posted on February 27, 2004 10:44:54 PM new
Hate to admit this, but I'm not sure just what an estate sale is. From what I've read it seems you go to a house where the entire contents are being sold. Could it be that simple.
My questions are:
Do you bid on things or do you just go around & pick up what you like & pay at the door.
Do you bargain with the owners or pay the asking price.
Should things need to be wrapped do you bring your own bubble wrap etc.
Are their better bargains to be had at an estate sale than at auctions or are most estate sales like garage/yard sale odds & ends.
Do you bring lots of cash or have the seller put what you want aside & come back later to pay & pick up.
How do you find estate sales.
I guess I should know all this, but I don't.
I have been to two auctions, same place, & bought a few things & would now like to see an estate sale, but would like to know what to expect. I would appreciate any information.
posted on February 27, 2004 11:48:44 PM new
Yes estate sales are simple unless you have many dealers pushing their way around and knock you over. It's happened. Usually the estate sales are people that are moving or have passed away and it is the whole house.
1. Both. If you like an item and you think the price is right then you buy it. Most bid items are priced $20.00 or higher. If you think the price is right then buy it outright, if not you bid the price you want to pay. Bids are opened at the end of the sale and the highest bid wins.
2. No. Most prices are set until the last day of the sale and then under a certain price items are half price.
3. The ones I go to they have wrapping paper and bags.
4. I can't compare that because we have no auctions around us. I know that at auctions there are box lots and in those boxes could be some real treasures.
5. Bring lots of cash cuz you pay when you leave. Cash and Carry.
Estate Sales should be listed in your local paper under Antiques and Estate Sales, sometimes under rummage sales.
This is the way our estate sales are run. Other parts of the country might be different
[ edited by Libra63 on Feb 27, 2004 11:49 PM ]
[ edited by Libra63 on Feb 27, 2004 11:51 PM ]
posted on February 28, 2004 01:52:46 AM new
Estate sales here is just a fancy name for a yard sale and it's whatever is left after someone dies and the family has already gotten what they want to keep...usually a little larger than the average yard sale.We have 1 professional outfit that has a estate sale here about ever 3 or 4 months.They comes in prices everything and run the sale, at the end they make a % of all sales....I have the heads up on that group now.2 days before the estate sale runs the local antique dealers get to go through and pick what they want (lucky me met a friend that gets invited to these pre sales so I get to go with her now)I got to see first hand antique dealers fight over who gets what lol. They did ask that you bring your own box since it was before it was the real sale.
posted on February 28, 2004 05:00:47 AM new
My experience is that true estate sales, that is, a whole houseful of "stuff," run by professionals have items priced higher. Not always, but usually. Sometimes I can find a friendly lady in a side room who will give me a bargain on an item.
About the prices: In the last estate sale I went to, there were about a dozen Snow White "collectible" plates and they were asking $10 each. On Ebay they were going for $3 - $10 IF they sold. I finally got them all on the last day for $1 each and made almost no profit on them on Ebay--but learned a valuable lesson as part of my continuing education tuition in selling!
___________________________________
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach that person to use
the Internet and he
won't bother you for weeks.
posted on February 28, 2004 05:34:00 AM new
When I go to an estate sale, my expectations are not the same are garage sales. Sure, there is still junk at estate sales, but the idea vs. garage sales is that there will be something of value along with the rubble. I really dislike it when people have simple garage sales and call them estate sales.
posted on February 28, 2004 05:35:03 AM new
here in my neck of the woods, estate sales are yard sales except the owner of the goods is deceased.
after the family takes the items they want, the rest is put up for sale before selling the house.
just like any other sale, if they don't know what they have you can get some real treasures for next to nothing.
they should have bags and wrapping on site but i always carry some in the trunk of my car when yard/estate sale season arrives.
bids are not usually accepted unless the item is pretty pricey, so be prepared to haggle...all they can say is no.
we had an ongoing estate sale here last year, took them 2 months to clear everything out...and then the lady called and let me purchase all of the leftover jewelry for a very low price!
good luck to you and have fun...our estate sales are listed right in with the yard and garage sales.
posted on February 28, 2004 05:35:33 AM new
The professional estate sales in my area are advertised in the yard sale section of the newspaper classified ads.
I avoid the first hour or so of estate sales. There is more merchandise, but there's also usually a pushy crowd. A little later in the first day (of a multi day sale) there's still a lot of merchandise and you can look it over at a more leisurely pace.
If you find one and like it - ask the people in charge if they have a mailing list (snail mail or e-mail). You might be able to get advance notice of sales.
At the ones I've been to that are run by the pros, there is no bargaining on the first day, but they will bargain on the second day. If it's a sale run by family members they will usually bargain from the beginning.
posted on February 28, 2004 06:49:10 AM new
It's funny you mention estates sales. I have seen estate sales run by professionals who sell an entire house full of "stuff" Some antiques and alot of junk. The antiques and collectibles are very high priced. Some of the professionals move their "estate items" from one house estate sale to another if it doesnt sell. If you know the dealer, you get a better price.
Deceased or not deceased: Alot of times I have seen that these people are still alive! They are downsizing or retiring for one reason or another and just hire this person to hold the sale for them. The person gets a high "cut" of the take.
Now here is the kicker. In my part of the world atleast, I have seen ALOT of these estate sales that are really garage sales. There is one person I know that holds them for people. She said the reason she slways advertises them as "Estate Sales" rather than rummage sales or garage sales is get a higher price for items.
Be careful out there.
-------------- Just remember--------------------------------------
You'll always land on your feet if you know where the ground is. . .
posted on February 28, 2004 09:42:02 AM new
My partner and I 'did' estate sales for years.
The answer to most of your questions is - it depends.
1. Yes, if you plan to purchase breakables, come prepared as all sales don't provide packing. We do - but sometimes run out.
2. It doesn't hurt to ask for a better price. We don't usually bargain on the first day unless it is an item that we have little hope of selling. We don't just mark 25% off the second day and 50% the next. We just 'deal' on the 2nd and 3rd day until we sell it.
3. We also take bids on items. In other words, if you see something and would pay less, we will take your phone# and the amount you wish to pay. If it hasn't sold, no one else offers more by - say noon- on the last day we will either call or ask you to return at that time. Be sure if you bid - to honor that bid, however.
4.IF you want something - pay for it and take it with you unless it is a large item. When people are conducting estate sales, they get very busy and your item may either get 'taken' or sold again.
5.If it is a professional conducting the sale - ask to either be on their mailing list or leave your number. We call rather than send notices. If you do buy a considerable amount, it is possible you would be called in to shop early. We do that on a one-at-a-time basis. Especially if we have a lot of fragile items or if the house is really full, and it needs thinning out. You don't have to be a dealer - we have a lot of just 'buyers' who come early.
6.As for bargains - sometimes the prices are quite good. In a genuine estate sale, the variety is usually better and if the 'conductors' are honest, they will try to find and point out or mark any flaws, cracks, etc. on the item. Also, if you are just looking for good, useful items, they are usually available at estate sales. We have a lot of people who come just to buy kitchen utensils, tools, etc. And - yes, there are bargains - everyone can't know the best price for everyting - and things slip by - look for those!
7. I would add to bring cash, if possible. We do take checks - and have never (knock on wood) had a problem - but we could not possibly stand good for uncollectible checks. We make this plain to our employers. One or two have opted to take cash only. So be prepared. Don't be angry with the person conducting the sale - it is usually the person they are working for that has made that decision. We usually put that in our ads - but some don't. We will, however, hold an item long enough for someone to go to the ATM.
I also do not go to estate sales during the first 2 or 3 hours. I don't 'elbow' and shove well, so I just wait. There is usually plenty left.
posted on February 28, 2004 09:58:09 AM new
on and off ebay,people assume estate sales are all about rich people old stuff/
if you mention estate on ebay,you get more lookers and possibly higher bids.
but if you go into anyone's home these days,very few people have really nice things,most have repros,walgreen stuff,dept stores stuff,someday when these people pass away,these stuff would be part of estate.think of it.
-sig file -------the lobster in the boiling pot of water who tries to prevent the others from climbing out.
posted on February 28, 2004 11:05:18 AM new
The word "
Estate" has been misused by many who are really having a yard sale. I go to Estate Sales all of the time. I mean a true estate sale where they are selling the contents of a house. Just came back from one. Bought nothing today. Over the years I have bought thousands of dollars worth of very saleable mdse. I am on several of the Estsate Liquidators mailing lists so I have a good idea of what is going to sold.
posted on February 28, 2004 11:27:30 AM new
JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE SELLING CONTENT OF THE WHOLE HOUSE DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS ANYTHING WORTHWHILE??
-sig file -------the lobster in the boiling pot of water who tries to prevent the others from climbing out.
posted on February 28, 2004 12:30:20 PM new
My personal experience with Estates is that we find less good deals than Garage Sales. However, we still find good and really bad items at both.
I went to an "Estate" Sale about two weeks ago. It was listed as a 10,000 square foot house. I didn't make it the first day, but when I arrived the second day they were charging $1 entrance fee. Reluctantly I paid out of curiousity. It ended up being a "closeout sale" for an Indian (India) import business. As I was leaving, another person had come to the door and they told him it was $1 entrance. He refused, and the door person started calling him a cheap bastard. As I walked down the street I kept telling everyone else who was headed their way what happened and that they were charging. Most everyone turned around.
I went to another true Estate Sale about a mile away, and the topic of discussion was the other sale. One person said that they actually were charging $100 the first day to people to have a "preview". Just goes to show how "Estate Sales" can vary in style beyond someone claiming a Garage Sale is an Estate.
posted on February 28, 2004 06:30:58 PM new
You have to follow them for a while to figure them out. Also, if you have an experienced friend to help you out the first time, it is more fun.
I like them, but I used to go before ebay...before the internet was WWW.
I still have some of my dearest collectibles from estate sales.
They are fun, but I have lost the urge to wait in line at the crack of the crack then go to breakfast then come back when your "number" is up. Then find that some joe was their the day before...but sometimes you find the cool stuff tucked in the back of the closet!
J
posted on February 28, 2004 07:02:30 PM new
I like estate sales over plain jane garage or yard sales... it has been very good to me, as I know what I want when I go, I either find it or not, if not I move to the next one..
posted on February 28, 2004 07:52:57 PM new
Well I can't complain about either estate sales or garage sales. I have done rather well at both. I do not make a regular habit of going to them as getting up early is not for me. I like estate sales that are run by people who are professional but not antique dealers as I think they save the best for themselves. We had one just before the beginning of winter. It was cold...I was no. 33 waited 2 1/2 hours but WORTH the wait. When I got home and examined my purchases I couldn't believe what I had. I made quite a few dollars out of that sale. It was in a middle class neighborhood, not a fancy place but clean and the house was FULL. Those are the enjoyable ones.
posted on February 28, 2004 08:29:14 PM new
Thanks to all for the information. I like what I read, have a good idea what to expect & am ready to go to an estate sale.
Now I have to find one.
I see you take a number & wait your turn, does that mean only a few are allowed in at a time. Is this true of every estate sale.
I also noticed that many go late or the second day. I would have thought it best to be first in line. If you go late wouldn't all the good stuff be gone.
Libra You said When I got home and examined my purchases I couldn't believe what I had.
Didn't you first look at what you bought or is this where you buy a box, sight unseen.
posted on February 28, 2004 09:14:35 PM new
No I didn't examine the jewelry closly before I bought it. Bracelets and earrings were 50 cents and necklaces were a dollar. When jewelry is that cheap I just pick it up. There were no other jewelry people there. In the mix was an 18k bracelet which I posted a picture on here and received a goodly amount. The rest was a couple of art deco necklaces from the 20's. I have a smoky crystal necklace, florenza items, just some great jewelry. I overheard a gentleman say he picked up a bakelite or cataline table radio. This house had some quality items and the people running it were new and I am sure quite overwhelmed with all the merchandise. It was almost floor to ceiling and that is why the long wait. Lots and lots of cookbooks. I don't cook so I don't look.
posted on February 28, 2004 10:03:24 PM new
I definitely prefer garage sales over estate sales. That is, if it is a real estate sale (being done by a professional company for a deceased person) - I've seen garage sales be called estate sales, but they are really garage sales.
In my experience, there aren't many items to be had for resell because a professional staff have already evaluated the merchandise. They have preferred dealers who also get to preview the merchandise.
That being said, some of my best items have been found at estate sales, but it is rare. I find I do best near the end of the sale, when it is sell or toss (well, goodwill, but sort of the same thing) - I once purchased a very large collection of items for about 10% of the original asking price (often prices are dropped anyway on the 2nd day) - They were very glad to sell to me, and I was glad to purchase.
posted on February 28, 2004 11:29:09 PM new
The biggest difference between an estate sale and a garage sale is at an estate sale, everything is for sale so generally you will find items that can be resold for profit. You do tend to pay more for them and you do have to know your market on those items. At a garage sale, you will generally find items that are no longer wanted (usually for good reason) and are generally much harder to resell for profit even with the usually lower prices. Not to say that you cannot find some great deals, but you do have to look harder.
To put it in a percentage.
90% of the estate sales I go to, I will find something that can be resold for a reasonable profit.
On the other hand, the percentage is roughly 15% of the time this can be said about garage sales.
In both our major papers here, they both have special sections just for estate sales.
Also when looking for estates to go to, you will want to find the companies that specialize in the sale estate items and avoid antique dealers that are doing the estate sales. The estate companies will price their items more to sell where the antique dealers price their items for book value which is usually 50 to 100% higher than market value.
posted on February 29, 2004 05:22:31 AM new
mcjane, you just have to get your feet wet by going to a few. you will get to know the professional estate sale companies and whether you want to avoid those or not. i don't go to any where they hand out numbers and i am never the first in line. i have had very good luck going later in the day or even the second day.
it' like everything else in life, what works for me may or may not work for you...but most of all...have fun.
posted on February 29, 2004 05:31:19 AM new
It seems to be the going consensus that most already pulled most of the good stuff. I think that is probably true to a point with alot of the liquidators. But down here, the same people go to all of them all the time and I think the dealers know if they dont leave something worthwhile for their repeat buyers they will stop coming. Some of them dont pull the better pieces and thats why they have a big following and I have seen antique store owners and flea market dealers standing in the same line as me. But who knows if that is a return trip for them.
posted on February 29, 2004 11:55:03 AM new
Its different here on the Central Coast. I know 6 Professionals & not one has a shop. More than one has either called me or emailed me that there is some fine china on the sale. Many time I can walk in, look at the china, make an offer & be gone in as hour. I have bought china with names such as Wedgewood, Spode, Royal Doulton, Royal Crown Derby, Lenox & of course Mikasa & Noritake. After 10 yrs. of this, I am getting prety good at it.
[ edited by sanmar on Feb 29, 2004 11:56 AM ]
posted on February 29, 2004 03:03:08 PM new
The estate sales, also known as 'tag sales' around here in N.E. Ohio are plentiful. For the most part, they are
1] advertised in the classifieds
2] are held for 2 or 3 days; either Fri. thru Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday.
a] they're just like 'indoor yard sales' inasmuch as everything in the house has a price tag on it. No haggling on Day 1.
b] Day 2 and/or 3, everything that had a $50 price tag or less is discounted, either 30 or 50%.
3] there is always a "bid box" at the cashier's table for pricier items that you may want to submit your best offer to.
They are usually professional estate tag sale little companies. [and only occasionally, a family member holding the sale instead]. We find that even if it is a 'professional' tag sale group running the sale, even they are not, and can not be, completely knowledgeable about every genre of antiques. So you will often be able to find the good-bargains-for-resale amongst the offerings. ...
posted on February 29, 2004 04:26:54 PM new
Most of the sales here in Portland, Oregon are 2-3 days, where the last day everything below $50 (though some are more and some are less) are half off. Then you have a bid box for items priced over the $50.
Most true estate sales are run by professionals. Some are more professional than others. One thing I know is that if a Professional Estate Manager advertises their name of business in the classifieds the rate is in the hundreds vs. a standard garage sale which costs about $10 a day. I know one person told me that the newspaper said they charged them $300 a day for their listings. Plus they often have helpers or watchers working for them. So their prices are generally more than garage sales by 25-100% depending on the item.
Some Estate Sales take credit cards, others checks and cash, and others just cash. So plan to have cash, and checks as backup.
Size of the dwelling generally dictates how many people they let in at a time. I do this quite often, so getting there at 7am for a 9am sale is often necessary to find what you want. I generally see them let in 20-30 people at first. Some use numbers, others use a sign up sheet. Some managers actually begin the sign up sheet the day prior to the sale - make sure to read the ad to see if this is the case and drive over to the site the day before to sign up before others arrive. Dealers who have done this for years won't tell you that they make a killing off of estate sales, but they often do. I have purchased items for my store that the markup is anywhere from 50% to 1000% depending on what I find.
In Portland, garage sales, thrift stores, and estate sales are HUGE! Competition is quite fierce. I am a shop owner, so I don't deal or rent space elsewhere, but I know that the majority of people that show up early are dealers. They look for figurines, glass, collectibles, furniture, etc. and no one cares to talk once the doors open. It is strictly business, find it, pay for it, move on to the next one. talking happens before the auction when we're in line.
When I first started as a non-dealer, I found it to be overwhelming at times. It is literally a mad dash to find the goodies, and sometimes in the mad dash you make bad decisions.
I know in other areas of the country, Estates are generally not that big. The strangest thing about Estates is that often you are rummaging through a dead persons items. It can tell you alot about a person, who they were, where they worked, what they wore, what were their hobbies, and how they lived. I've been to million dollar mansions and rat holes on the search. You never know what you'll find, but it sure is fun!
posted on February 29, 2004 08:59:56 PM new
This is interesting and relevant to buying, but it's not about ebay. I note that it didn't stop Rustygumby from jumping in. So, you are one of the dealers that ruin it for collectors............
posted on March 1, 2004 08:25:00 AM new
Estate sales in my area (Portland, OR) seem to happen when a person dies and the family is clearing out the home. Some offer bids to be opened at end of sale and some offer immediate purchase at preassigned prices. I encountered my first "pay at the door" last week and will never do that again. There was only junk to be found after paying. One sale was listed as estate and was realy a bad garage sale. You just have to go and see for yourself. I find that the estate sales run by a professional company usually have higher prices than family run sales. Look for auctions in your area. I have gotten some great items from those. Hope this was helpful
