How to Shop an Estate Sale

Welcome, Friends, to the Blog today. I’m so happy you are here. I’ve been going to Estate sales lately and wanted to share some tips about shopping an Estate sale with all of you. So, pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and let’s get started.

First up is “How to Find an Estate Sale”. The easiest way to find larger sales is by going to www.estatesales.net This is a great site that lists estate sales by zip code or city. You put your zip code into the appropriate spot on their site and it will pull up all the estate sales around you. I set the distance for 50 miles because I’m not willing to travel further than that for a sale. Once the sales are identified you can click on a specific sale to see what they are offering.

If you look at the picture above, you can see that this sale has some lovely Waterford Crystal and some beautiful linens and some Victorian style floral pictures. There are usually 50+ pictures showing various items on offer so you have a comprehensive look at what is available at that sale.

Here’s an example from a different sale. This picture isn’t particularly clear when blown up but you can still tell the china pattern. This one is “St Nicholas” by Fitz & Floyd from 1978. It’s a very popular pattern and hard to find these days. You can see the tag on the top plate and sometimes you can enlarge that enough to get the price or a description of the item. If nothing else at the particular sale is of interest, you have to decide the importance of only one item. Does it warrant a trip to the sale?

Furniture can be a good find at an Estate sale. In the picture above you can see that the furniture has been gently treated. If you don’t like the fabric on the chairs, it’s an easy fix with this style of chair. Remember that if you buy furniture, you have to be able to transport it before the sale is over.

Estate sales generally start on a Thursday or Friday and run for two to three days. If you see an item you absolutely must have, you need to go on the first day and be one of the first in line to ensure your purchase.

However, if you just see that the style is what you like you might want to wait for the second or third day when prices are reduced. Ask one of the sales people when the 1/2 price sale starts. They are happy to tell you.

You can find lots of seasonal items at an Estate sale at reduced prices. Often there is still a good selection on the 1/2 price day. Bring a bag with you to hold items you are interested in purchasing. Usually boxes are provided but they can be awkward to carry.

When you look at a particular sale note the type of payment that is required. Often it is cash or check only. Usually a credit card purchase, if available, comes with an extra percentage. You don’t pay tax on Estate Sale items which is a nice bonus.

It’s nice to go with someone to a sale. It can be more fun but, also, if you find something like a dish set that requires getting a box or boxes, it’s nice if your shopping buddy can stand by the set until you can secure it.

Here’s a summary of some good tips for an Estate Sale:

1. Identify sales within your area.
2. Look carefully at the pictures to see if they are of interest to you.
3. Identify particular items you might like to purchase.
4. Arrive at the sale early to get a good place in line, if you want a particular item.
5. Come with the appropriate cash, check or credit card required by that sale.
6. Bring a bag to hold your items as you shop.
7. Research items before the sale so you know what they are worth. Have a budget in mind of what you are willing to spend. Prices are not given out before the sale.
8. Be pleasant to other buyers but stand your ground. If you got there first, the item is yours. The items can usually be held by the check out while you continue shopping.
9. You are responsible for transporting any purchased items to your residence or other location and to your car.
10. Enjoy your purchases knowing you got a lovely item and a great deal.

Happy Estate Sale Shopping!