TOP TIPS TO SCORE AT ESTATE SALES
I brake for estate sale signs!
Ever feel overwhelmed when you go to any estate sale—or worse, that you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing? Well you’re in luck! Nothing is better than finding an amazing new vintage piece at an estate sale! When you find that new chair, bowl, artwork, or more, it unlocks part of your story and who you are.
After a lifetime of going to estate sales, I’ve got some top tips to score at estate sales so you find your next chapter. . .
Ready?
Let’s roll!
Look at all this authentic vintage enamelware!
Estate Sale Tip #1: Half Price Last Days
Sometimes waiting is the best strategy.
It’s easy to get lured in by something amazing you see at an estate sale (on the veeery edge of your budget) and to just let your financial conscience go so you can nab it.
Sometimes it’s right, but sometimes simply waiting can pay huge dividends at estate sales. I can think of many times where I was able to go under-budget or stay inside my range just by waiting one more day.
Often, estate sale prices go to half price (or lower!) on the last day of the sale. Remember the host’s goal is to move merchandise, so you can swoop in and help them by helping yourself to an amazing deal. Think it through. Assess what you want. It may be a risk to wait, but you can plan to go back if there are items you'd like. Ask the host before you leave the sale when markdowns will occur. This is also a great way to. . . . .
Here’s me in action!
Estate Sale Tip #2: Create Relationships.
Remember that friendly host we asked a paragraph ago for help?
Well, another top tip to score at an estate sale is to get to know the estate sale company owners and create a relationship with them! Unlock your inner extrovert by introducing yourself and asking a friendly question to get things rolling. Ask what they have coming up and which items they may be presenting at their next sale.
If you make friends, you’ll get great insights and advice from them. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make an actual friend, too, and one with great taste—even a future estate sale buddy.
But still, making friends means getting knowledge. Big smile. This simple estate sale tip goes a LONG way.
Want more estate sale tips? I’ve got a lot. So much actually, that I have a FREE ebook you can download by subscribing to The Lark List Newsletter (along with 10% off the Urban Lark Etsy Store)!
