We have put together this list of Frequently Asked Questions in hopes that it will help to guide your thought process during what may be an overwhelming situation. Please call us at 216-355-1128 or email us at jeannie@northcoastestatesales.com and we will be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Is hiring an estate sale company the right solution for me?
There are numerous advantages to hiring an estate sale company. A professional company knows how to get the most money for your items. They are experienced in dealing with vintage items, antiques and collectibles as well as standard, everyday items. They are knowledgeable about and have the resources to determine what items are in high demand and what people are willing to pay for them. They know how to stage items, bundle items, discount items and use other strategies to maximize sales. Even with commission, a professional estate sale company can bring in more proceeds.
A professional company has the ability to market your sale to reach the maximum number of buyers. They know how to manage the crowd during the sale days and have the knowledge and resources needed to provide proper security for your items. A professional company is bonded and insured to protect against accidents and theft.
I think partnering with an estate sale company may be a good option for me. What should my first step be?
The first step is to contact us to tell us about your unique circumstances. We understand that beginning this process can be the hardest step. We will ask you specific questions over the phone to determine your needs and how we may be of service to you.
Should I dispose of any items prior to calling or meeting with you?
Please do not dispose of anything prior to having a professional walk through the home.
What happens during my free consultation?
We meet with you at the home to further discuss your situation and to view the contents of the estate. We will explain more about our process and go over our contract with you.
What areas do you service?
We are based in Shaker Heights and work on the east side of Cleveland and in Cleveland’s eastern suburbs including Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Beachwood, Lyndhurst, South Euclid, Pepper Pike, Mayfield Heights, Gates Mills and Moreland Hills.
What do you charge for your estate sale services?
We charge a flat percentage of the total gross sales. We do not charge our clients any additional or “hidden” fees. Our commission percentage is aligned with industry and regional standards and ranges based on the size and complexity of the estate. We establish our commission rate when we visit the home during the free consultation.
What is your estate sale process?
You can view a detailed description of our process here.
How do you advertise your sales?
We take hundreds of quality photographs and provide thoughtful, highly detailed descriptions of the sale on Estatesales.net, Estatesales.org, Craigslist and other local publications. We notify our mailing list subscribers of upcoming sales and post the sale details on our website. On sale days, we use professionally printed, attractive signage to direct people to the sale. We pay all costs associated with advertising.
How many days do your sales last?
Generally, our sales are held on two or three consecutive days over a weekend.
How do you handle security?
Security is an extremely important concern during estate sales. We have a detailed protocol in place that includes strategic staff placement during the sale, limiting the number of shoppers permitted in the home at one time and keeping valuables secured at checkout.
What forms of payment do you accept during your sales?
We accept cash and all major credit cards.
Do you offer discounts to shoppers?
We believe that offering discounts on the last day of the sale is a vital component of our goal to sell as many items as possible. Our shoppers (particularly repeat shoppers) look forward to these discounts and many will wait until this time to attend the sale (or come back a second or third time). In general, we offer 50% off most items during the afternoon on the last sale day.
What do you do with items that are not sold?
This is up to you. We offer a range of convenient post-sale clean-out services. We can facilitate donations of items to a local chairty (and provide you with an itemized donation receipt for your taxes) or we can professionally pack and ship items.