posted on August 5, 2004 07:20:00 AM
A friend of mine's uncle died and is having an estate sale. Since she has never done it before, I am going to help her with it. I've been to so many recently, this should be a no brainer. Guess what? I am going to bring some of my non selling ebay items with me to sell. WHOOPPEEE I don't have to have a garage sale myself to get rid of them!
This should be fun! I get to sell someone else's stuff instead of mine, get to shop before anyone else and maybe get rid of some of mine at the same time! I Just have to remember to price, display and document the sales. She will be there along with her family so I won't be doing it all alone as I usually have to do for my own garage sales.
posted on August 5, 2004 03:43:40 PM
Sounds like you have estate selling figured out. That is what most of them are around here A bunch of junk that would not sell on eBay.
Well, here I sit in my PJ's typing away. Yesterday was a LOOONG day. My son is upstairs and still in dream land. Poor kid. My little sick doggie is on her blankie next to me and snoring away. Will be leaving in an hour or so to finish getting ready for the sale. I can't believe how many collectibles these people had! WOW! Alot that were still in their original boxes!!! It made it so so darn easy. fitz & floyd was a no brainer (In the orignal boxes) Murano glass was harder to id.
Sanmar, you would love this. An entire set of Noritake (1950's) china.
Gold jewelry, I think I am going to take to my favorite old jeweler this morning and hope he can help me with some info.
Crystal was the toughest yet. The silver, I am going to estimate and hope I am right. Books, loop, magnifying glasses are my best friends.
The estate sale is in Mountain View, CA. I listed it on craigslist. Please come by and say hi if you are in the neighborhood. Remember this is my first estate sale so don't give me a hard time. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Thanks and big HUGS for all of the help you all have given me in getting ready for this.
posted on August 14, 2004 07:49:54 PM
Only one more day to go. VERY INTERESTING! Learned ALOT. Dealers came though asking for sterling silver serviing spoons for 10 cents, Old turn of the century diamond and gold jewelry out (I had them appraised before putting them out) People showed up with loupes etc. They were a little peeved when I wouldn't sell them for a buck.
Yep, a glorified garage sale. that's what it turned into. I took home the good jewelry. I am going to sell it the old jeweler I know. He will give a fair price for it. Or atleast put it on consignment for me. Some of the murano glass I'll put up on BUTT - bay for my friends and see what happens.
Tomorrow is the "deep discount" day. It should be very crowded.
posted on August 14, 2004 08:08:14 PM
Toy, it was a nightmare and just like someone here posted, It was a glorified garage sale. I couldn't believe it! Ah, you live and learn
posted on August 14, 2004 08:21:13 PM
Dealers are the first ones in and expect to get something for nothing. I bet you found that out. The collectors are the ones you want at a sale. I hate to say this but dealers are cheap. Please no comments. I never go to an estate sale early any more. If when I get there there is something I want I will pay the price for it. They probably thought since it was your first sale you didn't know what you were doing. Surprise. Well are you all done now or do yu have one more day? Come back and give us your final assumption on what you think about doing estate sales.
posted on August 14, 2004 09:07:16 PM
Jane, I don't know. The "estate" sales I have been to didn't have as much "garage sale" merchandise as this one. This was a REAL estate sale. Selling the ENTIRE contents of the house. I guess the ones that I have been to in the past were antique sales that were held in peoples homes.
Would I ever do it again? Yes, if I had more than 4 days to prepare and could hire some people to help out with security etc.
Libra, yes, I did find that out. I agree with you. I don't think I'd ever go during the first day either if that is all that happens. I thought that all the good deals are gone if didn't get there early. I guess that is only true for garage sales.
Jane, (shhhh) I did get some really cool things for myself. Prior to the sale, I asked them if I could buy anything. They gave me first choice of anything I wanted at the price I set. Is that nice or what?
?