An estate sale is when someone opens up their estate (usually a home or condo) with the intent to sell all their stuff quickly and for the most money possible. It might also be called a "tag sale". But whether you call it an “estate sale” or “tag sale,” like “soda” or “pop,” the only real difference is where you happen to live in the country.

How much estate sale companies charge depends on a number of factors, but one thing is certain: setting up and running an estate sale isn’t as easy as it seems. Instead of getting sticker shock at an estate sale company’s 25-45% commission rate, knowing what goes on behind the scenes can help put the price in context.

Most estate sale companies charge a percentage of the total sales. While this might seem strange, considering they don’t own the family heirlooms, keep in mind this percentage pays for all the services they provide - much more than just the day-of operations. 

How to advertise and market your estate sale is an important thing to address right off the bat in the planning process. It’s one thing to hold a great estate sale. But getting shoppers to your estate sale can be more difficult. When it comes to advertising an estate sale, more is better. This means reaching as many people, via as many different channels as possible. Spend a little time getting to know your shoppers. Where do they hang out? What publications do they read? The more you know about the kind of people you think would be interested in your estate sale, the better success you’ll have in reaching them.

During an estate sale, the house or condo is opened up to the public, who can then purchase items from the sale. It’s most common for estate sales to take place over a weekend, possibly two if it’s a large sale. Estates usually need to be liquidated quickly -- and completely -- due to downsizing, debt, divorce, or in some cases, death.

Many estate sale companies advertise estate sales online, so potential shoppers can see ahead of time which items are for sale. Estate sale listing sites like EstateSales.net have big, clear photos and descriptions of items for sale. Sometimes prices are revealed in estate sales’ online ads. But more often than not, you’ll have to call or attend the sale to find out what everything costs.

It’s a good idea to have a plan regarding how to select an estate sale company before hiring the first one you find on Google. Chances are you, if you need to choose an estate sale company, you’re going through a significant life change, possibly because of debt, divorce, downsizing, or death. Time may be an issue. Emotions may run high. Money is at stake. You don’t want to make such an important decision under duress, so keep in mind a few tips when selecting an estate sale company.

Liquidating an estate doesn’t have to be scary or mysterious with the right professionals helping to guide the process. And like a trusted partner, the right estate sale company will feel like the right fit.