Estate Sales:

Do I need to clean and box all of the items?

No need to organize for us! Once we have contracted with you, our team will handle everything. We sort, wash, tag, price, and display each item in your home. No job is too big or too small for us!

How do I know what has value?

We provide a professional analysis of everyday items as well as rare and unusual pieces. If we find something that requires further investigation, we have the knowledge and resources to determine its accurate resale value. If needed, we will consult with our network of regional dealers and experts. Our team is equipped with the tools to conduct research on-site.

How will my sale be conducted?

Treasure Chicks Vintage offers in-home sales that can last one or more days, depending on the size of your sale. Our team of experts ensures professional advertising and guarantees to attract buyers to your sale. At the end of the sale, we will work with you to decide what to do with any remaining items. We can recommend local charities that are happy to pick up donations, and in some cases, we can box up and drop off items at suitable charities. We aim to provide you and your loved ones with confidence, satisfaction, and the ability to move forward to a new chapter.

Will my items be discounted at any time?

All items are priced based on extensive research and our staff’s expertise to find the fair market value for the term of sale, venue, and item.  Items that do not sell at the initial full price will be offered at a discounted price later in the liquidation. Note; Some items may not be subject to these reductions. The tiers of reductions will be discussed and agreed upon in our service agreement. The sales venue and each individual item are factored in when discounting your items. Rest assured all discount measures will be discussed and outlined in your contract.

 "Market Standards"  for estate sales:

  1. Commission Structure:
    • TCV operates on a commission basis, typically ranging from 25% to 40% of the sale proceeds. This commission covers the labor, advertising, and other costs associated with conducting the sale.
  2. Written Contracts:
    • TCV does require a written contract to outline the terms and conditions of the sale. This protects both the client and the company by clearly defining responsibilities and expectations.
  3. Discount Policies:
    • TCV will discuss with you measures of discounting items to ensure the maximum return for your items is accomplished. IE in the case of estate sales, items may be sold at full price on the first day, with discounts applied on subsequent days to encourage sales. Also considering any and all reasonable offers on the fist day as well.
  4. Advertising and Marketing:
    • Effective advertising is crucial for a successful estate sale. This includes online listings, social media promotion, email newsletters, and local advertising to attract a wide audience, road signs etc.
  5. Compliance with Regulations:
    • TCV does comply with all local laws based on venue and upholds all industry standards to ensure transparency and protect consumers. This includes proper disclosure of all material information and adherence to fair trading practices.

Auctions

By incorporating auctions into your estate sales strategy, you can reach a broader audience and potentially achieve higher returns for valuable items.

  1. Types of Auctions TCV may participate in:
    • Auctions can be live online, duration online, or a combination of both. Post covid, most all live auctions are conducted online,  online auctions allow bidders to participate from anywhere in Canada and possibly the USA depending on the venue and item.
  2. TCV Auctions:
    • TCV may conduct the auction live online or a 3rd party contractor may be used in this process.
  3. Bidding Process:
    • Bidders compete to purchase items by placing bids. The highest bid at the end of the auction wins the item.  In some cases  auctions may have a reserve price, which is the minimum amount the seller is willing to accept. This is an item specific option and will be discussed if possible.
  4. Preview:
    • Detailed previews  are often provided before auctions, listing all items for sale along with descriptions, photographs, and estimated values. This will help bidders make informed decisions.
  5. Market Value:
    • Previous auctions as a rule do provide information regarding fair market values for an item, date of auction and venue will be taken into consideration. But this is not always determinative of how much your item may be purchased for. It is only a baseline for similar items being sold on a particular venue.  There is no guarantee on how much your item will sell for.
  6. After the auction:
    • After the auction, winning bidders are required to pay and all local pick ups are promptly scheduled and or processing of posting items will be done. Unsold items may be re-auctioned, returned to the seller, offered at a discounted price, or donated to a charity of choice. Additional costs may apply. This will be discussed and outlined in your contract.