Blog Archives

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Finders Keepers?

Earlier this month a Tag Sell It Facebook fan posted a question on our page about a recent Estate / Tag Sale experience where they purchased an item and shortly after found some jewelry inside that item that was clearly missed by the party conducting the sale. Here’s the question…

“Hi… I have a question. I attended an estate/tag sale and purchased several items. I paid and then was removing one, which was a standing mahogany jewelry armoire. I was removing drawers to take it out of the house and there was some costume jewelry in the sides. I took it home with me but have to return to pick up a desk and the rest of the armoire. The estate sale company called and said that the jewelry was not supposed to be in the armoire and asked me to return it. I asked the owner of my favorite auction house and some other seasoned buyers and they said that jewelry belongs to me now. Your thoughts?”

Feel free to post your comments and thoughts below. Also, you can check out the thread on our Facebook Page to see what others have recommended.

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The glitter of gold made me crazy

Does this picture look familiar? Just wait until you hear what happened with these viles …

I like to profess that I am an expert in everything I come across in the world of garage sales, estate sales and auctions. While I will most likely still claim this to be true, last weekend I was definitely not on top of my game.

If you remember from my post last week, I headed out to an auction despite the snow and crummy weather. This was the right decision, but it was about the only one I made that day. I so badly wanted to find something I could flip that I was far too easily blinded by the glitter of gold, literally.

One of the auction listings was for three tubes of pure 24karat gold flake. Each tube was crammed full with gold flake, and I got really excited at the thought of buying and reselling them. I saw that there were six of these three-vile bundles, and I knew I had to have them. I even waited around for an hour just for the chance to bid on them.

The first three-vile bundle started at $50. I was only bidding against two other buyers (a positive from the bad weather), and I ended up winning the first set for $75. The auctioneer then offered me the other five bundles, and I couldn’t resist. I bought them all.

I came home, proud of my purchase; proud enough to blog about it on here! After I settled down, I started doing some research, preparing to list my winnings online. I started checking eBay for similar items and was greatly disappointed by what I found: a number of listings of viles just like mine for a much lower price than I had just paid. It turns out that even I can be blinded by an item, and I realized then that I should have been taking my own advice. I didn’t do any preemptive research before bidding. I had an hour to peruse the internet on my phone and I had done nothing of the sort. Had I done so, I would have quickly realized that while gold is going for over $1600 an ounce right now, gold flake weights next to nothing. So while I was looking at how tightly packed those viles were, a whole tube of gold flake still weighs next to nothing no matter how full it is. I clearly got too cocky, and I paid the price. Three tubes are probably only worth about $30 in a good market, not the $75 I paid.

So once again, I’ll share my advice, and hopefully this time I myself will listen! First, do your research. Whether that’s going to completed sales on eBay, or doing a general online search for the exact item. eBay is always a great place to start, but it’s not the final word on this kind of information. There are plenty of specific sites out there describing just about any item or collectible – you’ll be surprised what you can find with just a few minutes of research. And if you can’t find any information, you should consider that fact that sometimes it’s just better to walk away and plan to buy another day. If I would have followed even just one of these steps, I would not have lost money at that auction, and hopefully you won’t repeat my mistakes.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

Aaron

To learn more about Aaron LaPedis, visit www.thegaragesalemillionaire.com or contact him at thegaragesalemillionaire@gmail.com.

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Estate Sale Event and Company Advertising

Estate Sale Advertising Price Comparison Guide
As of January 2013
*Tag Sell It Inc. is not responsible for any errors for this comparison.

In February 2013 Tag Sell It Inc. will be introducing a new membership called the “Lifetime Membership” for professional Estate Sale Companies who wish to list their services in our Estate Sale Directory as well as advertise their Estate Sale events on tagsellit.com. Anyone is welcome to list an Estate Sale event on the site, however, only paid members will have the benefit of including unlimited photos, hiding addresses and listing virtual Estate Sales.

The above price comparison chart shows the charges you can expect to pay when using these nationally recognized Estate Sale website services. Each of the companies you see listed here offers professional Estate Sale service providers the opportunity to join a reputable web platform where their services can be found by state and city as well as the ability to advertise the sale events they host.

The goal of the “Lifetime Membership” offered by Tag Sell It Inc. is to streamline the membership process and eliminate monthly or annual recurring payments for Estate Sale professionals. Tag Sell It Inc. does not list companies with a “ranking” based on how much they pay us. Rather, we list all companies in a given state alphabetically and prospective customers can also search by city to narrow their options of service providers closest to them. Customers ultimately have the decision-making power of which company they choose to work with.

Remember, always do your own due diligence when creating a marketing plan for your company’s future. Companies offering Estate Sale professionals options for advertising their sale events and listing their services in a directory format will each have their advantages and disadvantage respectfully. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, your goal is to maximize positive results for your clients. Your clients are investing their time and trust in you. The more you can show how your company invests in advertising and reaching all the Estate Sale shopping enthusiasts, the better for you and your clients.

*This post is not intended to induce or favor any of the companies mentioned here. Rather it is an educational publication for Estate Sale Professionals to learn more about options to enhance their business.

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Tips for Choosing a Reputable Estate Sale Services Company

Every professional service provider has a different approach to the selling process so be sure you familiarize yourself with a couple of different companies and always ask for testimonials or letters of recommendation. Good referrals can come from your Attorney, CPA or Realtor. Most Estate Sale Companies offer the initial consultation for free and charge a commission based on the size of the project.

Tagsellit.com lists Estate Sale Companies around the United States but does not make recommendations or referrals for any one company. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when doing your due diligence to find a company that can best serve your family’s needs:

Many companies cover a wide area in a state or region. Try narrowing down your list of options by locating companies that have experience closest to your area.
Understand how Estate Sales work.
Ask these companies for testimonials and references. Be sure to follow up on these testimonials and references, make some phone calls, do your homework on the company to ensure their legitimacy and qualifications.
Check out the companies before and after you meet with them. The Better Business Bureau can be a great resource for learning about these companies.
Prepare a list of questions to ask, no question is a dumb question. These folks are the professionals and they should be able to help you answer all of your questions and put your concerns at ease.
Don’t let the commissions, fees or percentages charged be the only criteria for which you use to choose a company.
Be sure to put everything in writing in a contract. Don’t sign a contract until you’re 100% confident in the services and the people you’ve chosen to work with. Request a copy of the contract before the job starts.
Many states and counties have different tax policies. Be sure to check with your municipalities or CPA regarding sales tax and be sure the Estate Sale professional you chose is in compliance.
Ask where your Estate Sale will be advertised! There are some notable sources where people search for Estate Sales in their area (Tagsellit.com, Estatesales.net, Estatesales.org, and Craigslist.org to name a few) Be sure the company you select utilizes multiple advertising sources to maximize the visibility of your sale event.

If you’re working on this alone and ever feel overwhelmed about the process, be sure to have a friend accompany you. Don’t feel shy about having professional representation either. Having your Attorney present also works in your favor. Remember, you’re signing a contract and liquidating the contents of your home. It’s best to make sure you feel safe and comfortable before any contract is signed and sales occur.

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Better Business Bureau Advice on Choosing Reputable Estate Sale Professionals

An estate sale is often held when a person is looking to liquidate and sell personal items within a home.

Estate sales can take place during stressful or emotional situations such as a divorce, the death of a family member or the need to downsize before a move. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) advises consumers to do their research and choose a reputable estate sale business when deciding how best to liquidate personal property.

“Each business’s services vary, so consumers should ask about all of the details of the sale and if there will be any additional fees,” says Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “This process can be stressful; still, people have to be sure their interests are being protected.”

Consumers and businesses should have clear expectations when an agreement is drawn up to conduct an estate sale. Many estate sale businesses offer a variety of services before and after a sale, whether it is an initial consultation, setting up displays for the sale, or cleaning out a home after an estate sale has concluded. The BBB has received complaints from consumers about estate sale businesses, generally regarding the quality of the services offered or alleging that the details of the sale were not clearly explained.

One claim that has generated confusion for consumers is the statement, “Licensed, Bonded and Insured” that some estate sale businesses advertise.

A consumer might be led to believe a business that appraises personal property has to be licensed to do business – but this is not the case. Estate sale businesses do not have to be licensed in Minnesota or North Dakota. When deciding which business is right to conduct your sale, be sure to inquire about their background in personal property appraisals and ask them how they determine current marketplace values.

Each estate sale business has different policies and procedures when conducting a sale. A recurring pattern the BBB has noted in consumer complaints involves miscommunications between businesses and consumers in regards to the timetable for receiving a final check from a sale.

In some cases, consumers have misinterpreted contract language about the date they were to receive their check; in others, the business did not fully explain their policies in regard to issuing the final check. The BBB advises consumers to study contracts closely to ensure all financial aspects of the sale are clearly understood and acceptable.

Consumers and businesses also need to be aware of potential legal issues when discussing an estate sale. If a consumer wants to have an estate sale for a deceased family member’s items, it is important to be aware of any legally binding documents which may determine what items are sold at an estate sale.

A reputable dealer may even ask for proof of a consumer’s responsibility to contract for the sale. It is important for the business and consumer to address any and all legal issues before signing a contract for an estate sale.

Donation and clean-out services are good ways for consumers to sort through or give away any remaining items after a sale. Consumers should also ask the estate sale business for an itemized inventory list of the items sold with the price each item was sold at. This helps consumers track sales on their items and calculate the total profit from the sale.

Check out www.bbb.org when looking for a reputable estate sale business to liquidate your personal property.

Source

For more advice from BBB, visit www.bbb.org. The mission of the Better Business Bureau is to promote, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill public confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, protect and assist the general public.

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Fun Friday!

These funny image greetings have been taking social media sharing by storm recently and we found a few that were just fitting for 2nd Hand Social!

Which one is your favorite? Feel free to comment below!

Ever get this feeling at some Flea Market booths?

It looks like it cost a fortune, but it was a bargain!

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Not all storage unit auctions are made the same

This statement is particularly true when the storage unit auction is on television, and even more so if that show called “Storage Wars.” If you haven’t seen the news, one of the stars of the show has come forward, claiming that a large number of the units on the show are staged.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. That’s Hollywood for you.

Since the show first aired, I’ve been telling people that it’s just not realistic to expect to find a gold bar or a Honus Wagner Rookie Card in every unit like they do on television. The odds of finding an extremely valuable item that will cover your entire bid is rather low.

It’s sad to see Storage Wars and all other storage unit auction shows are as misleading as they are. I’ve seen a number of people leave their jobs thinking they can easily replicate the unrealistic success of these shows. Shame on you A&E for not putting some sort of disclaimer on the show. It was only a matter of time before the cat got out of the bag. You’ve been misleading people for years and it looks as though the truth is finally about to come out.

Amidst all the controversy and finger pointing, I still believe that with patience and a keen eye, you really can make money from storage unit auctions. It takes practice and research, but it is possible. You can’t get overly excited and pay too much for an unsure thing, and you need to make sure you have an outlet to sell whatever you plan to buy.

And always remember, that reality television is not always reality; no matter what the tagline states.

Happy hunting this holiday season!

-Aaron

To learn more about Aaron LaPedis, visit www.thegaragesalemillionaire.com or contact him at thegaragesalemillionaire@gmail.com.

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More Funny Yard Sale Signs

This is our favorite in this series, looks to be a homemade pinata! Is it a turkey or a cock? We’ll let you decide…

This is clever, use your lawn ornaments to hold up your Estate Sale sign. Personally, we think the deer should have had an orange vest wrapped around it, that would have drawn some more attention.

Probably the ugliest and least creative estate sale sign we’ve seen… At least they’re like the rest of us and can’t deal with those crazy early birds.

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Thrift Style Living

Today we’re excited to introduce and feature LaCheryl Cillie, founder of Thrift Style Living. Over the last thirteen years of collecting antiques, LaCheryl has developed an enormous passion for auctions and estate sales. “There is an excitement that bubbles from deep within for such events,” she says. Here’s an insight into her business and passions, along with some great tips for everyone!

Remember the first apartment, or your first house? You found a great place, but you could not afford a bedroom or living room furniture, and you did not know where to go or who to talk with to get what you wanted at a price you could afford. Maybe you just simply love to dress but find the ever rising cost of quality clothing and accessories not so affordable in a tough economy – that was me and the start of it all!

How do I continue to get the best in a tough economy without giving up quality, or becoming buried in a mountain of debit? Thrift Style Living was born to offer solutions and answers in a tough economy! This “how to be a savvy shopper website” seeks to arm the average consumer with knowledge so they know how to recognize and shop for the best, whether it is furniture, general household items, designer clothing, jewelry or antiques and collectibles.
I have been doing estate sales, and have been a licensed auctioneer for over a decade.
I have also written a book about understanding estate sales, auctions, and second hand shopping.

My 5 Pieces of Advice for People Making a Conscience Lifestyle Change:

Be open minded about shopping all of the different second hand venues. Flea markets, auctions, estate sales, garage sales, pawn shops, thrift stores, consignment stores, online stores and websites – A diamond in the rough could be anywhere at any time!
Educate your eyes – Be sure to visit traditional retail settings, or places which will aid you in the recognition and understanding the value of quality items. Also check out decorating or trade magazines , newsletters and price guides.
Do not buy junk – Search for quality! If you look long enough you can find what you are looking for. Just do not give up, be patient. It is better to buy high quality used items than poorly made new things.
Always buy what you love – But it is always helpful to think in terms of possible investment or resale of an an item, either locally or online.
The money saved or made as a result of thrifting can be used to fund other other areas of your life.

Favorite Shopping Venues

My favorite second hand shopping venues are thrift stores and estate sales!

All Time Favorite Thrift Store Find

Assorted Victorian Sterling Silver Goblets, Flatware, Saucers bought for 25 cents to 3.88 each
Coco Chanel Vest for 4.99, Prada Jacket $19.00, Donald Pliner Italian Leather Shoes $3.88. Christian Dior Chapeau for $0.59.

Final Comments
Thrift is not a dirty word and “The Best Can Cost Less!” - Quality Counts!

Be sure to check out LaCheryl’s website: www.thriftstyleliving.com

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Buying Used Goods Saves the Planet

Buying second hand goods is the most friendly environment choice any consumer can make. Whether it’s books, clothes, furniture, decorations, media or kids toys, you’re sure to do your part for the environment by buying used.

Today we’ve outlined several reasons why buying used goods should always be your first option if you’re adamant about doing your part to conserve this precious planet’s resources.

Less Expensive – Purchasing used goods can be up to 90% less expensive than buying new items. Your purchasing power will go farther by buying pre-owned goods and if you’re a savvy shopper, you can probably score items that are in perfect or near-perfect condition – no one will ever know they’re used unless you tell them. Also, if you’re buying at a local garage sale or an item you saw online from a guy across town, you can skip paying any sales tax!

Conserving Energy – All products require a certain amount of resources to be consumed, from manufacturing to delivery. This includes farming cotton, clear-cutting forests, mining metals or pumping oil. We’ve all witnessed the horrible environmental consequences when resources are pumped, scraped and cut from our planet. Fortunately, buying used goods doesn’t require any new resources to be consumed.
Pollution-Free Lifestyle – Production of “stuff” just creates more pollution, including toxic chemicals, pesticides and carbon emissions. Did you know one new cotton T-Shirt is responsible for nearly 5 ounces of pesticides to be dumped into the cotton fields? One new mid-size car is responsible for 30,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.
Forget the Packaging – New products require packaging, from shrink-wrap, plastic hard casing, cardboard boxes and styrofoam. The packaging materials require energy to create in addition to the production of the product. Not all the packaging is recyclable or reusable, so it gets tossed, contributing to more waste. Not only is it frustrating trying to open the packaging, but disposing of it in an environmentally friendly way is not always an option. However, the bright side is if you shop thrift stores, or buy second hand items from your neighbors next door or across town, you don’t have to deal with packaging!
Supporting Local Economies – Did you know buying used goods extends the life of the product and the planet and supports your local economy? Think about it, most thrift shops support a cause, so your money not only buys you a cool new “used” item, but also contributes to the well-being of others supported by the business. This is why shopping for items at your local yard sales, tag sales, estate sales, flea markets, pawn shops and consignment shops is so important, and fun! Keeping your money in town supports local businesses and keeps it from contributing to corporate waste.

Being “Green” is in Vogue – Simply put, recycling is is king and you avoid having to figure out greenwashing claims made by corporations. The money you save by buying pre-owned goods from accessories to clothes, books and media, will stretch your dollar and you can then go to the organic grocery store and support your local farmers. Lastly, don’t feel bad about making certain purchases of “new” items such as appliances with extraordinary energy efficiency or hybrid automobiles. These items can reduce your carbon footprint.

What’s the last “used” product you purchased that you use on a regular basis?