How do I price furniture and household things for a yard sale/estate sale?
Question:I have to clear out a whole basement full of furniture and other stuff. Some is 20 years old or less; some is lovely mahogany furniture and other items from the forties that belonged to my parents. I don't know how to price it and I really can't afford to hire someone to price it. Any suggestions?
Answers:
If you have time, visit a local antique store to see what they are charging for any mahogany pieces. Then cut that price into thirds. That is the price you can realistically plan on starting with. On the newer pieces, the demand might not be as high, so price it so that it will move.
Plan on bargaining with people. I always mark my pieces up, giving me plenty of wiggle room to deal.
Another thought is calling a local auction house, and having them sell it for you. They usually charge 25-35% commission on the realized price.
If you have time, research on the Internet. The best place to start is on EBay. In order not be be "taken" by a savvy buyer, however, you just might have to get the assistance of someone in the know. If it looks like crap, just put it in boxes and sell as box lots...but you still might be giving away a treasure and not even know it.
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