FAQ you asked, we answered.

An estate sale is a sale conducted in a private home.  Unlike a garage sale or yard sale (or a “tag sale”), an estate sale typically is an entire household with thousands of items.  Over the years, the term has been used in a much broader sense.  Estate sale companies can often times assist with downsizing or moving sales, liquidations, buyouts and consignments.

When your home or the home of your loved one has enough items in it to fill a small apartment or small home, you have enough. Most liquidators need to have a full or nearly full home to have a sale in order to bring in lots of clients to give you the best price on your more expensive and collectible pieces. If you have only a few things, consignment or a buyout might be better suited for you. 

You may want to interview different companies to have your estate sale.  During the interview process, keep in mind that these companies (and their staff) will be handling your family heirlooms. TRUST is super important! If you have any doubts about the integrity of the company, or the person/people you meet, do NOT hire them.

You should also check for licenses, insurance and / or references prior to choosing an estate sale liquidator because without the proper licenses or insurance, you may never get paid. Not only that, but if a person who is attending the estate sale slips and falls on your property, you may also be held liable for that person’s injuries.  Make sure your estate sale liquidator is licensed and insured to conduct business on your behalf!!!

What do I need to do to prepare for an estate sale?

Nothing. We do ask that you remove any/all items that you or your family would like keep prior to our arrival for a free consultation. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY!!! Remember: One person’s “trash” is another person’s “treasure!”

There is no up-front or out-of-pocket expense to you. We will negotiate with you a percentage of total sales for our commission, and simply deduct that from the proceeds at the end of the sale.

We make money when you sell your items.  That’s why we provide a free consultation and work on a commission from the net proceeds of your estate sale. Even if there is extra equipment or cleanup needed, there are no upfront fees to you.  We take care of all of the details and simply deduct any costs — like dumpsters, paper shredding services, medical / biohazard removal — from the proceeds of your sale.

It usually takes approximately fur to 14 days from start to finish. This includes the organizing, staging, and the actual selling of the estate or liquidation sale. Lead time for the proper marketing of your sale or liquidation is always a good practice.

We’ll provide you with online access to a real-time, itemized inventory list of items, where they were located in the home, where we are selling it (online or at the estate sale), and what the appraised value for each item is. The list is accompanied by photographs that document your site the day we meet for a free consult, and then the staged items.

A Great Estate Sale Co includes a list of items you’ve requested to keep and we will take great care to find, protect and preserve those items for you and your family.

A Great Estate Sale Co is a licensed seller of products and will handle any/all state sales tax in California.  However, you or your estate will have to handle any/all income taxes resulting in the net proceeds of your estate sale.

Absolutely not. Electronics, Jewelry, every day household and commercial items are always in demand.