Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What forms of payment do you take?

At this time, we accept cash and credit cards through Square. We try to only take credit cards for large purchase as we are assessed a fee for every use. At this time, we are not passing that fee onto our customers as other companies do. 

Q2. Do you open before the opening time published?

No, to keep it fair, we open at the advertised time. We've gone to estate sales at the opening time and people are already exiting with items, which doesn't give people a fair chance to get the advertised items.  

Q3. Where can I find your advertised sales?

We advertise on many websites. Just some of them are; HV Craiglist, yardsales.net, estatesales.net, Facebook Marketplace & 12 local sales groups, etc. We also have a sign up sheet, near the front door, at every estate sale to join our email list. 

Q4. Do you provide bags at the estate sales? Should I bring my own bags?

NYS changed legislation regarding plastic bags given at checkout. Due to this, we no longer provide plastic bags. You are welcome to bring your own reuseable bags; however, we ask that items are not put into your bags until after checkout. We do not allow the filling of trash bags for security reasons. 

Q5: When are your estate sales held, and for how many hours? 

A: We run our estate sales on Friday& Saturday, 9am-4pm. If there is a large home with great selling opportunity, we may consider adding on Sunday. This allows for many potential customers to come to the sale. 

Q6: What counties do you typically work in?

A: Currently, we reside in Napanoch, NY. For estate sales, we usually work in Ulster, Northern Orange, Western Dutchess, & Eastern Sullivan counties. 

Q1: Should I throw items out, donate or give things away before you come over to look at my home?

No, please do not! Once you have decided to have an estate sale, we ask that you do not throw away, donate or give away any items. Over the years, we have seen many situations where customers  get rid of items that could have been sold, which lost them money. Only true garbage, like old expired food and garbage bags should be disposed of.  

Q2: I recently took over this estate, as a loved one passed away. Do I need to show proof that I can sell items from this estate?

Only the owner or the executor of the estate have the right to sell items from the home. At the end of the contract, there is a statement that says, "(I), the client, have the authority to sell the contents of this home."

Q3: Is there a charge for a consultation?

The first consultation is free of charge.  When you are ready to have an estate sale, please feel free to contact us. Our email is: agsestateliquidators@gmail.com. Our phone number is: 845-633-5593. There is a fee for any additional consultations depending on location. 

Q4: Do you have liability insurance? What happens if someone gets hurt on the property?

The home owner must have liability insurance during the time of the estate sale. In the event that someone is hurt during the sale, we will forward them to you, the homeowner, to contact the home insurance company. We do everything in our power to prevent any accidents in the home during the preparation of the sale by making all paths clear, no trip hazards, signs on all stairways, and only having customers enter and exit through one safe entry point. AGS is not responsible for anyone getting injured on the homeowners property. As of now, we have never had an incident and will constantly try to prevent any in the future.  

Q5. When do I provide you the key or alarm code?

Be prepared at a contract signing to have a key for AGS. We may start setting up right away, and we do not want to miss out on digging and set up time due to waiting on a key. 

Q6: How far ahead should I book my estate sale with you?

As soon as you are ready to have an estate sale, please feel free to contact us, anytime. We will quickly get you set up to have an estate sale, and make you money. We can only hold a date on our calendar with a signed contract and key. As the spring comes, our schedule does book up, so call us as soon as you are ready. Keep in mind, that estate sales can be held year round. 

Q7: How soon will my estate sale be held after I sign the contract?

Every estate sale is a little bit different. Since it takes approximately 3-4 weeks to properly set up and advertise for an estate sale, your sale will be held after that time. However, depending on the size of the estate, and both of our schedules, your estate sale start time may vary. We do recommend as much lead time as possible to maximize on sale potential. 

Q8: After I've hired AGS Estate Liquidators, if I want to remove something for sale, how does that work? 

We ask that you remove any items that you'd like to keep prior to our consultation. After we have assessed the potential estate sale & the contract is signed, we ask that items are not removed from the home. We do understand special circumstances, and can discuss if this arises. If items are removed from the home, the item may incur our commission.

Q9: How many days does it take to prepare for an estate sale?

Depending on the size of the estate, it could take between 3-4 weeks to properly organize, set up, take photos, advertise, and make signs. Every estate sale is a little bit different, and we can discuss the need for your estate at a free consultation. We do book up quickly, so call far in advance of your desired estate sale dates.

Q10: Do I need to have electric, heat, and the water on during the estate sale? 

Yes, to have a productive sale, we ask that electric, water, heat (if applicable) be available at the time of the sale. We understand it is not always possible to have air conditioning during the sale, so that is not a requirement, but is appreciated, if you do. Customers will stay and shop longer if they are comfortable. 

Q11: Can I attend the estate sale at my home?

We treat your home as if it were our own. You hired us to handle the sale of your items. Many times, people have a hard time letting go of items, and find it difficult to be present during the estate sale. We are there to make you make as much money as possible, and wouldn't want potential sales to be interrupted. Due to this, we require the home owner & any large pets be out of the home from 7am-6pm during sale days. 

Q12: What percentage do you take for an estate sale?

Our fee is below the local market value for estate sales, as we want you to keep as much of the money as possible! We are selling your items. We are in the market to make both of us money, and we'd be happy to discuss the 60%-40% percentage split at your consultation. 

Q13: Do you collect sales tax? 

Yes, we comply with all of NYS sales tax laws. We will collect your local county tax on all sales and report it to NYS quarterly. For your reference the county tax rates are as follows: Ulster & Sullivan County: 8%, Dutchess & Orange County: 8.125% 

Q14. I saw on Google that an estate sale can make $20,000? 

There are large estates that can gross $20,000, but that is not the typical home that we come across. Once the family removes any items they are keeping, the estate may not gross 20K. If you are considering an estate sale, we urge you to leave as many valuable items as possible to have the largest gross sale. You can see a further explanation here:  https://www.estatesales.net/help/how-much-will-i-make-at-my-estate-sale.

Q15: How much money will I make? $$$$$

This is the most commonly asked question. The honest answer is that is depends how many sought after items are left for the sale. Many times, the family wants to keep items of value, which takes away from the overall gross sale total. There are so many factors that come into play with estate sales such as; weather, customers, desirability of items that are for sale, location, pricing, items for sale, ease of access to home (stairs), etc. Many clients wonder how much they will come out with after the sale is said and done. We pride ourselves on not misleading people, and we will never just shout out a random number. What you should know is, that we will do our best to gross the most money for you and us. We spend countless hours advertising and getting your sale advertised, so it is as successful as possible. For further explanation: https://www.estatesales.net/help/how-much-will-i-make-at-my-estate-sale

Q16: How quickly will I receive my portion of the estate sale proceeds?

Once the estate sale is complete, we will provide your percentage of the sales within 5 business days. We are happy to meet you locally in person, or send a bank check, via mail. 

Q17: After an estate sale, what condition will my home be left in?

We will leave the home in "as is" condition after the estate sale. 

Q18. Do you offer cleanout services?

We currently do not do cleanouts of homes. Google for cleanout services or junk removal in your local area. 

Q1. What items do you typically consign?

Consignment items range from comic books, jewelry, records, Playboy magazines, vintage toys, antiques, electronics, and much more! 

Q2. How much money will I make from consignment?

It depends on the value of the items we consign. The better and more soft after the items, the more money we will make. 

Q3. How long will my consignment last? 

We have had short and long term clients for consignment, which depends on the items. 

Q4. When will I receive my first payout?

Typically, the first payment is 3 months via bank check after signing the consignment contract, but depends if it is a short or long term consignment. 

Q5. How do I get paid? What form of payment?

We pay our clients with an official bank check, so there is no waiting on a check to clear. 

Q1. Do you buy furniture?

We do not buy furniture. 

Q2. How much do you pay for items?

We will need to leave room for profit when reselling these items, so the price will vary by item. We are always fair with our offers. 

Q3. What items do you like to buy?

We buy what people in the business call "smalls". These are easily shippable items that are small. Just some of the items we look for are; baseball cards, vintage items, coins, comic books, jewelry & watches, Playboy magazines, unique antiques.