Ask questions before hiring estate sale business
An estate sale is often held when a person is looking to liquidate and sell personal items within a home. Estate sales can take place during stressful or emotional situations such as a divorce, the death of a family member or the need to downsize before a move.
Consumers considering hiring a business for an estate sale should feel comfortable asking as many questions as they feel are necessary.
Consumers and businesses should have clear expectations when an agreement is drawn up to conduct an estate sale. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for consumers when selecting an estate sale business:
• Ask questions. When looking for an estate sale business to work with, ask questions about their appraisal services, how the items are priced and how they provide a final estimate of profits for a sale. Ask about the sources they review to determine current marketplace values.
• Determine how long the business has been operating. Ask the business how long they have been working in the industry. A business claiming “30 years of combined experience,” for example, may not necessarily mean that the business is reputable or that each employee has been working in the industry for 30 years.
• Be sure to ask the business when you can expect to receive the final check from the sale. Make sure all financial details are included in the contract. A business may ask the client if they would like an itemized inventory list of the items sold once the estate sale has concluded. This is a good idea, as it will help keep track of which items were sold and the price each item was sold at.
• Inquire about selling damaged or defected items at an estate sale. Be aware that the price of your items may be discounted or marked down if they have excessive wear and tear.
• Learn more about possible charitable donations. Many estate sale businesses offer a donation service for unsold items. Ask which charities they donate unsold items to, or if you are able to choose a charity for donation. If you want the business to haul unsold items to a charity or elsewhere, there may be an additional fee for this service.
• Ask how the business manages and sets up for an estate sale. Specifically, how many days the sale will last, and any policies regarding discounts on items after the first day of the sale. An estate seller may offer consignment or auction services to their clients. If there are unsold items after an estate sale, they may ask the client about reselling or auctioning off their items. Auctioneers are licensed in Texas, and you may verify licensing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at www.tdlr.texas.gov or calling 800-8039202.
• Determine whether the home needs cleaning or housekeeping services after an estate sale has concluded. If these services are offered, make sure you understand how it will work and if there is an additional fee.
When looking for an estate sale business to work with, ask questions about their appraisal services, how the items are priced and how they provide a final estimate of profits for a sale. Ask about the sources they review to determine current marketplace values.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send homeowner questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.