Online estate sales have emerged as a goldmine for discovering one-of-a-kind and vintage pieces, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we'll share easy-to-follow tips and advice from experienced influencers who know the ins and outs of online auctions, helping you to master online estate sale shopping, find hidden gems, and get the most bang for your buck.
1. Do your research beforehand
It's important to do your research and have a price in mind so you don’t overpay, or overextend yourself financially. These influencers share important things to keep in mind before making a purchase:
"We always tend to know the value of an item and where we think we should land for pricing."
-Nicole Watson, @willowanddovestudios
"Go into online auctions with an idea of what you’re looking for and a budget."
-Zach @thisyunkyhouse
"Know the value of the item, set your budget, and stick to it!"
-Sarah Symonds of @graceinmyspace
2. Focus on quality
By focusing on quality, you can ensure that the items you buy at online estate sales will stand the test of time and provide you with the best value for your money. While some items may be more expensive upfront, they may be a better investment in the long run because they will last longer and won't need to be replaced as frequently.
It's important to consider factors such as durability, craftsmanship, and materials. Look for items that are well-made and that have stood the test of time, rather than opting for something that looks trendy but may not be built to last. Additionally, consider investing in items that have some value, such as vintage or antique items, which may appreciate in value over time.
3. A little dirt won't hurt
While it's important to be discerning when it comes to dirty items, don't dismiss them outright. As Lindsay Pearsall of @pretty_little_bish suggests, some items may just need a good cleaning to reveal their true value. Items like dishes, for example, can often be cleaned and restored to their original condition. "I’ve found that the more grease something is covered in, the more pristine the dish is underneath."
"Vintage Pyrex Bowls" by Emily Carlin is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
That being said, there are certain types of damage that can't be fixed, such as chips or loss of shine. So, it's important to inspect items carefully before purchasing to ensure that they don't have any irreparable damage. By taking a closer look and being willing to do a little cleaning, you may be able to find some hidden gems that others might overlook.
4. Watch for items outside of their season to find great deals
People tend to think seasonally when shopping, which means that demand for certain items will naturally ebb and flow throughout the year. By looking for items when they're out of season, you're more likely to find sellers who are motivated to get rid of them and may be willing to sell them at a lower price. For example, shopping for vintage holiday ornaments during peak holiday season can be costly since they're in high demand. But keeping an eye out for these items in the off-season can lead to great deals.
This trick isn't limited to just holiday items - looking for out-of-season items in general can lead to some great finds. For example, searching for winter coats in the spring or summer can lead to big savings.
Another benefit of looking for out-of-season items is that there may be less competition from other buyers, which can make it easier to score a deal. If you're looking for something specific, try to plan ahead and think about when demand for that item might be lower. By doing so, you may be able to find the item you want at a lower price than you would during peak season.
"VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS" by David Zellaby is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
5. If you love it, buy it
What do most secondhand shopping pros agree on? If you come across an item you truly love at an online estate sale, don't walk away.
"Your first gut reaction to an item will never let you down!"
Emily Mabe, @willowandpearls
"There's nothing worse than the feeling of regret over not buying something." If the price is right, just go for it!
Emma Enig, @vintagefindsbyemma
"With all the online sale vehicles available to us today, you can always resell something if it doesn’t work for you."
Ann Kittredge, @dabbling_and_decorating
"When I see something that I love and know will work with my style and home, I don’t hesitate to purchase it, as I feel if I don’t, it may not be there when or if I return for it."
Valerie, @we_dabble
The lesson? Don't let that treasure slip away – if you love it, buy it!
6. Have patience
It's important not to get discouraged if you don't win a bid, or don’t see what you’re looking for right away. As Nicole Tornabene of @littlebirdfinds suggests, "Just because your bid didn’t win, don’t rule out that you won’t find it sitting on a thrift store shelf!"
One way to increase your chances of finding the items you're looking for is to sign up for email alerts for new auctions. Many online estate sale companies offer this service, which can help you stay informed about upcoming sales and new items that are added to their inventory. By signing up for these alerts, you can be one of the first to know about new opportunities to shop for items you're interested in.
In addition to signing up for alerts, it's also important to check back frequently, as new items and auctions are added daily. By doing so, you can increase your chances of finding the items you're looking for and may be able to snag a deal that you might have missed otherwise.
So, if you're feeling discouraged about losing out on an item at auction, don't give up hope. Instead, sign up for email alerts and keep checking back regularly to see what new items are available. With patience and persistence, you may be able to find the items you're looking for and score a great deal at an online estate sale.
7. Pay attention to pick-up rules
One of the major differences between online estate sales and other types of online auctions, is that many are local pick-up only, especially when it comes to larger items like furniture. This is a big perk if you're looking to find great deals without the added expense of shipping costs or weeks or months long delivery timelines.
The pick-up days and times are rigid, so it's important before bidding on an item that you're available to retrieve it on the date specified. Otherwise, you may forfeit your item, as the estate liquidator is then responsible for disposing of it.
8. Don't wait until the last minute to define your max bid
Amy Whyte of @amycwhyte suggests putting in your max bid and letting the auction company do the bidding for you. "I've lost many pieces starting with my low bid and thinking I'll be able to keep up with the bidding once the auction goes live."
9. Look at photos carefully
When you're browsing products online, especially from secondhand marketplaces, be sure to pay close attention to the photos and read the item descriptions carefully. "Scale can be tricky to interpret from a photo. Pay close attention to any clues the auction photos give you and be sure to read the description details carefully," says Amy Whyte.
10. Narrow your search by location, interests, and keywords.
One of the keys to successfully shopping at online estate sales is to narrow down your search to find the items that you're really interested in. Dina Younis of @dinasdays suggests using location, interests, and keywords as filters to help you find what you're looking for.
Location is an important filter because it can help you find sales that are close to you, which may be more convenient for pick-up or may offer items that are more regionally specific. For example, if you're looking for vintage beach decor, browsing estate sales in coastal areas might yield better results.
Refining your keyword list is also important because it can help you find the items you're interested in. If you're looking for a vintage rug for instance, rather than only searching "vintage rug", try using keywords like oushak, kilim, persian, etc. to help uncover some hidden gems. Don’t want to get that specific? Use categories (like this), which allow you to focus on the types of items that you're most interested in, without narrowing your search too much. If you're a collector of vintage clothing, for example, you can browse a broad range of items across many different sales.
11. Check your favorite websites frequently
New auctions and items are listed daily and typically close within 5-10 days. Unlike traditional ecommerce sites, the items that become available may not reappear anytime soon -- if ever, depending on the item. "Look often, especially if you’re searching for something specific and enjoy the process. The hunt is half the fun of shopping second-hand!" says Mariah Hilsenbrand of @worcester.run.
12. Re-purpose old items
Having an open mind will yield big rewards. Kristie McGowan of @kristiemcgowanhome suggests seeing beyond slight imperfections and thinking creatively about how you can use items. "A bookcase or shelves could be great for books but could also be a wonderful place for linens or shoes. A unique soap dish could be a key holder. A dresser may just need a fresh coat of paint. A rug may just need a good cleaning."
13. Buy in pairs
"For smaller items, like plates and lamps, try to buy in pairs or multiples. It allows for more options for styling and placement," advises Kristie McGowan. Pairs also tend to have a higher resale value.
Photo courtesy of @kristiemcgowanhome
14. Curate Your Social Media Feed
Who doesn't need a little inspiration sometimes? Looking to outside sources for ideas is always a great idea.
"Follow people on Instagram whose style you love so you can start to train your eye to find unique items."
-Kristin McGowan, @kristiemcgowanhome
"I have also found that seeing how others are using an item in their space can help me think outside the box and use the piece in a different way."
-Amy Billy, @cozycreativeliving
Photo courtesy of @kristiemcgowanhome
15. Use the auction alert feature or set your own alarm
Many online estate sale platforms, like AuctionNinja also have text alerts available that can notify you when an item is about to close.
"Set an alarm! Once, there was a bedroom set I absolutely loved and wanted to buy. I forgot, missed the window, and it sold to someone else for $7," warns Annie Loynd Burton of @style_me_annie.
Shopping at online estate sales can be overwhelming but rewarding if you have a plan in place. Research and setting a budget can help you make informed decisions, while focusing on quality and being willing to do some cleaning can lead to hidden gems. Looking for out-of-season items can also result in significant savings, and if you come across something you love, don't hesitate to buy it. Finally, patience is crucial as you navigate the often-busy world of online estate sales. With these tips and tricks, you can score unique and valuable items while staying within your budget.
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February 24, 2023 Updated 01:06 PM
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