What estate sale and auction companies charge, and how to compare quotes

"What will this cost?" is usually the first question families ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the company, the house, and how the contents are sold. There's no single price list. What you can do is understand how companies are paid, know which fees to ask about, and compare quotes on the same basis. That's what this guide covers.

How estate sale companies are usually paid

Most estate sale and auction companies are paid a commission: a percentage of what sells. If the sale brings in more, they earn more, which gives them a reason to price well and advertise widely. The percentage varies from company to company and from house to house, so ask each company for its rate rather than relying on a number you've heard elsewhere.

A commission is often affected by:

• How much there is to sell. A full house with good furniture and collectibles is more work but also more sales. A small or sparse house may come with a higher percentage or a minimum fee, because the setup work is similar either way.
• How it's sold. On-site sales and online auctions involve different work (staffing a sale over a weekend versus photographing and cataloging every lot), and companies may price them differently.
• Location and access. Distance, stairs, storage units, outbuildings and barns all add labor.
• Timeline. A rush job may cost more, or may be possible only for some companies.

Fees to ask about

The commission is rarely the only number. Ask every company the same questions so you can compare:

• Is there a minimum fee? Some companies charge a minimum if sales fall below a certain amount.
• Are there setup, advertising or labor charges? Some include everything in the commission; others bill extra for large ads, additional staff or specialty work.
• What does cleanout cost? Clearing what doesn't sell, hauling it away, and leaving the house broom clean may be included, quoted separately, or not offered at all. This can be a significant cost, so get it in writing.
• Are there charges for appraisals or specialists? Fine art, jewelry, firearms, vehicles and some collections may be handled by a specialist, sometimes for a separate fee.
• Who pays card processing and online auction fees? With online auctions, buyers often pay a buyer's premium on top of their bid. Ask how that works, and whether any platform or payment fees come out of your proceeds.
• Are there charges if the sale is cancelled? If the family changes its mind after setup has started, some companies charge for the work done.

Understanding buyer's premiums

Online auctions, and some on-site sales, add a buyer's premium: a percentage the buyer pays on top of the winning bid. It goes to the auction company, not to you. A buyer's premium isn't a cost to the family directly, but it does affect how the company is paid overall, and it can influence what bidders are willing to bid. When comparing an online auction quote with an on-site sale quote, ask each company to explain what you'd receive from a typical item, after all fees and commissions.

What you should receive in writing

A trustworthy company will give you a written agreement before any work starts. At a minimum, it should state:

• The commission percentage and what it applies to.
• Every other fee, or a clear statement that there are none.
• What's included in the service (setup, pricing, advertising, staffing, security, cleanup).
• The sale dates and when the house will be clear.
• When you'll be paid and what statement you'll receive. An itemized list of sold items and prices is reasonable to request.
• What happens to unsold items, and who pays for that.
• Proof of insurance.

How to compare quotes fairly

Two quotes can look very different and end up close, or look similar and end up far apart. To compare them on the same basis:

1. Get two or three quotes. One quote tells you a price; two or three tell you what's typical where you live. With Catalot you can ask up to 3 local companies at once.
2. Give every company the same information. Show each the same rooms, the same items you're keeping, and the same deadline.
3. Line up the costs. Put each company's commission, minimum, cleanout charge and other fees side by side, as a simple table.
4. Ask what's included. A lower commission without cleanout may cost more in the end than a higher one with cleanout included.
5. Ask how they would sell it. A company that plans an online auction may reach more bidders for collectibles and tools; a company that plans an on-site sale may move large volumes of household goods quickly. The method can matter as much as the rate.
6. Ask about their buyers. How many people typically come to their sales, or how many bidders follow their auctions? A company with a large following may bring in more money even at a higher percentage.
7. Check references. Ask for two or three recent clients and call them. Ask whether the sale ran on time, whether they were paid when promised, and whether the house was left as agreed.

What makes the biggest difference to what you receive

The commission percentage matters, but the total the sale brings in usually matters more. Things that tend to raise it:

• Not throwing things away first. Let the company see everything before anything is discarded or donated.
• Not cherry-picking valuable items to sell yourself without telling the company. It can change their quote, and a few good items often draw buyers to everything else.
• Enough time. A rushed sale has less time for research and advertising.
• The right sale method for the contents and the area.

Red flags

• No written agreement, or one that's vague about fees.
• An offer to buy items from you before the sale, at a price you can't check.
• Pressure to sign the same day.
• No insurance, no references, or no itemized settlement.
• Cash-only settlements with no records.

When the numbers don't work

Sometimes a house doesn't have enough to sell to make a sale worthwhile. A company may tell you so, or offer a buyout (they pay a set amount for everything) or a cleanout service instead. That isn't necessarily a bad outcome: an honest assessment can save you time. Our guide to estate sales, online estate auctions and cleanout companies explains when each makes sense.

Get quotes from local companies

Tell us about the home and we'll share it with up to 3 local estate sale and auction companies so you can compare their terms. Using Catalot is free for families, and there's no obligation to hire anyone. You can also browse companies by state and city, or read how estate sales work, start to finish.