12 Things You Can and Can’t Sell at an Estate Sale
While preparing to have an estate sale you may begin to wonder what you can and cannot sell. Is something too valuable to sell at an estate sale? Does the item have any value at all? Am I allowed to sell this item? Is my great-aunt Rae's collection of ceramic frogs worth more than my kidney?” It’s often the case that our clients want to purge, donate, or toss items to prepare for their free initial consultation, however, we have seen situations where too much purging has happened and they no longer qualify or they have discarded many items of value unknowingly. So, before you rent that dumpster and call the family over, take a look at the information below.
Clothing / Accessories – sell it.
A common mistake people make is donating all or most of their clothing and accessories (like purses and shoes) prior to having an estate sale. Clothing, shoes, and purses are actually some of the hottest items at estate sales, and they can significantly boost your profits. We’ve got connections in both the vintage and antique clothing markets, as well as the designer and luxury scenes. So even if your items aren’t fresh off the rack, they still have a solid chance of putting some cash in your pocket. Before you toss those treasures in the donation bin, do yourself a favor and get a second opinion.
Don’t know an expert? We can help. Feel free to reach out to us on our contact page.
Cars / Trucks / Campers – sell it.
As long as you have the title to the vehicle, a qualified estate sale company can help you. We work with vehicle appraisers to find the right price for any vehicle and a specific marketing strategy ensures it has the best chance of getting noticed.
Beauty Products and Perfume – sell it.
Beauty products and perfume are not only popular but they can be expensive. Shoppers love to get a deal and this is where you can capitalize on selling what you no longer want at your estate sale. Worried that your perfume bottle is only half full? When it comes to perfume, used, old, and even empty is totally fine. (Seriously, who doesn’t love a good mystery scent?)
Jewelry – sell it.
Jewelry is one of the most popular items that can be sold at an estate sale and is a very lucrative addition for our clients. Costume jewelry, may not be made of diamonds, but it sure knows how to dazzle. Who doesn’t appreciate a good pair of Bakelite earrings? They’re like the quirky cousin at family gatherings—sometimes a bit out there, but always fun to have around! The local jewelers and buyers are often looking for precious metals and stones. When it comes to fine jewelry, it is more likely to bring top dollar at an estate sale when compared to reselling to a jeweler or local pawn shop. So, if you’re looking to cash in on your old bling, remember: estate sales are where the real sparkle happens! Shine on, you crazy diamond!
Old Paper Currency and Coins – sell it.
Individuals often think that coins and paper money are too valuable to sell at an estate sale. While selling these items does require an expert, as long as you hire someone who is qualified, an estate sale can be the perfect setting to get top dollar for items in this category. With Thee Perfect Sale, we have robust selling capabilities, appraisers and collections specialists, access to auction services, and more. Selling high-end or specialty items for top dollar is our specialty. So before you take anything to the bank, even simple pocket change, consider having an expert take a look.
Animal Products and Ivory – sell it, but be careful
The sale of ivory and other animal products like hides and taxidermy can be complicated. It is important to know the origin of the animal product and its age. Most species are protected and the government considers trade of any part of those animals illegal without proper documentation.
If you are unsure of what you have, it’s always best to consult with an expert. You can also visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website to do some research of your own.
Firearms / Weapons – sell it. (with additional research)
Weapons of any kind (with the exception of handguns) are legal to sell in the state of New Jersey and can be very lucrative. With a category like weapons, it pays to have an expert opinion as there are a few types that fall into a confusing category of legal to sell but not legal to carry. Have questions about your weapon collection? Just give us a call and we can help.
We always recommend having an expert help you determine if a weapon is safe to sell or not. You can also visit the NRA’s Institute of Legislative Action website to research general firearm and weapon sale rules in your state.
Household Products / Garage Chemicals – sell it.
Cleaning supplies and chemicals should be disposed of through a local hazardous waste facility, which is an option, but let’s be real—it’s about as fun as watching paint dry can be, not to mention cumbersome and expensive. While these items may not be valuable, customers are often very interested as they’re looking for a deal, and you’ve got the goods! Rather than taking the time to pack them up and incur the cost, we suggest letting customers purchase them (or even take them for free) at your sale. Every dollar counts and in the end, they can be cleared for you at a lower cost if need be. It’s a win-win:
Vintage Magazines / Books / Ephemera / Comics – sell it.
Believe it or not, your old paper can actually fetch a dollar or two, sometimes more. Collections such as National Geographic from the '80s may be worth more than expected—Who knew that your dad's obsession with exotic animals could pay for your next vacation? Magazines, playbills, newspapers, comic books, and even old letters are sought after by collectors and history collectors. Imagine opening a dusty envelope and finding a love letter from the 1940s, complete with swoon-worthy phrases. Next time you see that old stack of papers or magazines, set it aside and have someone look through it for hidden value.
Old Electronics / Music – sell it.
Vintage and even antique electronics are highly sought after and can be popular at estate sales. There is a limited market for repairing them so anything in working condition is especially sellable. This includes music equipment, stereos, computers, old phones, and more. However, before selling, make sure they are void of personal information and you have done a factory reset when applicable. Oh and especially anything relating to music!
Food and Spices – sell it.
Food is food and everyone needs it. As long as it’s not expired, someone will be waiting to buy it for themselves, a loved one, or even a canned food drive. Keeping it in the home will not bring you much in the way of profit but can save you the stress and energy of packing it up to donate it yourself. Thee Perfect Sale, works with many charities in the local communities to donate food.
Old License Plates – sell it.
Some license plates are quite valuable. Some license plates can reach values over $500. It might be surprising but there are currently no laws or restrictions in place for the sale of used license plates.
If you haven’t noticed the theme, you really can sell anything at an estate sale. Before you rent a dumpster and gather the family for a purge session, consider having a free consultation first and let the experts guide you. It will save you time and stress.
Ensure you are hiring the right company to handle your items. If you have more questions or would like to speak to us directly, contact us.
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