Estate sales are part shopping experience, part treasure hunt, and often a social event for the people who attend them regularly. Shoppers may be looking for something to collect, furnish a home, resell, or simply enjoy the experience of discovering something unexpected.
At the same time, an estate sale takes place in someone’s home and often during a period of transition for a family. A little patience, courtesy, and awareness can make the experience better for everyone.
Here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind when attending an estate sale.
Treat the property and its contents with care. Dispose of cups and other trash properly, leave displays as neatly as you found them, and avoid making negative comments about the home or the belongings being sold.
Family members, neighbors, or friends of the estate may be present, so consideration goes a long way.
Estate sale professionals and their teams have spent significant time preparing the home, researching and pricing items, organizing the sale, and managing many details behind the scenes.
Questions are welcome, but give staff time to assist everyone. If they are helping another shopper, wait your turn rather than interrupting.
Every estate sale company handles pricing and discounts differently. Some negotiate from the beginning, while others reduce prices later in the sale.
If you would like to make an offer, ask politely. Pointing out every flaw in an item or repeatedly making the same offer is unlikely to help.
A simple question such as, “Is there any room on the price?” is usually all that is needed.
If an item does not have a price or you are unsure whether something is for sale, ask a staff member before assuming.
Occasionally an item may have been overlooked, set aside for the family, or require additional research before a price can be determined.
Do not enter rooms, closets, cabinets, or other areas that have been taped off or marked “Do Not Enter.”
Follow posted instructions regarding parking, entrances, safety hazards, children, pets, and other property-specific rules. These restrictions may be in place for safety, security, or at the family’s request.
Never enter through a side or back entrance unless staff has specifically directed you to do so.
Estate sale homes can be crowded and may contain fragile objects, stairs, uneven surfaces, or other hazards. Keep young children with you and follow any instructions posted by the estate sale company.
If you are seriously considering an item, follow the company’s procedure for holding or purchasing it.
Avoid carrying an item around for a long period while deciding or creating large piles that block walkways. If you are accumulating several purchases, ask staff where they would like you to place them.
Remember that space can be limited and walkways need to remain clear for other shoppers.
If you unfold linens, remove clothing from a rack, or examine items from a display, make a reasonable effort to put them back neatly if you decide not to purchase them.
A great deal of work goes into preparing an estate sale for shoppers.
Popular sales may have lines before opening or at the cashier.
Arriving early can improve your chances of seeing items first, but everyone still needs to follow the company’s entry procedures. At checkout, allow the cashier enough time to complete each transaction accurately.
Do not block driveways, park on lawns, or interfere with areas reserved for loading large purchases unless specifically permitted.
Follow posted parking instructions and be considerate of neighbors surrounding the sale.
If you notice theft, unsafe behavior, or another significant problem, discreetly alert a member of the estate sale team rather than confronting another shopper yourself.
Friends and neighbors may have a personal connection to the family or to particular belongings, but the estate sale professional is working on behalf of the client.
Items should be purchased according to the sale’s established pricing and policies unless another arrangement has been authorized.
Estate sales are more enjoyable when shoppers and professionals treat one another with courtesy. Respect the home, follow the company’s rules, ask questions when needed, and enjoy the hunt.
Many thanks to Melanie Nienke of Estate Transitions LLC in South Carolina for sharing her time and perspective for the original version of this article.
