The Difference Between Estate Sale Companies & Organizers

This article was originally published on LinkedIn by Krys Galakatos, a certified appraiser and the owner of Heritage Estate Sales, LLC and the Rummage Gala. This article has been posted with the author’s permission and has been lightly edited.

An organizer and an estate sale company serve different roles in the process of managing and liquidating personal belongings, typically when someone is downsizing, moving, or dealing with an estate. Here are the key differences between the two:

Scope of Services

• Estate Sale Company: Typically, an estate sale company is involved in the entire process of organizing, pricing, advertising, and conducting the sale of a person’s belongings after the items they wish to keep are removed. They handle everything from start to finish and are often certified and experienced in appraising and pricing items.

• Organizer: An organizer may focus more on decluttering and organizing spaces. While they can help prepare for an estate sale by helping clients’ make emotionally charged decisions, they typical package items that the owners’ wish to keep and do not conduct the actual sale or liquidation of remaining items.

Professional Expertise

• Estate Sale Company: These companies often have professionals who are knowledgeable about the value of different items. They can accurately price items, especially valuable or collectible ones, to maximize the overall sale proceeds.  Many are certified and have years of experience in this particular industry.

• Organizer: Organizers typically do not have the same level of expertise in pricing items. Their primary focus is on creating an organized and functional living space, not liquidation. Many are certified in their profession and have experience in helping you make choices in downsizing.

Sale Execution

• Estate Sale Company: They take care of the logistics of the sale, including advertising, setting up the sale, managing the sale days, and handling transactions. They may also provide post-sale services, such as cleaning out the remaining items and donations.

• Organizer: While an organizer may sort the items as well as help those unable to physically complete the sorting and decision making process prior to an estate sale, they are typically not involved in the actual sale execution or liquidations, though they may recommend a liquidation company.

Client Involvement

• Estate Sale Company: Clients often have a hands-off role once they hire an estate sale company and the company takes care of almost all aspects of the sale. This includes handling donations, displaying sale items, meeting with buyers for pick up of items sold and more.

• Organizer: Clients typically are more actively involved in decision-making and the overall process when working with an organizer. Organizers collaborate closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, as well as help box up and get the item(s) they do want to keep to their next destination.

Fees and Compensation

• Estate Sale Company: Typically, estate sale companies give free consultations and charge a percentage of the total sale proceeds. This compensation model aligns their interests with maximizing the value of the items sold.

• Organizer: Organizers typically charge a consultation fee and require payment in advance for their services, which may be based on an hourly rate or a flat fee. Their compensation is not directly tied to the value of the items.

In summary, an estate sale company is more comprehensive in its involvement in the sale process, handling everything from organizing to execution, while an organizer focuses more on preparing the space and items an owner is keeping, typically not handling the remaining items. These two companies working in conjunction can lead to a successful and smooth transition for clients.