There are numerous ways to shop secondhand, which has become one of my favorite ways to decorate our Riverdale Ranch. After a bit of experience, I have discovered strategies to improve overall shopping success. I’m going to share 5 estate sale shopping tips so you feel like a pro next time you go.
Shopping secondhand comes in many forms these days, from garage and yard sales, to thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, Ebay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and CraigsList. I have experience shopping all of the above, and have definitely learned lessons with each along the way. On Fridays, I like to shop at my favorite non-profit local thrift store, and have shared 10 items I always keep my eye out for during these trips. I love a good neighborhood garage sale, or the unexpected gem that pops up on Facebook Marketplace. But today, it’s all about the art of shopping estate sales.
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Estate sales are unique in that they are larger and typically more “upscale” than a garage or yard sale. The whole house is open, and used to display everything that is for sale. Usually, this includes the contents of the entire home from China, glassware, and silver to rugs, furniture, art and tools. There is no limit to what you might find.
Usually, estate sales are organized and promoted by a third party company and run for 2-3 days. I’ll share all you need to know to shop these like a pro, because rest assured, you will be among “pros” when you go. Estate sale go-ers can be very serious and savvy, but don’t let them intimidate you!
Estate Sale Shopping Tip #1: How to Find Sales
I have used estatesales.net for years to find local estate sales. I sign up for email notifications, and get weekly alerts regarding upcoming sales in my area. They post location, days, times and often pictures of the items that are for sale. The photos are my favorite feature, as this usually tells both the quality and quantity of items for sale to help you know if it’s worth your time.
As far as location goes, I feel like this will differ in every city. I choose sales either in my own neighborhood due to convenience and proximity, or various pockets in town that I know have large, historic homes. I’m local to Memphis, and we have our fair share of beautiful, historic real estate!
Last, you may also stumble upon sales while just driving around town. Keep your eye out for red and white “estate sale” signs! I’ve found some neat sales this way as well. Once you start looking for them, you’ll be surprised at how many you notice.
Shopping Tip #2: How to Strategize
Your strategy should and will depend on how serious you are, or how badly you want certain items. I will discuss timing, best days to shop, and locations within the home.
If I know there is nothing I absolutely “need”, more so just want to browse and it is a large or pricey looking sale I will usually wait until the last day to shop. Typically, sales run 2-3 days with seldom discounts on day 1, but end at 30-50% off everything by the last day. If I know I’m just buying things out of “want”, I feel better if I score a deep discount!
If there is something you must have, I would recommend showing up early (before it opens) on the first day. Regular estate sale shoppers can be intense, and I’m always surprised at the energy and fervor with which they shop. In this case, you can’t beat them so you may as well join them!
The last strategy to consider is your route throughout the home. I personally love looking through the serve and kitchenware items first, so I tend to begin browsing in that direction. Others insist the best finds are hidden outside, in the garage, or basement/attic (who would’ve thought!). And many of those areas often get overlooked. I would recommend being methodical about your approach, doing a quick walkthrough to scan everything quickly or seek out items you had your eyes on from the pre-sale listing photos. Then, after your first quick lap take a second walk through and sift to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Estate Sale Shopping Tip #3: Make a General Shopping List
This list will look different for everyone, but I recommend creating a general outline of items you are interested in to help guide your search. This could be based on the pre-sale photos, or needs you have within your home.
I will share a few things I always enjoy browsing when I go to estate sales. As mentioned, I love China and kitchenware. I have found quite a few vintage silver serving pieces at good prices that I use for entertaining. More recently, after an amazing afternoon tea experience during our two week backpacking trip around the UK, I have begun a search for vintage English tea cups and saucers. I want a fun, mismatched bunch which is more affordable to put together than a complete matching set. I’ve got two so far, and I’m hoping for at least 6 more.
I also keep an eye on the rugs, as many of these estate sales feature antique Persian and Heriz style carpets throughout. Often, they are still pricey. But you may get lucky like I did recently and find a beautiful 10×13 Heriz on the last day of a sale at 40% off (and able to negotiate forgoing the 3% credit card charge) in the last minutes before closing. Bonus- if you are interested in learning more about vintage rugs, I have dedicated a whole blog post to the topic here.
In addition to these items I’ve been interested in lately, I’ve summed up my ultimate thrifting list of 10 items you should always keep an eye out for when secondhand shopping.
Shopping Tip #4: What to Bring
I always like to be prepared, and after my first estate sale or two I learned a few things I like to make sure I have on hand. These include a tape measure, pictures of rooms in my home or spaces I’m shopping for, and a flashlight.
Conveniently, all of these things can actually be found right on your phone! One of my favorite Instagram friends Alyssa at @HappilyEverNashville shared an iPhone tip to use the measuring tape that comes pre-loaded in the utilities section on your smart phone. The inspiration pics are also housed on your phone, as well as a flashlight. This makes the supply list for estate sale-ing light and easy.
Estate Sale Shopping Tip #5: All About the Money
Ok, let’s talk about all things $$$. First, you should know each estate sale is unique, and will depend on who is hosting. Many companies nowadays accept card, but will often charge a 3% processing fee. Others I have been to are still cash or check only, so make sure you either check before you go, or come prepared with payment options. If you are using estatesales.net, it should provide accepted payment methods on their site.
Next, I’ll talk about pricing. At estate sales, you can technically always negotiate. The worst they can do is say no. But if it is the first day of the sale (or even sometimes the last), know you may be met with some attitude. It all depends! In my experience, the sellers (or company hosting) are more willing to negotiate on the last day of the sale, or when you are purchasing multiple items.
And last, as mentioned previously, prices at estate sales are typically cut across the board by the last day, usually somewhere between 30-50%.
Feel free to call if you have any questions, thank you.
Still need convincing that you should be shopping secondhand? I outline 5 reasons to thrift home decor here to fight the fast furniture trend. Your home, pocketbook, and the planet will thank you.
After five of my best estate sale shopping tips, you are ready to shop that estate sale confidently and efficiently! I’ll be here wishing you good luck, you never know what you’re going to find. I used to feel strange about shopping someone else’s treasures they have collected over a long life. It almost made me feel sad. But I’ve decided to instead be happy that I am giving their possessions new life, and honoring them by enjoying them too. Happy shopping!
Enjoy the process,
