Frequently Asked Questions

During our 11 years of providing exceptional services throughout South Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois we have answered numerous questions regarding how we do business, here are some of the more common.

Sellers / Prospective Clients

  • What do we charge
    • (our most common question)
    • Absolutely nothing if we cannot meet your needs - if, after the initial free consultation, we determine that we can work together, then our fee is based upon the various portions of our services you choose.
  • Who uses our services?
    • Traditionally Executors, Heirs, Lawyers, People moving either to a smaller (less maintenance required!) home / apartment / Condo, or being transfer due to work requirements.
    • Occasionally - people looking to down-size, while realizing a profit.
  • Years of experience?
    • Owner - 20+ years with 9 of those being very active & focused on this company
    • Team members combined - 30+ years
  • Cost for estimates?
    • Free - While there is no cost for us to estimate a job, unfortunately this can not include appraisals.
  • Out of pocket expenses?
    • While we do have a minimum charge to conduct a sale, we are paid from the proceeds, therefore there is no out of pocket expense (with the possible exception of any add on / additional services you might choose)
  • Additional / hidden costs?
    • NO - Although additional services are available and often requested, you will not be charged for anything you do not approve beforehand.
  • How should I prepare for a sale?
    • PLEASE DO NOTHING - we will be happy to clean up before the sale, do not throw things away! The old adage "One person's trash is another persons treasure" is definitely true. We specialize in bringing those two together.
  • Should we throw away the clutter and garbage in the house before calling you?
    • PLEASE DO NOT! This is the single most common mistake people make regarding estate sales. This is part of our service, let us do, what we do!
  • What types of things do we sell?
    • Quite literally anything that is legal and safe. Antiques, furniture and furnishings, collectibles, clothing, costume and fine jewelry as well as Tools (indoor and outdoor), appliances, garden equipment. Amazingly, many things you might think of as "junk" someone else has been looking for and will treasure!)
  • How is the price of an object determined ?
    • Experience, research, contacts and collaboration with you the seller.
  • What about after the sale?
    • While we do leave your home clean, we can provide you with multiple options (e.g., hauling service companies, cleaning services, charities etc.,)
  • What happens to any unsold items?
    • While we offer many options, the final decision is at your discretion
  • Getting paid, When & How?
    • You will receive a cashier's check within approximately five (5) business days of the sales completion.  You will also receive, an itemized list of items that sold for $50.00 or more.
  • Are we insured?
    • YES
  • Can we provide references?
    • YES - Most definitely, our years of commitment to this profession coupled with a strong sense of integrity and honesty has gained us many fans.
  • How far in advance do I need to schedule?
    • Our professional staff can often schedule prepare for and conduct a sale in as little as two (2) weeks (depending of course upon the size of the project!)
  • How is the sale promoted?
    • Email mailing list
    • Local newspaper ads
    • Multiple yard / street signs
    • This website
    • Nationwide listing services we are members of
    • Local business and community web sites
  • Is there a minimum level to conduct a sale?
    • NO - However we will tell you during the initial free estimate if you can expect to realize any profit from the event.
  • Additional services associated with estate sales?
    • We provide for all facets of the sale
      • Initial cleanup, organization and presentation
      • Safety & Security of your belongings
      • All necessary supplies and equipment required to assure a successful event
  • What geographical areas do we cover?
    • South Eastern Wisconsin and North Eastern Illinois - Focusing primarily on the counties of Kenosha, Racine, Walworth (Wisc.) and Northern Lake (Ill.).
  • Estate sale before or after selling the home?
    • We believe that an empty house allows the prospective buyer to more easily visualize their things in the home - we suggest before, though are happy to do either
  • When is a good time of year to have an estate sale?
    • While any time is a good time for a sale, traditionally spring and fall are best followed by winter and summer (in that order)
  • How can I find out the value of pieces in my home?
    • Via our on-site appraisal service
  • What if I want to sell without waiting for an Estate Sale?
    • We do offer an immediate liquidation service
  • Qualifications?
    • 20 + years of "hands on" field experience
    • Dedication to continued topical education
    • Honest professional caring attitude
    • Highly organized
  • Do you accept bids?
    • Yes - on items over $25.00 (please note: all items are sold without reserve, unless you specify otherwise)
  • If the executor lives out of state, can we still have an estate sale and how?
    • Yes definitely! This is a very common occurrence, we handle everything through email, video conferencing, faxing and registered mail. If you're working with a local realtor or lawyer, we can and often do partner with them to ensure a smooth and profitable event.

 

Buyers / Prospective Visitors

  • Do we use admittance numbers?
    • Yes
  • How far ahead of a sale do you hand out numbers (person in a car doing this) before getting the real numbers?
    • Often times at estate sales there will be a customer arriving well before the Earthly Possessions staff who will hand out pre-numbers to other customers who are waiting.

      This person is in no way affiliated with Earthly Possessions.

      The purpose of pre-numbers is to ensure a spot in line once the real numbers are given out for entrance into the sale.  This is to allow customers the opportunity to wait patiently in their vehicles instead of having to stand outside and wait by the door.  Whoever chooses to hand out the pre-numbers is often times an ambitious customer striving to be the first person to enter the sale house.

      This system of pre-numbers was created some 20 years ago in the Kenosha and Racine areas by those individuals who choose to arrive early, but do not wish to wait outside.  Pre-numbers are a civilized way of “standing in line” without having to battle the elements.

      Earthly Possessions is one of many estate sale services who choose to honor this pre-number system.  However, once the sale begins, the pre-numbers will be substituted with our numbering system,

      The main purpose for the use of numbers in the estate sale business is for customer safety.  Allowing too many patrons in at one time can be very dangerous especially if the house is small or extremely filled with merchandise.

      Thank You,
      Adam,

      Earthly Possessions staff member
  • Accept credit cards during the sale?
    • NO - not presently, though we are looking into this
  • Accept personal checks during the sale?
    • Yes - with valid ID
  • Do you accept bids?
    • Yes - on items over $25.00