Estate Sale FAQs: Everything You Need to Know from the Experts at Soulshine Estate Sale Co.
- Lizzy Doe
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
At Soulshine Estate Sale Co., we’re here to make estate sales smooth, successful, and stress-free—whether you're downsizing, relocating, or managing a loved one's estate. Based in New Braunfels, TX, we specialize in full-service estate liquidation, and while we do love a good vintage treasure, we handle it all—from antique collectibles to modern home goods, appliances, and everything in between.
If you're new to the world of estate sales, you're not alone. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear from both our clients and our shoppers—so you can walk in confident, whether you're hiring us or shopping the sale.
FAQs for Estate Sale Clients
1. What is an estate sale, and how is it different from a garage sale?
An estate sale is a professionally organized sale of personal property—often conducted when someone is downsizing, relocating, or settling an estate. Unlike a garage sale, estate sales take place inside the home and typically involve a wide range of items: furniture, art, collectibles, tools, electronics, appliances, and more. Everything is priced, staged, and sold onsite by professionals to ensure maximum value and minimal hassle for the client.
2. What types of items can be sold at an estate sale?
Pretty much everything! We sell:
Mid-century and vintage furniture
Modern decor and electronics
Kitchen appliances and cookware
Art, antiques, and collectibles
Clothing, tools, outdoor gear, and more
You’d be surprised what sells. One (wo)man's trash truly is another's treasure.
3. Do I need to clean or organize before the sale?
Nope! In fact, we prefer you don’t. Our team handles everything from organizing and pricing to staging and marketing. We just ask that you remove or clearly mark any items you want to keep before we begin.
4. How does Soulshine Estate Sale Co. make money?
We operate on a commission-based model, meaning we only make money when your items sell. This keeps our goals aligned—we’re just as invested in making your sale a success as you are.
5. How long does the estate sale process take?
It depends on the size of the estate, but on average:
1–2 weeks to prep and stage the home
2–3 day sale event (usually Friday–Sunday)
A few days for post-sale cleanup and item removal
We’ll guide you through the timeline in detail during our consultation.
6. What happens to unsold items?
After the sale, you can choose to:
Keep remaining items
Donate to a local nonprofit
Request a clean-out service (we can arrange this too!)
We’ll help you determine the best option based on your goals.
FAQs for Estate Sale Shoppers
1. When are estate sales typically held?
Most sales take place Friday through Sunday, with early birds showing up right at ope
ning. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming sales.
2. Do you negotiate prices at estate sales?
Yes and no. On opening day, prices are firm to give everyone a fair shot at the best items. Discounts may be offered on the second and third days. If you're eyeing something, grab it early—our best pieces tend to go fast!
3. How can I pay for items at your sales?
We accept cash, credit cards, and digital payments (like Venmo or CashApp). All sales are final, so be sure before you buy!
4. Can I bring my own bags or boxes?
Yes, and we encourage it! We try to have packing materials on hand, but bringing your own ensures you're ready to haul away your finds safely.
5. What’s the vibe like at a Soulshine sale?
Expect good energy, groovy tunes, and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re not just selling stuff—we’re building community. Whether you're a seasoned reseller or a first-time shopper, you're always welcome at our sales.
Why Choose Soulshine Estate Sale Co.?
✔ Local expertise in New Braunfels and surrounding areas
✔ Friendly, professional service rooted in compassion
✔ Modern marketing and staging techniques that maximize exposure
✔ Passion for all things vintage and modern
✔ Full-service support from start to finish