Thursday 19 October 2017

Tips For Shopping At State Sales

By Rebecca Wilson


When an individual is planning to downsize or relocate, they may decide to sell all or some of their belongings. This is sometimes also done when the owner of an estate dies. If you like on buying second-hand items, then you should attend these state sales. However, the overwhelming amount of items on sale might confuse you, causing you to purchase a lot of junk.

Just like when you are shopping for other things, you need to identify where the sales will be. Some websites might have listings of similar upcoming events, and you can subscribe to this to get informative newsletters. Easier still, you can check the sites of estate sellers to see their schedules. This option might also allow you to glimpse the most valuable things that will be on display at the event.

While doing your research, it will also pay to check whether the sale is being organized by a professional or the owner of the items. Events hosted by professional usually are very organized and with high-quality pieces on display. However, the prices may be a bit higher, because the firm will take a fixed commission on each article sold.

Most collectors and sellers who handle antiques will visit these events on the first day because they are more likely to get the best things then. Therefore, if you are focusing on quality merchandise, do the same. On the other hand, the prices of these items will drop as the sale comes to an end. Therefore, if you are focusing more on the cost of the merchandise, go during the last few days.

Because these events are routinely held at a house, some people will focus on specific rooms ignoring others like the attic or basement. However, remember that in most cases items will be displayed where the owner initially kept them. Therefore, visit all the rooms in the house unless you find a sign prohibiting your entry from specific places. Go in with the assumption that everything on display is for sale.

Even if an item looks new, inspect it before you decide to buy it. Some seemingly perfect things could have flaws, which can lower their value or deem them useless. Additionally, since the merchandise sold here has no warranty, if you buy something faulty, you will not be in a position to return it or ask for a refund.

Do not go shopping at these places with your credit card. You will need to carry cash if you want to make any purchases. For some bigger items, you may need to agree on a different mode of payment, but this will be dependent on the person in charge. Remember to keep any receipts you may be given at the sale, as proof of purchase.

When you get to the premises, inquire whether they have employees, who can assist with loading and if they offer transportation services. While this may not be a common practice, some individuals may provide these services for a fee. To be on the safe side, if you are planning to buy heavy things, organize the details of their loading and transportation in advance.




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