Estate sales differ significantly from yard sales or garage sales. They offer a unique opportunity to shop the entire contents of a home. Estate sales are usually held once a family member has passed and their belongings must be liquidated, but they can also be held for downsizing or moving. Every sale offers something different, from curated modern furnishings to decades of vintage collectibles.
Whether you are shopping for resale or for your own personal collection, estate sales are a treasure trove of clothing, housewares, decor and furniture. I’ve put together some of my top tips for finding and shopping estate sales for beginners. But fair warning, once you visit a top notch estate sale, you may be hooked!
How to Find the Best Estate Sales in Your Area
Finding estate sales used to require scanning newspaper classifieds, but today’s technology makes the process much easier. There are a number of websites and apps that can help you find local listings.
- EstateSales.net: The industry leader with a comprehensive listing of sales, photos, and user reviews
- EstateSales.org: Another major platform with detailed listings and a helpful app
- Craigslist: Many estate sale companies still post in the estate sale section
- Facebook Marketplace: Search for “estate sale” within your preferred distance
- Facebook Groups: Join local estate sale and vintage groups where members often share upcoming sales
Pro tip: Sign up for email notifications from EstateSales.net for your ZIP code. You’ll receive a weekly digest of upcoming sales, with details like photos, addresses, and times.
Estate Sale Companies: Understanding How They Work
How Different Companies Price Items
- Percentage-based companies: Tend to price higher initially, as they need to maximize the sale for both their client and themselves
- Flat-fee companies: May have more reasonable pricing since they’re paid a set amount regardless of sale totals
- Buy-out companies: Often have the most reasonable pricing, as they’ve already paid the family and simply need to recoup their investment
After attending just 3-4 sales by the same company, you’ll begin to recognize their pricing patterns. I maintain a list with notes about different companies in my area, here is an example of what you might want to keep track of yourself:
| Company Name | Pricing Strategy | Negotiation Flexibility | Best Categories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Estate Sales | High initial prices, 50% off last day | Firm until final day | Furniture, art | Excellent high-end estates |
| Legacy Liquidators | Reasonable pricing, less discounting | Willing to negotiate on multiple items | Kitchen, decor | Best for vintage kitchenware |
| Family Transitions | Low prices, quick turnover | Very negotiable | Clothing, collectibles | Often miss value on unique items |
If possible, I also try to keep the name of the person who runs the sale or their employees and any contact information, including whether they allow presale of certain items – occasionally companies are eager to sell of large furniture and will allow you to do so ahead of the sale. This way, I can build rapport with the people who run the sales.
Planning Your Estate Sale Strategy: Timing is Everything
The day and time you attend can dramatically impact your success. Top selling items will go fast, so it is essential to arrive early for your best shot. On the other hand, prices will be best toward the end of the sale, especially on the last day. I have occasionally visited the same sale on day one for my must haves and the final day for any leftovers.
First Day Strategies: The Early Bird Advantage
- Check the company’s number system policy: Some distribute numbers hours before opening
- Arrive 1-2 hours before opening: For popular sales, serious buyers line up very early
- Be prepared for all weather: Bring chairs, umbrellas, coffee, and snacks
- Make friends in line: Other regulars can become allies who save spaces or alert you to items
I once arrived at 5:30 AM for an 8:00 AM opening when the estate sale listing showed a collection of vintage Pyrex in pristine condition. Despite being two hours early, I was still number 15 in line—but managed to get most of the pieces I wanted.
Mid-Sale Strategies: The Sweet Spot
- Items remain: There’s still decent inventory
- Prices soften: Companies are more willing to negotiate
- Less competition: The crowds have thinned considerably
This is my preferred time to attend sales when I’m not targeting specific high-value items from the listing.
Last Day Strategies: Maximum Discounts
- 50-75% off: Most companies discount heavily on the final day
- Bundle deals: “Fill a box for $20” offers are common
- Make offers: Almost everything is negotiable at this point
I’ve purchased entire boxes of vintage holiday decorations, kitchen tools, and linens for $10-$20 during the final hours of sales.
Negotiation Techniques That Actually Work at Estate Sales
When Negotiation is Appropriate
- First day: Generally only for items with flaws or if purchasing multiple pieces
- Second day: Most items become negotiable, especially larger ones and especially in the afternoon hours toward the end of the day
- Final day: Everything is typically negotiable
- Multiple items: Always negotiate when buying larger lots, while it may not always work on day one it doesn’t hurt to ask
Effective Negotiation Approaches
The bundle approach: “I’m interested in these five items totaling $100. Would you take $80 for everything?”
The flaw highlight: “I love this piece, but I noticed this chip/crack/damage. Would you consider $X instead?”
The end-of-day offer: “It’s getting late in the day. Would you consider $X to help clear out inventory?”
Avoid being aggressive or insulting. Remember that estate sale staff deal with hundreds of shoppers, and being respectful makes them more likely to work with you. I’ve witnessed both types of customers at estate sales and trust me – everyone is sick of those rude customers, so don’t be one.
What to Bring to Estate Sales
- Cash: Many companies prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases, but they also typically accept cards, Zelle or Venmo
- Reusable bags/boxes: For carrying purchases, bags are not always offered
- Phone: For research and price comparisons
- Furniture moving straps: If you’re hunting larger pieces (also bring muscle, as workers are typically not able to help load items)
Research Tools to Have Ready
- eBay app: To check sold prices quickly
- Google Lens: For identifying unmarked items
- Worthpoint: Subscription service showing historical sold prices (worthwhile if you’re serious)
- Calculator: For quick offer calculations
- Notes app: To track companies, sales, and inventory
Where to Look: Hidden Treasures Others Miss
While everyone rushes to the obvious areas, experienced shoppers know where to find overlooked treasures. Featured photos will often show you the items that companies know are good sellers. But I have found some of the best items in overlooked parts of homes.
Often-Overlooked Areas
- Linen closets: Vintage textiles, handkerchiefs, and table linens are frequently missed
- Basements: Often contain workshop tools and vintage holiday items
- Utility rooms: Look for vintage cookware, Pyrex, and kitchen tools
- Bookshelves: Check inside books for ephemera and bookmarks
- Back of cabinets: Deeper shelves often hide older items
- Attics: If accessible, these frequently contain older items
- Garages: Tools and advertising items are commonly overlooked
One of my best finds ever was a set of vintage Bakelite flatware wrapped in a towel in the back of a utility drawer—completely missed by early shoppers focused on the dining room. While companies usually do their best to lay everything out in a shippable manner, some items can be overlooked or too overstocked to bring everything into the open – so if you get the chance, be sure to dig!
Ethical Considerations at Estate Sales
There have been far too many times I have been to estate sales where the shoppers are downright rude to the staff working the sale. While estate sales are fraught with resellers trying to make a buck and collectors looking for great deals, it is easy for things to get out of control if people are not behaving like proper adults. Here are a few things I wish every shopper would consider:
- Respecting the property: These are often family homes with emotional attachments
- Being patient with staff: Estate sales are challenging to organize and run
- Respect fellow shoppers: When push comes to shove, don’t
- Fair negotiation: Make reasonable offers, not insulting ones
- Respecting limits: Some sales limit shoppers inside for both safety as well as limiting theft
Remember that many estate sales happen during difficult family transitions—approach with sensitivity.
Graduating to Pre-Sales and Private Appointments
The connections you make in reselling can make such a difference for your business. Consider collaboration opportunities – like promoting sales on your social media in exchange for an early peek. The friends you make along the way can open doors that other shoppers may not have access to. Some perks of connecting with estate sale companies may include:
- Pre-sale opportunities: Some companies offer preview shopping by appointment
- Private buys: Connecting directly with estate sale companies for first access
- Dealer days: Special preview events for resellers
Building industry relationships over time can transform your sourcing opportunities from fighting crowds to private, first-access shopping.
Conclusion: Making Estate Sales a Core Part of Your Sourcing Strategy
Estate sales require more planning and strategy than casual thrifting, but the potential rewards are substantially higher. By understanding how these sales work, building relationships with companies, and developing an eye for opportunity, you can make estate sales one of your most profitable sourcing channels.
Start with just one sale this weekend. Arrive 30 minutes before opening, observe the process, make a small purchase, and build from there. Each sale you attend will improve your knowledge and confidence.
Do you have a favorite estate sale find or strategy to share? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
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