depicting “big scores” such as classic cars, jewelry and precious metals, is based on actual storage-unit auctions. The commercial will air on the A&E Network during episodes of "Duck Dynasty" and "Storage Wars."

"We're investing heavily in promoting and building our community of bidders," said Robert A. Chiti, CEO and president of OpenTech. "The idea is to play off the popularity of reality shows like ‘Storage Wars.’ StorageTreasures.com is uniquely positioned to give its storage operators more exposure for their auctions to recoup as much debt owed as possible."

The auction website currently supports more than 900,000 registered bidders and serves more than 6,500 self-storage facilities managed or owned by operators such as A-1 Self Storage, Central Self Storage, Compass Self Storage, Extra Space Storage, Great Value Storage and US Storage Centers, according to an OpenTech news release.

More than 20,000 auctions are posted each month on StorageTreasures.com. The number is expected to more than double over the next two years, the release stated.

"This commercial will reach millions of people, some of whom never knew an online storage-auction platform exists. We should definitely see a spike in new bidder registrations,” said Chelsea Horne, product manager for OpenTech. "In addition to our commercials, we educate thousands of consumers through our training videos, blogs and forums about the how to hunt for valuable items, buy them at auction prices and sell them for a profit. For many people, this process has become a successful long-term business."

StorageTreasures.com is a free locator service identifying storage auctions and self-storage facilities in Canada and the United States. The website offers auction schedules and site-specific guidelines for auction hunters and self-storage owners.

OpenTech provides several models of INSOMNIAC self-serve kiosks as well as a range of self-storage rental solutions including the INSOMNIAC Live! Call Center, INSOMNIAC Online Web and mobile applications, LiveAgent! software products, and the INSOMNIAC ILock Security System, all available through the company's self-storage cloud.

Sources: