We are lucky to have a robust, classic estate sale community in our area. On any given weekend, estate sale shoppers have 15-40 sales to choose from. When you stop in to a Paint & Patina sale, I want to help you get the find and snag the deals, just like the pros!
These are my top tips to help you shop Paint & Patina estate sales like a pro.
1) Get your line number, in advance, on-line!
At Paint & Patina, we've said good-bye to the days of waking up at 5AM, standing out in the cold to get a paper number then hiding out in your car for another few hours until the sale opens up. We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to register their spot in line, on line! This progressive approach is growing steam with our resale shop and booth owners who have lots of sales to hit. Shop like a pro and get a number! This gives you piece of mind of your entry…and a little extra sleep to boot!
2) Bring your list.
Keep a list of items you are in the market for and write down the dimensions of the space you have available! I can’t tell you how many times I've heard people say, “I have been looking for a table like this! Hmm. Wonder if it will fit? Can I borrow your measuring tape? Thanks! I’ll take these measurements home and see if it will work.” Then they come back to find out the piece sold.
3) Strike while the iron is hot.
You've heard of “buyer’s remorse.” What’s worse, is “leaver’s remorse!” (Trust me. I've had it.) These are the folks that think, and think, and debate if they should get the item. They just can’t bear the thought of passing up a great deal. They end up leaving without it only to call me later and ask if it’s still there. More often than not, it has sold. Take advantage of estate sale pricing up front and get the deal while you can! That’s what the pros do!
(You’ll be bummed when you see it in your favorite resale shop for twice as much!)
4) Place a bid!
Paint & Patina takes bids on all items. If there’s something you like but aren’t sure of the price, remember to place a bid! Don’t be bashful! Lots of folks have received happy phone calls from me with the good news that their bid was accepted. The pros do it and you should too!
5) Consider man power in advance.
If you know you are in the market for larger pieces, have a buddy and a large vehicle or a moving company on stand-by. While there are exceptions, most estate sale clients require that all purchased pieces be removed from the property by the final hour of the sale.
6) Consider repurposing or upcycling.
The pros are great at spotting upcycling opportunities. Our crew can help you too!
We are full of ideas on how to make old things fresh and new again. Look around our sales for our idea tags to help inspire you.
7) Be patient and have fun!
Estate sale shopping can be a blast. Remember that many professional estate sale companies operate with highly efficient, yet small crews. Generally, the pros know this and are well versed in patience while attending sales and checking out. We filter hundreds of questions through the duration of the sale - patience makes it possible!
These are my top tips to help you shop Paint & Patina estate sales like a pro.
1) Get your line number, in advance, on-line!
At Paint & Patina, we've said good-bye to the days of waking up at 5AM, standing out in the cold to get a paper number then hiding out in your car for another few hours until the sale opens up. We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to register their spot in line, on line! This progressive approach is growing steam with our resale shop and booth owners who have lots of sales to hit. Shop like a pro and get a number! This gives you piece of mind of your entry…and a little extra sleep to boot!
2) Bring your list.
Keep a list of items you are in the market for and write down the dimensions of the space you have available! I can’t tell you how many times I've heard people say, “I have been looking for a table like this! Hmm. Wonder if it will fit? Can I borrow your measuring tape? Thanks! I’ll take these measurements home and see if it will work.” Then they come back to find out the piece sold.
3) Strike while the iron is hot.
You've heard of “buyer’s remorse.” What’s worse, is “leaver’s remorse!” (Trust me. I've had it.) These are the folks that think, and think, and debate if they should get the item. They just can’t bear the thought of passing up a great deal. They end up leaving without it only to call me later and ask if it’s still there. More often than not, it has sold. Take advantage of estate sale pricing up front and get the deal while you can! That’s what the pros do!
(You’ll be bummed when you see it in your favorite resale shop for twice as much!)
4) Place a bid!
Paint & Patina takes bids on all items. If there’s something you like but aren’t sure of the price, remember to place a bid! Don’t be bashful! Lots of folks have received happy phone calls from me with the good news that their bid was accepted. The pros do it and you should too!
5) Consider man power in advance.
If you know you are in the market for larger pieces, have a buddy and a large vehicle or a moving company on stand-by. While there are exceptions, most estate sale clients require that all purchased pieces be removed from the property by the final hour of the sale.
6) Consider repurposing or upcycling.
The pros are great at spotting upcycling opportunities. Our crew can help you too!
We are full of ideas on how to make old things fresh and new again. Look around our sales for our idea tags to help inspire you.
7) Be patient and have fun!
Estate sale shopping can be a blast. Remember that many professional estate sale companies operate with highly efficient, yet small crews. Generally, the pros know this and are well versed in patience while attending sales and checking out. We filter hundreds of questions through the duration of the sale - patience makes it possible!