KEY Estate Sales ® FAQ---Customers

Is an estate sale an auction?

No an estate sale and an auction are 2 different venues for selling contents. At an estate sale the items are priced and can be purchased at any time during the estate sale. At an auction, the items are bid on at a certain time.

Is this a moving sale or an estate sale or...?

The lines have blurred over the years as to what an estate sale is. Years ago it was considered a true estate sale when a property owner passed away and the contents were then sold via an estate sale. These sales account for approximately 1/3 of all of the estate sales that we now conduct, the other 2/3 consisting of moving sales, downsizing sales, foreclosure sales and those who are combining households or even just re-decorating.

What does "numbers issued at 9:30" mean?

Often times an estate sale can generate a lot of customer interest. Many customers want to be amongst the first into a home, so they will arrive early. We utilize a watched list and number policy. Which means, typically a customer will arrive early and start a watched list. Other customers will arrive early and add their own names onto the list. 30 minutes before our sale begins, we will call the names on that list and give each person a number. When the sale starts, we will call the first 15-20 customers by number in order to enter the home. As customers exit, new customers will be called to enter.

This system typically only takes place during the first few hours of a sale. There usually is not a wait as it gets later into the day or on the 2nd day.

I want to buy a piece of furniture... What do I do?

Please let a team member know that you want to purchase an item and have them mark it sold for you. As we have a very short window of selling time, once we have marked an item sold for you- it is yours. On a rare occasion, 2 customers will want to purchase an item at the same time. The customer who told a staff member first that they want an item is the customer who will receive it. The order of entry does not matter when this situation occurs.

I bought it... So now what?

Items need to be removed from the home during the time of the estate sale unless other arrangements have been made. If you do not have a mover or cannot move it safely out of the home with help, we have delivery service contacts we can refer you to.

I am buying a lot of little items... Can I make a pile and you watch it for me?

You may make a pile near the register table. If there is room, we may be able to hold an item for you behind the register, however, we cannot watch a pile for you. PLEASE do not take any items out of other customers piles or remove "sold" signs. If there was an estate sale attending handbook- that would be etiquette rule #1.

How can I pay for my purchases?

We accept cash for any amount. We accept Visa, MasterCard & Discover for purchases over $50 and we accept debit cards for any amount. We do not accept personal or business checks.

I live 30 minutes from the house and want to know a price (or a measurement) before I drive all the way over there...

As we receive hundreds of calls each week, it would not only be difficult to answer all of these questions, but also unfair to the customers who drive several hours to get to a sale. We cannot give out pricing information before a sale and (with the exception of rugs) typically do not know the measurements of the items.

If I don't like the price on something, can I make an offer?

The first day of the sale the items are priced as marked, if you would like to offer a lower price for an item, you can fill out a bid sheet at the sale. We will let you know when we will be contacting the high bidders. Prices are usually reduced during the 2nd day of the sale, but in demand items will sell during the first day.

Can I purchase an item I saw online before the sale?

No, we cannot sell items before the start of the sale. We do not remove items from the home before the sales and we cannot pre-sell items as per our contract with our clients.

Can I purchase an item over the phone after the sale has started?

Usually, yes we can arrange to do that.

I bought something at a sale and changed my mind... Can I return it?

No. Again, due to a short window of time that we have to sell the items, we cannot accept returns or offer refunds. Please check the items carefully for flaws or make sure they work before you purchase the items.

I am looking for.... Do you have one?

Please join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming sales. I also post on Facebook, Twitter and our blog page. If you are looking for a very specific item- please send an email to info@keyestatesales.com with the item you are looking for in the subject line and please include your contact info.

I still have questions... How can I contact you?

Please call or text 630.677.1638. You may also send over an email to info@keyestatesales.com

On a personal note... Attending an estate sale for the first time can sound intimidating (I just rattled off a lot of rules which probably dosen't make it better!), but they really are a lot of fun! Whether you are looking for an addition to your collection, a new piece of furniture or just every day household items- an estate sale is a fantastic, green way to find just the right thing at a great price! We look forward to seeing you there and if you have questions when you are at the sale, ask any team member anytime, they are all nice and always willing to lend a hand. Have a great 2011~ Chris