THE ESTATE SALE PROCESS:

Beginning with the initial consultation, we meet to learn about the estate, its contents, and the unique needs, goals, and concerns for the sale. Upon agreement, we enter the pre-sale period. Depending on the scale, the pre-sale period can occur for anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. This is the time for planning, setting-up, and marketing the sale. 

The Prince team starts set-up by carefully combing the estate, taking inventory, tidying and organizing. We bring folding tables, display cases and fixtures, and other supplies, as needed, for effective visual merchandising and optimal sales. Clear and attractive photographs are captured ASAP to advertise the sale online and build up interest. 

Next, we research, appraise, and price items. In addition to our wealth of knowledge on market prices for antiques, vintage items, and everyday household items, we utilize eBay Product Research, Worthpoint, and our network of experts and dealers. The vast majority, if not all, of the contents will be priced with a (non-destructive) sticker label, tie-on tag, or poster signage. If we discover highly valuable and/or rare items that would be more appropriate to sell elsewhere, we alert the client and make arrangements for auction and/or specialty consignment. 

Nearing the sale date, the final touches are completed to ensure a safe, pleasant, and successful estate sale. The sale period is usually 3 days (Thursday-Saturday or Friday-Sunday), with sometimes planned or extended as needed to 4-day sales. Sales are usually open from 10 AM to 4 PM each day, open to the public, and accept cash, credit, debit, and Zelle/PayPal/Venmo services. Shoppers are greeted and assisted by friendly staff cashiering or circulating the estate to keep watch and provide customer service. Small valuables are always kept stationed and/or encased by the check-out area. Also by the check-out area are hold tables, which allow shoppers to safely place items they have committed to buying and free up their hands to buy more! The first day of the sale is full price with an increasing discount percentage each consecutive day. 

Sales are listed online and advertised. This includes social media, email, and, most importantly, EstateSales.NET (the premier and most trafficked estate sale website), in which Prince Estate Sales is a Gold Member. On the actual sale dates, directional signage is strategically placed along nearby roads and intersections to both guide shoppers and invite local communities and passersby to come shop! 

We remain available and in contact with the client throughout the process. Nearing the end of the sale, the question is often what to do with the remaining items that did not sell. We are able to advise, present options, assist with donating, and make referrals to clean-out services. A cashier’s check and sales report will be ready within 7 days after the final sale date. We are happy to hand-deliver (if possible!) or mail/ship the check and sales report.