Why choose an ELN Member?
All members have:
- Liability insurance &/or Bonding
- Company established prior to February 2004- Minimum 5 years of Experience
- Minimum of 3 Client References
- Satisfactory ratings with the Better Business Bureau/Consumer Affairs Records
- Licenses (where required)
- Standards of Practice (estate and moving sale companies)
Estate Liquidators Network does not guarantee or warrant the work or products of any of the contractors in the network. The contractors are fully independent of, and in no way employed by, Estate Liquidators Network
Frequently Asked Questions...
Q. I am not sure what services I need. Who can help me?
A. Estate Liquidators Network offers a variety of qualified individuals and firms who can help you sell, organize, appraise and liquidate the entire contents of a home. There is no fee for referrals and our members include:
- Conducted estate & moving companies
These companies conduct estate and moving sales at the residence where the items are located for a percentage of the total sale. 25-40% is a common percentage and most or all of the expenses are taken care of by the company conducting the sale. Typically, a 1-3 day public sale is held at the property and the company takes care of the set up, pricing, and running the actual sale. At an estate sale, the items are priced and can be purchased by customers throughout the duration of the sale. Most companies reduce the prices at some point during the sale, or they negotiate pricing. This is a good option for clients looking to sell all or most items in a home including everything from clothing to artwork to jewelry to furniture to antiques and collectibles.
- Auctioneers
Auctioneers conduct auctions at the property where the items are located or can auction the items at an auction house. Most auctioneers also work on a commission basis. In many states, auctioneers are required to be licensed. An auction is different from an estate sale, as the items start at a low amount and then are bid on by customers. Items are then purchased by the highest bidder. This is also a good option for clients seeking to sell all or most of the contents of their property including furniture, artwork, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.
- Online Auction Sellers/eBay Trading Assistants and Drop off Locations
These sellers sell items online for a fee of 20-40%. Some include auction listing fees and others do not, it is important to discuss these terms with the seller prior to the items being listed. In many areas, eBay Trading Assistants need to be licensed auctioneers. It is possible for some conducted estate sale companies to sell items online for their estate sale clients and auction houses may simultaneously conduct online auctions while their physical auctions are taking place. Online auctions are a good option for those looking to sell collectibles, antiques, collections of items and unique items. Furniture is usually not a good online auction item
- Consignment & resale stores
These locations will either sell items on consignment for their clients for a percentage of 30-60% depending on the area, or they may offer to purchase the items outright. Either of these are a good choice for clients who do not have a full house of items to sell, but have some items. They are also good options for clients who cannot have or do not want to have a conducted sale or auction on their property. Consignment and retail stores are also a good option for furniture.
- Antique & collectibles dealers
These individuals will typically buy outright collections of items such as antiques, coins, stamps, records, jewelry, etc. This is a very fast and effective way to sell large collections of items.
- Buy-outs
Individuals who buy-out estates are purchasing the entire contents of a home. The amount that is offered to the homeowner is based on many factors including a percentage of the actual fair market value, the amount to pack and then transport the items and the amount of "unsalable" items in a home that need to be disposed of. This is an excellent option for clients who need to empty a home quickly, or who cannot have a conducted sale or auction. Some estate liquidators and consignment stores offer buy-out services as well
- Hauling service and clean-outs
This is a very good option for homes with mostly unsalable items. These companies will clean out a house entirely and dispose of the contents. The fee will be determined based on the size of the project and will be based on a flat or hourly fee.
- Personal property appraisers (all members are certified)
Typically, an appraisal is done for tax, insurance, resale, or charitable contribution purposes. Appraisers should be certified and will supply clients with an appraisal report that includes a description of the item(s), condition, and appraised value of the item(s). Appraisers work on a flat or hourly rate, not a commission.
- Professional Organizers
Organizers have a wide range of specialties, including closet designing/closet organizing, estate organizing, filing systems, financial/bookkeeping, home offices, information management, garage and basement organizing, kitchen organizing, moving and relocations, office organizing, records and much more. Organizers work on an hourly or per project fee.
- Charitable Organizations
These legitimate organizations will pick up items for their foundation and will supply the homeowner with a tax deduction receipt. Some organizations will pick up items depending on the condition of the items and others will pick up the entire contents of a property.
Q. I need to sell everything in my house. Can you help?
A. Estate Liquidators Network is a resource for clients seeking estate liquidation firms, personal property appraisers, auctioneers, antique dealers and other members who can help you liquidate the contents of your property. Our members have been pre-screened, are experienced, have proper licensing, if required, and are insured. We consider these firms and individuals to be amongst the best in their chosen industries.
Q. Is there a charge for your services?
A. Our service is 100% FREE to clients. When you request a referral for liquidation, appraisal or organization professionals we will send you one to several qualified individuals specializing in the areas requested, depending on the amount of members in your geographical area. You will receive the contact information of each referral sent, as well as a summary of the services they provide. You may choose to meet with one or several of the member referalls, the choice is completely yours and there is no obligation to use any of our members. Our members do not charge a fee for their initial consultation.
Q. How are your members qualified?
A. Our members must fill out an application, supply us with licensing, insurance, or any other information required, and be accepted prior to membership. They must also meet and maintain the following criteria:
- Licenses (Many states require Auctioneers, eBay sellers and Hauling Companies to hold a license)
- Liability Insurance and/or Bonding
- Minimum of three Customer References
- Better Business Bureau/Consumer Affairs records - Satisfactory Rating
- Company established prior to February 2004- Minimum 5 years of Experience
- We also provide on-going evaluations and client feedback is an important part of our provider memberships
Q. I have some expensive artwork, should I have it appraised?
A. Possibly. Some liquidators, both estate sale firms and auctioneers have extensive experience with artwork and may be able to determine a fair market price for your item. If they do not have that experience, then you may want to have a personal property appraiser look at your items. This also holds true for collections of coins, jewelry, stamps, sterling and other "higher ticket" items.
If you are having an appraisal for insurance purposes, it is important to remember that this is not necessarily the "fair market" price and if you have a liquidator sell your item, it may sell for considerably less than the appraisal amount.
Q. I have items that I want sold on eBay, who do I call?
A. Online auction sellers or eBay Trading Assistants are experienced at selling items online. You may choose to bring your items to a drop-off location or have a Trading Assitant pick up your items.
