Be Prepared
You may just see a sign for an estate sale and drive over. That’s fine but if you are going to be a pro then you need to prepare.
Peruse the Photos
Most estate sales will post photos. The experienced buyer will study the images and see if there is anything they want, need or can’t live without.
Trash or Treasure
You can and also see the type of sale from the photos. If everything looks great and is beautifully presented chances are that you’re working with a professional. Great stuff at a price. If it looks like the owners emptied the closets and threw everything on the floor or a hoarder just got evicted you may find some great stuff at great stuff or you may find Tupperware without lids, art destroyed by years of Marlboro, and bedbugs (that was true, not for our sale, thank goodness).
Brand Name Suburbs
Also get a sense for the home and the area. Modern home in the expensive suburbs may quality brand furniture – Restoration Hardware, Ralph Lauren and Room and Board. Probably not many vintage or antique items. This is great for someone setting up home or there may be items that are good for a reseller.
Vacation rental.
Maybe a good place to pick up some bargains for your own home or if you have an Airbnb. But often the furniture is not great quality and check if it is worn or heavily used from multiple bachelor parties!
Grandma’s house.
A home where the owners have lived for many years and now are downsizing or there has been a death in the family. But look at the style of the home – is it all traditional, mid-century, or modern. If it works for you or where you are selling great. In Palm Springs Precious Moments, doilies, and stretch pants are not hot sellers. Though granny chic is making a comeback so who knows!
Dosh
Estate sales love cash. Now Venmo and Zelle are almost as popular. Credit cards not so much because of the fee companies charge. Bring enough money to satisfy your needs!
Supplies
The pros keep packing materials, boxes, and packing blankets ready. Don’t rely on the estate sale having a wrapping station with bubble and tape. If you are going to buy furniture access to a truck will be a life saver and a dolly and/or young-uns with muscles will save your back.
If in Doubt
If you see an estate sale and you haven’t been able to do your research or get ready to haul away stuff don’t give up. You can sometimes pick up large items later or improvise. I bought some cool glass in a thrift store and didn’t even have a pack of Kleenex to pack them up so I picked up the cheapest towels from the same store and used those. They worked fine and will be great in the future for more packing and for our cats!
Have fun!