Estate Sale Company Fees: What to Know

When faced with the task of liquidating a loved one’s estate hiring a professional estate sale company can alleviate stress and maximize returns. However, understanding the fees and commissions associated with these services is crucial to making an informed decision.

The Basics: How Do Estate Sale Companies Charge?

Most estate sale companies operate on a commission-based structure typically taking 25-35% of the total sales. This commission covers their expertise in evaluating, organizing and selling items. Some companies may charge flat fees for additional services or unique circumstances. It’s important to ask if the commission is all-inclusive or if there are extra costs for specific services such as cleanup or marketing.

Factors Influencing Estate Sale Fees

Several factors determine the fees charged by some estate sale companies:

  1. Experience: Established companies with a proven track record may charge higher commissions due to their expertise.
  2. Service Quality: Premium services like detailed item inventories, high-quality staging and targeted marketing can increase fees.
  3. Geographical Location: Estate sale costs vary by region, influenced by market demand and local competition.
  4. Complexity of the Sale: Sales involving high-value items, hoarder situations or rare collectibles often require more labor and specialized services, which can drive up fees.

Commission vs. Flat Fees: What’s Better?

Clients generally prefer the commission model because it aligns the company’s success with their own—higher sales result in higher earnings for both parties. However, some companies may offer flat fees for specific services or situations. Be sure to clarify what’s included in the fee structure to avoid surprises.

Transparency is Key

When interviewing companies, ask about:

  • Labor: Staging, pricing and traffic management.
  • Materials and Equipment: Display cases, signage and cleaning supplies.
  • Advertising and Marketing: Print ads, social media boosts and premium listings.
  • Post-Sale Cleanup: Disposal of unsold items or large furniture.
  • Last-minute cancellations.

Focus on finding a company that:

  • Is licensed and bonded.
  • Adjusts fees for special circumstances, no two estate sales are alike.
  • Has a strong reputation backed by client reviews.
  • Has flexibility and open communication.

Such clarity helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth process for all involved.

Final Thoughts

Estate sales are more than just liquidating assets—they’re about helping families during challenging times. By understanding estate sale company fees and choosing a transparent, experienced provider, you can ensure a successful and stress-free experience.

Looking for a trusted estate sale partner? Here are what a few clients say about A Better Solution Estate Sales in online reviews:

“They organized, took pictures and priced everything. We made 4 times the amount we thought we could!! The house was almost empty after 2 days so we had nothing to worry about.” – Deana D., Feb. 2022

“Michelle charged a lower commission, no credit card fees, and she was flexible about adding items as I found them in offsite storage, all of which set her apart from the other company.” – Jenny Z., Jan. 2020

“They actually made us 3x the amount we expected! They explained exactly how the whole process worked step by step, which helped us because we were so overwhelmed.” – Darlene K, Nov. 2020

You can view many more on Google and Yelp.