FAQ FOR CLIENTS INTERESTED IN BOOKING  

A RED APRON ESTATE SALE

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Why should I hire Red apron to conduct my estate sale? 

Estate sales are conducted for various reasons such as relocation, downsizing, change of lifestyle, debt, death, divorce, etc. Red Apron is there to not only ease the burden during a stressful time but also, our sales are profitable! We have a smiling, helpful sales staff that is knowledgeable about today's trends as well as current values. 

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How much does a red apron estate sale cost?

There are no upfront fee's! Once the sale has been completed, we will collect a 40% commission fee on gross sales that generate $3,000 or more. If total sales are less than $3,000, a commission of 50% will be collected which includes advertising and sale preparation costs. Note: if there are boxes that need to be unpacked or items are dirty and need to be cleaned, there will be an additional fee added. 

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do i need an estate sale contract?

Yes. After we assess the home and we agree that an estate sale is the best choice, a contract is signed.

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How long does it take to set up for a sale?

For effective advertising, we prefer two-week lead time. However with most homes, our team will physically be in the home from Monday-Friday preparing for the sale. 

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How long does the actual sale last?

Sales take place on Saturday's 9 am- 1 pm and Sunday's 10 am- 2 pm. For large sales, a Friday afternoon will be added. 80% of sellable items are sold before 1 pm on Saturday.

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How can you ensure a large crowd for the sale?

Our Red Apron team has a great reputation for well organized sales with quality items. This has resulted in a committed following of customers. We also use a number of proven advertising methods such as various websites, printed publications, and announcements about your sale sent to our extensive email subscription list. Unlike other liquidation companies, we also post pictures of items for sale. The evening before the sale, signs are posted directing traffic to your home.

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Do you allow friends or family in early to shop?

No! We give all buyers equal opportunity. We open your doors at 9am to everyone. If we advertise an item for the sale, it must be there when doors open. This also means we have a strict policy against clients removing items after the contract is signed.

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Do you set low prices?

We do not set prices too low or unrealistic "high" either because we want everything sold. We work very hard to price even the smallest items in your house without making it seem like a garage sale. This ensures fewer disposals after the sale, and more importantly, larger gross sales. Buyers tend to pay more for items when they see them in their original setting. 

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How will I get paid?

The client will receive a check or proceeds can be deposited into your bank if you live out of town.

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Is there a minimum amount of personal property required for an estate sale?

A successful estate sale requires a certain amount of personal property to ensure a successful sale. A "house full" of original furnishings in each room is enough for an estate sale. NOTE: If you remove all "choice" items from your home leaving only ordinary items; these items by themselves will not generate the interest and crowds necessary to ensure that you sell most your sale items.

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What happens to personal property that does not sell?

Any remaining personal property is disposed of according to your wishes. Some clients decide to donate while others choose a clean out. We have a fantastic clean out crew we work with that we would be happy to put you in contact with. There is also an option to sell some of the remaining items to the Red Apron team for our resale use in our Shoppe, on this website, craigslist, etc.

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There are some things I do not want to dispose of. Can these items remain during the sale?

Yes, however, we prefer that any item that you do not want to sell be removed or placed in a secured area out of sight to our team and buyers, as we will not be held responsible for them.

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What if I change my mind and decide to not follow through with the estate sale?

If the sale must be cancelled, we will charge the client $250 for advertising expenses and sale

 preparation.

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Do you have security?

We have someone keeping a watchful eye at all times. We will not hesitate to call the police for theft or disruptive behavior. 

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Does the client, estate executor, or personal representative need to be present?

We do not recommend that the client be present for any part of the sale process. Our team is able to work more efficiently when the home is cleared of personal items and the client(s). Buyers also feel more comfortable negotiating prices when the client is not on-site and/or participating in the sales process. 

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Ready to inquire about booking your own estate sale? 

CLICK HERE

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FAQ FOR BUYERS SHOPPING A RED APRON ESTATE SALE

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Will you release prices of items before the sale?

No, we will not release prices prior to the sales. The home owners and our sales team have the right to edit the sale price before doors open to the public Saturday morning. All pricing requests prior to the sale will go unanswered. 

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What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit & credit, Apple & Google Pay, PayPal and checks. There is a $5 minimum when using a card and we ask that you use reasonable sized bills when paying with cash. (Please don't use a $50 bill to pay for a $3 item.)

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What time do your estate sales take place?

Sales take place on Saturday's 9 am- 1 pm and Sunday's 10 am- 2 pm. For large sales, a Friday afternoon will be added. If you arrive before start time, numbers will are placed outside the door. Grab a number and at start time, buyers will be allowed to enter in numerical order. 

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Do you deliver furniture and/or other items I buy at your sale?

No, we do not deliver. If you need help getting items home, we recommend calling family/friends, renting a truck or U-Haul, or we can recommend local delivery companies that MAY be available to help. Our staff is not guaranteed to be able to move items out of the house but we will do our best to help when we can. 

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Where can I find the address for your next sale?

To ensure the safety of our clients, full addresses will not be released until the Wednesday prior to the sale. Until then, we will post the general location of the sale so you can plan accordingly. Be sure to join our email list for a weekly Wednesday evening shout out with the full address, pictures, and a detailed description of the upcoming sale! 

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Are your items priced and/or negotiable?

Everything at our estate sales are priced! From large furniture pieces down to the cookie cutters found in the back of a kitchen drawer! Our Saturday prices are firm. If you would like to take the chance of coming back on Sunday in hopes the item did not sell, prices will be discounted and negotiable then.

 

FAQ FOR THE RED APRON SHOPPE

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What is The Red Apron Shoppe?

The Red Apron Shoppe features old and new local treasures! Most of our inventory are items from our estate sales that just didn't have enough time to sell in a weekend. We have gently-used, quality furniture, home decor, and primitive & vintage items. Red Apron is also a firm believer in supporting small business, artists, and farmers in our community! The Shoppe showcases a variety of unique creations such as jewelry, paintings, music, crocheted animals, soaps, and more! Don't forget to stop in for delicious fresh local eggs & honey! 

 

Do you take items on consignment?

No, we are not a consignment shop. However, we many be interested in buying items from you outright. We ask that you first take pictures of the items and email them to maryann@redapronestatesales.com PLEASE DO NOT BRING ITEMS TO THE SHOP WITHOUT AN OFFER VIA EMAIL FOR THE SPECIFIC ITEMS DISCUSSED! For more details about items we are looking to buy, please click here.

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Where are you located?

We are located at 4A Riggs Avenue Severna Park MD 21146  

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What are your hours?

The Red Apron Shoppe is open Friday-Sunday 10 am- 6 pm. We are closed Monday-Thursday to restock after sales and rearrange our displays!

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Where do I park?

There is limited parking behind the building in a small parking lot. On weekends, it is also okay to park at Severna Park Elementary school which is located next to our shop. 

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Still have questions?

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CONTACT US