The prices are negotiable at estate sales. If you go early, you may find a steal or not. I usually go and scope out the sale. If I see something I love I buy it then but if I see something that's iffy and the price is too high, I wait till the end of the estate sale and go back. I've gotten wonderful items and also missed some. It's all how you decide.

The estate sales I've attended mark the prices. Whether the price is reasonable depends on what company is conducting the sale. The prices are usually reduced toward the end of sale, sometimes the last day will be 1/2 price, but that should be posted at the sale.

If it is a good sale (lots of advertised desirable items) the line may be long when the sale starts, so go early.

Prices are usually marked and often awesome. If you want the best stuff, get in line before opening on the first day. If you want the best deals, go late when they're trying to get rid of everything.

Be sure to learn the etiquette of the estate sale...some will put numbers in the mail box and will only allow people in by the numbers early in the day to prevent the home from getting too crowded...everyone else is left outside to wait as people leave before they can enter.

Annie is right about the etiquette. You may already know every bit of this, but here goes:

Usually, if you are considering something, don't pick it up and carry it around unless you intend to buy it. If your hand is resting on something, you've claimed it until you decide. If you pick things up to examine them, put them back exactly as you found them.

If you want a price reduction, ask gently if the seller can do any better, or if that is his/her best price.

Never say "That's too much" or "That's not worth it." Just say, 'Thank you." The nicer you are, the more likely it is that you'll get a reduction.

If you take cloth bags with you to carry your purchases in, try to keep them in your bag or pocketbook until you need them. It's sad to say, but it makes sellers a little wary if you are carrying a giant sack around. You'd be astonished at how many small things can disappear.

Love,
Your mother.

Thanks so much for the info -- I had no idea there would be 'etiquette' involved - I'm glad I asked.

The items that most interest me are furniture -- how does that usually work? Can you come back within a couple of days to haul it? (I would need to hire someone to do that.)

It depends on the seller but pretty typically they expect you to pick up the item quickly...same day or maybe next day unless you can make other arrangements with the seller.

Also, remember, cash is king...

LOL your mother, you're not really her mother are you?? lol

No, but I would give advice to the cat if only she spoke English ... and mjlb sounds like a very nice daughter to have!

That was funny BW. shortcut for your name if you don't mind.

Some estate sale people have a delivery person on site if you live within a couple mile radius. They will charge a fee. Also,all prices will be marked on the item. The dealer will set a time when everything gets reduced. Find out what time that is. Some dealers will take cell phone numbers to call you if the item is still available later in the day. Be prepared for a crowd. The dealers have a large following of customers.

Some sales are well staffed, and will have someone in every room, or just about every room. When you select something to buy, they will want to write you a ticket (hand written on a small tablet like in a diner taking your order).

For large furniture pieces, especially in a well attended larger sale, if you want it, and there is not a staff member in the room this is what is done where I live. Here the protocol is to remove the price tag (usually masking tape marked with a sharpie) and carry it to the nearest worker you can find to get a ticket written up. Once they write up your ticket, the furniture item will be marked SOLD by the staff member. If you walk away from the item to go look for a worker, and don't have the price sticker with you, then someone else has fair game to swoop in and get your item.

"and mjlb sounds like a very nice daughter to have!"

aah, thanks bronwynsmom! Even tho' I'm old enough to be a grandma, on some topics, I'm still an empty slate.

So am I, and so am I ...