What companies charge, typically 30 to 45 percent of sales, and how they price what's in the house. Minimums and fees are where quotes really differ.
By the SecondGems team. Figures reflect the national range we see in company quotes and published industry surveys; your local estate sale prices may sit anywhere in it.
A commission between 30 and 45 percent is typical across the US. Lower rates usually come with a higher minimum or extra fees. Higher rates often include staging, advertising and clear-out. Ask what the number covers before comparing two quotes.
Many companies set a minimum, often 1,500 to 5,000 dollars in expected sales, below which they'll decline the job or charge a flat fee instead. If a company turns you down, it's usually this, not you.
| Fee | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear-out of unsold items | $0 to $1,500 | Sometimes included, sometimes a dumpster charge |
| Advertising | $0 to $300 | Listing fees, signs, photography |
| Credit card processing | 2.5 to 4 percent | Often deducted from gross before commission |
| Appraisal of specific items | $100 to $400 per hour | Only for fine art, jewelry, rare collections |
Three illustrative scenarios, not observed results. They show why the commission percentage alone tells you very little.
| Scenario | Gross sales | Commission | Other fees | Family receives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical three-bedroom home, mixed contents | $12,000 | 35% ($4,200) | $300 clear-out | $7,500 |
| Same home, higher-commission company that advertises harder and sells more | $15,000 | 40% ($6,000) | $0, clear-out included | $9,000 |
| Small condo, under most minimums | $2,500 | Declined, or flat fee $1,200 | $600 haul-away | $700, or more via a buyout |
In the second row the family pays a higher commission and still comes out 1,500 dollars ahead. In the third, a traditional estate sale is the wrong tool, and a buyout or cleanout quote is worth getting instead.
The other half of estate sale pricing is what goes on the tags. Companies price for a two or three day sale, not for a dealer's shop, which means most everyday items are priced at a quarter to a half of retail, and the whole house is usually half price on the last day. Furniture, tools, kitchenware and books are priced from recent local sales. Jewelry, art, coins and collections are checked against auction records, and a good company will tell you which pieces should go to auction instead of on a table. Ask whether you can set a reserve on specific items and what happens to anything that doesn't sell.
A written contract, a settlement statement itemising sales by day, and payment within 7 to 14 days of the last sale day. If a company won't put the commission and minimum in writing, move on.
Two parts. The company charges a commission, typically 30 to 45 percent of gross sales. Separately, they price the items: most everyday goods at a quarter to a half of retail, with the last day usually half price, and valuable pieces checked against auction records.
Estate sale companies typically charge 30 to 45 percent of gross sales. On a 12,000 dollar sale at 35 percent the family receives about 7,800 dollars before any clear-out or advertising fees.
Typically 30 to 45 percent of gross sales in the US. Lower rates usually come with a higher minimum or extra fees. Higher rates often include staging, advertising and clear-out.
A floor, often 1,500 to 5,000 dollars in expected sales, below which a company will decline the job or charge a flat fee instead. If a company turns you down, it is usually this.
Most companies pay within 7 to 14 days of the last sale day, with a settlement statement itemising sales by day.
The common extras are clear-out of unsold items (0 to 1,500 dollars), advertising (0 to 300), credit card processing (2.5 to 4 percent) and specialist appraisals. Ask for all of them in writing.