Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Answers for Clients and Shoppers of Estate Sales.
What should I expect when attending an estate sale?
Expect a variety of items from furniture to collectibles, all priced to sell. The sale is typically held in the home, where you can browse and purchase items directly.
Are all items at estate sales used, or are there new items as well?
Most items are pre-owned, but you may find new or barely used items, especially in larger estates.
How are prices determined at an estate sale?
Prices are set based on market value, the condition of the item, and demand. We aim to price items competitively to ensure they sell.
Can I negotiate prices at an estate sale?
Some prices may be negotiable, especially on the last day of the sale, but it varies by sale and item.
What forms of payment are accepted at estate sales?
We typically accept cash, credit/debit cards, and sometimes checks, depending on the sale.
Do you provide delivery services for large items?
Delivery may be available for an additional fee, or we can recommend trusted movers.
Can I return an item after purchasing it at an estate sale?
All sales are final, so please inspect items carefully before purchasing.
What types of items are typically sold at estate sales?
Items range from furniture, antiques, and collectibles to household goods, electronics, and even vehicles.
Are estate sales open to the public?
Yes, estate sales are open to everyone. No appointment is needed; just show up during the sale hours.
Is there a specific time I should arrive for the best selection?
Arriving early, often before the sale starts, gives you the best chance to find high-demand items.
Do you provide any guarantees or warranties on items sold?
Items are sold “as-is” with no guarantees or warranties, so please inspect before buying.
Are there any rules I should be aware of before attending?
Common rules include no large bags, no smoking on the premises, and no early entry. Specific rules will be posted at each sale.
How often do you hold estate sales?
We conduct sales regularly, often several per month. You can check our website for upcoming sales.
How do I find out about upcoming estate sales?
You can sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, or check our website for updates on upcoming sales.
Do you charge an admission fee to attend an estate sale?
No, there is no admission fee. Estate sales are free to attend.
What happens to items that don’t sell?
Unsold items may be discounted on the last day of the sale, donated, or returned to the client.
Can I inspect items before purchasing them?
Yes, you are encouraged to inspect items thoroughly before buying as all sales are final.
What should I bring with me to an estate sale?
Bring your preferred payment method, a measuring tape for large items, and packing materials if you plan to buy fragile items.
Do you offer any discounts on items during the sale?
Discounts are often offered on the last day of the sale, but this varies by sale.
How do I know if an item is genuine or a reproduction?
We do our best to identify and label items accurately, but we recommend researching or asking us if you have concerns about authenticity.
Can I buy items before the estate sale starts?
No, we do not allow early sales or “pre-sales” to ensure fairness to all shoppers.
Is parking available at estate sales?
Yes, parking is usually available, but it may be limited depending on the location.
Are there loyalty programs or incentives for frequent shoppers?
We occasionally offer special deals or early access to frequent shoppers who subscribe to our
What is an estate sale, and how does it work?
An estate sale is a sale conducted to liquidate the belongings of a home. Items are typically displayed in the home, where shoppers can browse and purchase them. The sale is organized and managed by professionals to ensure a smooth process and maximize sales.
How do I know if I need an estate sale?
Estate sales are beneficial when you need to downsize, settle an estate, or liquidate belongings after a major life event. If you have a large volume of items that need to be sold, an estate sale might be the right choice.
What services do you provide as part of the estate sale process?
We handle everything from sorting and organizing items, pricing them based on market value, marketing the sale, conducting the event, and cleaning up afterward.
How do you price the items for sale?
Our team uses market research, industry knowledge, and years of experience to price items competitively, ensuring they sell while maximizing your profit.
How long does it take to set up and conduct an estate sale?
Typically, it takes about 1-2 weeks to prepare for the sale, depending on the size of the estate. The sale itself usually lasts 2-3 days.
What do I need to do to prepare for an estate sale?
Simply remove any personal items you want to keep. Leave everything else as is, and our team will handle the rest, including sorting, organizing, and setting up.
Can I be involved in the sale process?
While you can choose to be involved, most clients prefer to let us manage the details. We’ll keep you informed and consult with you as needed.
What happens to the items that don’t sell?
Unsold items can be donated, returned to you, or disposed of, based on your preferences. We’ll discuss all options with you before the sale.
How do you market the estate sale to attract buyers?
We use a mix of online listings, social media, email newsletters, and our well-known directional signs to attract a large number of buyers to the event.
Do you provide clean-up services after the sale?
Yes, after the sale, we provide a thorough clean-up, leaving your home broom-swept and ready for its next chapter.
How are the proceeds from the sale handled?
After the sale, you’ll receive a detailed summary and a check for the proceeds, typically within 7-14 days.
What fees or commissions do you charge for your services?
Our services are commission-based, with no upfront costs. We also offer discounted rates if you combine our estate sales services with real estate services.
Are there any items you do not sell?
We sell most household items, but there may be restrictions on certain types of firearms, hazardous materials, or perishables, which we’ll discuss during the consultation.
Can you conduct a sale in a home that is still occupied?
Yes, we can manage sales in occupied homes and will ensure the process is comfortable for you.
What is your experience in handling estate sales?
We have years of experience and a proven track record of successful sales. Our team is skilled in all aspects of estate sales, from setup to final clean-up.
Do you offer any discounts or special rates?
Yes, we offer commission discounts when you combine our estate sales services with real estate services, maximizing your savings and value.
How do I know I can trust you with my estate?
We have a strong reputation, supported by glowing client reviews. One client recently said, “The team at Look Estate Sales made a difficult process so much easier. Their professionalism and attention to detail were exceptional
Can you provide references from past clients?
Absolutely. We are happy to provide references and share testimonials from satisfied clients.
What happens if I decide to cancel the sale?
If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll discuss any potential costs associated with the cancellation based on the timing.
How do you ensure that my items are sold for the best possible price?
We use our expertise in market trends and buyer behavior to price items competitively and market them effectively to ensure they sell at the highest value.
What if I have items of significant value, such as antiques or collectibles?
We specialize in handling valuable items, including antiques and collectibles, and will ensure they are appraised and marketed to attract the right buyers.
How do you handle security during the sale?
We have staff on-site throughout the sale to monitor the premises and ensure the safety and security of your items.
Will you handle the sale of vehicles or large items?
Yes, we can manage the sale of vehicles, furniture, and other large items as part of our services.
How do you protect against theft or damage during the sale?
We take precautions by staffing the event adequately, using secure payment methods, and keeping a close watch on high-value items.
What is the best time of year to hold an estate sale?
Estate sales can be successful year-round, but spring and summer are often ideal due to higher foot traffic and better weather.
Contact us
Get in touch
We always respond in a timely manner, and we look forward to working with you soon.
