Shows like HGTV’s “Cash & Cari” and History Channel’s “American Pickers” have drawn attention to the “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” possibilities. Shopping at estate sales is one of the best ways to find your own treasures; being prepared goes a long way towards getting the best value!
1. Determine why you are shopping: Are you looking for items to resell for profit? Adding to a personal collection? Looking for items to use in or decorate your home? Searching for a unique gift? Also be aware if you want items in perfect condition, or are willing to do some cleaning or repairs. 2. Make a list: Based on how you answered the above questions, make a list of what you’re looking for. I suggest keeping a notebook that can be tucked into a pocket. Keep everything in here – measurements, colors, etc. If you’re looking for a table, make sure to measure your space ahead of time, and write down the maximum or ideal dimensions for that table. I also recommend writing down target or max prices – search sites like www.ebay.com ahead of time so you know a good price range, whether you’re shopping for yourself or reselling items for a profit. 3. Find estate sales: My favorite is the site www.estatesales.net, which allows you to search by zip code, but also check www.craigslist.org, as well as your local paper’s classifieds. 4. How to dress: Comfortably and in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Some estate sales are held in homes that are dusty and grimy. 5. What to bring: Your list / notebook, CASH (many estate sale companies will only take cash, although some accept checks or credit), dry wipes (you may want to dust to see what a piece really looks like), tape measure, pencil, and a dolly/cart or a strong friend if you’re buying heavy pieces. (most estate sale companies will not help you move items, although a few will actually deliver to you, for a fee) 6. Timing: If you’re concerned with getting a particular item or a selection of all the items, arrive early on the first day. There will likely be a sign-in list or numbers handed out for order of entry. The later you arrive in the period of the sale (for example, on Sunday for a sale held Fri/Sat/Sun), the greater the discounts will be, but the slimmer the selection. 7. Shopping: If you are after a particular item that was advertised, go for it first! Pick up anything you want to buy – if you wait, it won’t be there when you go back. If a room is crowded, head another direction. Make sure to look under tables, in closets and cabinets (if they aren’t taped shut), and on walls. Generally, everything is for sale! 8. Pricing: Again, research your target items prior to attending an estate sale. Things are very often negotiable, even on the first day of a sale. Try to bundle items – the more that you’re buying, the better the potential discount. As noted above, the later in the sale, the more bargaining power you have. Remember, the estate sale company wants to empty the home! Don’t forget to factor in the value of your labor and resources in doing any cleaning or repairs of the items you buy.
Estate sales are a great way to buy items to sell for a profit, find a unique home décor item, or build up a collection. Have fun!