When heading to an estate sale, there are a few tricks of the trade to remember. The purpose of an estate sale is to get rid of a large amount of stuff, so the seller may be willing to work with you to strike a deal. Here is a list of a few tips to be sure your trip to an estate sale is successful.
Shop Early
We can’t say this enough times. Get there early! The good stuff always goes first, so if you are one of the first ones through the door, you’ll get to see everything, not just what is left over. Plan to get there slightly before the sale even starts in order to determine the best course of action. You may be able to scope out the lay of the land before the doors open if it is an outdoor sale. Find out where they stashed the good stuff before the rush starts!
Grab It
If you like something, pick it up and hold on to it. If you put it down, it’s fair game for someone else to grab. If you carry it around with you, you can think about it while still keeping your claim on it. Check online to see what similar items are going for. This can give you an idea of how to ask about price, or if you want to bargain.
Haggle
Once you’ve determined the price of the item by checking online, you have information to use to bargain with the seller. Don’t just start off with a crazy low price. A phrase like, “Would you take…?” can help you open the door to lowering the asking price. Understand that a seller may not want to haggle, and don’t keep coming back with too many offers.
Control
Don’t forget, you are in control of your money. If you put the item down and walk away, the seller might have been trying to pull a fast one over on you. They may think about it again and come after you with a final offer. If the price is too high, don’t feel pressured to purchase the item. If you really love it, you will figure out a way to make it work for both of you. The seller is looking to get rid of everything, so the more things they can sell, the better the outcome. This usually motivates them to get more stuff sold.
If you are looking for an estate sale in the Los Angeles area, check our website at http://www.heritageestatesale.com/. We will be happy to point you in the right direction and help you with all your estate sale needs. Get out there and happy shopping!