Everybody has advice for estate sale shoppers. Get there early, bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, bring a tape measure. But one estate sale professional says the single most useful tip is also the simplest, and it costs nothing at all.
The creator behind @certifiedestatesales says the best thing you can do before you head out this weekend is read the sale listing from top to bottom. Not once, but several times. And do it before you ever walk in the door.
@certifiedestatesales
Read The Listing From Top To Bottom Multiple Times
In the video, the advice is plain: “Read the estate sales.net listing from top to bottom multiple times.” The pro says it is especially important if you found the sale on the estatesales.net app.
The reason is that the listing is where the company posts everything you need to know for that day. It spells out the details of that particular sale. As the creator puts it, each estate sale company is a little different, and each estate sale is different, too.
The Listing Tells You What Types Of Payment They Accept
Picture this: you have spotted a gorgeous sideboard, you are ready to buy, and then you find out the company does not take your card. That sinking feeling is easy to avoid. According to the creator, the listing tells you what types of payment the company accepts.
It also gives you the hours, so you arrive when the doors open and not when the last customer is leaving. A quick look at the clock and the listing can save you a wasted morning.
Parking And Entry Instructions Can Make Or Break Your Morning
The creator says the listing may carry special parking instructions or entry instructions. Anyone who has circled a crowded neighborhood in search of a spot knows how much that matters. Some sales run on a tight street, and the company may want you to park a certain way.
The listing may also answer practical questions, such as whether bags are allowed and whether children are allowed. Those are the kinds of things you do not want to discover at the front step with a toddler and a tote bag.
Reputable Companies Mark Items Sold So You Do Not Waste A Trip
Here is a tip that can save gas money. The creator adds that most reputable companies update their listings throughout the prep process and during the sale itself. That includes marking items “sold.”
So if you have your eye on one particular item, check the listing again before you go. If it already says sold, you can skip the drive, and if it is still there, you can plan your route. That is the reason to read the listing more than once.
Check Again Right Before You Leave The House
Think of the listing as a living document that changes. A page you read on Tuesday may look different on Saturday morning. Reading it again just before you head out is a cheap way to catch the latest news.
It is also a good moment to make a quick plan. Decide what you most want, and what you are willing to pay. Then you can walk in with a clear head and not get swept up in the excitement.
A Few Extra Habits That Pair Well With The Listing Tip
Once you have read the listing, a few easy habits can make the day go smoother. Bring a tape measure so you know whether that dresser will fit through your door and into your car. Carry a small amount of cash in case small bills come in handy, but only if the listing says cash is welcome.
Wear shoes you do not mind walking in, since many sales spread across several rooms and a garage. Bring a few sturdy bags or boxes if bags are allowed. If the listing says they are not, leave them in the car and save yourself the hassle.
Be kind to the staff. They are often running a busy day, answering the same questions all morning. A friendly hello goes a long way, and being polite never hurt anybody’s chances at a good deal.
Why A Little Homework Pays Off
Estate sales can be a wonderful way to find treasures, and they can also be crowded and confusing. A few minutes of homework turns the day from a scramble into a pleasure. You will know where to park, how to pay and what has already gone.
It is the kind of advice you could easily skip because it sounds too ordinary. But the pro says it is the most important tip of all. Do the reading first, and the rest of the day tends to fall into place.
Bring A Short Plan Along With You
Before you leave, jot down the sale address, the opening time and the one or two things you most hope to find. A note on your phone is enough. Having it in front of you keeps you from wandering aimlessly through every room.
It also helps to bring a friend or a family member if you can. A second person can hold your spot, measure a piece or tell you honestly that the lamp is not for you. Shopping together makes the whole morning more fun.
So before you grab your keys this weekend, take five minutes with the listing. Read it once, read it twice, and then go find something wonderful.
