Press Release September 2010
“Estate Content sales” What you need to know?
1) Do not use a fly by night individual or business to stage and run the Content sale for you. Deal with a recognized and a reputable business that can offer you a full service should you need it. Remember they are collecting cash for your life treasures.
2) Some clients will require that all contents be sold and removed from the Home and Property. Anything not sold can be given to Charity and an income deductable tax receipt issued. After all, the house may have been sold and those who are inheriting the proceeds will have to pay Capital Gains tax. I can arrange unsold items to be delivered to Charity and a fair-market value receipt issued.
3) If items are over-priced then you will end up with a lot of leftovers which you will have to give away for peanuts at a yard sale. This is not good.
4) If you have a professional do the sale for you then He or She should know the market value and get you a reasonable amount for your goods. I say should know but some don't which means they have to give stuff away on a second sale below market value. This doesn't really work as people don't come back after seeing merchandise over-priced in the beginning. Because of my experience in the current retail market I price it right the first time.
5) Items of value can be evaluated and even appraised before the sale so that you don’t give away an original “Group of Seven” painting. Goodfinds Galleries has many associate Appraisers and Valuers to help in this way.
6) Items must be well staged and protected from theft and breakage. We know how to deal with this as our staff is well trained to keep an eye on things and deal with anyone who gets unruly.
7) We deal with a first come, first sell arrangement with those attending the sale. We will sell on a commission basis which will be discussed with owners in advance of sale. All sales are final and paid in cash.
8) We keep a running list of items sold and at what price. We will settle our fees and your percentage of proceeds right away. If local by cash and if your away then by Cheque.
9) Your personal property will be respected and shoes removed and everything done in a controlled environment. We will assist those who have purchased large heavy items to remove them from premises in a safe way.
10) We will issue tickets to those attending and will not allow the sale to become crowded at any time. You need a system to know what is paid and what is not.
11) Usually the sale is on a Saturday and we are there all day Friday to make sure all items are priced and staged. We will consult with you about the entire process and you may be there to observe and help if you wish. The fact that some service companies don’t want you around may be because they have something to hide.
12) It is important that what ever items are wanted by family members be taken out of the sale well in advance. Some large content sales will last two days and require two days of preparation in advance.
13) Work well in advance so that advertising will have its maximum effect by Newspaper, Internet, Mail list and finally good signs in your neighborhood.
14) We provide quality, experienced friendly staff and that is important.
15) I am only a phone call away if you want more information. Dennis Ogilvie 905-271-8966
