Estate Sale Shopping Guide
The easiest way to find estate sales in your area is to check EstateSales.net. I prefer estatesales.net as it has more inclusive listings. Plus, they offer the app option which I find to be super intuitive. Both include upcoming sales by date and neighborhood, but sometimes withhold the address until the day of the event for safety reasons. Another good option is to get on email lists for various companies that host estate sales. They sometimes offer early bird time slots for email subscribers, plus the more often you go to their sales, the chummier you can get and score deals that way!
I check for sales throughout the week to see what is scheduled and review any updates that existing sales offer. A lot of listings on either site will have photos and descriptions of items to be sold so definitely check out the pictures and descriptions. For example, if you’re looking for vintage clothing, then a home that belonged to a former “socialite” will have gems you want as opposed to a home described as a “colonial traditional with americana decor.” Some sales will offer detailed descriptions of particular items and brands. If so, then do research on the products and brands you’re interested in to get approximate pricing.
Traditionally, an estate sale will last three days, often Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, items sell for the prices marked. On Saturday, they’re usually 25% off. On Sunday, they’re just trying to clear it all out, so everything is pretty much 50% off. If you want to be the first person to see the goods, then prepare to line up early on Friday. By doing this, you’ll get dibs on the best stuff but you’ll also pay full price for everything. Sunday’s are when you’ll get the best deals, but know that everything will likely be picked over.
Tips for Shopping Estate Sales
If you’re a long time follower of mine, then you know everything is negotiable. It’ll be harder to negotiate on day 1, but if you’re there toward the end of the sale, then you can always work your charisma and remind the seller that everything will be marked down 50% the next day. When negotiating, always be respectful. If something is $200, don’t offer $50! If you’re new to it, just ask “what’s the best price you can do?” If an item isn’t marked with a price, feel free to make an offer. Sometimes practical stuff like vacuums or drapes aren’t marked, but they still need to be cleared out, so if you’re interested, offer a price.
Much like at the flea market, cash is king. Although most estate sellers will accept credit cards or Venmo, cash is best. Generally, sellers charge tax on credit cards and venmo purchases and may even add a surcharge for CC payments. I always pay cash because I save on tax and it’s always easier to negotiate when you pay with it.
Another money saving estate sale tip is to bundle your purchases. Find all the items you want and then ask a representative to give you a bundle price.
I know you know this, but always be courteous and nice. Sometimes owners or their family members are at estate sales, so try not to call stuff “ugly” or “junk.” I’ve seen it happen and it just bums everyone out!
If you’re looking to make any large item purchases like furniture, leave the nice sports car at home and bring the clunker or van. While you can always come back and pick up items in another car, don’t waste time! I used the help of Alissa, a Splendor Collective memebr, to bring home antique French beds from the epic Bunny Estate Sale because they wouldn’t fit in my care! Another note for furniture or large and bulky items, bring a post it note and marker to label items sold! Add your name, phone number and SOLD and stick it on the furniture. Then let a representative know that you’re going to buy the furniture when you check out. They may ask you to may for it right away and then continue perusing the sale.
Leave your shopper tote at home and travel super light! I usually come with my small fanny pack and cash and that’s it! Many times, the sellers will require you to check your bags, purses, and backpacks at the door anyways (which I’m not comfortable with), so I suggest just leaving them at home!
When it comes to the list, every company has a different process so be sure to read the fine print for their list/lineup. Some companies start accepting names to form the list (order of entry) a few days prior to the sale via text message. Other companies, put out a list the morning of the sale usually by 6 am (even though the sale doesn’t begin until 9am). Follow the rules so you don’t get cut from the list!
The best tip is to really look at the description and see if there is anything in the background of the preview images or the videos. There are usually so many great pieces that don’t get good press but they’re still gems. This is how I found the antique French beds from Bunny’s sale – they were in the background of some video previews of the sale and I screenshot the videos so I could get a better close up of the goods. When I got to the sale, I asked the team where I could find the beds and viola they were out in the open and nearly 200 had passed right by them. As I was walking out with them, I had 6 offers more than double what I had paid for them!
The best stuff to buy at estate sales
Furniture
Furniture is always your best bet since you’ll find pieces at a fraction of the cost of buying new. You’ll find furniture is pricier at estate sales than when buying from the thrift store, but the condition is generally much better. If you’re new to vintage or second hand furniture shopping, more often than not, the estate seller will be able to provide you with more information on the furniture maker, materials, and other details to help you with the purchase. I always get as much information as possible and then cross check on good old Google.
I don’t shy away from upholstered furniture since I know that it’s fixable. Pieces that have good bones or shape (like the frame, for example) are worth a second look because they can always be made to look however you want them to.
Tools
Not as sexy as furniture, but still a practical purchase if you are an avid DIYer and want to save money on pricey tools. I also find a lot of vintage or antique tools at estate sales that can work as decor or serve as practical and, frankly, better grade tools for you to use.
Clothing
Even if the estate sale listing doesn’t include keywords like “hollywood glamour,” “socialite,” or “designer vintage,” I still look at the clothing section since you’ll almost always score on some great vintage and second hand designer items. Don’t expect to get vintage Chanel for pennies, but you’ll definitely spend less at an estate sale than you would at a consignment store.
Jewelry
Estate sales always have tons of costume jewelry that is priced to sell, just like everything else. Many times, costume jewelry is bundled together in ziploc bags and you just have to use your best judgement and pick a bag that looks promising.
Fine jewelry will be priced below market value and will go quick, as many fine jewelry sellers pick up what they can. Note that fine jewelry will likely not come with an appraisal so purchase only if you know a bit about fine jewelry (e.g. looking for the gold marking, checking the clarity of the stone with a loupe, etc.).
Fine China
Alan and I host a ton of parties throughout the year but we opted not to register for fine china when we got married because I wanted to get basic white dinner sets that could easily be replaced. I also didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on plates. Instead, I hit up estate sales to score on quality dinnerware sets, as they’re usually very inexpensive. I love the intricate details and pattern on vintage china sets and I’m surprised how often I see complete dinnerware and party sets for sale at estate sales.
Vintage Decor
If you’re looking for unique, quirky, and vintage decor, estate sales are a goldmine! Decor is what adds character to your home and gives it that effortless yet curated feel. Items that you’ll likely find include marble telephones, antique typewriters, lucite bookends, and ceramic pottery.
Art
Whether you’re looking for fine art, original paintings, or quality reproduction prints, estate sales will have a lot of art. Each estate sale will be indicative of the seller’s personal taste and aesthetic so you’ll likely not find a lot of variety in the artwork. For example, the home may only have either modern abstract or Dutch landscapes – not a mix of both!
Books
I love finding books at estate sales and they make excellent gifts! I always dig through the old books first to see if I can find any that are first-edition or trending at the moment. I then look for coffee table books as they make great hostess gifts. Finally, I will search for architecture books since that is where I turn to for inspiration.
