Exclusive Estate Sales
If you enjoy shopping at neighborhood yard sales, then stepping it up a notch to visit estate sales is an interesting challenge. In today’s economy, many people are furnishing a home by finding great bargains at exclusive estate sales. When you understand the value of various items, it is possible to purchase artwork, pottery or jewelry at a fraction of what it would cost new. While shopping at a garage sale, you typically see inexpensive items such as used sport’s equipment, children’s toys or old clothing. While you might find similar items at an estate sale, you will also find a lot of other, more valuable items.
Collectibles and Antiques
At an estate sale, the merchandise includes collectibles and antiques that require some knowledge to understand. Fortunately, the experts who organize and operate estate sales in particular geographic regions are eager to help new shoppers. While experienced shoppers may appear competitive when buying desired items, they also enjoy explaining the latest trends to others. Estate sales occur in any neighborhood, including more upper-class neighborhoods where garage sales are not so common, leading to interesting finds to add to their collection. Once you get to know a business who manages local estate sales, they can inform you about what is being offered.
Household of Items
An estate sale typically has an entire household of items that are sold per piece for a certain price or auctioned off to the highest bidder. When you are shopping for merchandise at an estate sale, the organizers often tag items with prices, making the shopping experience more civilized and enjoyable for everyone. Estate sales often occur because a homeowner needs to downsize quickly to move to a new location for a different job or retirement. Occasionally, family members of a householder are managing the estate sale because an elderly person has passed, or has a health issue.
Have a Contract
In many cases, the estate sale includes items that have been collected for many years, leading to finding vintage and antique merchandise. A professional liquidator is often in charge of an estate sale to keep track of profits and taxes. A large or long-term estate sale may require a permit from local government agencies to place advertisements in the newspaper or along streets. The organizer is paid for their time and work with an upfront payment or percentage of the revenue from the estate sale. A well-written contract with an organizer is the best way to ensure the task is completed correctly and fairly.
Follow Shopping Protocols
When you arrive at an estate sale to shop, there are certain protocols required by the organizer to avoid large crowds inside a building. Shoppers must often request a number or sign up in order to have a particular amount of time to look at items displayed in various rooms. Valuable items are kept securely in locked display cabinets to avoid theft. Shoppers should prepare to pay for merchandise with cash or personal check, but with the processing of credit cards becoming increasingly accessible for mobile merchants, there is a good chance they will be able to take cards at the estate sale. You can always call in advance to find out.
