Estate Sales Etiquette
Most people know the dos and don’ts of attending an estate sale. Generally, one should respect others in line and treat them as you would expect to be treated. Hold your place in line with your presence and do not cut in line. Do not rush the door when the sale opens. Do not block others from entering. Everyone has just as much right to be there as you, whether they are making a living at it or just enjoying a day out. If someone picks an item up, do not grab at it. If something is marked sold do not remove the sticker. Do not hoard items you do not intend to buy. Honor your bids.
Hoarding Items
This is the practice of gathering a bunch of items in a pile and taking your time looking and making a decision on whether to buy or not. Some companies do not allow this type of practice and require you to buy what you pile. You should know the policy of the company holding the sale. Hoarding effectively removes the items from the sale during a time when the sale might have the most potential buyers. This is not fair to the estate sale company or others attending the sale. Again, Estate Sale Etiquette.
Items Marked Sold
Some companies allow you to mark items sold that you do not want to carry around the sale with you or are to large to carry. Other companies only allow their workers to mark an item sold. You should know the policy of the company holding the sale.
Once an item is marked sold you are obligated to purchase the item because you have effectively removed it from the sale. It is not fair to the company and others to hold an item by marking it sold and then changing your mind. Someone else may have been ready to purchase the item and then left because it was marked sold. Also removing a sold sticker is not fair to the person who was first to decide to purchase the item. This all goes back to Estate Sale Etiquette.
No Large Bags or Purses
Please try to leave your large purse or bag at home when attending estate sales. Companies are leery of small items finding their way into a large purse or bag. Please try to understand the company’s position on this. They may know you but they do not know everyone and have to treat all customers the same. You should know the policy of the company holding the sale.
Children at Estate Sales
It may not always be a good idea to bring children to estate sales. There are several reasons for this and most important is the safety of the child. There are huge crowds present and a child may get hurt accidentally. Also, it is most company’s policy that if an item is broken that the customer pay for it. Small hands and breakable items do not go well together. Please think about a few things before bringing a child to a sale; child safety, company policy, other customers. We have even seen people trying to bring a stroller into a sale. Try to imagine pushing a stroller around a crowded house. What was the parent thinking? They weren’t! You should know the policy of the company holding the sale.
First Come, First Served
A line forms at the front door (usually) and everyone keeps their own place in line. Yes some people will walk around and talk once they have established a place in line and this is generally accepted. But, leaving the property usually means you have abandoned your place in line and will have to go to the end of the line if you return. Many an argument has started over this situation. When you get in line remember you are responsible for knowing who you are behind and even how many are in front of you.
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Worthington Galleries’ Estate Sales Profile on Estatesales.net
Worthington Galleries’ Estate Sales Profile on Estatesale.com
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