Hiring an Estate Sale Co? Do Proper Research First!

You get what you pay for and you must check references!

Again, hearing estate sale horror stories, like the person who committed to doing someone's sale but never showed up to work on it and they had just over one week left before closing on house. Or the person that didn't spend money on advertising - so hardly anyone showed up, which means no money. And then there are those that steal from their clients, apparently. Hurts me to hear these stories but one has to be more careful by doing more research first.

Note: there are many good companies among the bad ones. I've heard many positive stories as well! But it's the bad stuff I am worried about.

First question I always get when people are seeking an estate sale company? "What percentage do you take?" While that is an important question, is is NOT the most important question.

Ask Questions Like:

• Do you have your own liability insurance?

• Can I see your references? And look at them!

• How long have you been doing estate sales? 

• Is there accountability for all transactions? Meaning, do you keep sales books or a register tape? Or are you just stuffing money into waist pouches without keeing record (you won't know what items sold for then.)?

• Where will you be advertising our sale? Very important!

• Do you have an extensive mailing list? A dedicated following?

• Do you accept credit cards? Does your commission cover the credit card processing fees? We find credit cards often account for 1/3 of our sales. Very important to accept them.

• How much staff will be on hand at my sale? For example, will there be a person at the door keeping track of how many people are in the house at one time and watching the people who are leaving to make sure they have paid for what they are leaving with? Will there be sales staff on the floor to help customers and watch for theft? Will there be a staff member on each level of my house?

• Do you research pricing? For example, my antiques?

• How much time will you spend preparing my sale? 2 weeks or 2 days?

• Will you be pricing every item? This is important. Customers hate seeing unpriced items. Even more importantly, if they don't like the price person 'A' quotes them, they'll just ask person 'B' and person 'C' to quote them until they get a better price. Also, what if they should have done research first and just guess a price?

• What is your commission? Does that cover everything? Permits, advertising, supplies, staffing, insurance, credit card processing fees, etc.

• Are there any other possible charges to me? Hidden fees?

• Ask what their estimate is of what your sale will bring. An estimate is just an estimate, though. We cannot be exact.

In order for estate sale companies to invest in your sale, so you have a better sale, we do need to make money. So, someone asking 35% commission should be heavily investing in advertising, spending 1-2 weeks preparing your sale by organizing, photographing, researching, and pricing your items, should have own liability insurance, an extensive mailing list, obtain permit (if applicable), should have great signage, etc. Someone making only 20% commission will not have the bank to properly/thoroughly advertise your sale, staff your sale and spend adequate time preparing your sale.

You generally get what you pay for! The decision is up to you. Just know the pros and cons ahead of time!