Not Our Sale? We Still Want It to Be a Great One

At The Estate Edit, we can't take every job that comes our way. Often it's a simple issue of geography, and other times our schedule is already packed. After all, Lindy and I run a small operation, balancing business, family, community, and the ongoing effort to justify the monthly gym membership. But whether or not we take a client on, we always want to make sure they land in good hands. With so many estate sale companies out there — and a wide range in quality — here's a quick guide to choosing the right one.

See their work in person. Visit a sale if you can. Is it organized, thoughtfully displayed, and actually shoppable? Are the staff helpful? Is there energy in the room? You'll learn more in ten minutes than you will from an hour of internet research.

Spend some time on EstateSales.net, where most companies showcase their work. Are the photos clear and well composed? Are there thoughtful descriptions? The level of care in the listing usually reflects the care in the sale. Strong listings take real effort, and corners cut online tend to get cut everywhere else too.

Pay attention to presentation. The best companies clean, group, and arrange items with intention. Furniture is staged, smalls are edited, and the space feels cohesive. It's not about making things look fancy — it's about creating an environment where people actually want to buy. Look for less "chaotic attic" and more "very interesting shop you stumbled into."

Ask how they price. First: are all items priced? (You'd be surprised.) Second: what's the strategy? A strong company will explain their approach clearly and confidently. At The Estate Edit, we combine research with experience to maximize full-price sales, then strategically discount throughout the weekend to ensure strong sell-through.

Marketing matters more than most people think. Listing sites are just the baseline. Look for companies using email lists, social media, repeat buyers, and day-of signage to bring in the right crowd. A sale should be easy to shop and easy to find. Plus, we also love drawing in first-time estate sale shoppers who didn't even know this world existed yet!

Understand the fee structure. Most companies work on commission, but what's included varies wildly. Ask about advertising, staffing, credit card fees, post-sale coordination, and any minimums or off-site selling policies before you sign anything. We offer a straightforward 40% commission that covers all standard expenses, so clients walk away with a clean 60% of gross sales. Post-sale cleanout is typically an optional add-on, for those who'd rather not be bothered with what didn’t sell.

Look for professionalism behind the scenes. Ask for references. Make sure the company is insured, uses a written contract, and holds a valid Illinois Auctioneer License. These aren't fun things to ask about, but neither is finding out you skipped them.

And finally, trust your instincts. The right team will feel organized, calm, and respectful. Estate sales are personal, and trust matters. If something feels off, it usually is.

Whether or not The Estate Edit is the right fit, we want your sale to be a success. We're genuinely rooting for other great companies who share the vision of elevating estate sales across the Chicago region — rising tide, all boats, and all that. And even if you're outside Chicago, we're always happy to help you find someone reputable. Just reach out.