There are hundreds of types of sales-yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, tag sales, the list is endless! It can get confusing, especially when you want to hold a sale but aren’t sure what type you should do, so we’re going to help you understand two of them here today.
What is the Difference Between a Garage Sale and an Estate Sale?
Essentially, a garage sale is getting rid of stuff you don’t need or want, while an estate sale is letting go of things out of necessity. With a garage sale, the goal is to make a small amount of money while decluttering. Garage sales are held-you guessed it, in someone’s garage! In a garage sale, the seller typically doesn’t have much emotional attachment to these items and they are sold at fairly low prices.
At an estate sale, you will find more valuable items such as collectibles and large pieces of furniture. An estate sale usually happens after the death of a loved one, a divorce, or the foreclosure of a house. Items sold in an estate sale are often ones you wish you could keep but just don’t have the room, lifestyle, or option to do so. There is much emotional attachment to the items as well, so it can be difficult for a family to hold this kind of sale without help from someone outside the family.
What to Expect at a Garage Sale vs. an Estate Sale
At a garage sale, you will find smaller items such as old kids clothes and toys, dishes, stuffed animals which, if they are vintage or brand name, could be worth more than you think, and maybe some small pieces of furniture. Garage sales sell mismatched items-random things that the homeowners no longer want or need. The sale is more of a “purge” and bartering is generally a welcome activity as the owner just wants to get rid of as much as possible.
On the other hand, item prices at an estate sale are generally not up for negotiation. Items are priced beforehand, with more expensive ones having to be bid on. Estate sales generally run for 2-3 days and, if a company is involved, will have a generous amount of advertising. The prices of items in an estate sale will be higher, but you will also find higher-quality items. An estate sale is used to sell the entire contents of a house, which can mean a lifetime of items such as collectibles, antiques, jewellery, household cleaners, and even brand-new items. If you’re looking for a deal, there will usually be discounted items or sales on the last day.
Hopefully, now you have a better idea of the difference between a garage sale and an estate sale, and will be able to go into your selling or buying future with ease. If you are thinking about having an estate sale and aren’t sure where to start, our professional and caring team at Beloved Memories would love to help you get started today.
