Estate Sale Do’s and Don’ts
Arrive early. If you see something you want, make sure you arrive early enough to have a chance to buy it.
Yes, my sales start at 9, but there is often already a line by the time I arrive. If the sale is going to be popular, I post a sign-up sheet the day before the sale, usually by 4pm.
Don’t ask if I am going to let you in early. The answer is no. The sale starts at the posted time. My staff and I use the time before the sale to make sure everything is priced, things are tidy, and we are prepared.
Don’t email, text, or call for prices. I field a lot of pre-sales calls, and everyone gets the same answer. I am not sharing prices prior to the sale. If you see something you really want, it is best to arrive early or sign up the day before.
Respect goes a long way. Respect other shoppers. If someone has put a sold sticker on something or has clearly started a pile of items to buy, please do not pick through their pile or remove anything. If there is something in the pile that you really want, ask them if you can buy it instead.
Respect the house and the property owners. Remember, whether it is an estate, moving sale, or downsizing, they are going through a stressful time. Making the decision to hold a sale usually involves a lot of thought and conversation. Let’s not add to their stress.
Respect my staff. Please be kind. We are doing this because we love it. Leave the crankiness home!
Pay promptly. If you are purchasing a large piece of furniture or multiple items, place your sold sticker, grab the price tag, and bring it to the checkout. We accept cash and Venmo at all sales, but do not accept personal checks. If you come to a sale without cash, we will hold an item for you for 30 minutes, giving you time to run to an ATM or bank.
Have a pickup plan. If you are coming to a sale for a large piece of furniture, please come with a plan for how you are getting it home. I am happy to work with you to schedule a pickup time that is convenient for us both, whether it is later in the weekend or the following week.
Have fun. Estate sales are fun! They are about finding deals, discovering treasures, adding to your collection, and, on occasion, meeting like minded people. We love visiting with our customers and chatting with them about why they are buying a particular item.
I keep a running list of items my customers are looking for, and if I have it in an upcoming sale, I will email you to let you know. If you are looking for the “unicorn” of your collection, let me know! I would be happy to add you to my list.
