An individual whose only desire is to get rid of unused items, junk items, or clutter that has accumulated in their garage over the years holds a garage sale.  There may be a few nice items but generally the items are unwanted clutter.  Garage clutter is usually sold at prices designed to encourage buyers to take it rather than have to dispose of the items personally.

 An estate sale contains an entire or at least partial household that needs to be sold so the heirs or the downsizing client can move on with their lives.  The majority of items are what you might find in your own home such as lamps, rugs, decorator items, furniture, appliances, kitchenware’s, collectibles, or hobby items. The items are sold over a three-day or more periods whereas a garage sale is one day. Prices in an estate sale will be slightly higher than a garage sale because you’re dealing with larger household items or the items might be vintage, antique, or rare.

An estate sale is often conducting over a two to three day period in the home itself.  The sale days are determined based on the volume of inventory that needs to be sold.  Sales are advertised in the local newspaper beginning on Wednesday’s the week of the sale through Saturday.

YES.  All individuals are welcomed at an estate sale.  If you’ve never attended one, just inform one of De’s sales people when you come in and they will be happy to guide you through the process.  One thing you need to keep in mind is if you attend a sale on the first day it is usually a bit crowded and you may have to wait a while before you can enter the home. In the event there is a large crowd we will give out numbers to those individuals waiting to enter the home.

Numbers are assigned to buyers on the first day so that our company can control the number of people entering the home.  Maintaining crowd control is the primary reason for the assignment of numbers.   The number of individuals allowed in the home is based on the size or layout of the home.  Our company wants to insure that we provide personalized attention to buyers and we do that by limiting the number of people who are in the home at once.

Once your number is called you can enter the residence and you’ll find all items are priced.  If you’re interested in purchasing a specific item, you should pick up the item and ask a salesperson to either hold it for you or find a centralized location for you to gather items you’re interested in buying.  This technique prevents someone else from picking up and purchasing the items.  Remember that people who frequent estate sales are also hunting for that special something and there’s no other inventory from which to choose so you must make quick decisions on whether or not you will purchase the items.

When you’re ready to purchase your selected items, you will be given a sales ticket by one of De’s salespersons.  You should take it to the cashier for payment.  Generally speaking, many estate companies don’t accept credit cards so cash or check is the preferred method of payment. Once payment is made, you’re allowed to bag your purchased items and leave the premises.

One important fact to remember about estate sales is that there are no returns nor refunds on purchased items.  All items are sold as-is, where is, without any representation about the condition or workability of items.   So…. be sure you know what you’re purchasing before you pay for your items.