Estate Sale

[PrincessEmily87]

I know there is a lot of information on here about garage sales, but I was just wondering if any one had any information about putting on an estate sale. What have you dont or seen done that has made them successful? I have never done one before, and want it to go well. The house is in the country side part of town, so we want to get people out there also. Thanks for any help!!!

 

[greens_in_WA]

Frist of all, please accept my condolences for your loss.

I did an estate sale last year with the help of someone who had done one before. We emptied all drawers, cabinets, etc and laid everything out with prices. Videos and that sort of thing were generally priced the same. There was also a tool table with all little screwdrivers, etc. for $1. We ran an add in the local paper (craigslist would be a good idea too.) It also helps to have a charity lined up for any leftovers. Most of the clothing was donated to a local Men's shelter.

Best of luck to you - oh and make sure you have a few people around who can help handle transactions and if there are two (or more areas) have one person stationed at each.

The other thing we did is priced everything for even $ amounts - no coinage.... So 3 for a $ or whatever, but nothing for $.50 or whatever.

 

[PrincessEmily87]

Thanks for the information. I think the hardest part is trying to decide what needs to just be thrown away and what should be set out for the estate sale. Also since there is so much stuff, it seems a bit overwhelming and hopefully we get a lot of people out there.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) A better idea is an auction.
2) We did one for my father's estate.
3) EVERYTHING went.
4) Sure, some at ridiculous prices, but nothing was left to cart away.
. . . they do the setup and organizing
. . . we just removed those items we wished to keep
. . . they did the advertising
. . . we collected the money when they were done
5) The cost was
. . . 15% of the sale price per item
. . . a fee to setup the sale (two weeks of work)