Every professional service provider has a different approach to the selling process so be sure you familiarize yourself with a couple of different companies and always ask for testimonials or letters of recommendation. Good referrals can come from your Attorney, CPA or Realtor. Most Estate Sale Companies offer the initial consultation for free and charge a commission based on the size of the project.
Tagsellit.com lists Estate Sale Companies around the United States but does not make recommendations or referrals for any one company. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when doing your due diligence to find a company that can best serve your family’s needs:
- Many companies cover a wide area in a state or region. Try narrowing down your list of options by locating companies that have experience closest to your area.
- Understand how Estate Sales work.
- Ask these companies for testimonials and references. Be sure to follow up on these testimonials and references, make some phone calls, do your homework on the company to ensure their legitimacy and qualifications.
- Check out the companies before and after you meet with them. The Better Business Bureau can be a great resource for learning about these companies.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask, no question is a dumb question. These folks are the professionals and they should be able to help you answer all of your questions and put your concerns at ease.
- Don’t let the commissions, fees or percentages charged be the only criteria for which you use to choose a company.
- Be sure to put everything in writing in a contract. Don’t sign a contract until you’re 100% confident in the services and the people you’ve chosen to work with. Request a copy of the contract before the job starts.
- Many states and counties have different tax policies. Be sure to check with your municipalities or CPA regarding sales tax and be sure the Estate Sale professional you chose is in compliance.
- Ask where your Estate Sale will be advertised! There are some notable sources where people search for Estate Sales in their area (Tagsellit.com, Estatesales.net, Estatesales.org, and Craigslist.org to name a few) Be sure the company you select utilizes multiple advertising sources to maximize the visibility of your sale event.
If you’re working on this alone and ever feel overwhelmed about the process, be sure to have a friend accompany you. Don’t feel shy about having professional representation either. Having your Attorney present also works in your favor. Remember, you’re signing a contract and liquidating the contents of your home. It’s best to make sure you feel safe and comfortable before any contract is signed and sales occur.