Time to go estate sale shopping! Not you. Me. People always assume that I load up on goodies at my own estate sales. However, its quite the opposite. Shopping at my own estate sales is no fun. I enjoy the thrill just as much as anyone else from shopping at other estate sales.
We had a power outage yesterday. It blew out our microwave and stove! Mind you, we have been waiting for the refrigerator to go out because it has been making indescribable noises for the longest. So, to have the other two appliances go out was very unexpected. Now I could have spent the day frustrated and worried about the unexpected expenses. Nope, what was my first thought? Oooh, I can hit some estate sales this week! It was kind of funny because my husband couldn't understand why I wasn't getting as upset as he was about the situation. What can I say, its all about your attitude!
www.facebook.com/ciajestatesales
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Estate Sale Shopping Tips
Estate sale shopping is more than something on your to do list. Its an event! An experience! Okay, that may be a little over the top, but for those of us who love shopping at estate sales are nodding our heads in the affirmative. Here are a few helpful hints to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.
1. If you're in search of a specific item you saw on the internet- arrive at least an hour early.
2. Its okay to call ahead and ask us what part of the home the item is located in. However, do not ask about the price -- we frown upon that :-)
3. Bring along a shopping partner and tag team. Especially if you're coming for specific items.
4. Bring your highest level of patience. Trust me, those of us in the industry are still trying to resolve the problem of the long lines-- without breaking the bank by hiring several checkout workers.
5.If you choose to wait on an item until discount day, grab a business card and call ahead to make sure the item is still there before wasting time and gas.
6. If an item is marked "as is". Inspect it carefully before paying or ask an associate what's wrong with the item.
7. If you want to negotiate for a lower price, consider your approach. For example, which of the following do you think will be received better? "Would you be willing to take $2 instead of $3 for this item?" or "I'll give you $2 but its not worth $3. I'm not paying that much for it."
8. Its okay to pull the price tag off large items while you continue to shop--if you have a sincere intent to purchase it. It indicates to us that the item is already taken and we won't sale it to someone else right away.
9. Feel free to ask the staff anything. We may say yes. We may say no. Some estate sales may be more rigid than others but ask anyway. I had a disabled person to rush to his home down the street because he didn't think we would allow him to use the restroom. It never hurts to ask.
10. Bring your spirit of kindness and honesty. It will be bestowed back upon you tenfold.
1. If you're in search of a specific item you saw on the internet- arrive at least an hour early.
2. Its okay to call ahead and ask us what part of the home the item is located in. However, do not ask about the price -- we frown upon that :-)
3. Bring along a shopping partner and tag team. Especially if you're coming for specific items.
4. Bring your highest level of patience. Trust me, those of us in the industry are still trying to resolve the problem of the long lines-- without breaking the bank by hiring several checkout workers.
5.If you choose to wait on an item until discount day, grab a business card and call ahead to make sure the item is still there before wasting time and gas.
6. If an item is marked "as is". Inspect it carefully before paying or ask an associate what's wrong with the item.
7. If you want to negotiate for a lower price, consider your approach. For example, which of the following do you think will be received better? "Would you be willing to take $2 instead of $3 for this item?" or "I'll give you $2 but its not worth $3. I'm not paying that much for it."
8. Its okay to pull the price tag off large items while you continue to shop--if you have a sincere intent to purchase it. It indicates to us that the item is already taken and we won't sale it to someone else right away.
9. Feel free to ask the staff anything. We may say yes. We may say no. Some estate sales may be more rigid than others but ask anyway. I had a disabled person to rush to his home down the street because he didn't think we would allow him to use the restroom. It never hurts to ask.
10. Bring your spirit of kindness and honesty. It will be bestowed back upon you tenfold.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Kudos to Estatesales.net
Attended the 1st annual Estate Sale Conference in St. Louis. I wasn't quite ready for that kind of cold weather! Had a great time. Learned a lot and ate a lot! Looking forward to spring in Texas.
Kudos to Estatesales.net for hosting a great conference!
Sincerely,
Count It All Joy Estate Sales
Monday, February 18, 2013
Password Overload!
Passwords, passwords, everywhere passwords! Experience is the best teacher.... I have just discovered that I have misplaced my laundry list of passwords. Admittedly, my way of keeping up with my passwords may be antiquated and not secure; therefore, do as I say and not as I do. Nevertheless, this reminded me of a past customer sharing his family's experience with not being able to access their loved one's necessary accounts after the family member passed. While grieving, there are many things that family members have to deal with after a loved one passes and trying to access their online accounts does not have to be one more frustration added to the list. Do you have a plan in place? In this digital world we live in, there are secure ways to have your password information stored safely. I would suggest checking with an estate attorney who may be able to refer you to a reputable company. This article sums it up best: Digital Assets
Monday, January 21, 2013
Time of Discovery
I had a conversation with a colleague recently who gave me an "aha" moment. My colleague stated that she believes this is the time of year when children of elderly parents tend to "discover" exactly how serious their parents' situations are. For instance, children who do not get to visit their parents regularly due to distance or what have you, will typically visit during the holidays. This opportunity gives them a first hand view that something is not quite right with mom or dad. Maybe the home tends to show that some aspects of hoarding is going on. The mom you know and love was always a neat freak- but you notice that dust has piled up throughout the house. Maybe dad's driving skills aren't quite what they used tho be. Understandably, mom and dad are going to tell you everything's fine via your phone conversations, because holding on to their independence as long as they can is as important to them as the air they breathe.
So while the estate sale business tends to slow down this time of year, I now know that it isn't simply due to the cold weather and the hum drum of winter; but children are taking this time to make some important decisions concerning their parents future. So, to my baby boomers, I encourage you to keep a closer ear and eye when visiting or talking with your parents. Working with them could possibly save their lives.
http://www.ciajestates.weebly.com
So while the estate sale business tends to slow down this time of year, I now know that it isn't simply due to the cold weather and the hum drum of winter; but children are taking this time to make some important decisions concerning their parents future. So, to my baby boomers, I encourage you to keep a closer ear and eye when visiting or talking with your parents. Working with them could possibly save their lives.
http://www.ciajestates.weebly.com
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Wow, its been a busy season! I really planned to keep my blog updated regularly; but the best laid plans.....
Anyway, had to share with you my most fun sale of the year. We were in Canton, TX at the large flea market there liquidating a store for a customer. Man, its hard to focus when you're surrounded by roasted corn, fried pies, ice cream, and more!! I literally could have eaten my profits away. If you've never taken the trip down for a day of shopping and good eating, it is definitely worth it. Check them out at www.cantontxfirstmonday.com
Anyway, had to share with you my most fun sale of the year. We were in Canton, TX at the large flea market there liquidating a store for a customer. Man, its hard to focus when you're surrounded by roasted corn, fried pies, ice cream, and more!! I literally could have eaten my profits away. If you've never taken the trip down for a day of shopping and good eating, it is definitely worth it. Check them out at www.cantontxfirstmonday.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Hotter than Fish Grease!
Wow, I braved the heat preparing for and hosting a sale in Keller, TX. Indoors and out! That's right, air conditioner out in the middle of July. in Texas. I must have the most loyal customers in America because you came out and did your thing! Thanks!
Join us in the A/C in Dallas July 12-14th. For the address and to view pics of items for sale visit http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/296124.aspx
www.ciajestates.weebly.com
Join us in the A/C in Dallas July 12-14th. For the address and to view pics of items for sale visit http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/296124.aspx
www.ciajestates.weebly.com
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