Shopping at estate sales has become increasingly popular for savvy shoppers. Estate sales feature previously owned items willing to be sold at a discount. Since estate sales generally involve bargaining, shoppers can purchase quality items at reduced prices. However, becoming a savvy shopper at estate sales requires careful consideration before buying any item. Vintage and antique decor bring character and depth to any room they grace, from the original owner’s parlor that you’re browsing, to your own living room. Before taking anything home with you, however, there’s a few things you should know. Here’s what to avoid at estate sales according to two vintage shopping experts.(1)

Food, Perishables, and Medications 

One of the most essential items to avoid at estate sales are food, perishables, and medications. Even if the food or medications appear to be of good quality, there is no way to be sure that they were correctly stored or have been safely stored away from pests, sunlight, or other sources of contamination. Additionally, food-related items, such as cooking utensils, can be contaminated without adequate cleaning. Therefore, if one is willing to take a risk, avoiding buying these items at estate sales is best.

Shoes and Clothing 

When going to an estate sale mission viejo, avoiding buying shoes and clothing is essential. Additionally, if the clothes do not fit or are inappropriate for one’s style, there is no chance of returning them. Thus, it is best to avoid purchasing shoes and clothing at estate sales.

Oversized or Specialty Items

Another item that savvy shoppers should avoid at estate sales newport beach is any oversized or speciality item that could be difficult to move. Examples of items in this category include furniture that is too large or complicated for a regular car or furniture that requires professional help to take apart. Additionally, any item that needs specific and unique parts to operate correctly should also be avoided, as finding the parts needed to repair it can be challenging.

Collectables and Antiques

At estate sales in newport beach, antiques can be incredibly enticing for savvy shoppers. However, it is essential to remember that antiques can often be difficult to authenticate. Therefore, even if an antique appear in good condition, it is only possible to determine its authenticity with an expert’s evaluation. Consequently, for buyers looking to purchase antiques, it is best to consult a qualified antique expert before buying the items. 

Collectables, such as toys, coins, and stamps, are some items that should be avoided at newport beach estate sales. While the items may seem valuable, it can take time to determine their collectable value. Furthermore, since the items’ condition is generally unknown, it isn’t easy to ascertain their actual worth. Moreover, it is essential to note that collectable items are usually subject to fluctuating prices, and the prices can be affected by various factors, such as location, market demand, and the item’s rarity. Therefore, for buyers looking to purchase collectables, it is best to research the values before the purchase and obtain an expert opinion beforehand.

Used Appliances

When shopping at estate sales newport beach ca, it is essential to avoid buying used appliances. Most used appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens, could be defective and have yet to be regularly maintained by the previous owner. As a result, investing in a used appliance can be a waste of money since the appliance will have to be serviced or replaced shortly after purchase.

Furniture

The most important thing to avoid buying at estate sales is furniture. Especially with older furniture pieces, hidden problems may only be seen after the purchase is made. It could include loose or missing parts, structural damage, water damage, or mould. Additionally, used furniture items can be challenging to reupholster or refinish, and this process can be time intensive and expensive. There may also be challenges when trying to identify the material the furniture is made of and what type of cleaning and maintenance may be necessary.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the furniture item. Buying a piece of furniture that is too large for one’s space or just larger than needed can be costly. Measure out the dimensions of the room one buys to ensure the furniture fits properly. Additionally, watch for furniture that is too heavy for one to move. It can instruct one to hire a moving company or pass on the purchase altogether. 

If one must purchase furniture from an estate sale, there are a few tips to follow to find the best deals and ensure a successful purchase. First, always inspect the furniture before purchasing it. A close inspection can help identify pre-existing damage and any repairs that will need to be made in the future. It is also important to note that furniture pieces from estate sales are usually sold “as-is,” meaning one will be responsible for any repairs or replacements that may be needed in the future. Because of this, it is wise to purchase a furniture protection plan, which will provide coverage for repairs and replacements that arise after the purchase.

Finally, do some research first. Knowing the furniture item’s estimated market value can help determine if one is getting a good deal. It can also give one an idea of the estimated repair and replacement costs, which can be helpful when making a purchase decision.

Knowing When to Leave

A savvy shopper will know when to walk away from a purchase when it comes to estate sales. If one feels that the item’s price is too high or the quality is questionable, it is best to avoid purchasing. Additionally, suppose one doubts any aspect of the item or the seller is reluctant to provide additional information or proof of authenticity. In that case, it is best to move on to another item.

Conclusion

Shopping at estate sales is a great way to find discounted-quality items. However, to ensure buyers get the best deal, shoppers need to be aware of the items to avoid.