Conducting an estate sale is a daunting task for most of us. It requires a huge amount of organization and pricing knowledge. What’s the value of used clothes? Appliances? Furniture? Paintings? Knickknacks?
Since we do this all the time, we have a huge knowledge base of pricing info as well as the best sales techniques to generate sales. Our fees are minimal and our services more than pay for the additional profit we generate for you. So it’s a win-win proposition.
Overview
The first step is an inspection to estimate the extent and value of your property to ensure an estate sales is indeed warranted. We will give you our honest opinion on what your items are worth and whether or not an estate sale could be completed over the course of a single weekend.
In some cases, it might take more time and in other cases there is really not enough value inherent in the person’s possessions to justify an estate sale. Alternatives include selling specific items on consignment in our consignment store or donating them to the Salvation Army or similar charity where they will actually do some good.
We set up everything and conduct the sale with our own staff, a task that is often trying for relatives, due to the memories stirred up by various items and the difficulty in parting with them. We even arrange for all advertising to bring in a flood of people ready with cash. (Advertising costs are initially borne by us so you need not provide money up front, then reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale).
Advertising includes both cost-effective ads placed where we know they will get results, as well as getting word out to our own list of bargain hunters and buyers via email.
You will be paid within 2 weeks of the sale once checks have cleared and financial transactions are complete. Our fee is generally 30% plus the cost of advertising and labor.
Most sales begin on Friday, however an early bird sale can be arranged and held the day before. After the sale ends, we will do a full clean up of all the premises even if that means returning on Monday.
Preparation
It can take more than a week to get everything sparkling and ready for sale. Tables are brought in, all items are arranged and prices assigned. We will search storage areas including storage rooms, garages, closets, attics and basement to find every item of value for the sale. The appearance of each item is important so cobwebs, dust and dirt must go. Some items require research to discover or estimate worth. If an appraiser is needed for a unique or exceptional piece, we will arrange that; however, nothing will be sold without your permission. Anything we find that might qualify as an heirloom such as rare coins, jewelry, weapons or cash are presented to you for authorization before putting it up for sale.
Ultimately, the most valuable asset of any business is satisfied customers. So we do everything we can to ensure you recommend our services to your friends.
Many times there are more items than can be displayed indoors, in which case we will set up additional tables in the yard, garage or drive way. If the weather threatens, we will arrange for temporary shelter.
Coordination
When you get down to it, organizing an estate sale takes a tremendous amount of coordination to tidy up loose ends. That can include contacting all family members, friends, care givers, accountants, attorneys, real estate agents, financial institutions, and sometimes helping to settle any disputes between various parties by offering tips from hard-won experience.
During the estate sale, we stay in touch with you via telephone for questions that may arise. We do the work, but you stay in control.
Costing Information
Our basic cost is 30% of the total sales + the cost of advertising and labor which differ from sale to sale. NO UP FRONT FEES are charged. You are paid within 2 weeks of the end of the sale allowing time for checks to clear. We provide an itemized invoice for all items sold and their selling price.
Not selling everything in your home?
We can help you sell one item or an entire household full. Experience has taught us the most profitable venues for selling any particular item.
Depending on your situation, we can hold your estate sale either in-house or at our consignment shop. Either way, the same professionalism and dependability will make for a successful sale.
If you have a limited number of items to place on sale, we may recommend our consignment shop. If we feel that an item is of superior value we will ensure that an appraiser will value your item so it can be sold properly and if we also see the need – get it sold in a different market (i.e. eBay or auction etc.) The goal being that you get the most return for your valuable items.
We consider your best interests in selecting the optimal venue for your particular situation, whether estate sale, consignment, or individual sales.
- Furniture / Household
- Collectibles / Art Glass
- Jewelry / Handbags / Vanity
- Art / Paintings / Prints
- China / Dishware / Silver