January 23rd, 2019

How to Hold an Estate Sale

You can hold your own Estate Sale, but it is a lot of work. If you start your sale and decide you cannot handle it, feel free to give us a call. We will try to assist you as much as possible.

Generally, Estate Sales usually performed after a death, foreclosure, downsizing or divorce. Many people choose to hire an Estate Sale company, but if you have the time and patience it is possible to hold your Estate Sale yourself.

1. Organize your Sale
   1. Sort your items by function or value. This will make pricing much easier. You can sort by categories such as appliances, clothing, art just to name a few.
   2. Have a category for Antiques/Collectibles. These items can be sold through other avenues to try and receive a better price for them.
2. Check the condition and quality of the items
   1. Clean all the items to be sold as much as possible. Minor repairs can be made to items as needed. If you are not sure how to repair a damaged item, leave it as-is.
   2. One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Don’t throw anything away. Even if it is real dirty and you can’t clean it, try and sell it.
3. Catalog the items to be sold
   1. The catalog should include category, size, age functionality and anything else that may be needed. Generally, an Estate Sale Company will not do this as it takes a lot of time. If you are hiring an Estate Sale Company and want this service they will generally charge you more to cover the additional time needed.
   2. You will give this to give to multiple people who have stake in the estate. Make multiple copies.
4. Set up Displays
   1. Artwork and furniture may be better left in their locations, but other items should be moved to like locations. Buy, rent or borrow as many folding tables as you can. You will need them to display items.
   2. You may need display cases to place valuable items in such as jewelry. Depending on if the display cases will have someone selling at them, you should have them locked.
5. Price as many items as you can
   1. You will need to research as many items as possible to price the items. Pay particular attention to antiques and collectible items. Although you want to sell everything, don’t sell them too low.
   2. You will need stickers or some other way to price them items.
6. Take Pictures
   1. Pictures will be used in advertising and online sales if you do any online sales.
   2. Pictures can also be used for Antiques and Collectibles that you may need appraised.
7. Set a Date for our Sale
   1. Most Estate Sale Companies will run your sale two, three, or four days. Almost always over a weekend.
   2. Holidays may pull people in or keep them away. Consider all holidays before you set the date.
8. Have your home ready for crowds and buyers
   1. Have easy access throughout the home and have signs posted.
   2. Close off, lock and post signs of locations that buyers should not enter. Place items you are not selling in these locations.
   3. Theft is always a concern. If you have cameras, place them in key locations, pay particular attention to valuable items and your cash register location. Have only one entrance/Exit.
   4. Ensure you clearly mark any hazards. Uneven floors, stairs, low ceilings, wobbly railings and any other unsafe concerns. You may be legally liable for any injuries that occur.
9. ​Ensure you charge sales tax or at the end of the sale calculate the sales tax and ensure you pay the sales tax to avoid any problems in the future.