Sometimes people ask us about the experience of running estate sales. We confirm their suspicions that it is a lot of hard work, but very rewarding.. We help families through difficult times of stress and loss. We unearth all kinds of treasures. And we meet lots of fun and interesting people.
The one downside to this business is observing the less pleasant sides of human behavior. Particularly disturbing are instances of theft and deception, such as removing or switching price tags, separating pieces or sets, or straight up shoplifting. While not extensive, this happens enough to be a constant reminder.
I understand that everyone coming to estate sales wants good deals and that haggling is often part of the exchange. But when people steal estate sale items, they aren't just depriving the estate sale company of a commission. They are defiling the memory of a loved one whose family is still grieving their loss. They are robbing a family of a piece of their legacy. Theft at an estate sale represents one of the lower forms of everyday human behavior.
Fortunately, the good far outweighs the bad. We feel great pride when we discover something buried in a closet or storage box long forgotten that generates hundreds of dollars for the family. We get just as much joy finding such treasures as the buyer feels acquiring them.
Many factors will help you select an estate sale company. But when choosing an estate sale company, pay attention to how they make you feel emotionally. Do they empathize with your circumstances? Are they willing to adapt to your unique situation? Do they treat you and your possessions with respect? A quality estate sale company will make you feel good about choosing them, not just from the standpoint of money, but from a personal perspective.