The Estate Sale Diaries – Prologue

As I have read through the estate sale, yard sale, and thrifting blogosphere, I have come across accounts of avoiding “professional” sales in lieu of sales run by the (presumably unsuspecting and consequently low-pricing) owners.

Depending on the company, pricing and sorting of items can happen in the days and nights leading up to the sale weekend (when the team descends on the house) or over a month (if the “team” is the sole proprietor)

A professional sale does not automatically mean high prices.  If the prices do seem high, it often means that a professional has evaluated an item to ascertain its age, authenticity, and value.  In the world of antiques and collectibles, this process is known as appraisal and will cost you by the hour, possibly with an multi-hour minimum.  Prices are still negotiable at an estate sale; however, while the “best price” may be reasonable, it will not be a yard sale price.

In the world of estate sales, there are Professional Appraisers and Professional Sticker-Appliers.  The "professionals" in the second category are my favorite.  These are the sales of quality and substance that warranted bringing in a professional.  Unfortunately for the owner or family, it is at a Professional Sticker-Applier’s sale that I found a significant 17^th century French engraving in excellent condition.  My favorite part – I only paid $40.  The piece had lasted on the wall for two days of the sale because with only a bit of masking tape reading “60”, no one paid attention to what seemed like an overpriced decorative print.   I had a special weapon at my disposal, my mother, Madame Trent, who happens to be a Professional Appraiser.  Based on examination of its well-preserved condition and top-notch framing job as well as research into the engraver's other works in major collections, Madame Trent concluded she would have priced it at $800 – and certainly provided her own description on a price tag.

While I love outsmarting the Professional Sticker-Appliers, I help run sales for a Professional Appraiser.  Through The Estate Sale Diaries, I will take my readers behind the scenes into the world of estate sales.  I will share tips on negotiating, finding household necessities, beating out dealers at the same sale, and leaving a sale happy.  The Estate Sale Diaries will feature more profiles of Professional Appraisers, Professional Sticker-Appliers and unforgettable types of clients and customers.

Thanks to backgroundfairy.com for the frame image used in the header for "The Estate Sale Diaries" feature and for my blog header!