Estate sale etiquette: 7 tips for first-timers

Estate sales are where the real finds hide: mid-century furniture, quality tools, vintage kitchenware. But they run on etiquette. Here's the crash course.

1. Respect the numbers system

Busy sales hand out numbers before opening. Take yours, wait your turn, don't hover at the door.

2. Don't haggle on day one

Prices are usually fair and set by a pro. Day-two and day-three is when discounts kick in — often 25–50% off.

3. Bring your own bags and boxes

Seriously. You'll thank yourself when you find a box of Pyrex.

4. Check every room, including the garage

The best deals are in the least glamorous spots: linen closets, junk drawers, the workbench.

5. Ask about the "back room"

Politely. Some companies hold back overflow and will bring things out if you ask.

6. Cash is king, but most take cards now

Bring both. Cash still gets you a friendlier discount on big items.

7. Sunday is treasure day

Last-day bag sales — fill a bag for $10 — are where $200 of stuff goes for pocket change.