Most operate on a commission basis; very few operate on a flat fee basis. Commissions will vary, but generally you can expect fees to range from 20% up to 50%, with most somewhere in the middle. The cost of a typical estate sale is determined by the size, scope, and complexity of the project. In some cases, when there is a large quantity of lower value items, commissions can occasionally be higher. If special services are required, such as removal of trash, junk, or unsaleable items, there may be an additional fee. This is something that you should discuss up front. For more details on fees, you can also read, “How Much Do Estate Sale Companies Charge?”

You could, but there are drawbacks. When someone asks that question, they are usually thinking that they might somehow save money. After all, from a distance, it looks pretty straight-forward. However, there is more to a successful estate sale than meets the eye. Keep in mind that a professional company does this all the time, knows the best way to maximize sales, and has lots of customers. They also know what mistakes not to make – something you won’t have years to learn.

For a one time event, it simply does not make sense to attempt to something like this without professional expertise. For those very few people that try to do this solo, it typically ends in lower sales prices, lots of items unsold, and a huge amount of time wasted. Ultimately, there is no “savings.” That is why the vast majority of people end up utilizing a professional estate sale firm to help them get the best results possible.

Estate sale pricing always involves some degree of guesswork. That’s because there are many variables: item condition, how common something is, local demand, seasonal factors, and more. If an item is priced too low, it will sell for less than what it is worth. If it is priced too high, it will remain unsold until most of the buyers have passed it over. Then, at the last minute, it will have to be heavily discounted. Pricing leaves a lot of room for mistakes.

For this reason, tag sales are far less likely to get true market value than would an estate auction. An estate auction generates competition, which helps raise prices.

When someone makes a purchase at a typical tag sale, it only means that they got to the item first. It does not mean the item sold for its true value. Keep this in mind when deciding between a tag sale or an estate auction

There can be huge differences from one estate sale company to the next.

Some estate sale companies are focused on getting in and getting out. You will be just a number to them. When they are doing a lot of sales, it may not matter as much to them if your sale doesn’t make as much as it could have.

Others will go the extra mile and surprise you with the amount of effort they put into your sale. A caring, compassionate estate sale service is worth its weight in gold.

Take for example, an estate auction. With an estate auction, every single lot is carefully and professionally photographed so that it brings you the most money possible. Regular estate sale companies won’t go to this much effort. It’s all about moving on to the next sale. While the fees are comparable, an estate auction provider gives you substantially more service.

A profitable sale starts with items people want. These “valuable items” can vary depending on the location, time of year, and how common the items are. Some things that can sell well include certain types of furniture – with Mid-Century modern being one of the most desirable categories. Other popular items include vintage toys and games from the 1950s and 1960s, certain coins, and particular vinyl record albums, among many other items in current demand. If you have an item from any of these categories, the results could surprise you.

If you use a conventional estate service, they will decide all the prices – which could allow you to be taken advantage of. Many estate liquidators are reputable, but some may not be. What if they buy some of your items themselves, after THEY decide the prices? What if they discount your items for their friends? What if they also operate a retail location, consignment shop, or antique booth where they could resell your items later and pocket the difference? These area all risks.

In general, estate sale companies are unregulated. Outside of going to court, there is not much protection for you if you have a problem with an estate sale company. On the other hand, estate auction companies are highly regulated. They are required by government licensing authorities to look out for your best interests. You are much less likely to have a problem with an estate auction company because the government will step in to assist you.

These risks make it preferable to utilize an estate auction service. An estate auction will be more open and observable, and will force buyers to bid against each other. This prevents discounting, secret deals, and lets you watch and observe.

There are some things that can’t be sold at estate sales – or any other sale. This includes legally prohibited items, such as most ivory, certain types of wood, and alcohol. Your estate liquidator can help provide guidance.

Dark wood furniture and antiques have fallen less in favor and tend to bring significantly less than they used to. This includes dining room tables, china cabinets, and entertainment centers. China is also another casualty of declining popularity. However, despite this reality, those items are still more likely to sell and bring better prices at a professionally run estate sale than by selling them any other way. They may not bring the same prices they used to, but you are more likely to get what they are currently worth.

An experienced estate sale liquidator will make every effort to sell as much as possible, but some items may not be saleable. These may include things that are broken, hazardous items, or items with little or no value. Your estate sale company will provide you with guidance on how to best handle items that don’t sell.

A professional estate sale company will always be alert to sentimental and personal items. Personal photos, scrapbooks, letters, and similar items that are discovered should be set aside and given to you. Often, heirs are surprised at the treasure trove of family memories that they didn’t find themselves, but that were saved for them by the careful staff of a reliable estate sales company.

The first rule of thumb is: never throw anything away. Remember the old saying: “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” You might discard something that is actually worth money. In fact, you may be surprised at what some people will pay for things you might otherwise discard.

If you are considering using the services of a professional estate sale company, as most people do, you will want to speak with them as early as possible. Do this before you make any decisions about the property, or move anything. They will provide you with suggestions about what to keep and what to discard.

You will also want to make sure the contents are safe and secure. This will mean keeping the utilities on if the property is unoccupied. It may be a good idea to change the locks if you cannot be sure that nobody else has a key. You will also want to maintain homeowners’ insurance until all property is sold.

Your estate sale company can provide you with additional recommendations.

Absolutely. For example, estate sale company Juris Auctions serves clients in multiple states. It is not unusual for clients to live far away, in another state. The company will carefully walk prospective clients through the whole process over the phone. In fact, everything can be handled without a client ever needing to travel. The company will then manage and supervise the property and project from start to finish. After the sale, the client will receive a detailed report, along with full payment, in just a matter of days.

Typically, either the estate executor or a designated family member will work with the estate liquidator.  In some cases, estate attorneys will make estate liquidation arrangements when the executor or family member is unavailable to do so.