Estate Sale Services Checklist

Here are the questions you should ask when choosing an estate sale service.

To download a printable version of this checklist, please click here.

Background and Experience

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How long have you been in business?
What is your track record of successful sales in my area?
Do you have an antique appraiser on staff?
What are your areas of expertise?
Do you also sell antiques or collectibles? (Beware of a potential conflict of interest)
Can I speak with previous customers as references?

What is your fee structure or percentage, and what specific services are covered?
What services are offered at additional fees? Do most customers require these additional services? What should I expect on top of your percentage fee?
What are the tax implications of holding an estate sale with your company?
What do you need from me for an estate sale to be successful? Any legal or financial requirements that I should be aware of?
What is your payment process and schedule?

What methods will you use to sell my items, in addition to the in-home sale?
What is your timeline for preparing and executing the sale?
How will you market and advertise the sale?
How many people typically attend your sales? Do you have a strong following of potential buyers?
Can you offer a private pre-sale for family and friends if requested?
Can I be present at the estate sale?
How do you staff your sales? What are your security and customer service standards?
What do you do to deter theft during the sale?
What do you do with items that don’t sell?
Do you consign items that don’t sell at the estate sale? If so, what is the process and fees for doing so?
Do you offer a cash buyout on items that don’t sell at the estate sale? If so, at what percentage of the selling price?
What are your clean-up standards after the sale? Are there any additional fees for cleaning?
Can you arrange for shipment or delivery of non-sale items? If so, what is the process?