Q & A
Planning and executing an estate sale can be incredibly overwhelming and time-consuming. We do the work for you and guarantee to provide you with the best service possible. For your convenience, we have listed some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients. For any additional information, please contact us at (217) 649-6288 and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you!
Where do we begin?
The first step in the process is to contact an estate sale company, share your situation and schedule an appointment. Allowing us a chance to view the home and hear about your unique situation will help us to better serve you. Upon hearing details, we can tailor our answers much better to your specific situation, since there rarely is a one-all answer to every household or estate’s needs. We will work with you to find out the best plan of action whether that be an estate sale, a liquidation, clean-out, buyout or even a referral.
How far in advance should I call you?
We would like you to call as soon as you believe you might need our services. Our busy seasons are spring and fall, so please allow extra time when hoping to book during those seasons, (if possible). We do our best to remain flexible while scheduling for clients. In the past, we have scheduled sales any where from 2 weeks to 6 months out. We usually ask for a four week notice but also understand that situations arise suddenly and abruptly! We often have sales lined up for several weeks in advance but by calling as soon as you are aware of your needs we may be able to fit you in at the last-minute.
What is your fee for coming to the house and assessing it for an estate sale?
Our consultation and meeting with you is free of charge.
What happens at the first meeting?
Once on site, we can assess and determine the feasibility of a sale. We will work with you to find out the best course of action whether that be an estate sale, a clean-out, buyout or a referral, to guide you in the best direction, based on what we see at the home. It is during this time that we will tour the home, review the contract with you, discuss availability and answer any and ALL questions you may have. We do not give sale estimates or guess what your sale will bring.
What will it cost me for Champaign Estate Sales to execute my estate sale?
We charge a percentage of total sales for our commission, and simply deduct that from the proceeds at the end of the sale. We typically take 35%, although that can vary depending on a few factors. Although every situation is different, we typically cover all costs and expenses excluding garbage pickup or disposal fees. We will be able to tell you much more once we see the house.
Should we get rid of things that we know are of no value, such as old paper, magazines, newspapers or cleaning supplies?
Typically, this is OK. If there is anything in question, you’re welcome to call/text and double check. Even items as simple as cleaning supplies or linens usually sell well! Let us use our expertise in determining the value and if it is worth selling. We also pride ourselves on being a "green" company and do the best we can to recycle and discard properly what is unsellable before the sale begins!
Should we donate all the old clothes, towels, linens and sheets?
While that is charitable, these items are completely sellable at an estate sale and bring in additional profits to benefit the estate. Please refrain from discarding or donating any items within the home as these donations can be determined after the estate sale. If you feel that you must discard or donate any items please contact us to receive a professional opinion to make sure the item is not of high value. We would be happy to help!
How long does it take you to “set-up” an estate sale?
Simply put, every house and situation is unique. Within the last 18 years we have encountered setups that range anywhere between 3 days to 2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the size and contents within. This timeframe is established on the first appointment and is based on the situation.
Is there anything I need to do before the assessment?
First, we ask that all family members have decided and taken the items they are wanting to keep. This way, we can properly assess if there is enough for a sale and that the items that are being kept are in safe keeping.
What is the “setup” process like?
First, we set up our display tables throughout the home and re-arrange furniture to maximize retail space. We then thoroughly unearth any drawers, boxes and cabinet contents throughout the home and clean items as necessary. From there we separate sellable from non-sellable, stage and photograph the home, post on social media and advertise the sale, research antique and high valued goods and lastly, affix prices to all the displayed items. Throughout the process we often find personal effects such as social security cards, bank or tax documents and other sensitive material which we always set aside for family or for the owner of the estate.
Do you offer discounts during your sales?
Every situation is different. The short answer is yes! We view this as an exciting and interactive selling point of the "estate sale experience". This adds to the fun and exciting process of the estate sale. Popular television shows such as Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, etc. have encouraged people to buy in the secondary market and have made it quite trendy. We tend to offer slight discounts on the second day of a sale (upwards of 50%). Our pricing begins slightly under retail value and as we discount, the prices become more enticing to secondary market customers. Any discounting after the initial price drop is done to ensure a liquidation of the contents of the home while keeping fixed prices on items of high value. Discounts are all based on the situation and are established with the owner prior to holding the sale.
If the executor lives out-of-state, can we still have an estate sale?
Yes! We handle everything through email, calling, texting, even Facetime, and registered mail so living outside of Illinois during the process is no problem. This process is simple and we have been handling out-of-state residents for many years. I’ve even had a client in Belize! If you are working with a local realtor or with an attorney, we can go through them as well, absolutely.
What payment methods do you accept during the sale?
We accept all major credit cards, checks and cash.
What happens to everything when the sale ends?
This is probably the most asked question, and to put it simply- we typically sell it all! Due to our reputation and loyal following, we have many outlets to continue selling items if they for some reason did not sell during public sale hours. However, there will most likely always be some small items that did not sell, and those we arrange to have donated to local organizations that give back to the community, unless otherwise directed to do so. Typically within four days of the estate sale, we completely empty the house of its contents, having it ready for you to then have cleaned and either put onto the market or have ready for the new homeowners!