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How to Choose an Estate Sale Company

It is difficult to determine what you are looking for in an estate sales business: how does it all work, what should I be looking for, … on top of navigating through the life transition of a family death or moving someone you love, dealing with family challenges, etc.  It is overwhelming!

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I hope the following list (thanks Google) is helpful to narrow your search and relieve some anxiety over this period of time.  I have responded to each criteria with the promises I will always provide.

 

To choose the right estate sale company, prioritize experience, reputation, and cost transparency. 

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1. Experience and Reputation

 

  • Ask about their experience: How many years have they been in business.

    • I grew up around the estate sales business.  I truly love the business and decided to take the plunge to start my own business after I retired from 30 years of teaching.

  • Seek references: Ask for 2-3 professional references for recent sales they've conducted.

    • Just say the word and I will provide plenty.

  • Check online reviews: Look for client testimonials and ratings to assess their professionalism and success rate.

    • Check me out on my website testimonials and Google reviews.

  • Consider attending their sales: Observe how they run sales, price items, and handle customers.

    • Please do! Check my website or Estatesales.org for upcoming sales.

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2. Commission Fees and Costs

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  • Understand the commission structure: Typical fees range from 25% to 50% of sales. 

    • My commission is 40% and I earn every penny.  I also do not add any additional fees other than $150 at contract signing.

  • Inquire about additional costs: Ask about setup, advertising, or other potential fees.

    • I do not charge any additional fees regardless of my labor costs, advertisement fees, online auction fees, etc.

  • Get a clear contract: Review the contract to understand all terms and conditions.

    • I am very up front, you will have all your questions answered before signing the contract-no fine print or ambiguity.

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3.  Conflict of Interest

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  • Ask if they own a resale store:  Understand that this may factor in their pricing.

    • I do not own any other business, I do not eBay on the side or have a personal flip business.

  • Transparency:  Ask if they own a resale shop and if they purchase items from the estate sales they run.  Verify how unsold items will be handled and if they get first pick for their store.

    • No, I do not own a resale shop.  

  • Fair Pricing:  Ensure they price items based on market value, not just what benefits their store.  A red flag is if they offer to buy your leftover items at the end of the sale.

    • I price to sell so there should be minimal (less than 25%) leftover.  I donate all leftover, sellable items.

 

3. Services Offered

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  • Ask about their process: Inquire about their sorting, pricing, and staging methods.

    • Because I offer online auctions as well as in person estate sales (90% of the time both), I sort out online auctions items first (150-200 items) then prepare for in person sale of items that did not make the auction cut or that did not sell on the online auction.  I have been doing this my whole life so I feel I have decent background knowledge of the “going prices” as well as several resources to determine pricing. My staff and I work very hard to present items in an organized, presentable manner for customer satisfaction.

  • Determine what's included: Clarify what services are included in their fee, such as cleaning, advertising, and staffing.

    • I offer, for an additional fee, a total clean out (usually around $1000) and cleaning service (usually $3-500) where you will be left with an estate ready to list.  Pricing varies depending on the condition and size of the estate.  You will know this price before signing the contract.

 

4. Additional Questions to Ask: 

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  • How do they keep track of sales?

    • I am very transparent, you can see what is being sold and for how much on the online auction. For the in person sale, I keep a running tab of what was sold and for how much.  You will be given this report, with a check, at the end of the sale.

  • How do they handle discounts or negotiations? 

    • I reduce prices on the second day and am open to negotiating…to a degree.

  • Can the family be present during the sale?

    • Generally, not recommended. This is to protect you. I can not control customer comments, although the far majority are very respectful, and it is an emotional time for you and your family.  Items that are sold are valued and appreciated but it is still your loved ones' things. That can be emotionally challenging to observe.

  • Are they insured/bonded?

    • Absolutely.  I have never had to submit a claim, we are very careful and conscious of maintaining the integrity of your estate.

  • How many days will it take to set up for the sale? 

    • It varies but generally it is a 3-5 week process from beginning to the end.

  • How many days will the sale be held? 

    • Online auctions generally run for 9 days, Friday-Sunday.  The in person sale is the following weekend, Friday-Saturday, Sunday if needed.

Do they accept credit cards? Cash, credit card, Venmo.

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