Ahhhhh I’m so excited to see what you found!!!!!! Currently watching!! Edit: omg I have the same feeling with online estate sales they make me so anxious and stressed lol!!
Pro tip : when bidding online, don't bid until an hour before the closing ... or even just like 10-15mn before. That way the prices don't have time to go up as much ! It's still VERY stressfull though !
learned that from my dad a few years ago! sometimes his tactic was to see how far someone would go just to make them pay more when he knew he wouldn't get it! which i always told him was crappy , imagine that happening to him but it didn't stop him. I saw some of that in this video. Its a wild world with online bidding. He once ended up with two hot tubs because of crap like that. Luckily for me it turns into funny stories to tell.
If you’re not a drinker, I like to use those fancy crystal glasses for ice cream- it’s the perfect portion and vessel because your warm hand won’t be touching the container keeping the ice cream cold, and it makes the treat feel a little more fancy 😅
Becky, when you bid and it gets down to the wire, wait to place your final bid until the last like 10 or 15 seconds. If it's that important like those signs, boost your max bid and cross your fingers the other guy isn't doing the same. Y'all ran those signs up *quick* in the last minute when you didn't need to😂😭 It was stressing me OUT🥵
Be careful Becky! Auctions (online and in person) is addicting. You have to have a very firm idea at the outset of your maximum bid or it is so easy to get caught up and going way over what you originally wanted to spend. Not intended as a criticism. Been there, done that.
My anxiety was skyrocketing watching Becky increase her bids. Her raising her bid on the signs felt like it became more of a competition to beat the other bidder than a want for the item. I’m a vintage reseller and participate in online auctions regularly and I totally agree that being firm with your max bid is crucial. It’s easy to get swept up and over pay. I’ve been the overbidder in the past and ended up regretting some of those purchases.
@@mythriftedhome5349 same here! I say it to everyone who asks me for tips: “set it and forget it” is the only healthy way to go. It’s no different than any other budgeting/expense, and on the negative side it’s no different than gambling. The reason it feels so stressful to even *watch* is because of that same crazy and unhealthy dopamine crash and you * HAAAAAVE* to be someone who can completely ignore the “bait” or not do it at all. It’s no joke and can get dangerous so quickly and imo is even easier to fall into that “traditional” gambling
Exactly! When EBay first became popular, I got sucked into that spiral and ended up paying more than I wanted to spend for things that weren’t worth it. While I didn’t get into trouble financially, I saw how easy it would be for that to happen. Watching Becky keep upping her bid for those signs was upsetting. But it looks like she did get a good deal with the keyboard.
As a vintage home goods reseller I can say I am not upset with people getting a glimpse of where we find things. There is so much good stuff to go around 😊
When I am outbid on something, I take comfort in knowing that I drove the price up for whoever won. Also, I always leave my best bid for the last 10 seconds.
I was invited to a private estate sale of a woman who was being moved into a retirement home. Her entire apartment was so retro, completely unchanged from what you see apartment buildings being renovated to look like now. She had these amazing built in shelves just like the one's you saw (something the newer units definitely wouldn't have kept!) Pink bathroom tiles, vintage bar, media units, amazing mushroom lamps, etc. They offered everything..EVERYTHING..to me for $500. Unfortunately, we could not arrange a truck and pick up date so we had to pass on the offer except I was gifted a tiny ceramic maple syrup jug for free when I was there. The husband arranging everything said "just put it in your pocket" It was so wild to see someone's entire life in time capsule like that!
me, staring at the 3 honest ed's signs hung in my kitchen that I bought for $30 before they went out of business 👀👀👀 I had no idea they were worth so much now
Becky!!! It took me forever to realize that online estate sales let you set MAX BIDS. It's brilliant because you don't have to sit there and watch, you can set what you'd be willing to spend on it and walk away. Also, you can't get sniped like ebay... most of them are setup to re-up the countdown to 5 mins every time someone outbids you so you have time to respond. I literally furnished my entire house with an online estate sale site in my area and it's the best thing I've ever found. Good luck :D
Totally agree, I was cringing with the anticipation of watching bids fail. Also, dangerously easy to overpay. A little bit of research on the likely value of an item is worthwhile. I've found eBay is helpful for this. Enter item details, then filter search results to show sold items and you can tell if an item is popular, rare, selling for a decent price or not. Above all, really consider what you would be willing to pay for an item in a store as an immediate purchase. Bid your maximum and walk away from the computer. Winning an item for less is then super thrilling, and not as frustrating as constantly bidding to have the win in real time :-) I learned this the painfully expensive way when I first started with online auctions 😵
The first estate sale I ever went to was with my boyfriend that we saw when driving. Went in found a bunch of cool stuff and then when we were checking out the guy that checked us out signed us up for emails for any estate sales in our area upcoming. ♥️
Becky, one tip on online estate sales, I never bid in advance. Wait for a few minutes before the bid ends. Then you can fight the piece. I love online estate sales! I have found some true antiques and very valuable pieces.
🥰 As a buyer from those great vintage resellers, I will continue to support them!! I personally don’t have the time to shop estate sales, I’m happy to pay a reseller for their time to shop, photograph and list these special items. So no one can be mad at Becky!! 🤣
I go to several estate sales in the Atlanta area and I love the research, the organizing my list for the day of places to visit, exploring the treasures and going to places I wouldn’t normally get to experience and ultimately finding a gem piece and great deal. A few weekends ago I ended up visiting Cher’s house that she had built in the 70’s when she was married to Greg Allman and the owners kept everything original to her designs even the huge swimming pool in the center of the living room! I got an awesome vintage leather crossbody bag for a steal and to experience something I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Estate Sales are the best!!
In my town there's websites dedicated to local estate sales. I've been going to them with my grandpa since I was little and now since he cant get around well, I go by myself or with my mom. It's always interesting to learn about people's lives and the history of the items we find, to give their items another life and appreciate them. The last day or two of the sales usually have discounts from 50-75+% off the marked price. If you bring cash you can usually get a better deal and if you pay with card there is usually a minimum purchase amount.
Estate sales have been around forever!! As a vintage reseller I'm super pumped that you're covering them, I don't live in the GTA and they're not super common around me so any awareness you can garner is welcome! The market for resellers will always exist because what we have that estate sales don't is curation. Some people don't have the time or energy to hunt down vintage stuff and I'm here to offer them a curated experience. Any way you choose to shop secondhand is great, there's SO much stuff in this world, let's keep it circulating!
I worked for a couple of estate sale businesses before moving,, eventually we increased the prices on those items we KNEW the early birds were coming for (to resell),, then eventually, the next day,, the reduced prices started happening,, so it was giving a good chance for all to get something they were wanting. Typically, the resellers werent coming back,, as they were already waiting in line at their next sale.
I thought everyone knew about estate sales but lately I find myself explaining them to a lot of friends. I just go to Estate Sale websites that I google and they tell you which ones are near you. I find you don’t even need cash because all the ones I’ve been to take cards or you can zelle or cashapp them. I love to go and buy random things I need, sometimes the families will just give you stuff. It’s sad knowing someone has passed but usually the family is just relieved that stuff is leaving the house and they’re happy it’s not ending up in the garbage.
I follow estate sale companies on FB. They will list in person estate sales and usually show pictures of what’s inside the house. I’ll judge whether I want to go by the neighborhood and the pics. I love going in person bc you can just dig in every room of the house and basements usually have some kind of treasure! They are so much fun and you get the adrenaline rush of finding something good. Usually, they are 4 days long and by the 3-4th day, things are 50% off.
A great thing I learned from being friends with an antiques appraiser is ... find out who your local appraisers are in your area and get to know them. Often, they are at the head of the bigger antique stores or will hold "office hours" where they value items for customers. They ALWAYS know when really good estate sales are happening, because they're often called in to appraise the value of things the family doesn't want to sell for too little, so they can let you know if there have been some great finds at this or that estate sale, and they also occasionally get people asking for appraisals on things you want to buy, so they can make connections between you and the seller when one of the items comes up for them to give a value to it.
I live in Texas and I can agree with my girl Macenna that they are way more interesting here and the price point is pretty reasonable. Sometimes people try to be bougie and really go overboard with the pricing and you just play the field. I have gone to some bad ones and then I have found hidden gems. I say you should go to more and explore different areas around you ❤
It obvious you haven’t used eBay! Bidding is the same way there. I find I do better if I use an odd number for my max bid - rather than $10, I’d put $10.55. It might discourage another bidder who is thinking of the same bid. If you REALLY want an item, don’t bid until the very end. I’ll set an alarm for, say, 15 minutes before it ends. If it’s still in a price range that you’re willing to bid, sit there and watch it. When you’re down to the wire - a couple minutes from bid end - place your absolute max bid. If no one else put in a higher max bid, they (hopefully) won’t have time to bid again, and you’ll get it.
(in my area at least) 1. Get there early on the first day to get the cool unique stuff BUT go later on the last day and the sellers often mark things down or are more willing to haggle. 2. Remember that they don't want to have to haul it out so especially if there is a bigger piece left over on the last day you can usually get a steep discount. 3. You can haggle! If you know what you would be willing to pay, ask the seller if they could do less than the sticker price. 4. They are often more willing to give you a deal if you buy more stuff/bundle lots of little things. You can often get cheap dishes, glassware, tools, linens, etc this way.
I used to run estate sales, trust me resellers are always the first ones in the door they are getting the best stuff and of course we don't really care who buys it LOL but they're there with their boxes in there hands just picking picking picking ,don't worry about them. They know what can resell so they're not standing around thinking about things
Advice: decide before you place your first bid what the absolute highest price you are willing to pay for an item is. It is VERY slippery once you start going back-and-forth and re-negotiating with yourself along the way. I was cringing at you constantly bidding higher for that piano keyboard thing… You can wind up paying way more for an item that is probably available for half the price on Facebook marketplace itself.
I’ve been going to estate sales since I was very little with my mom. I can honestly say it’s my favorite way to thrift and 90% of the things in my house are from estate sales. You can find amazing things for really affordable prices and I love that it lets me have a cute and unique place even when I was a broke college student.
The in person sales are the best, but that said I seem to either find a ton or walk out with nothing. I usually go with specific looks...like vintage vinyl...or sewing supplies. In that process I occasionally end up with a piece of furniture that is unique and I can't live without...but I usually feel sad because I am going through a stranger's life basically. I think they work best for like collecting things if that makes sense? Like I look for the same things when I go to yard or garage sales...but I don't need them...so there is no pressure to find.
I'm dying of laughter over the online auction. I do these estate sale auctions sometimes and it can be SO addictive and stressful. This is so relatable LOL
Ohhhh I’ve been wondering when these would start to become more popular. I used to work for an auction house and we did a loooooottttt of estate auctions/sales. It was nearly always the same crowd that would come every time. A lot of antique dealers and resellers and a very dedicated group of people (much like MaCenna and her Momma) who travelled together to them. Not a lot of people just in off the street sort of thing. It was a very particular and dedicated group of people, which was interesting. I got to know them all and what they liked, etc. It was pretty cool. Really exhausting and often times dirty work. But very interesting. This was before the internet really took off. I got a lot of my art and some other cool pieces that way. They can be a lot of fun or really terribly depressing, depending on the circumstances and how they’re done. The craziest one was for a former member of parliament who had been a cabinet minister. We always went through everything before the auctions (it’s a lot of work to get everything catalogued and organized into lots) and this time we found an old filing cabinet shoved behind a set of shelves. We had to get a locksmith out to open it. There were confidential and top secret documents in there. We had to call around to find the right department to come and remove them. They were all pretty old so nothing of great concern, but we did have to sign some papers saying we wouldn’t go around telling anyone what was in them. And an official of some sort remained on the premises in case anything else popped up. So, that was exciting 😃. I haven’t been to one since I worked there. This made me curious to see if they are much of a thing in my area. Would be fun to check out.
I have had the best luck with the website MaCenna suggested! I usually look online at the first of the week, since most sales are Fri-Sun. I like to get an idea of what is there and have a list of what I really want to get. Also, for in person estate sales, look EVERYWHERE! I found a pair of brand new work boots in a closet for $12 that normally go for $100+!! (don't worry about looking places you're not supposed to, almost every single one I went to had clearly visible signs indicating where not to go). Good luck!!!
The trick to online bidding that I learned over the years is that you don’t bid till the last 20ish seconds - this stops the prices going up so much. So right at the end i chuck in my max bid & then it only leaves someone else 10-20 seconds to try outbid me, thus, keeps the price low. If you are spending hours and even minutes outbidding each other, that’s when prices go too high. See if that helps your next bidding adventures 😊 I actually love that feeling of of will I or won’t I get it lol it’s a rush.
Estate sales near me (Nebraska) have been good especially when you're starting out in a new home trying to furnish your place, stock up on tools, etc. Prices can be higher than thrift stores, but sometimes it's worth it. Haven't done much estate sale shopping recently since I've had my daughter because it's a lot to carry her around the house. Agree with MaCenna that they're probably best for people looking for vintage pieces.
Being down in Florida estate sales are everywhere. Until my ex-husband and I left the military and settled in Florida over 20yrs ago I had always been under the impression that estate sales were invited only and we're only for really large estates of the ......well, more affluent members of our society. I was very mistaken - at least as far as estate sales in Florida. Down here, due to the high amount of retirees, especially the ones who relocated down here without family which used to be very common in the past (nowadays most family members end up following closely behind - eventually having about half of the relocating and the other half staying in their home state) - due to this they don't have any family to help them in the end and so there are businesses that are hired to come in, inventory, asses and then host the estate sales.....they are listed in all the places garage sales are listed and are pretty similar to garage/yard sales......there are times that it's open to the public and sometimes you even have to wait your turn in a line to enter and then peruse the house, since only so many people are allowed inside at any one time. At this point you just walk around the house, in some cases everything is moved into a general area but in some instances everything has been left in its place with only things that were in storage or boxed up being displayed on large setup tables or dispersed around the house sitting on bureaus, counters, kitchen tables, bedside table. Sometimes the prices are good, sometimes they aren't so good, depending upon your situation and what your purpose for being there. There was one time that I happened upon a 4 poster vintage (I won't go so far as to say antique because I never saw it in person in the end) wooden queen bed frame. It was beautifully ornate and I scored it for $100 - or thought I did. The gentleman left it in front of the house (supposedly) as the new owners of said house were coming the next day and I needed to get it that evening.....I drove an hour and a half after sending payment via Venmo.......but the frame was gone by the time I got there. The entirety of the house was surrounded by hedges, large ones, so in order for someone to have seen the bed they would have had to do more than just drive by.......I did walk across to the neighbors house to see if maybe she had seen it set out there and figure what may have happened....she wasn't much help but after the answers she gave me and the way in which she was acting I'm pretty convinced she ended up taking my bed.....I have never and will never pay in full upfront ever ever again.......at least it was only $100 I lost and not $1000
Love physical estate sales. Experienced every aspect of those from little to no people to long waiting lines. Always find something worth it!!! I also hate auctions because of the stress (and emotional bidding) and will only partake when there is something I really want and only one other person is bidding against me. I set my max and don't go over it!!!
Keep shopping at in-person Estate Sales! I usually see them on Saturdays around town, usually the nicer areas. I also get notifications from a local antique market that also hosts estate sales. They're definitely fun, but obviously hit or miss. I still have some antique Christmas ornaments from an ES almost 20 years ago! I don't always have money to spend at them, but I see some great finds on furniture and tools, etc. Fun to look anyway ~
Love the collaboration. I always have thought of estate sales as upscale garage sales, but primarily indoors. I'm from Michigan, USA. I know plenty of Antique/vintage resalers. They know what they are looking for in the wild and really we aren't the competition. Even other resalers may not be their competition...depending on their niche. That being said the seller of the goods is the winner here. More foot traffic the better.
While vacationing in the US last year, my husband and I went to an estate sale. The house was a crafter’s dream. The previous owner had a fabric room and another room filled with watercolor books and other craft items (some of them unopened). As someone who sews, it was such a good find. And the prices went down as the days went on. So we returned another day. We were also able to get Christmas decor.
Why all the hate on resellers? I’m a reseller and I promise I’m not the enemy! There’s plenty of vintage to go around! Nothing is stopping others from getting the good stuff. It takes the dedication of getting there early. That’s all it takes. So if you really want it, show up three hours early and start the line. Resellers are also looking for very specific items and those items are probably not what other people are looking to buy. And for those of you being upset with the prices resellers charge, please keep in mind that there’s a lot of work, time and research that goes into reselling. Would you complain about prices as openly at an antique or vintage store?
I have been going to estate sales for decades for antiques. I find them online, especially on Craig’s List under garage sales and I have signed up by email with a few estate sales companies. Also realtors here hold sales at their listing homes to bring more potential buyers to the home. I especially look for sales where they are emptying a house. I plan out my itinerary and go to the one I think will be best first. I don’t get there before it opens because here they say “no earlybirds”. I take cash in my pocket and don’t carry a purse since I need my hands to carry all the treasures I find! It’s always fun and usually exciting. It’s a learning curve, Becky, so be patient with yourself.❤
Estate sales are frequently in the Cozy Mystery series I've read most of. I'm far younger than the target demographic for cozies, but I like cats and crafts. It's the Knit and Nibble series. The Cobbled Court Quilting series got me into quilting. It's not a mystery series, but it's crafty.
Bidding online will cause you to pay more than you normally would. If you love an item set the max bid for what you are really willing to pay. Leave the site and let it bid for you. If you get out bid, you get out bid but you didn’t get sucked into spending more than you are willing
In my experiences in my area (Memphis, Tennessee) I definitely have had a lot of successfulness and estate sales! We don’t have many good thrift stores around here, so I love taking Saturdays during the summer to go to all the different estate sales… I usually use an estate sale website to find them! The area that I live in has a lot of old rich people too, so that always helps🤣🤣
I've had hit or miss on estate sales and online auctions. Some great deals and some that were much more damaged than stated online. I enjoy looking though.
Hey Becky, I go through seasons of liking Estate Sales! I have gotten some great deals on vintage items at good prices! I usually decide what I want to spend for the day and bring the cash with me so that I don’t overspend unless it’s just a couple bucks that my husband is always good for! I have been on newsletters but haven’t been to one in about a year! I will look at everything from garden art to kitchen utensils! Especially if they are vintage! I also look for fun gifts as my circle of friends and family are also into unique treasures so I always find something! Good luck and have fun with the keyboard I think you did great for your first time! 🤗👏😉
Please look into how bidding works best. My mom used to buy things on ebay back in the day and you are supposed to wait till there is barely any time left otherwise the price will be going up too far way more quickly. Hope you have better luck next time Becky. 😊
What a fun video!! I’m from Texas (born and raised in Dallas and I live in “Deep East Texas” now and have lived here about 30 years). A lot of my family still live in Dallas. My very last grandparent, my grandmother on my dad’s side, died almost exactly 2 years ago. She was an antique FANATIC. But very tasteful. Lots of Rose Medallion and Staffordshire and beautiful things like that. My mom’s mom died in 2014 and she had tons of antiques that she either got in New Orleans, NYC, &/or Asia. My dad’s mom was really good about teaching me about antiques, what markings to look for, and all that good stuff. In both cases, when it came to divide up inventory, they had a company come in and do an appraisal. Because most people who are buying items for their homes these days are into contemporary or mid-century modern design, their furniture and other antiques would sell for pennies on the dollar. Which was great news for the grandkids (especially me who LOVES antiques). It was better to just divide it amongst family members than to sell it for hardly anything and then pay a commission on what we sold. So when it comes to estate sales, thrifting, antiquing, etc., I would say to educate yourself on the types of things you love & the brands of things you love. For example, they continue to make the Rose Medallion (or Chinese Famille) pattern and you can get it for a good price. But if you look on the bottom and there’s no marking whatsoever, it was made (I believe) prior to the 1800s and it worth a TON. And if you see some that says “Made in China” it’s still worth a lot. They started putting that on there back in the day when the US levied tariffs on them, so China wasn’t equivalent to mass-produced. It was equivalent to extremely ornate and high quality art work. Now you’ll see maybe a Chinese character or a stamp about Hong Kong and you’ll know those are mass produced. With Staffordshire, if you see a tiny hole on the bottom and the painting is imperfect, it’s most likely from the original pottery cast and is worth a lot more than replicas that have about a quarter-sized hole and painting that’s a little too perfect. Especially on the back. Originally, they really didn’t paint the back of the figurines. So if you like antique stuff like that, you can get it for a good price because the demand is lower than the supply. If someone doesn’t know what they have, or it’s inexpensive because of economics, you can resell that to people who love and appreciate it and then everyone wins!
I love estate sales.they are always advertised a lot locally,.. also with ours you can get on a mailing list and I'll let you know when they're coming up. If they're running three days long they're usually giving it away the last day
My mum had a bird cage just like that!! (I wonder does she still have it so I can steal it?) 🤔 But she kept a hanging plant in it, with it spilling out the open door - such a vibe!
When bidding online, put your absolute max bid when it's the least amount of time possible - e.g. 10 seconds to go. Putting it too early gives others a chance to re-evaluate and then outbid you (as the whole auction situation can put you in a mindset of wanting it at any cost). This method also prevents you from spending more than your honest absolute maximum which you have already decided upon in advance :)
You pretty much had the exact same experience as my first time bidding an online estate sale. I have the ultimate online bidding estate sale story that haunts me to this day. But i still love estate sales and it really is something you kind of have to learn!
an estate sale company near me has sales at a retail location. what i found is that it would be a good way to furnish a house with high quality items at half the price, or possibly less, of what the items would cost new. That being said, most of nice things still in good condition were being sold for more than I was wanting to pay 🤷🏻♀️.
Btw - as far as auctions go.....they prob aren't the best place to buy. Simply because it is an adrenaline rush and I know how I am - and I have a slight feeling after watching this that you are potentially the same way - auctions amp you up and because there is a deadline and other people are in the mix it becomes more about just winning rather than ending up the actual piece, and so I end up entering bids that are def more than I really would have otherwise. Maybe if I wasn't so competitive by nature auctions would be a better option for me, but I make the best decisions when I have the time to actually think on them, sleep on them, and I'm positive this is what I want and for the right price rather than being afraid I'm going to lose I don't increase my bid. However, if your will power is strong and you research before hand, came in knowledgeable about the item, know what your max bid is and can stick to it auctions can be a very good place and great way to get things I do not have that kind of willpower when it comes to those things, as I have learned and have to admit
I went to an estate sale once, I was a teenager and it was in my neighborhood. I still think about it all the time ... So much cool costume jewelry for like 10¢ a piece and a room full of vintage fabrics and linens. I wish I had gotten some of that!
Next stop: local auction houses! (Also a reseller's fav) you can find amazing antiques and art and bidding sometimes starts as low as 10 dollars!! Highly recommend to visit your local auction house❤
I have to be in a certain type of mood to go to an estate sale. They can sometimes be very depressing. Other times, it just feels like a tag sale, no big deal. The best one I ever went to, I swear my Guardian Thrift Angel set up for me. I had driven to two different early season garage sales. Both were busts. And it had taken an hour of my morning. Then, as I drove home, I noticed a tiny sign on a corner and turned. The house was like a time capsule. It's like they had not changed a thing since the 60's. Unfortunately, I didn't have a smart phone at the time, this was probably the early 00's, so I couldn't take any pictures. But the person running the sale let me take my time soaking in all the beauty of that little 2 bedroom ranch home-- the second bedroom? SEWING ROOM. They never had kids, and the woman was the seamstress for the local highschool theater class. There were so many things. So many. I loaded up a full laundry basket with fabrics. I had a whole paper sack of notions. I got TWO pair of German pinking shears, one with large teeth and one with tiny teeth. I got a few mcm planters and pictures. A book of postcards. A few necklaces and a brooch. Oh! And a cardboard acordian style ruled cutting mat! I drove home with my backseat full of bounty and drove home stunned. Even tho I gave the agent my contact info, she never put me on her list for future sales. The only reason I know it was real is that I still have everything. 😀
I love estate sales! Resellers can be ruthless, but they are still so worth it to check out. We like to just drive around on weekends in certain neighborhoods to see what we stumble on.
I find that I get really good deals on glass items especially when they are neighborhood estate sales. I collect depression glass and that is where I have gotten great stuff at unbelievable prices
I have a big box of depression glass from a beloved elderly relative. When we moved to our first and longtime home, I picked out the pieces I’d actually use and left the rest packed in the box. Last year when we downsized to a much smaller home (after 44 years in the original home), I found that box. And my younger daughter fell in love with all the depression glass. So now that box is carefully packed, labeled, and in our attic for when that daughter has a home for it. Depression glass is lovely!
I shop at estate sales often. I have found that the best authentic MCM items come from houses that were built during the time period, and the people who purchased that home new are passing. I have literally taken items off shelves that I am certain were there for 60 years.
Estate sales are so much fun. My mom and I go all the time. It’s cool to see how they differ in all the places. I’m shocked that MaCenna said she has to sign up for some. That’s a bummer. FL is wide open and it’s not taboo here. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and the deals are fantastic. The later in the sale, the more deals you get because the sellers try to get rid of everything. If you go enough, you’ll find your fav company. For me it’s presentation and care for the items in general. Lots to consider but that’s the best and easiest advice I can give for a beginner. 1. Find your favorite companies and follow them. It pays off. can almost bet, they’ll loop you in on the good stuff and they’ll always carry what you like. 2. Also don’t bid until the last few minutes of an auction. Ppl might hate ya but it’s the strategy of getting the goods first and getting a feel for the competition. You may have gotten those signs for less than $500.
When I lived in Ohio, I went to estate sales weekly. I bought a lot of furniture through them. Always ask if they have anything for sale in the garage or outside. I’ve purchased most of my outdoor furniture from them. I now live in the Philadelphia area and I have not been to one yet. I simply cannot find any. I will be trying all of your tips. One thing I’ve learned about auction sales is this, know what your buying and know your limits. Also I watch items but usually don’t bid until a minute before it ends and I sometimes get bid but most I’ve won. Honestly, I like the in person experience better than auctions. I like to be able to visually examine the items. Fun video!
You should have waited until 3 seconds before the end then before adding your next bid, you kept adding and then the opponent added driving it so high. If you'd waited until the last minute you may have gotten it a lot cheaper.
I'm from Jersey, and yard sales and estate sales are like a way of life lol! Even if you don't get anything its always fun to see inside of someone's cool house
I’m proud of you for exploring the world of estate sales as a novice. If I could get an estate sale veteran to go with me & show me the ropes I’d do it in a heart beat. Otherwise, I feel ill equipped.
My mom and I go to estate sales as a fun thing to do together! In person estate sale-ing (which is what we like to call what we do 😉) is really hit or miss depending on your location and weekend. Some weekends are just duds all around, but we like to rotate where we go depending on what we're looking for. If we just want to look at the houses and rich people stuff, we'll go to the rich side of town. If we are looking for vintage clothing, we go to the older side. If we're looking for second hand furniture/items, we stick to the more reasonably priced estate sale companies and/or places by us. It's really quite a fun activity to do even if you aren't planning on finding anything!
I got my couch through a film liquidation auction! 403 auctions is really cool for finding stuff that wrapped film and tv productions in the Toronto area are looking to get rid of. Not quite an estate sale, per say, but similar vibe! I can totally relate to the absolute stress of watching those last few minutes tick down. (I got an enormous, nearly-new Crate and Barrel sectional for $1500 after taxes and auction fees, so totally worth the stress.)
As someone who online bids often, don't bid until the 15 seconds. Decide the very highest you would pay for it and put that. It takes quick fingers, but I almost always win with this method. STRIKE ATTACK every time, lol. That way you don't jack up the price, also. Oh, and I still get nervous every time, haha! It's so fun!
I have been a vintage reseller in the same general area that you live in Becky (GTA) and I can tell you that estate sales are not very popular/common in our area compared to where McKenna lives. A lot of the ones listed on Facebook marketplace are just garage sales and if you get into online auctions you do have to be careful (that has been covered in a lot of other comments thank goodness) and they almost always come with fees and taxes that you have to take into account (plus looking at how far you have to journey (time and gas)). Whenever I would refer to having bought something from an estate as a reseller it was a private sale and I think that is often the case with resellers at least here in Ontario. Good luck on the adventure.
I've always loved going to estate sales, but having one after my grandparents passed really opened my eyes to some of the issues there are. I certainly can't say all estate salers are like this, but we got told a lot of family heirlooms were worth x amount of money, so we did a sort of value proposition of yeah, that's worth it to sell rather than keep. Then we ended up not getting anywhere near that amount, even though we'd said previously things like "if Grandma's vanity doesn't go for y amount, we want to keep it". We didn't get to keep anything that was turned over to the estate salers. We went through it beforehand, but not one of our wishes was honored when it came to the things that might sell. I have no idea if there's a good way to do more research beforehand, but we did read reviews and talk to previous clients, so we felt like we would have a good idea of whether the people we chose were reputable. The issue was that they did sell those things (so we couldn't have them back), but for far lower than we would've liked. Also the STRESS of those online auctions!! We have an auction house near us that does estate stuff but also like floor model furniture and returns. We've gotten some amazing deals ($3000 leather couch for $700), but I make my husband do the bidding bc I get too overwhelmed!
!!! i used to own that same birdcage,as a landscaper i used it to display some plants on my balcony....someone stole it....dont make same mistake,display it inside.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Macenna and Becky!! ❤❤ This is My Avengers
DIYers unite
Truly!!!!
Yes!!! My two favorites!! 🥰🥰
Omg seriously!!!!
Omg SAME
Ahhhhh I’m so excited to see what you found!!!!!! Currently watching!!
Edit: omg I have the same feeling with online estate sales they make me so anxious and stressed lol!!
Pro tip : when bidding online, don't bid until an hour before the closing ... or even just like 10-15mn before. That way the prices don't have time to go up as much ! It's still VERY stressfull though !
For you and anyone else reading, ignore the giveaway reply, it's a bot 😄
@@evewithwonder I just reported it as misinformatiom to UA-cam to hopefully stop them!
I wait until 60 seconds !
Totally agree. Back in the days when thrifting via eBay was still viable, you'd get the best steals by putting bids in on the last 30 seconds.
learned that from my dad a few years ago! sometimes his tactic was to see how far someone would go just to make them pay more when he knew he wouldn't get it! which i always told him was crappy , imagine that happening to him but it didn't stop him. I saw some of that in this video. Its a wild world with online bidding.
He once ended up with two hot tubs because of crap like that. Luckily for me it turns into funny stories to tell.
The editing when Becky was losing the auction but thought she was winning 😂😂 amazing
👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻😂😂😂😂
i think someone has a new addiction
If you’re not a drinker, I like to use those fancy crystal glasses for ice cream- it’s the perfect portion and vessel because your warm hand won’t be touching the container keeping the ice cream cold, and it makes the treat feel a little more fancy 😅
I was just thinking those looked perfect for ice cream, dessert, yogurt, jello, fruit salads ect!
Becky, when you bid and it gets down to the wire, wait to place your final bid until the last like 10 or 15 seconds. If it's that important like those signs, boost your max bid and cross your fingers the other guy isn't doing the same. Y'all ran those signs up *quick* in the last minute when you didn't need to😂😭 It was stressing me OUT🥵
As a vintage reseller, everyone needs to be shopping secondhand and there are plenty of vintage goods to go around! No gatekeeping here ✨
I've been soooo excited for this episode ever since MaCenna mentioned it on her vlogs!! Do we even deserve this collab!?
Be careful Becky! Auctions (online and in person) is addicting. You have to have a very firm idea at the outset of your maximum bid or it is so easy to get caught up and going way over what you originally wanted to spend. Not intended as a criticism. Been there, done that.
My anxiety was skyrocketing watching Becky increase her bids. Her raising her bid on the signs felt like it became more of a competition to beat the other bidder than a want for the item. I’m a vintage reseller and participate in online auctions regularly and I totally agree that being firm with your max bid is crucial. It’s easy to get swept up and over pay. I’ve been the overbidder in the past and ended up regretting some of those purchases.
@@mythriftedhome5349 same here! I say it to everyone who asks me for tips: “set it and forget it” is the only healthy way to go. It’s no different than any other budgeting/expense, and on the negative side it’s no different than gambling. The reason it feels so stressful to even *watch* is because of that same crazy and unhealthy dopamine crash and you * HAAAAAVE* to be someone who can completely ignore the “bait” or not do it at all. It’s no joke and can get dangerous so quickly and imo is even easier to fall into that “traditional” gambling
Exactly! When EBay first became popular, I got sucked into that spiral and ended up paying more than I wanted to spend for things that weren’t worth it. While I didn’t get into trouble financially, I saw how easy it would be for that to happen. Watching Becky keep upping her bid for those signs was upsetting. But it looks like she did get a good deal with the keyboard.
Yes! Becky made me extremely nervous when she would set her "max" bid but kept going above it!
Be careful - can be addicting!!
It's like that song, "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run...!"
As a vintage home goods reseller I can say I am not upset with people getting a glimpse of where we find things. There is so much good stuff to go around 😊
When I am outbid on something, I take comfort in knowing that I drove the price up for whoever won. Also, I always leave my best bid for the last 10 seconds.
Just realized I had no idea what Canadian currency looks like before Becky showed herself getting cash at the bank 😂
I was invited to a private estate sale of a woman who was being moved into a retirement home. Her entire apartment was so retro, completely unchanged from what you see apartment buildings being renovated to look like now. She had these amazing built in shelves just like the one's you saw (something the newer units definitely wouldn't have kept!) Pink bathroom tiles, vintage bar, media units, amazing mushroom lamps, etc. They offered everything..EVERYTHING..to me for $500. Unfortunately, we could not arrange a truck and pick up date so we had to pass on the offer except I was gifted a tiny ceramic maple syrup jug for free when I was there. The husband arranging everything said "just put it in your pocket" It was so wild to see someone's entire life in time capsule like that!
me, staring at the 3 honest ed's signs hung in my kitchen that I bought for $30 before they went out of business 👀👀👀 I had no idea they were worth so much now
Becky!!! It took me forever to realize that online estate sales let you set MAX BIDS. It's brilliant because you don't have to sit there and watch, you can set what you'd be willing to spend on it and walk away. Also, you can't get sniped like ebay... most of them are setup to re-up the countdown to 5 mins every time someone outbids you so you have time to respond. I literally furnished my entire house with an online estate sale site in my area and it's the best thing I've ever found. Good luck :D
Such a helpful tip, thank you!!! 😃
Totally agree, I was cringing with the anticipation of watching bids fail. Also, dangerously easy to overpay. A little bit of research on the likely value of an item is worthwhile. I've found eBay is helpful for this. Enter item details, then filter search results to show sold items and you can tell if an item is popular, rare, selling for a decent price or not. Above all, really consider what you would be willing to pay for an item in a store as an immediate purchase. Bid your maximum and walk away from the computer. Winning an item for less is then super thrilling, and not as frustrating as constantly bidding to have the win in real time :-) I learned this the painfully expensive way when I first started with online auctions 😵
The first estate sale I ever went to was with my boyfriend that we saw when driving. Went in found a bunch of cool stuff and then when we were checking out the guy that checked us out signed us up for emails for any estate sales in our area upcoming. ♥️
omg thats amazing!
where do we sign up?
Becky, one tip on online estate sales, I never bid in advance. Wait for a few minutes before the bid ends. Then you can fight the piece. I love online estate sales! I have found some true antiques and very valuable pieces.
Fellow reseller here and you go on and get it girls!! 💜💪🏼 there’s enough stuff in the world for everyone to have a piece of 😘
🥰 As a buyer from those great vintage resellers, I will continue to support them!! I personally don’t have the time to shop estate sales, I’m happy to pay a reseller for their time to shop, photograph and list these special items.
So no one can be mad at Becky!! 🤣
I go to several estate sales in the Atlanta area and I love the research, the organizing my list for the day of places to visit, exploring the treasures and going to places I wouldn’t normally get to experience and ultimately finding a gem piece and great deal. A few weekends ago I ended up visiting Cher’s house that she had built in the 70’s when she was married to Greg Allman and the owners kept everything original to her designs even the huge swimming pool in the center of the living room! I got an awesome vintage leather crossbody bag for a steal and to experience something I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Estate Sales are the best!!
In my town there's websites dedicated to local estate sales. I've been going to them with my grandpa since I was little and now since he cant get around well, I go by myself or with my mom. It's always interesting to learn about people's lives and the history of the items we find, to give their items another life and appreciate them. The last day or two of the sales usually have discounts from 50-75+% off the marked price. If you bring cash you can usually get a better deal and if you pay with card there is usually a minimum purchase amount.
Estate sales have been around forever!! As a vintage reseller I'm super pumped that you're covering them, I don't live in the GTA and they're not super common around me so any awareness you can garner is welcome! The market for resellers will always exist because what we have that estate sales don't is curation. Some people don't have the time or energy to hunt down vintage stuff and I'm here to offer them a curated experience. Any way you choose to shop secondhand is great, there's SO much stuff in this world, let's keep it circulating!
I worked for a couple of estate sale businesses before moving,, eventually we increased the prices on those items we KNEW the early birds were coming for (to resell),, then eventually, the next day,, the reduced prices started happening,, so it was giving a good chance for all to get something they were wanting. Typically, the resellers werent coming back,, as they were already waiting in line at their next sale.
I thought everyone knew about estate sales but lately I find myself explaining them to a lot of friends. I just go to Estate Sale websites that I google and they tell you which ones are near you. I find you don’t even need cash because all the ones I’ve been to take cards or you can zelle or cashapp them. I love to go and buy random things I need, sometimes the families will just give you stuff. It’s sad knowing someone has passed but usually the family is just relieved that stuff is leaving the house and they’re happy it’s not ending up in the garbage.
Becky and Macenna , this collab is chocolate for my heart ❤
I follow estate sale companies on FB. They will list in person estate sales and usually show pictures of what’s inside the house. I’ll judge whether I want to go by the neighborhood and the pics. I love going in person bc you can just dig in every room of the house and basements usually have some kind of treasure! They are so much fun and you get the adrenaline rush of finding something good. Usually, they are 4 days long and by the 3-4th day, things are 50% off.
A great thing I learned from being friends with an antiques appraiser is ... find out who your local appraisers are in your area and get to know them. Often, they are at the head of the bigger antique stores or will hold "office hours" where they value items for customers. They ALWAYS know when really good estate sales are happening, because they're often called in to appraise the value of things the family doesn't want to sell for too little, so they can let you know if there have been some great finds at this or that estate sale, and they also occasionally get people asking for appraisals on things you want to buy, so they can make connections between you and the seller when one of the items comes up for them to give a value to it.
I live in Texas and I can agree with my girl Macenna that they are way more interesting here and the price point is pretty reasonable. Sometimes people try to be bougie and really go overboard with the pricing and you just play the field. I have gone to some bad ones and then I have found hidden gems. I say you should go to more and explore different areas around you ❤
It obvious you haven’t used eBay! Bidding is the same way there. I find I do better if I use an odd number for my max bid - rather than $10, I’d put $10.55. It might discourage another bidder who is thinking of the same bid. If you REALLY want an item, don’t bid until the very end. I’ll set an alarm for, say, 15 minutes before it ends. If it’s still in a price range that you’re willing to bid, sit there and watch it. When you’re down to the wire - a couple minutes from bid end - place your absolute max bid. If no one else put in a higher max bid, they (hopefully) won’t have time to bid again, and you’ll get it.
(in my area at least)
1. Get there early on the first day to get the cool unique stuff BUT go later on the last day and the sellers often mark things down or are more willing to haggle.
2. Remember that they don't want to have to haul it out so especially if there is a bigger piece left over on the last day you can usually get a steep discount.
3. You can haggle! If you know what you would be willing to pay, ask the seller if they could do less than the sticker price.
4. They are often more willing to give you a deal if you buy more stuff/bundle lots of little things. You can often get cheap dishes, glassware, tools, linens, etc this way.
I used to run estate sales, trust me resellers are always the first ones in the door they are getting the best stuff and of course we don't really care who buys it LOL but they're there with their boxes in there hands just picking picking picking ,don't worry about them. They know what can resell so they're not standing around thinking about things
Advice: decide before you place your first bid what the absolute highest price you are willing to pay for an item is. It is VERY slippery once you start going back-and-forth and re-negotiating with yourself along the way. I was cringing at you constantly bidding higher for that piano keyboard thing… You can wind up paying way more for an item that is probably available for half the price on Facebook marketplace itself.
I’ve been going to estate sales since I was very little with my mom. I can honestly say it’s my favorite way to thrift and 90% of the things in my house are from estate sales. You can find amazing things for really affordable prices and I love that it lets me have a cute and unique place even when I was a broke college student.
The in person sales are the best, but that said I seem to either find a ton or walk out with nothing. I usually go with specific looks...like vintage vinyl...or sewing supplies. In that process I occasionally end up with a piece of furniture that is unique and I can't live without...but I usually feel sad because I am going through a stranger's life basically. I think they work best for like collecting things if that makes sense? Like I look for the same things when I go to yard or garage sales...but I don't need them...so there is no pressure to find.
I'm dying of laughter over the online auction. I do these estate sale auctions sometimes and it can be SO addictive and stressful. This is so relatable LOL
Ohhhh I’ve been wondering when these would start to become more popular. I used to work for an auction house and we did a loooooottttt of estate auctions/sales. It was nearly always the same crowd that would come every time. A lot of antique dealers and resellers and a very dedicated group of people (much like MaCenna and her Momma) who travelled together to them. Not a lot of people just in off the street sort of thing. It was a very particular and dedicated group of people, which was interesting. I got to know them all and what they liked, etc. It was pretty cool. Really exhausting and often times dirty work. But very interesting. This was before the internet really took off. I got a lot of my art and some other cool pieces that way. They can be a lot of fun or really terribly depressing, depending on the circumstances and how they’re done. The craziest one was for a former member of parliament who had been a cabinet minister. We always went through everything before the auctions (it’s a lot of work to get everything catalogued and organized into lots) and this time we found an old filing cabinet shoved behind a set of shelves. We had to get a locksmith out to open it. There were confidential and top secret documents in there. We had to call around to find the right department to come and remove them. They were all pretty old so nothing of great concern, but we did have to sign some papers saying we wouldn’t go around telling anyone what was in them. And an official of some sort remained on the premises in case anything else popped up. So, that was exciting 😃. I haven’t been to one since I worked there. This made me curious to see if they are much of a thing in my area. Would be fun to check out.
Pier 1 used to sell those bird cage decades ago, I had 1.
The key board... Epic!!
I have had the best luck with the website MaCenna suggested! I usually look online at the first of the week, since most sales are Fri-Sun. I like to get an idea of what is there and have a list of what I really want to get. Also, for in person estate sales, look EVERYWHERE! I found a pair of brand new work boots in a closet for $12 that normally go for $100+!! (don't worry about looking places you're not supposed to, almost every single one I went to had clearly visible signs indicating where not to go). Good luck!!!
The trick to online bidding that I learned over the years is that you don’t bid till the last 20ish seconds - this stops the prices going up so much. So right at the end i chuck in my max bid & then it only leaves someone else 10-20 seconds to try outbid me, thus, keeps the price low. If you are spending hours and even minutes outbidding each other, that’s when prices go too high.
See if that helps your next bidding adventures 😊
I actually love that feeling of of will I or won’t I get it lol it’s a rush.
Estate sales near me (Nebraska) have been good especially when you're starting out in a new home trying to furnish your place, stock up on tools, etc. Prices can be higher than thrift stores, but sometimes it's worth it.
Haven't done much estate sale shopping recently since I've had my daughter because it's a lot to carry her around the house. Agree with MaCenna that they're probably best for people looking for vintage pieces.
Who else has been waiting for this collab for YEARS?? 😍
Being down in Florida estate sales are everywhere. Until my ex-husband and I left the military and settled in Florida over 20yrs ago I had always been under the impression that estate sales were invited only and we're only for really large estates of the ......well, more affluent members of our society.
I was very mistaken - at least as far as estate sales in Florida. Down here, due to the high amount of retirees, especially the ones who relocated down here without family which used to be very common in the past (nowadays most family members end up following closely behind - eventually having about half of the relocating and the other half staying in their home state) - due to this they don't have any family to help them in the end and so there are businesses that are hired to come in, inventory, asses and then host the estate sales.....they are listed in all the places garage sales are listed and are pretty similar to garage/yard sales......there are times that it's open to the public and sometimes you even have to wait your turn in a line to enter and then peruse the house, since only so many people are allowed inside at any one time. At this point you just walk around the house, in some cases everything is moved into a general area but in some instances everything has been left in its place with only things that were in storage or boxed up being displayed on large setup tables or dispersed around the house sitting on bureaus, counters, kitchen tables, bedside table. Sometimes the prices are good, sometimes they aren't so good, depending upon your situation and what your purpose for being there.
There was one time that I happened upon a 4 poster vintage (I won't go so far as to say antique because I never saw it in person in the end) wooden queen bed frame. It was beautifully ornate and I scored it for $100 - or thought I did. The gentleman left it in front of the house (supposedly) as the new owners of said house were coming the next day and I needed to get it that evening.....I drove an hour and a half after sending payment via Venmo.......but the frame was gone by the time I got there. The entirety of the house was surrounded by hedges, large ones, so in order for someone to have seen the bed they would have had to do more than just drive by.......I did walk across to the neighbors house to see if maybe she had seen it set out there and figure what may have happened....she wasn't much help but after the answers she gave me and the way in which she was acting I'm pretty convinced she ended up taking my bed.....I have never and will never pay in full upfront ever ever again.......at least it was only $100 I lost and not $1000
Love physical estate sales. Experienced every aspect of those from little to no people to long waiting lines. Always find something worth it!!! I also hate auctions because of the stress (and emotional bidding) and will only partake when there is something I really want and only one other person is bidding against me. I set my max and don't go over it!!!
Keep shopping at in-person Estate Sales! I usually see them on Saturdays around town, usually the nicer areas. I also get notifications from a local antique market that also hosts estate sales. They're definitely fun, but obviously hit or miss.
I still have some antique Christmas ornaments from an ES almost 20 years ago! I don't always have money to spend at them, but I see some great finds on furniture and tools, etc. Fun to look anyway ~
Love the collaboration. I always have thought of estate sales as upscale garage sales, but primarily indoors. I'm from Michigan, USA. I know plenty of Antique/vintage resalers. They know what they are looking for in the wild and really we aren't the competition. Even other resalers may not be their competition...depending on their niche. That being said the seller of the goods is the winner here. More foot traffic the better.
While vacationing in the US last year, my husband and I went to an estate sale. The house was a crafter’s dream. The previous owner had a fabric room and another room filled with watercolor books and other craft items (some of them unopened). As someone who sews, it was such a good find. And the prices went down as the days went on. So we returned another day. We were also able to get Christmas decor.
Why all the hate on resellers? I’m a reseller and I promise I’m not the enemy! There’s plenty of vintage to go around! Nothing is stopping others from getting the good stuff. It takes the dedication of getting there early. That’s all it takes. So if you really want it, show up three hours early and start the line. Resellers are also looking for very specific items and those items are probably not what other people are looking to buy. And for those of you being upset with the prices resellers charge, please keep in mind that there’s a lot of work, time and research that goes into reselling. Would you complain about prices as openly at an antique or vintage store?
I have been going to estate sales for decades for antiques. I find them online, especially on Craig’s List under garage sales and I have signed up by email with a few estate sales companies. Also realtors here hold sales at their listing homes to bring more potential buyers to the home. I especially look for sales where they are emptying a house. I plan out my itinerary and go to the one I think will be best first. I don’t get there before it opens because here they say “no earlybirds”.
I take cash in my pocket and don’t carry a purse since I need my hands to carry all the treasures I find! It’s always fun and usually exciting. It’s a learning curve, Becky, so be patient with yourself.❤
Estate sales are frequently in the Cozy Mystery series I've read most of. I'm far younger than the target demographic for cozies, but I like cats and crafts. It's the Knit and Nibble series.
The Cobbled Court Quilting series got me into quilting. It's not a mystery series, but it's crafty.
Bidding online will cause you to pay more than you normally would. If you love an item set the max bid for what you are really willing to pay. Leave the site and let it bid for you. If you get out bid, you get out bid but you didn’t get sucked into spending more than you are willing
Seriously, Y'all, MaCenna and Drew. Do anything. youTube GOLD!
All of them need to do a in person collaboration 😊
In my experiences in my area (Memphis, Tennessee) I definitely have had a lot of successfulness and estate sales! We don’t have many good thrift stores around here, so I love taking Saturdays during the summer to go to all the different estate sales… I usually use an estate sale website to find them! The area that I live in has a lot of old rich people too, so that always helps🤣🤣
I've had hit or miss on estate sales and online auctions. Some great deals and some that were much more damaged than stated online. I enjoy looking though.
23:40 ahhh this was stressing me out lol. I wish you'd let the timer run until it's almost out and THEN submit your bid
Hey Becky, I go through seasons of liking Estate Sales! I have gotten some great deals on vintage items at good prices! I usually decide what I want to spend for the day and bring the cash with me so that I don’t overspend unless it’s just a couple bucks that my husband is always good for! I have been on newsletters but haven’t been to one in about a year! I will look at everything from garden art to kitchen utensils! Especially if they are vintage! I also look for fun gifts as my circle of friends and family are also into unique treasures so I always find something! Good luck and have fun with the keyboard I think you did great for your first time! 🤗👏😉
Please look into how bidding works best. My mom used to buy things on ebay back in the day and you are supposed to wait till there is barely any time left otherwise the price will be going up too far way more quickly.
Hope you have better luck next time Becky. 😊
Macenna is popping up everywhere! I love it!!!!
Yay! I knew you were going to talk about estate sales! MaCenna has become a pro 🤣
What a fun video!! I’m from Texas (born and raised in Dallas and I live in “Deep East Texas” now and have lived here about 30 years). A lot of my family still live in Dallas. My very last grandparent, my grandmother on my dad’s side, died almost exactly 2 years ago. She was an antique FANATIC. But very tasteful. Lots of Rose Medallion and Staffordshire and beautiful things like that. My mom’s mom died in 2014 and she had tons of antiques that she either got in New Orleans, NYC, &/or Asia. My dad’s mom was really good about teaching me about antiques, what markings to look for, and all that good stuff. In both cases, when it came to divide up inventory, they had a company come in and do an appraisal. Because most people who are buying items for their homes these days are into contemporary or mid-century modern design, their furniture and other antiques would sell for pennies on the dollar. Which was great news for the grandkids (especially me who LOVES antiques). It was better to just divide it amongst family members than to sell it for hardly anything and then pay a commission on what we sold. So when it comes to estate sales, thrifting, antiquing, etc., I would say to educate yourself on the types of things you love & the brands of things you love. For example, they continue to make the Rose Medallion (or Chinese Famille) pattern and you can get it for a good price. But if you look on the bottom and there’s no marking whatsoever, it was made (I believe) prior to the 1800s and it worth a TON. And if you see some that says “Made in China” it’s still worth a lot. They started putting that on there back in the day when the US levied tariffs on them, so China wasn’t equivalent to mass-produced. It was equivalent to extremely ornate and high quality art work. Now you’ll see maybe a Chinese character or a stamp about Hong Kong and you’ll know those are mass produced. With Staffordshire, if you see a tiny hole on the bottom and the painting is imperfect, it’s most likely from the original pottery cast and is worth a lot more than replicas that have about a quarter-sized hole and painting that’s a little too perfect. Especially on the back. Originally, they really didn’t paint the back of the figurines. So if you like antique stuff like that, you can get it for a good price because the demand is lower than the supply. If someone doesn’t know what they have, or it’s inexpensive because of economics, you can resell that to people who love and appreciate it and then everyone wins!
Love love love this collab, you both have inspired my diy thrifting loving self ❤
I love estate sales.they are always advertised a lot locally,.. also with ours you can get on a mailing list and I'll let you know when they're coming up. If they're running three days long they're usually giving it away the last day
My mum had a bird cage just like that!! (I wonder does she still have it so I can steal it?) 🤔 But she kept a hanging plant in it, with it spilling out the open door - such a vibe!
When bidding online, put your absolute max bid when it's the least amount of time possible - e.g. 10 seconds to go. Putting it too early gives others a chance to re-evaluate and then outbid you (as the whole auction situation can put you in a mindset of wanting it at any cost). This method also prevents you from spending more than your honest absolute maximum which you have already decided upon in advance :)
You pretty much had the exact same experience as my first time bidding an online estate sale. I have the ultimate online bidding estate sale story that haunts me to this day. But i still love estate sales and it really is something you kind of have to learn!
Going early really depends on the type of stuff at the estate sale and your area. Smaller/older towns have more antiques
an estate sale company near me has sales at a retail location. what i found is that it would be a good way to furnish a house with high quality items at half the price, or possibly less, of what the items would cost new. That being said, most of nice things still in good condition were being sold for more than I was wanting to pay 🤷🏻♀️.
I grew up going to estate sales. They’re not as good as they were pre-internet but glad to see them getting love.
Btw - as far as auctions go.....they prob aren't the best place to buy. Simply because it is an adrenaline rush and I know how I am - and I have a slight feeling after watching this that you are potentially the same way - auctions amp you up and because there is a deadline and other people are in the mix it becomes more about just winning rather than ending up the actual piece, and so I end up entering bids that are def more than I really would have otherwise. Maybe if I wasn't so competitive by nature auctions would be a better option for me, but I make the best decisions when I have the time to actually think on them, sleep on them, and I'm positive this is what I want and for the right price rather than being afraid I'm going to lose I don't increase my bid. However, if your will power is strong and you research before hand, came in knowledgeable about the item, know what your max bid is and can stick to it auctions can be a very good place and great way to get things
I do not have that kind of willpower when it comes to those things, as I have learned and have to admit
I went to an estate sale once, I was a teenager and it was in my neighborhood. I still think about it all the time ... So much cool costume jewelry for like 10¢ a piece and a room full of vintage fabrics and linens. I wish I had gotten some of that!
Back in the 80's an older cousin had that same bird cage for her yellow canary called Buzby. 💛
Absolutely love MaCenna!! love this collab
I looooove that wooden bird cage and the planters are also really pretty
Been waiting for this since MaCenna previewed it on her vlog!
Next stop: local auction houses! (Also a reseller's fav) you can find amazing antiques and art and bidding sometimes starts as low as 10 dollars!! Highly recommend to visit your local auction house❤
I love it when 2 of my favorites collab! You need to make a trip down to Texas and shop with MaCenna and her mom!
That’s what I imagined, too! Such a fun video, or more, to watch!
That’s what I imagined, too! Such a fun video, or more, to watch!
I have to be in a certain type of mood to go to an estate sale. They can sometimes be very depressing. Other times, it just feels like a tag sale, no big deal.
The best one I ever went to, I swear my Guardian Thrift Angel set up for me. I had driven to two different early season garage sales. Both were busts. And it had taken an hour of my morning. Then, as I drove home, I noticed a tiny sign on a corner and turned. The house was like a time capsule. It's like they had not changed a thing since the 60's. Unfortunately, I didn't have a smart phone at the time, this was probably the early 00's, so I couldn't take any pictures. But the person running the sale let me take my time soaking in all the beauty of that little 2 bedroom ranch home-- the second bedroom? SEWING ROOM. They never had kids, and the woman was the seamstress for the local highschool theater class. There were so many things. So many. I loaded up a full laundry basket with fabrics. I had a whole paper sack of notions. I got TWO pair of German pinking shears, one with large teeth and one with tiny teeth. I got a few mcm planters and pictures. A book of postcards. A few necklaces and a brooch. Oh! And a cardboard acordian style ruled cutting mat!
I drove home with my backseat full of bounty and drove home stunned. Even tho I gave the agent my contact info, she never put me on her list for future sales. The only reason I know it was real is that I still have everything. 😀
I’m a vintage reseller and I love that you’re explaining and sharing this information! Estate sales are the best!!!
I love estate sales! Resellers can be ruthless, but they are still so worth it to check out. We like to just drive around on weekends in certain neighborhoods to see what we stumble on.
Would love to see a Part II in the summer time when there are more estate sales!
Part 2? Documentary style like the stooping video would be amazing, especially with spring being the time to sell
Enjoyed this video; I knew MaCenna would be popping up…. She’s a gem, just like you! ♥️
I find that I get really good deals on glass items especially when they are neighborhood estate sales. I collect depression glass and that is where I have gotten great stuff at unbelievable prices
I have a big box of depression glass from a beloved elderly relative. When we moved to our first and longtime home, I picked out the pieces I’d actually use and left the rest packed in the box. Last year when we downsized to a much smaller home (after 44 years in the original home), I found that box. And my younger daughter fell in love with all the depression glass. So now that box is carefully packed, labeled, and in our attic for when that daughter has a home for it. Depression glass is lovely!
I shop at estate sales often. I have found that the best authentic MCM items come from houses that were built during the time period, and the people who purchased that home new are passing. I have literally taken items off shelves that I am certain were there for 60 years.
Omg! My 2 fave youtube channels came together.. I had to do a double take! Love this ladies! ❤
Estate sales are so much fun. My mom and I go all the time. It’s cool to see how they differ in all the places. I’m shocked that MaCenna said she has to sign up for some. That’s a bummer. FL is wide open and it’s not taboo here. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and the deals are fantastic. The later in the sale, the more deals you get because the sellers try to get rid of everything. If you go enough, you’ll find your fav company. For me it’s presentation and care for the items in general. Lots to consider but that’s the best and easiest advice I can give for a beginner.
1. Find your favorite companies and follow them. It pays off. can almost bet, they’ll loop you in on the good stuff and they’ll always carry what you like.
2. Also don’t bid until the last few minutes of an auction. Ppl might hate ya but it’s the strategy of getting the goods first and getting a feel for the competition. You may have gotten those signs for less than $500.
When I lived in Ohio, I went to estate sales weekly. I bought a lot of furniture through them. Always ask if they have anything for sale in the garage or outside. I’ve purchased most of my outdoor furniture from them.
I now live in the Philadelphia area and I have not been to one yet. I simply cannot find any. I will be trying all of your tips.
One thing I’ve learned about auction sales is this, know what your buying and know your limits. Also I watch items but usually don’t bid until a minute before it ends and I sometimes get bid but most I’ve won.
Honestly, I like the in person experience better than auctions. I like to be able to visually examine the items.
Fun video!
Love that you researched why you were outbided. I would never looked why and would just be discourage. 😊
You should have waited until 3 seconds before the end then before adding your next bid, you kept adding and then the opponent added driving it so high. If you'd waited until the last minute you may have gotten it a lot cheaper.
I'm from Jersey, and yard sales and estate sales are like a way of life lol! Even if you don't get anything its always fun to see inside of someone's cool house
I’m proud of you for exploring the world of estate sales as a novice. If I could get an estate sale veteran to go with me & show me the ropes I’d do it in a heart beat. Otherwise, I feel ill equipped.
Where I live biddings are the main way of buying vintage and used furniture, and the stress!!!! I get it. I wish we had thrift stores here
I’d love to see you continue a series like this especially as you learn more for yourself! Also can we get an in person collaborative with Macenna!?!?
Love the Sorry Girls and XOMacenna. Everyone should give her a follow. She renovated a house and it’s amazing ❤❤
My mom and I go to estate sales as a fun thing to do together! In person estate sale-ing (which is what we like to call what we do 😉) is really hit or miss depending on your location and weekend. Some weekends are just duds all around, but we like to rotate where we go depending on what we're looking for. If we just want to look at the houses and rich people stuff, we'll go to the rich side of town. If we are looking for vintage clothing, we go to the older side. If we're looking for second hand furniture/items, we stick to the more reasonably priced estate sale companies and/or places by us. It's really quite a fun activity to do even if you aren't planning on finding anything!
I got my couch through a film liquidation auction! 403 auctions is really cool for finding stuff that wrapped film and tv productions in the Toronto area are looking to get rid of. Not quite an estate sale, per say, but similar vibe! I can totally relate to the absolute stress of watching those last few minutes tick down. (I got an enormous, nearly-new Crate and Barrel sectional for $1500 after taxes and auction fees, so totally worth the stress.)
As someone who online bids often, don't bid until the 15 seconds. Decide the very highest you would pay for it and put that. It takes quick fingers, but I almost always win with this method. STRIKE ATTACK every time, lol. That way you don't jack up the price, also. Oh, and I still get nervous every time, haha! It's so fun!
Macenna is my emotional support dog! I watch her every day to boost my morale. Yay ❤❤❤❤
I have been a vintage reseller in the same general area that you live in Becky (GTA) and I can tell you that estate sales are not very popular/common in our area compared to where McKenna lives. A lot of the ones listed on Facebook marketplace are just garage sales and if you get into online auctions you do have to be careful (that has been covered in a lot of other comments thank goodness) and they almost always come with fees and taxes that you have to take into account (plus looking at how far you have to journey (time and gas)). Whenever I would refer to having bought something from an estate as a reseller it was a private sale and I think that is often the case with resellers at least here in Ontario. Good luck on the adventure.
I've always loved going to estate sales, but having one after my grandparents passed really opened my eyes to some of the issues there are. I certainly can't say all estate salers are like this, but we got told a lot of family heirlooms were worth x amount of money, so we did a sort of value proposition of yeah, that's worth it to sell rather than keep. Then we ended up not getting anywhere near that amount, even though we'd said previously things like "if Grandma's vanity doesn't go for y amount, we want to keep it". We didn't get to keep anything that was turned over to the estate salers. We went through it beforehand, but not one of our wishes was honored when it came to the things that might sell. I have no idea if there's a good way to do more research beforehand, but we did read reviews and talk to previous clients, so we felt like we would have a good idea of whether the people we chose were reputable. The issue was that they did sell those things (so we couldn't have them back), but for far lower than we would've liked.
Also the STRESS of those online auctions!! We have an auction house near us that does estate stuff but also like floor model furniture and returns. We've gotten some amazing deals ($3000 leather couch for $700), but I make my husband do the bidding bc I get too overwhelmed!
!!! i used to own that same birdcage,as a landscaper i used it to display some plants on my balcony....someone stole it....dont make same mistake,display it inside.