If you would like to start an estate sale business, research what will be involved, the time needed, and knowledge needed. These are just a few of the suggestions I would give anyone that would like to start a career in this sales business. The population of the city you live in is very important for obvious reasons. The most successful businesses originate in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta.
The Atlanta estate sale business is booming. There are 10 counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Every weekend there are numerous companies conducting sales. If you live far from a metropolitan area, in a smaller city, the population alone will not keep you busy enough to make a comfortable income. In addition, sellers will not feel comfortable using a company that does not live in their general metropolitan area.
Education and experience selling on the resale market for everyday household, antiques, collectibles and vintage items is a must. Price items too high, or too low, will result in one – items won’t sell or two – an angry seller who finds out you sold their antique oil painting for hundred dollars below the probable sale price. I have been in the Estate sales near me business for many years. I still have to research many items that I am preparing to sale. Where do you start?
Visit local antique malls and vintage stores, review pricing of items that are offered for sale. But, beware, as a former antique dealer, I can assure you, some of those “high priced” antiques have been sitting in the store for months maybe years. I would suggest beginning with an antique chest of drawers. Chests are often sold at estate sales. Compare pricing on comparable chests throughout the store. Visit local sales conducted by estate sales companies that have been in the business at least two years. See how these companies price items for sale. Buy books and study online the value of antiques and vintage items. Finally the best education would come from an experienced antique dealer. Consider partnering with a dealer. Their knowledge will help you tremendously.
Licensing, taxes, and other important considerations running a business are a whole other subject. Contact your local government to review what is required to run a business in your hometown.
Finally, the time needed is a large consideration. Preparation for a sale is hard work. You may be unpacking dusty old boxes, moving heavy furniture, emptying cabinets and drawers. If you don’t like physical hard work, this is not a business I would suggest. Sales are typically held on weekends. I rarely have time off. But, I love the business and the variety of what I sell. One week I am selling vintage tractors and the next week I am selling a beloved grandmothers favorite quilt. It is never boring.