How To Find Estate Sales & Get The Best Deals!

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If you want to maximize your profit when flipping furniture, spending as little as possible on your initial piece is key. I get most of my furniture from the trash for free, but when I do purchase items they rarely cost more than $20. If searching for trash isn’t your thing, estate sales can be a great alternative when needing affordable furniture to flip. Some of my favorite items have come from an estate sale (like these cane chairs that were $4 each!).

Estate sales are free to go in and look around, and are usually set up like an indoor/outdoor yard sale. They usually have everything laid out on tables or surfaces (it can be overwhelming!), and everything you see is for sale - yes, even the used shampoo and canned goods. Here are my 5 tips to having a successful estate sale experience.

1. Look for sales happening in your area on the app EstateSales.net. I don’t suggest driving around looking for them, as they can be challenging to find. Both the website and the app have all of the information available (address, time it will be open, etc).

2. Plan when you visit carefully. Most estate sales will lower the price each day. The first day will be full price, the second might be 25% off, the third 50% off, and so on. If you REALLY want an item, don’t wait hoping the price will go down and you can get it the next day. Estate sales have really unique pieces that you might not be able to find anywhere else.

3. To purchase an item you’ve picked out, remove the tag with the price and keep it with you. It’s courtesy to only remove the tag if you are sure you’re going to purchase, so think twice before pulling it off. If there is a “hold area” by the front door, take your furniture and pieces there to leave so others know they are claimed. Once you’re ready to leave, you’ll check out at the front door of the home (ask what kind of payment they expect before you start shopping so you’re prepared).

4. ONLY bargain if the estate sale is run by a company. Most estate sales are taking place because a loved one has passed, and the people inside may be grieving. You don’t want to haggle over their family heirlooms. Additionally, be sure that you shop respectfully - don’t complain or make fun of any items, and try to keep your voice down.

5. If you are going to try to make a bargain, remember these three rules: do it quietly, do it in a bundle, and wait until the last day. You can also give them your contact information and tell them to call or text you if the item you want is still available on the last day.

Overall, remember not to get overwhelmed by the amount of items and shop respectfully. It’s ok to leave and come back on day two if you aren’t sure about a purchase. Plan plenty of shopping time and have fun looking at all of the treasures. Remember, someone once loved these items - and you can too!

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