There are a number of companies in the Greater Houston area providing estate sales services.  In the big picture, the companies organize, price and prepare the contents of a home for a large public sale.  While most companies operate the same, the differences can determine a pleasurable & profitable experience.

When considering an estate sale and shopping the competition, areas you should give thought to:

·       Your community.

Many neighborhoods have Deed Restrictions and don’t allow for garage sales, yard sales, estate sales and the like.  It is best to have a clear understanding of what is allowed in the neighborhood beforehand.  If restrictions exist, Private Sales may be an option. 

·      Advertising, Advertising, Advertising.

The idiom ‘to cast a wide net’ is appropriate in this business, as the wider the net, the greater the catch….. catching shoppers attention! 

On any given weekend, there are easily a handful of estate sales being conducted in the Greater Houston area.   What methods are being utilized to attract shoppers to your sale, to your side of town?

Print Advertising.

Chronicle, Greensheet & community newspapers offer inexpensive print options.
Street signs ensure notified shoppers easily find you, as well as bringing spontaneous shoppers to the sale.

On-line Advertising.  I am very biased here, I strongly believe in using technology to spread the word.

Email lists are a given in this day as they are far too easy to establish, maintain and utilize.  Websites can offer unlimited descriptions & pictures as well as promoting future sales.

Today’s shoppers are very savvy in using their time and money wisely by shopping estate sales on-line prior to the weekend.  If given a choice of two estate sales – do they go with the one who advertises by way of descriptions only or with a company that offers an on-line visual presentation of the sale (which can portray far more than simply words)?

It is understandable that not everyone can manage a website.  There are companies who recognized this and created websites specifically to advertise estate sales and notify subscribers of upcoming sales.  This provides an easy alternative for estate sale companies to advertise on-line with descriptions, pictures, maps and relevant details.

It is also understandable that not everyone wants to be on an email list.  If shoppers are interested in attending a sale, how do they find out about your sale and what it offers?

·      What payment methods do the companies accept?

Most companies accept cash, debit & credit.  Some accept checks. 
A restriction on forms of payment (such as cash only) is a restriction on purchases, especially larger ticket items.

·       Scheduling.

If you are considering a sale, start the process as soon as possible as most estate sale companies are booked up with sales in advance.  Meet with the companies early, walk the house, feel them out, review what will be removed or brought in prior to the sale and discuss dates.

There are many companies offering their services, but it is not their main source of business.   Their schedule will indicate their professional priorities.

A 3/2/2 house that has been occupied for twenty plus years can take 2 to 3 weeks to prepare, 2 to 4 days to conduct the sale and a few days to wrap up.

·       References.

Word of mouth is a wonderful and trusted way to locate an estate sale company.  Ask friends co-workers and neighbors for recommendations.  Once you’ve met with the various companies, ask for a list of references and attend their sales if possible. 

When attending, look for the following:

o   Was the house easy to locate?

o   Is the sale well attended?

o   How many staff members are assisting?  Are they easy to identify?

o   How are contents presented?

o   Is pricing easy to determine?

o   How are purchases removed from the house?

·       Finally – Finances.

Conducting estate sales is a business, albeit unique, and must make a profit.  In order to conduct a profitable sale, the client house needs to be full.  If the client does not have the volume of goods to fill a house, family and friends are encouraged to bring in their goods or additional items from other clients may be brought in to fill the voids.

In Houston the average split is 60/40 with the client receiving the greatest percentage.  There are some who charge more and a few who charge less, but then add incidental fees.  Regardless of the split, clarify the following:

o   Who pays for staffing?

o   Who pays for advertising?

o   When are you paid?

o   Who covers NSF and credit card fees?

·       Your Job.

Ideally, you remove from the house the goods you want.  Bring in any goods you wish to sell.  Don’t throw anything away (seriously!!). Keep all utilities on. Notify family, friends & neighbors so they can attend the sale.  Turn the keys over and walk away!!