Estate sale shopping tips.

Estate sale shopping has many similarities with shopping at conventional retail stores, however there are also some fundamental differences, which could catch fledgeling estate sale shoppers off guard. Here we’ll cover some useful examples, which will help you get the most out of your estate sale shopping experience and avoid potentially uncomfortable situations. 

If you’re new to estate sales then read also: What is an estate sale?

Know what to expect before visiting an estate sale.

Check the estate liquidator’s advertised terms and conditions. Most set out guidelines to help shoppers make the most of their experience.

Before you visit an estate sale.

Firstly, always check the estate liquidator’s terms and conditions if published in their estate sale advertising. This is where you’ll likely find all you need to know about what to expect when shopping their estate sales. 

As estate sales take place in private homes it is commonplace for the estate liquidator to withhold the location address until the day before the sale. This is a precautionary security measure and standard industry practice so don’t be concerned if the address is not readily available in the advertising. It will be published shortly before the sale opens. In order to receive updates and notifications like this about estate sales it’s a good idea to subscribe to the estate liquidator’s email list and follow them on social media. 

You may notice that while estate liquidators usually publish photographs and brief descriptions of sale inventory in their advertising, they may not provide detailed information about individual sale items prior to the estate sale, even if requested and especially regarding prices. This is for several reasons, among them to be fair to all potential shoppers (so everybody has the same information) and on a more practical level because they are likely to be extremely busy researching and pricing hundreds or thousands of items during the run-up to the sale opening. They simply may not yet have the information available or the time to field a large number of enquiries. All the information will be available at the estate sale. This is standard industry practice so it’s useful to understand that calling or messaging ahead to enquire about details of specific items is not generally encouraged unless the liquidator requests shoppers to do so, as they might for example with items of niche interest or where scheduling an appointment to visit is necessary.

Similarly, purchasing items before an estate sale opens (pre-sales) may not be an available option unless stated otherwise. While it would be nice to have private viewings and first dibs on sale items before anybody else, it’s also not fair on other shoppers. Such practices can give estate liquidators a poor reputation which is why they are generally avoided. 

Upon arrival at an estate sale.

Upon arrival be careful not to obstruct neighbors’ access points and driveways or park anywhere your vehicle could cause damage.

Once at the entrance to the property where the estate sale is taking place you may find a line of shoppers at the door waiting to get in. While waiting in line is never ideal it’s worth remembering that the estate liquidator limits the number of people in the home at any one time for good reason, being the safety and security of shoppers, the property and its contents. It’s always advisable to be patient as the liquidator manages the entry process. It’s also useful to know that lines and wait times may lessen as the sale progresses, so perhaps arriving later in the day could be a more convenient option for you.

At the property entrance it is common practice for estate liquidators to respectfully request that you do not bring large bags, pets or food in to the property. This again is to safeguard other shoppers, the property and its contents.

Inside an estate sale. 

Once you’re in the property, you’ll typically find that sale items are price tagged, much as you would see in a conventional retail store. Estate liquidators will often discount prices as the sale progresses, especially if inventory looks unlikely to sell before the estate sale ends. However discounts are less likely in the early stages of an estate sale and never guaranteed. Discount decisions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

While it may be appropriate to negotiate with or make offers to the estate liquidator on certain items, always remember that while the liquidator will be keen to make the sale it remains their prerogative to determine what they will sell the item for. They will consider numerous factors in their decision making, for example their appraisal research, shopper interest levels (demand), their client’s (the seller’s) expectations and how long the estate sale has left to run. While only you can determine what an item is worth to you personally, it’s never advisable to confront an estate liquidator about their pricing judgements. They know their business and diligently price items at fair market value based on considerable experience and research. If they have an established presence and solid reputation in their local market then that is testimony to their expertise in the delicate balancing act of pricing items to sell at price points, which are satisfactory to both their buyers and sellers. 

If you are intending to buy multiple items it may be advisable to ask a member of the estate liquidation team if they can hold them for you so you don’t have to carry them around the property while you continue shopping. Shopping carts and baskets are not usually found at estate sales due to space limitations. Bear in mind that it is unfair to other shoppers to expect the liquidator to hold items for any considerable length of time, especially if you are not fully committed to purchasing them at the tagged price. Such practice may be discouraged. 

While accidents are rare at a well-managed estate sale, it’s always best to exercise caution as you are moving around an unfamiliar and potentially busy space. In the unlikely event that you are responsible for damaging estate sale inventory it is normal and reasonable for the liquidator to require that you pay for it. Remain vigilant of signage the liquidator has posted around the property to help you and other shoppers navigate the sale space safely. 

Checking out at an estate sale. 

Upon checking out, accepted payment methods may vary between liquidators so it’s best to research them before shopping. Most estate liquidators will accept cash, credit cards and other electronic payment platforms. However be aware that they may pass on credit card fees to the shopper and may not accept checks. Expect the estate liquidator to collect sales tax just as you would in a conventional retail store, as they are required to do so by law.

You will generally take your purchases with you upon leaving the estate sale. Estate liquidators don’t usually pack or remove your purchases for you. However the liquidator may be able to make provisions for removals by having a third-party professional moving company on hand. This could be worth enquiring about and prove particularly useful with the purchase of heavy items such as furniture. In such cases the estate liquidator may schedule a separate pick up day for you immediately after the sale closes to mitigate risks posed to the property and other shoppers by the removal of heavy items through a busy sale space.

Be aware that estate liquidators do not accept returns. Items are sold as-is. This is because, unlike a conventional retail store, they cannot usually restock and resell inventory. They may also have already passed on the sale revenue to their client (the seller) after the estate sale. For this reason it is always advisable to inspect your purchases thoroughly prior to checking out and ensure they meet your expectations. 

While some estate liquidators may ship items, especially if the estate sale is conducted online, this is not normally the case. The additional cost and time involved of packing, shipping and insuring items often makes shipping them prohibitively impractical for the estate liquidator. As most estate liquidators do not accept returns, many are reluctant to sell items to shoppers who have not physically inspected them in person and ensured that the item meets with their satisfaction.  Check the estate sale advertising to see if it states that shipping is available but unless it specifically says so it probably isn’t. 

In conclusion.

Every estate liquidator will have its own variation on terms and conditions for shoppers and operating procedures, however they will always be founded on the simple basis of showing respect for others. By keeping front of mind that you are entering somebody’s private home, handling their personal property, parking on their neighbors’ street, sharing a space with other shoppers and dealing with a local (and often small) business committed to serving you, their client and their community, you’ll find that estate sale shopping can be an immensely fun, rewarding and even addictive experience! Never lose sight of the fact that while the estate liquidator has a duty of responsibility to its client, their property, its contents and other shoppers, ultimately they want you to have the best experience possible at their estate sales so you will visit them again and again. Make friends with the team and other shoppers, find your treasure, embrace the culture and above all, enjoy!