Question 1

What's an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

Estate sales, or estate liquidations, are sales that take place in your home or business. It's a method of selling the entire contents of all (or nearly all) the deceased or downsizers' possessions. It can be a challenge to try this herculean task on your own. Allow your Estate Sale Goddess to take care of everything.

Question 2

How do we prepare for an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

First, PLEASE do not discard anything. You don't want to "throw away the money." Allow your Estate Sale Goddess to research, sort, stage, photograph and price your estate properly. We have the newest wireless and tap credit card equipment, folding tables, dress racks, and professional signage along with an amazing and loyal following. We are known for our pricing, staging, marketing and quite frankly, winning. Read about your Estate Sale Goddess in Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Reader or the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times!

Question 3

Do I have enough for a sale?

Accepted Answer

Whether a "full" estate with over twenty years of accumulation or simply artwork, jewelry, tools, clothing, or records; please allow us to come out and make an informed decision. We've had instances when the artwork, record collections, and clothing commanded more than an entire packed home.

Question 4

When will I be paid?

Accepted Answer

Your check is ready minus our commission, 2-3 days after the sale. You will receive via email, a report outlining the daily happenings at your sale and a list of items sold over $100. Payment can be sent via bank wire, Zelle, Fed-Ex, or our bank's cashier's check. Your call!

Question 5

How much is the cost of an estate liquidation?

Accepted Answer

We, like all estate sale companies, work on a commission basis. We NEVER charge an upfront fee. It's the high level of expertise that your Estate Sale Goddess brings to the table. Remember, "if you think a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur!"

Question 6

Our family home is in probate. Can we still have a sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and Estate Sale Goddess is happy to prepare a court document or valuation report for your estate items if the courts deem it necessary.

Question 7

I live out of the Chicago area, but my deceased loved one's home is in Chicago. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

We often liquidate homes with family members that are not local. Do you have a trusted friend or family member here in town? The family attorney or Realtor? Or perhaps you are just here in town for a couple of days. Let's speak! We can perform your sale, pack up any important or personal items including furniture, and ship it to you!

Question 8

How are you different from other estate sale companies?

Accepted Answer

We care.
We are FULLY insured.
We do court valuations.
We research.
Our sales have totaled over $500K for ONE ESTATE.

Question 9

What's an estate liquidation sale?

Accepted Answer

An estate sale, or estate liquidation, is an opportunity to purchase items from a private home. As a safety measure, the address is always released 24 hours before the sale.

Question 10

Are prices listed before the sale?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, estate sale companies do not divulge prices before the sale, but ESG will answer price questions IF we have the time. I thank you for your patience in this matter.

Price questions will be answered by phone on sale day beginning at 10:00 am. You are welcome to text questions and comments at any time. YOUR Estate Sale Goddess will always return your text or call—but AFTER coffee, please. Thank you! Ring or text (312) 450-9821

YES we negotiate. Look for me—Lynn or our Estate Sale God, Ty McDaniel. If you don't see me, ask staff to contact me via walkie-talkie for immediate service.

We are an ESTATE SALE, NOT a retail store. We pride ourselves on being fair, whether an end user or re-seller. Come see for yourself!

Question 11

Do you except cash, check or credit card?

Accepted Answer

We accept all card credits.

No checks or cash are accepted.

Question 12

What should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Cash
A sheet of paper
Help us stay green! Please bring your own bags and packaging

Question 13

Do you Pre-Sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer Pre-Sales on some items. E.g. vintage cars, large record collections, fine art, sailboats, coins, diamonds, real estate, vintage stereo equipment, jewelry, vintage clothing etc.

It will be noted "BUY IT NOW" on the subject line of the post when that is the case.

Question 14

Is there a fee to attend an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

This is NOT an auction, and yes, it's FREE TO ATTEND!

Question 15

May I come in and measure?

Accepted Answer

No. We are NOT a "retail store" just an estate sale. Simply measure your space and check the photos on the website. I always list the dimensions.

Question 16

Should I arrive early?

Accepted Answer

Arrive VERY EARLY for the best selections. Many shoppers fly in from out of state to shop our sales!

Question 17

What do I do when I arrive to the sale?

Accepted Answer

Once you reach the estate sale destination, please line up behind the blue line. NO RSVP, TICKETS or LIST.

While waiting to enter the sale, do NOT peek in the windows! It's rude, CREEPY, and unseemly. And FYI, we use anti-theft devices at all our liquidations.

Estate Sale Goddess will open the doors at 9am. Please enter in a calm fashion.

Please respect each other while waiting in line. If we hear of any bullying or "jumping" the line, you will be excommunicated from Estate Sale Goddess!

Question 18

Are refunds or exchanges available?

Accepted Answer

Please inspect all items before purchasing. Everything is as is, where is. NO refunds, returns, or exchanges.

Question 19

Will there be refreshments?

Accepted Answer

During winter, we offer hot coffee or cocoa. In summer, you can expect iced coffee and huge gourmet salads and sandwiches.

Question 20

Can I bring my children with me?

Accepted Answer

You must be 21 or over to enter. I must stick firm on this one. Although I love children and my granddaughter, absolutely NO CHILDREN ALLOWED—not even my little Gingersnap!

Question 21

How do I make a purchase?

Accepted Answer

Buying Furniture

See a piece of furniture or something great you'd like to purchase? Follow these steps: Remove the white tag from the item ASAP, take it to the cashier IMMEDIATELY and pay.

Buying Non-Furniture Items

All other items, bring to check out and place on the SOLD TABLE by the cashier. Once items are placed on the SOLD table, they belong to you. No putting back! This Gentle Readers is my achilles heel. Don’t try me.

DO NOT walk around with any tags in hand. Sooo not fair to others. And we're better than that, right? RIGHT?

Home decor, clothing, small items? Again, you are welcome to leave armfuls of items on the MONITORED "SOLD TABLE" over by the cashiers.

If you walk around with armfuls of goodies and you get to the register and put 3/4s back, you will be BANNED from ever attending an Estate Sale Goddess event again—in life! Why would you want to stop others from purchasing that lovely cotton candy pink cashmere sweater that you knew you really didn't want? NO PUTTING BACK AT THE REGISTER.

Jewelry: PLEASE DO NOT OPEN JARS/BOXES/ BAGS of jewelry. If you are caught tampering with the jewelry, you will be asked to leave.

You are welcome to shop and checkout. Look around a bit more, shop and repeat.

Question 22

What do I do after I finish shopping?

Accepted Answer

Please wrap/pack your own items on the packing table and exit out of the door you entered.

We have team members that will help you load your vehicle or deliver your purchases to your home. Simply ask!

Please note, once the estate sale is over, IT'S OVER. Please do not ring/text and ask if you can come back for the Prada loafers or John Deere Tractor you passed on. Once an estate is liquidated, we are onto the next. We ask that you continue to travel your estate sale journey with us.

Question 23

Do you offer delivery?

Accepted Answer

We do have a professional delivery service on duty at every sale. You are welcome to make delivery arrangements on the spot!

Remember, your purchases must be removed on the last day of the sale by 1:00 pm. If purchased items are not removed by 1:00 pm on last day of the estate liquidation, they will be donated to charity.

Question 24

What if my item gets damaged?

Accepted Answer

Estate Sale Goddess is NOT responsible for any damages that incur upon removal of your purchases.

Estate Sale Goddess is NOT responsible for damages to your purchased items or vehicle when you load.

FAQ

Estate Liquidation Client FAQ

Estate Sale Shopper FAQ

Buying Furniture

Buying Non-Furniture Items

We look forward to seeing you at the sale!