When it comes to estate sales, hiring the right company can make all the difference. Whether you’re downsizing, handling an inheritance, or simply clearing out a home, working with a reputable estate sale company ensures a smooth and successful process. But how do you know which company to trust? With so many options, it’s essential to know what to look for.
Follow these three key steps to guarantee you hire the best estate sale company for your needs.
1. Research Online Reviews and Testimonials
Before choosing an estate sale company, check online reviews on multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Angi. Look at both positive and negative reviews to get a full picture of the company’s reputation.
Here’s what to look for:
- Client vs. Shopper Reviews – Are the positive reviews mostly from buyers, or do they also come from home sellers? A good company should have strong testimonials from both.
- Negative Review Trends – Do most complaints come from home sellers rather than shoppers? This could be a red flag.
- Company Responses – Pay attention to how the company responds to negative feedback. A professional estate sale company should address concerns with professionalism and empathy.
2. Verify They Are Bonded and Insured
A professional estate sale company should always be bonded and insured. But what does that mean?
- Bonded: This protects you in case of theft or misconduct during the estate sale.
- Insured: This covers accidents, property damage, and liability issues that may arise during the sale.
Estate sales are not regulated in most states, making it even more important to work with a company that carries proper insurance. Before signing any contract, ask for proof of insurance. If they cannot provide it, walk away—a legitimate estate sale company will always have coverage in place.
3. Visit One of Their Estate Sales
Want to see how an estate sale company operates before hiring them? Attend one of their sales in person. This firsthand experience will reveal how they manage the process, interact with customers, and handle valuable items.
Here’s what to observe:
- Item Presentation & Staging – Do they keep the home organized and well-staged throughout the sale?
- Staff Presence & Professionalism – Is there a sufficient number of employees? Are they attentive and courteous? Can you identify who is working the sale by uniform?
- Security & Theft Prevention – Do they have measures in place to protect your home and items?
- Customer Traffic & Sales Success – Are people actively buying, or does the sale seem slow?
For a more accurate assessment, visit on the first morning and return on the last day to see how well they’ve handled inventory and foot traffic. Try not to mention you’re evaluating them—just browse as a regular customer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right estate sale company is essential to ensuring a smooth and profitable sale. By checking reviews, verifying insurance, and attending a sale in person, you can confidently select a trustworthy and experienced team to handle your estate sale.
If you find yourself still needing help in deciding which estate sale company is right for you, download our free successful sale checklist or contact us directly. We would love to help you have an exceptional estate sale experience. We’d love to help make your estate sale experience seamless and stress-free!
