If you are looking for a cost-effective way to furnish or decorate your home, you may want to consider shopping at an estate sale. They’re also a great place to source vintage and antique goods for collecting or reselling. Estate sales offer a fantastic opportunity to purchase high-quality items at a fraction of their retail price. In this estate sale guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how estate sales work, etiquette, and common rules, tips for beginners, and where to find estate sales in your area.
Estate Sale Guide
How Estate Sales Work
Estate sales are typically run by professional estate sale companies, although they can also be run by the family of the deceased or by an individual who is downsizing. When an individual is having an estate sale because they’re downsizing it’s usually referred to as a living estate sale.
The estate sale company will typically come in and evaluate the items that are for sale, and they will price them accordingly. The items will then be displayed in the home or at a designated location, and shoppers will be able to browse and purchase them.
Most estate sales are held over the course of a weekend, although some may run for longer or shorter periods of time. On the first day of the sale, prices will be at their highest, and on subsequent days, prices will be lowered to encourage sales. Estate sale companies will often offer discounts for larger purchases or for items that are purchased on the last day of the sale.
How to Buy Items at an Estate Sale
When buying something at an estate sale, you can use sold tags or hold onto the sticker to ensure you purchase the item you want. Sold tags are usually provided at the sale, and you can attach them to the item you wish to buy. You can also hold onto the sticker or tag that corresponds to the item you want, which will have a unique number or identifier. It’s essential to communicate with the sale organizer or staff to ensure they know which items you have tagged or held onto, and to pay for them promptly. It’s important to be respectful of other shoppers and not remove or switch tags, as this can cause confusion and lead to misunderstandings. If you’re confused about how the system works when you get to an estate sale, don’t be afraid to ask one of the employees working the sale.
Etiquette and Common Estate Sale Rules
If you are new to estate sales, it is important to understand the etiquette and common rules that are associated with these events. In this estate sale guide we’ll cover some of the most important things to keep in mind:
1. Respect the property
Estate sales are held in someone’s home, and it is important to respect the property and the items that are for sale. Do not damage or move items without permission, and don’t bring food or drink into an estate sale. Make sure to obey any parking signs and avoid parking on anyone’s lawn.
2. No early birds
Most estate sales have a specific start time, and it is important to respect this. Do not arrive early and attempt to enter the home before the sale officially starts. Some estate sale companies will even have a sign-in sheet and will call you when it’s your turn.
3. Bring cash
Most estate sales are cash-only, so be sure to bring enough money to make your purchases. Some estate sale companies may accept credit cards, but this is not always the case.
4. Negotiate respectfully
It is common to negotiate the price of items at an estate sale, but it is important to do so respectfully. Do not try to haggle too aggressively, and be prepared to walk away if the price is not right.
5. Be prepared to pack and transport your purchases
Estate sale companies will not typically provide packing materials or transportation for your purchases, so be sure to bring your own bags or boxes and make arrangements for transportation.
6. No returns or exchanges
Most estate sales are final, so be sure to inspect items carefully before making your purchase. If you are unsure about an item, it is better to pass on it rather than risk the purchase.
7. Do not drag any furniture
If you find a heavy piece of furniture that you’re interested in, do not drag the furniture. You could risk breaking the piece or damaging the floor. Bring help if you are planning on buying any big pieces. You will usually have until the end of the sale to have any furniture moved off the property, so plan accordingly. On some occasions, porters or delivery will be available.
8. Respect any “Do Not Enter” signs at all times
There may be rooms that are off-limits and are usually marked with signs, caution tape, or even furniture in front of a door. For obvious reasons, do not go into these areas.
9. Respect other shoppers and the estate sale workers
I hate that this even needs to be stated, but please respect those around you. Do not cut in line, take something that another shopper is reaching for, beg for lower prices, or be rude to anyone. Be kind, be courteous, and have patience.
10. Keep children from touching things or running around
Pretty straightforward.
11. Understand the tag system
Many estate sale companies use a color-coding system to indicate the price of an item. For example, items with green tags may be priced at $5, while items with yellow tags may be priced at $10. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the color-coding system before attending an estate sale, so you can quickly identify the prices of items you are interested in.
Tips for Beginners
Estate sales can be a treasure trove of unique and valuable items, but they can also be overwhelming for first-time attendees. If you’re planning to attend an estate sale, here are some helpful tips to make the most out of your experience.
1. Do Your Research: It's important to research the estate sale company and the types of items that are typically sold at these events. You can also check the company's reputation and pricing policies beforehand.
2. Arrive Early: Arriving early enough to get a good spot in line is crucial. Estate sales can be busy, and the best items can be gone quickly. However, arriving too early is not recommended as it may disrupt the setup process.
3. Bring a List: To avoid getting overwhelmed, bring a list of the items you are looking for. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you do not overlook anything important.
4. Dress Appropriately: Estate sales can be dusty and dirty, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.
5. Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask the estate sale company questions about items that catch your interest. They may be able to provide valuable information about the item's history or value.
6. Bring a Tape Measure: Measure your space or vehicle beforehand and bring a tape measure with you to avoid purchasing items that won't fit.
7. Use the Available Hold Table: Some estate sales offer a hold table where shoppers can temporarily leave their purchases while they continue to shop.
8. Sign up for Estate Sale Notifications: Consider signing up for estate sale notifications on websites or from companies. You'll be notified of new and upcoming sales in your area.
9. Bring Packing Supplies: Most estate sales do not provide packing materials, so bring your own bubble wrap, boxes, and bags to pack your purchases safely.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate estate sales like a pro and snag some great finds.
Where to Find Estate Sales in Your Area
Local newspapers and classified ads
Many estate sale companies advertise their upcoming sales in local newspapers and classified ads. It’s a good idea to check these sources regularly to stay informed about the latest sales.
Online websites
Several websites, such as EstateSales.net, EstateSales.org, and EstateSales.com, list estate sales in different areas. While there may be some overlap, it’s recommended to check them all to ensure you don’t miss out on any sales. Craigslist is another platform where you can find local estate sales, garage sales, and yard sales.
Social media
Estate sale companies frequently use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to advertise their upcoming sales. To stay updated on these events, consider following these companies. You can also search Facebook groups for local estate sales or garage sales in your area. Additionally, people often post their upcoming estate sales on Facebook Marketplace. If you search “estate sale” on the Marketplace, you’ll find various options in your area.
Best Websites for Online Estate Sales
Interested in where to find online estate sales to shop from the comfort of your home? Say no more.
CTBids is an online estate sale platform that allows users to bid on a variety of items from different estate sales. The company operates in various cities and states across the United States and provides a platform for estate sale companies to conduct their sales online.
MaxSold has a wide variety of items for sale, including furniture, jewelry, collectibles, and more. The platform is easy to use, and buyers can browse through items and place bids quickly and easily. MaxSold also offers professional, insured shipping for items purchased through their platform.
Alternatives to Estate Sales
Auctions
Unlike estate sales, where items are typically priced by the seller, auctions involve bidding among multiple buyers which can result in lower prices for items. Additionally, auctions often have a wider range of items available, including rare and unique pieces that may not be found at estate sales. Auctions can also be a more efficient way to shop, as multiple items can be bid on and won in one location.
You can find local auctions in your area using websites like www.auctionzip.com, www.gotoauction.com, and
Yard Sales & Garage Sales
Estate Sales are typically run by professionals and may have higher prices, whereas yard sales and garage sales are often organized by individuals or families looking to get rid of unwanted items. This means that prices can be negotiable, and buyers may be able to find bargains on unique items. Additionally, yard sales and garage sales can offer a more relaxed shopping experience, without the pressure and crowds that can come with estate sales.
Estate sales offer a great opportunity to purchase high-quality items at a fraction of their retail price. By understanding how estate sales work, respecting the etiquette and common rules and following these tips for beginners, you can make the most of your estate sale experience. Be sure to research estate sale companies in your area and stay informed about upcoming sales to ensure that you do not miss out on any great deals.
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