If you have recently come into some valuable belongings as part of your inheritance or you have accumulated some items over the years, using an estate sale service can be one of the best ways to sell some of them.
If you don’t have a good idea about the value of these items in the current market or how to find buyers, an estate sale company can come in and handle everything for you.
But, with all the companies out there, how do you choose the right one? To give you an idea, here are some questions you can ask before hiring an estate sale company to get the best service.
1. What Experience Do You Have with Estate Sales?
For starters, you need to look into the experience of the estate sales company and what their previous clients say about them.
An experienced company will know how to handle various types of items, from everyday household goods to valuable antiques. Not only that, but they understand market trends and have the skills to attract buyers.
You should ask them how long they have been in business and how many sales they have conducted over the years.
You should also ask for references or look for testimonials on their website or social media pages. Reading about other people’s experiences can give you a good idea of what to expect.
2. How Do You Determine Pricing for Items?
One of the most important things about the estate sale is pricing the items.
You need to make sure that items are priced high enough to get a good return but low enough to attract buyers. That is why you should ask the estate sale company how they set their prices. Do they have an appraiser on staff, or do they consult with experts?
Understanding their pricing strategy will give you confidence that your items will be sold at fair market value.
3. What Services Are Included in Your Fee?
Not all estate sale companies offer the same type of services. That is why you need to understand what exactly you will be getting for the price you are paying.
Some companies handle everything from start to finish, including sorting, pricing, advertising, and cleanup after the sale. Others may offer a more limited range of services.
By asking for a detailed list of what is included in their fee, you can easily compare different companies and find one that offers the most comprehensive service for your needs.
4. What Are Your Policies on Unsold Items?
You need to be open to the idea that not every last one of your items will sell at the estate sale. That is why you should ask the company what happens to the unsold items.
Some companies will help you arrange for donations to charity, while others may offer to purchase the remaining items themselves. Your company could also suggest having a follow-up sale or reducing prices significantly on the last day to clear out as much as possible.
By knowing the company’s policies on unsold items, you can get an idea on what they will do with anything left over and avoid unexpected surprises.