Frequently Asked Questions

How do I subscribe to email updates?

ESF sends out weekly announcements regarding our estate sales, special sales, garage sales, community sales, and auctions. To subscribe, click here.

What type of sale am I having?

It is important to accurately name your sale- It ensures a larger turnout and happier shoppers!
An estate sale usually includes an entire household of items, staged throughout the entire home. Estate sales are not only due to a death in the family- Most are a liquidation of household assets.
A moving sale will typically have much of the house open, with the items you are keeping hidden behind closed doors.
A downsizing sale usually is a long time collector selling off a large amount of their collections.
Garage/yards sales are typically held by a family clearing out unwanted items. The house is not open.
Rummage sales are usually held in a public facility and all proceeds go to a charity.

What type of auction am I having?

Auctions are typically conducted at an established Auction Facility. A 'Walk Around Auction' can be held at a residence or business. The items are auctioned in “lots” or individually. The buyers follow the auctioneer from item to item buying as they go.
What is the difference between ‘professionally run estate sales’ and ‘private estate sales?’
Professionally run estate sales are organized by registered businesses. Private estate sales are conducted by private parties. The public is welcome at both types of sales.

What does it mean when a listing says ‘list is out’ or ‘numbers @ 9:00?’

‘List out’ means that you can drive to a sale before it opens, add your name to the list to reserve a spot, and leave. ‘Numbers at’ a specific time means that once you arrive at the sale and are given a number, you need to stay until your number is called, granting you access to the sale.  If there is not a list or numbers, it’s first in line, first in. 
Due to current gas prices and increased security, many companies now offer to put you on the list via email, phone, or text message. If you opt to be added to a list in this way, please remember to be courteous and make every effort to be at the sale site when it opens.

Why do I have to scroll left or right to view an entire page?

This webpage is best viewed at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 X 768. If you have to scroll to see website content, please consider adjusting your resolution

How do I see the most up-to-date version of a page?

We update ESF in real-time, which is good news for you! If we’ve made an update during the time that you’ve been browsing on the website, you may need to refresh the page to view the newest content. Simply use the ‘refresh’ icon in your browser’s search bar.

How do I list my sale?

To list your sale, please create or log into your account, and select the “Add a Sale” button.  Complete the form, and upload your photos!

How many people will see my listing?

ESF registers approximately 20,000 hits each week- giving your sale lots of exposure!

How do I edit my listing?

To make revisions to your listing, please log into your account and select the “Edit Sale” button. We encourage you to proofread your listing before the start of your sale.

What if there is a problem with my listing?

Call or email us, please! We’ll get it fixed right away.

How do I pay for my listing?

You will be prompted to pay via Paypal after submitting your sale information.  You can use a credit or debit  card without having a paypal account. 

What is the cost to list a sale, auction, or shop?

You can view our prices here.

Why do you need my phone number and email address on the request form to list a sale?

We want you to be happy with your listing! We require your phone number and email address so that we can contact you if we have questions about your listing request or billing. Your information is kept private and is for ESF use only.

I posted a sale- when can I expect to see it on the website?

We work with each client personally to craft the listing that they desire, so your listing may not show up instantly. But don’t worry- we’re working on it!

How do I include pictures with my listing?

To include pictures with your listing use the “Add Sale Photos” button that appears on the next page after you submit your sale text.    Then select “Choose Files.”  A window will appear, allowing you to select the files from your computer, camera, or memory device.  You can select multiple photos to upload by using the shift or control keys.  When done, click ‘Open,’ followed by “Upload Photos.” 
Please be patient, as, depending on their size, it may take your photos a moment to upload.  Once the upload is complete, your photos will load on the page.  You’ll then have the option to add more, or if necessary, edit your sale.  If you don’t need to do either of these, simply navigate away from the page- you’re done!
To add photos to your listing after you’ve submitted the text, log in to your account and select the “Edit Sale” button.  Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Update Sale.”  On the next page, you’ll have the option to “Add Sale Photos.”

Why do you ask when I’d like the address posted?

For security reasons, we offer the option to wait to add your address to your listing the either the day or night before your sale starts. If this is not a concern for you, we’re happy to post the address immediately upon receipt.

I’m having a sale that doesn’t seem to fit into ESF’s main categories- can I still list it on ESF?

Absolutely! We would love to list your unique sale, and will work with you to fine-tune your listing. Just create or log in to your account and add your sale.  If you have questions, please email us!

How do I track down an item that I saw at a past sale?

We recommend that you contact the estate sale provider directly. You can find contact information on the Find a Provider list.

How do I find a professional service to help me with my estate?

Browse our list of professional estate sale service providers here. To find an auctioneer, click here.  To find an appraiser, click here
ESF recommends that anyone hiring a company should verify that the business is registered, licensed, or insured. Each state has a unique listing under the Secretary of State website (Oregon, Washington), which will confirm a licensed business and provide a brief history of the company.

I’m not located in Oregon or Washington- will you still list my sale, auction, or shop?

Of course! The majority of our shoppers are located in the Pacific Northwest, but we would be happy to list your out-of-area sale. Just create or log in to your account and add your sale.  If you have questions, please email us!