Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find a list of common questions from our clients. Have a question not addressed? Please contact us and we will answer you promptly!
What is an Estate Sale?
An estate sale is a large-scale liquidation of the entire contents of a home. Estate sales are often needed after the passing of loved ones or during major moves and downsizings. Unlike a garage or yard sale, the entire home is open to customers who experience a retail-like environment in each room. Everything is priced, advertised, and then sold, usually over a three day period.
Are You Insured?
Yes we are. Green Eyes Estate Sales is insured by the National Antique and Collectible Association. Documentation will be provided upon request.
What is Your Percentage?
How Much Do You Charge for a Sale?
Every sale is different. Our commission varies from 30%-50% of the gross sale profit. We must often negotiate a minimum guarantee to cover expected costs for putting on a sale. We offer a full scale service that includes planning, organization, sorting, advertising, sale hosting and clean-outs. Liquidating an estate is a time consuming and involved process that many people are simply unable to handle themselves. Our commitment ensures that we handle all the hard work for you.
Who are Your Employees?
We are a family business. Our employees are all close family and friends whom we know and trust. We do not hire outside workers.
How Long Does the Estate Sale Process Take?
Normally, about 2 weeks. However, each sale is different and requires varying amounts of time to assess, organize, stage, price, advertise and conduct the sale. We have hosted sales that required a month of preparation; and we have conducted expedited sales with only a week’s notice. Whatever our customers need, we make it work!
Should I clean, throw things away and donate unwanted items before I call?
NO! NO! NO! Our job is to assess the home "as is" and do the work for you. Half open bottles of cleaning supplies, old towels and other surprising items all have value at an estate sale, so let us determine what to keep. Donating or disposing of items away should only be done after the sale.
What do you do with left-over items?
After the sale, there are many options available. Unsold items left still belong to you and we will be happy to help you make a plan for consignment, donation and/or disposal.
Are there any upfront costs to me?
Our initial consultations are always FREE.
Do I need move-out before the sale?
While we prefer that our clients not occupy the home while we prepare and host a sale, we understand that isn’t always possible and don’t require it. We do require that everything in the home that is NOT for sale be clearly marked, stowed away, or removed from the home before we begin our first day of work.
During the hours our company is in operation, we ask that our clients not be present in the home. It is important that we are able to concentrate exclusively on our research, setup, and selling so that we put on the best possible sale for you.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for a sale?
The only thing you need to do is decide what is and isn’t for sale. After that, the rest is up to us. Remember, you aren’t just hiring us to sell your belongings. We are a service company designed to handle all the details of liquidating an estate, so let us do the work!
How do I schedule an initial consultation?
You can either fill out the form on our contact page or call us directly. Our typical turnaround time to answer inquires is 24 hours or less.
How quickly can I have my sale?
As soon as you need it! We are constantly taking new bookings and make every effort to accommodate even the quickest timeline.
How much will my sale make?
While we can't make any guarantees, our goal is always to make you as much money as possible. We work on commission, so the more money you make the better we all do.
How many people can I expect to come to my sale?
Typically, 400+ people attend over a 3-day sale. We are experts at advertising our sales and always have a great turn-out.
How do you advertise?
We advertise on the number one estate sale website in the country, as well as on local social media sites and our private email list. We also place street signs along major roads and intersections during the hours your sale is open. We work to make our sales an exceptional experience for the customers, and as a result we have loyal followers that attend most of our sales.
What security precautions do you take?
We have a trained staff member with extensive security-related experience who will take you through all the necessary precautions. The location of your sale is not made public until the day before. We secure all small and high value items near the checkout counter, and have employees posted throughout the home to discourage theft.
Do you have references?
Yes! Check our page of testimonials and if you want to see more we have a list available upon request.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us for more information!