FAQ ESTATE SALES
Why work with Elizabeth Jackson Estate Sales?
Elizabeth Jackson LLC, established more than 15 years ago, is one of the oldest and most well-established estate sale companies in Connecticut and is considered the premier Fairfield County firm. Now with the 2017 purchase of Consign It in its landmark location in downtown Greenwich for more than 30 years, the Elizabeth Jackson notoriety and reputation has expanded to an even larger customer base of loyal dealers, designers, collectors and savvy shoppers.
Why should I work with Elizabeth Jackson Estate Sales rather than an auction house?
An estate sale almost always generates more revenue for a family than sending household contents to an auction house which will “cherry-pick” your most lucrative pieces. Pieces viewed “in context” yield better prices than at auction when an item is seen isolated, and proceeds from in-home sales are not taxable! Plus, having a private sale at your home allows everything you don’t want to be put up for sale, not just your fine furnishings and antiques: linens, out-grown children’s toys, seasonal decorations, kitchen contents, books, garden tools, etc.
What if I don’t have enough for an Estate Sale?
Our services cover estate sales of all sizes. Clients are often amazed at just how well even an average home’s contents can and does sell when presented in a professional way. But, for those clients who don’t have enough for a “whole house” sale, one of the unique advantages of working with Elizabeth Jackson is her versatility in transferring items for continued sales to her consignment retail store Consign It in the heart of downtown Greenwich. See Consign It FAQ for more details.
What’s the best time to contact Elizabeth Jackson for a visit to my home?
The best time to start discussing a sale is in the 6-8 week period when your house is under contract. Call 203-857-4009 or email maribethl@optonline.net in Elizabeth’s Jackson’s office. You will speak to office manager Maribeth Lawrence who will ask if you know when you’re closing, and a few other questions about the kind of things you wish to sell. Following this initial intake, Maribeth will schedule a complimentary visit for Elizabeth Jackson to come to your home.
What are your charges for estate sales?
Our charges are highly competitive and based on a percentage of the gross sales. The on-site estate sale fee is 35% commission to Elizabeth Jackson LLC and 65% to the client.
What should I know when considering your services?
Elizabeth Jackson offers several unique services. First and foremost, we are expert at pricing items to maximize our client’s profits. Our qualified team of experts research and appraise antiques, art, jewelry, vintage clothing, etc. as part of pre-sale services at no additional cost. Also included are the services of our staff restorer who will assess condition and put everything in top saleable condition, such as replacing missing veneers, touch up painting; fixing ceramics, etc. The result is a beautifully staged, professionally organized and fully staffed three day event. We also provide delivery services for sold items after the sale (at buyer's expense) to encourage purchase of hard-to-move pieces. Post-sale clean out services is optional and available for an extra fee.
How do you market and advertise?
An email is sent to our subscriber list of over 5,000 customers, collectors, dealers and interior designers from both Elizabeth Jackson Estate Sales and Consign It mailing lists. The email, which features a complete description of the sale and select photographs, links to the Elizabeth Jackson website Preview Gallery page of up to 200 images. Elizabeth Jackson sales also receive a featured listing with images on EstateSales.net, achieving over 1,000 plus page views for a sale. Digital and print advertising, which are charged back to clients, target prime high-income demographic shoppers, including new homeowners, with a display ad to reach dealers and design trade in Antiques & Arts Weekly.
What do you do with unsold items after the estate or consignment sale is completed?
We work with our clients to determine the best disposition of unsold items after a sale. Arrangements can be made to transfer to sell to an estate liquidator and/or donate to charitable nonprofits fora tax deduction to the client. Select items are transferred for continued sale to Consign It, our retail consignment store in downtown Greenwich. See Consign It FAQ for terms and conditions.
Do you have references I can check?
Elizabeth Jackson has presented more than 150 sales in more than fifteen years since the company was founded. Contact us and we are glad to provide a list of past clients for references.