What to Expect at an Estate Sale: A Buyer's Guide

The best estate sale experiences start before you leave the house. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your visit productive and enjoyable.

Check the listings first. Professional estate sales are advertised on sites like EstateSales.NET, where you can see photos of items, sale dates and times, the address, and any special notes from the company running the sale. Browse these listings to find sales that have items you are interested in. Photos of notable items are typically posted several days before the sale opens, giving you time to plan.

Sign up for email lists. Serious estate sale shoppers sign up for email notifications from estate sale companies in their area. These emails often include previews of upcoming sales with photos and descriptions of featured items. They may also include early access information or special announcements. If you find a company whose sales consistently have items you like, get on their list.

Bring cash and cards. Most professional estate sales accept both cash and credit or debit cards. However, having cash on hand is still a good idea. Some sales offer cash-only discounts, and having cash makes transactions faster when there is a line. Bring a range of denominations so you are not trying to break a hundred-dollar bill for a five-dollar purchase.

Bring practical supplies. A tape measure is invaluable if you are shopping for furniture, as you need to know whether that beautiful dresser will actually fit in your bedroom. Bring reusable bags or boxes for smaller items. If you are planning to buy furniture or large items, bring a truck or make arrangements for pickup. Many estate sales require large items to be picked up the same day or within 24 hours.

Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking through an entire home, including potentially uneven garage floors and outdoor areas. Dress practically.

Estate sales, especially well-advertised ones with desirable items, can draw significant crowds on the first day. It is not unusual for buyers to line up 30 minutes to an hour before the doors open, and for particularly notable sales, even earlier.

Many estate sale companies use a numbering system to manage the line fairly. They may hand out numbered tickets to buyers as they arrive, or they may use a sign-up sheet. Your number determines your order of entry. This system ensures that the first person in line is the first person through the door, regardless of whether they step away briefly or not.

If you want first pick of items, especially high-demand categories like jewelry, tools, or collectibles, plan to arrive early on the first day. If you are more of a casual shopper or bargain hunter, later days offer discounts and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Once inside, the estate sale company will typically limit the number of buyers in the home at any one time for safety and comfort reasons. This means you may wait in line even after the sale opens, but the wait usually moves quickly as buyers cycle through.

Be patient and polite. The people running the sale are managing a complex operation, and the other buyers are your fellow shoppers, not your competition. A positive attitude makes the experience better for everyone.

Walking into an estate sale for the first time can feel a little surreal. You are literally shopping inside someone's home, opening cabinets, looking through drawers, and browsing shelves. Everything you see is for sale unless it is marked otherwise.

Start with your priorities. If you came for a specific item you saw in the listing photos, head there first, especially on the first day when popular items go quickly. Once you have secured your priority items, take your time exploring the rest of the home.

Check every room. Estate sales span the entire home: bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, dining room, garage, and outdoor spaces. Some of the best finds are in places you might not think to look. The linen closet might have vintage textiles. The garage might have quality hand tools. A bathroom cabinet might contain vintage perfume bottles. A hall closet might hold a collection of board games or vintage cameras.

Examine items carefully. Estate sale items are sold as-is, which means there are no returns or exchanges. Check furniture for structural integrity, test electronics if outlets are available, examine glassware and ceramics for chips or cracks, and look over clothing for stains or damage. This is not a reason to avoid buying, as the as-is nature of estate sales is reflected in the pricing, but it is a reason to inspect before you purchase.

Look for the unexpected. Some of the best estate sale finds are items you were not looking for. A set of quality kitchen knives, a vintage typewriter, a beautiful hand-thrown ceramic bowl, or a piece of artwork that speaks to you. Approach the sale with curiosity, and you may discover something wonderful.

At a professional estate sale, every item is individually priced based on market research. Prices are typically marked on stickers or tags, and larger items may have prices noted on index cards or signs.

Day-one pricing reflects the researched market value of each item. On the first day of the sale, prices are generally firm. The estate sale company has done their homework, and the prices are set to reflect what items are actually worth. Attempting to negotiate deep discounts on the first day is generally not productive and can slow down the line for other buyers.

Day-two discounts are common. Most estate sale companies reduce prices on the second day, typically by 25 to 50 percent. This is when bargain shoppers come out in force. The selection is smaller since popular items sold on day one, but the value is excellent for what remains.

Day-three deep discounts move remaining inventory. By the final day of the sale, prices may be reduced by 50 to 75 percent, or the company may offer fill-a-bag deals or bulk pricing. If you are flexible about what you take home and enjoy the thrill of a deal, day three is your day.

Reasonable offers are usually welcome later in the sale. If you are interested in an item on day two or three and think the marked price is still too high, it is perfectly acceptable to make a polite offer. The worst that happens is they say no. Do not be offended if an offer is declined; the company is working on behalf of the seller to maximize returns.

Bundling can work in your favor. If you are buying multiple items, especially on later days, ask whether the company can offer a package deal. Buying five items at once gives you more negotiating leverage than haggling over a single piece.

Estate sales have an unwritten code of etiquette that regular shoppers follow. Here are the key points to keep in mind.

Respect the home. Remember that this was someone's residence, and in many cases, the sale is happening because of a difficult life transition. Treat the home and its contents with respect. Do not disparage items, make insensitive comments about the former occupant, or leave areas messy after browsing.

Do not hide items. Tucking items behind other things to come back for them later is poor form and most estate sale companies actively discourage it. If you want something, pick it up and carry it with you or bring it to the checkout area.

Ask questions. Estate sale staff are usually knowledgeable about the items for sale and happy to answer questions about condition, provenance, or pricing. If you are unsure about something, ask.

Be prepared to carry your purchases. Estate sale staff can sometimes help with large items, but you should come prepared to handle your own purchases. Bring a friend for heavy items, and have your vehicle ready for loading.

Pay and go. Most estate sales have a checkout area, often near the front door or in the kitchen. After paying, you typically carry your items to your vehicle. For large furniture items, you may arrange a pickup window with the estate sale company.

Follow the rules. Each estate sale company may have specific rules about entry limits, photography, bag checks, or other policies. Follow them graciously. These rules exist to keep the sale running smoothly and fairly for everyone.

Join our email list at The Right Stuff Estate Sale Services to get notified about upcoming sales in Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, and throughout Riverside County. Our sales feature photos and detailed descriptions so you can plan your visit.