Estate sales can be one of the most interesting ways to shop. You might find anything from rare vintage clothing to a replacement for that missing Tupperware lid you lost years ago.
If you’ve never been to one before, the experience can feel a little unfamiliar, and no two estate sales look quite the same. Most estate sales take place inside people’s homes, but one might be a meticulously researched and staged high-end estate, while the next might be a packed house that feels like a picker’s paradise. The most important thing is that the liquidator has prepared appropriately for the estate and prioritizes the client, the shoppers, and a safe, well-managed sale.
You can find liquidators through the American Society of Estate Liquidators® (ASEL) directory, and you can locate sales near you through sites like EstateSales.NET and EstateSales.org, social media, local advertising, and neighborhood signs pointing you toward a nearby sale.
Here are a few things to know before heading to an estate sale, especially if it’s your first time:
Estate sales happen for many reasons. A loved one may have passed away, an older adult may be downsizing, or someone may simply be moving and unable to take everything with them.
For many clients, an estate sale is the way they have chosen to move forward with whatever transition they are facing. Shopping in someone’s home may feel unfamiliar at first, but it can also be a meaningful way to explore a life that was lived and to support a family during a time of transition. In the case of a loved one who has passed away, it can also be a thoughtful way for the family to keep their loved one’s passions and collections alive within the community.
Have fun with the treasure hunt, but remember that you’re shopping in someone’s home during a potentially difficult time for the family. A little respect for the estate and the people running the sale goes a long way.
Most professionally advertised estate sales include photos of entire rooms or individual items before the sale begins. Take a look at the listing ahead of time to see what catches your eye.
If there’s an item you’re especially interested in, prepare before you arrive. Think about what you’re willing to spend and bring along any information you might need to make a decision, like measurements. If you really have your heart set on something, going early will usually give you the best chance, but remember that nothing at an estate sale is guaranteed. However, in some cases, you may also be able to purchase or bid on an item before the sale begins.
And know that the photos are usually a preview, not necessarily everything in the home. If you’re there for the hunt, take your time exploring the areas of the home that are open to shoppers. You never know what didn’t make it into the listing!
Estate sales attract all kinds of shoppers: collectors, resellers, decorators, casual bargain hunters, first-timers, curious neighbors, and people simply looking for something interesting.
The first morning of an estate sale usually offers the largest selection, and you’re more likely to get your hands on anything you’ve been eyeing, but it can also bring the biggest crowds and the most competition. That mix can make things exciting but also intense. Prioritize having fun and treating other shoppers and the liquidator respectfully over getting any one item. There will always be another estate sale and another treasure to find.
If you’re a first-time shopper or just want to casually browse, consider going later in the afternoon or on a later day of the sale. Things are typically calmer, and you may have more time and space to look around. Many liquidators also offer increasing discounts as the sale progresses, so later shoppers can sometimes find great bargains.
Online estate sales are also becoming increasingly common. If you’re not comfortable visiting someone’s home for an in-person estate sale, visit the websites of local estate liquidators. Some liquidators host the entire sale online, allowing you to either bid on items or purchase them at a buy-it-now price. If you shop online, be prepared to pick up items or pay shipping costs.
Every liquidator has its own procedures, and some policies may depend on the home, region, or particular estate.
Check the liquidator’s website or the sale’s online listing before you arrive. You may need to wait in line, use a sign-in sheet at the door, or even sign up to shop days before the sale begins, especially at a popular sale. It’s also common for liquidators to limit the number of shoppers inside the home to keep the experience fun and manageable for everyone.
Some liquidators restrict what you can bring into the sale, (e.g. large bags or strollers), may only accept certain payment types, or might offer certain items through presale or auction. Policies for discounts, negotiation, holds, pickup, and claiming items can vary as well.
Lastly, don’t be surprised if sales tax is added to your purchase. In certain areas, estate liquidators are legally required to collect it.
If you’re unsure about something, check the online listing or contact the liquidator. Many liquidators are happy to clarify their policies if it helps everyone have a better experience.
The estate liquidator, the client, and the shoppers all play a role in how smoothly a sale goes. Many aspects of an estate sale rely on an honor system and basic human decency. The simplest rule is to treat the home, the liquidator, and your fellow shoppers the way you would want to be treated. Most items sold at an estate sale are sold as-is, so take a good look at an item before you buy it. If you plan to purchase furniture or something bulky, be prepared with the right vehicle and moving help, and make sure you communicate pickup logistics with the liquidator. Finally, remember that many sales take place in residential neighborhoods. Parking may be limited, and the neighborhood will appreciate shoppers respecting their community. While every estate sale is different, there are signs you can look for that suggest the sale is being run properly and professionally.
A professionally prepared sale will typically provide shoppers with clear information about when and where the sale is happening, how entry will work, payment methods, and other important policies. Many liquidators also post plenty of photos or descriptions of the estate so shoppers know what types of items are available. Once you arrive, a well-run estate sale will have clear directions for where and how to enter, a system for managing the crowd, an organized checkout process, and a knowledgeable staff available to answer questions. There is typically plenty of signage to help with directions and policies. It is also common for liquidators to hire security or local officers to help manage particularly busy sales. To help you shop with confidence, you can look for reputable liquidators through the American Society of Estate Liquidators® (ASEL) directory, which lists companies who meet membership standards and agree to abide by a Code of Ethics. ASEL reviews feedback, comments, and any complaints submitted by shoppers to help ensure those standards are upheld. This ongoing accountability supports ASEL’s broader goal of raising the bar for the estate liquidation industry. Estate sales are different from traditional retail shopping and every sale is different. That’s part of the fun! Spend a little time learning about the sale before you go, ask questions when you’re unsure, and approach the experience with respect. Happy shopping!What to expect at a well-run sale
Most importantly: have fun!