T&T EXPERTS

CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS

THE EXPERT

Jess Ziomek | Founder | Thrills of the Hunt

When did you first start going to estate sales?

My love for estate sales is all my mom's influence. I started tagging along on her estate sales adventures when I was in a stroller and it's still our favorite pastime together. I vividly remember an argument with her when I was in elementary school about wanting inflatable bedroom furniture from Limited Too (instead of my antique spindle bed and vanity), which now makes me cringe. She told me "absolutely not" and that someday I would thank her for her decision to furnish my room with what I called at the time "hand-me-down" furniture. Fast forward 20 years... I am in the slow process of decorating my own home so you can probably imagine how thankful I was that when a pod from my parent's house arrived, the contents were a bunch of brown furniture instead of purple inflatable chairs. I also attribute my love for estate sales and the "thrill of the hunt" as a direct result of growing up in South Florida. Because the median age in my hometown skews older, it means that the majority of residents are in the "downsizing phase of their lives"... cue the large abundance of estate sales. I feel fortunate that I've had the opportunity to attend so many sales because it exposed me to so many styles and honed an appreciation for timeless pieces.

What are the best sources to track upcoming estate sales?

I love to use the estatesales.net app to find sales. The app is incredibly user-friendly and allows you to sort by date and location. You just enter your zip code and off you go down a virtual rabbit hole of treasures. The best part is that the companies running the sale upload photos of the inventory in advance so you can get a sense of the pieces available (and the style of the house, which for me plays a huge determining factor when deciding to attend or not). P.S. Always write your email down on the sign-in table at the front to be added to their newsletter - it will alert you to upcoming sales, special deals, or inventory that needs to go!

Estate sales typically run for several days, is there a day you think is best?

If I see a piece I "have to have" while browsing the app or a company's website, I will call the sale directly to get a sense of the price. If it's a deal not-to-be-missed, or something incredibly rare, then I'll try to get there as close to the opening as possible. My typical MO is to go on the second day of the sale because it tends to be less crowded. I've discovered that I'm more likely to make rash decisions when it's a frenzy because I don't have time to assess the piece or I'm pulling the trigger because other people seem to be interested and feel like it must be worth purchasing. Plus, by waiting to attend on the second day, I'm guaranteed at least some sort of percentage off from the starting price.

What is your greatest estate sale find?

My best find might be a custom Lee Jofa loveseat from a Nashville estate sale. I scored it for less than what one yard of what the Althea fabric retails for today. I remember walking into the room of the estate sale, seeing the chintz sofa, and my adrenaline kicking in... I instinctively hopped onto the couch as a way to "claim it" (why am I so embarrassing?!?). The entire room then had to hear me call Kevin, my husband, to let him know that I would need to borrow his SUV and that he was the proud new owner of a floral sofa.

Is there anything you’d recommend avoiding at an estate sale?

This is more of a general recommendation and not a particular item to shy away from... since it is easy to get excited when you see prices that are significantly less than retail, it's important to remember that just because something is a good deal doesn't mean you necessarily need it.

What is the best room in the house to explore?

I love exploring dining rooms. I have such admiration for past generations' emphasis on making everyday meals an experience with beautifully curated tables.

What are your favorites types of items to buy at estate sales?

All things tabletop - linens, candlesticks, saucers, plates, salt cellars, glassware, servers, etc.

Do you negotiate?

This is situational based on a few factors. If you are purchasing an item on the first day of an estate sale you should expect to pay the price on the sticker. The majority of estate sale companies are well versed in the goods they are selling, and more often than not, they fairly price their inventory below market for a quick sell. The beauty of a multiple-day estate sale is that you usually score an automatic percentage off on the remaining goods each day (ex: day two: 25% off, day three: 50% off) without even having to ask. Unless something is drastically overpriced, I try to be respectful of the effort that went into the pricing and not lowball them with a rude offer. Having a good relationship with the employees running the sale is more important to me than saving a few dollars here and there. That said, if I am purchasing multiple items from a sale, I'll attempt to bundle them and suggest a slightly lower total to save a bit (even on days where there is already an automatic discount). It never hurts to kindly ask because the worst you'll hear is no. You'll have more success negotiating on higher-priced items or when buying multiple items at a time. I also always recommend using cash or a checkbook if you're planning to negotiate because it makes the process easier. Plus, many sales charge a credit card fee on orders which adds up over time. If, or when, you do negotiate, keep in mind that when attending estate sales, it's not unlikely that a member of the family, friend, or owner of the estate may be in attendance (or even running the cash register). Always be respectful and demonstrate proper etiquette with pricing because they are parting with sentimental items and that the sale is an emotional event for them.

Estate sale adjacent: do you have any thoughts on using Facebook Marketplace or Craiglist?

I recently just started using Facebook Marketplace and love it! Actually, one of my favorite purchases EVER (a vintage “Jardin en Plus” garden bistro table and chairs) is from Facebook marketplace. Craigslist seems completely hit or miss for me.

Any common misconceptions about estate sales you'd like to debunk?

I feel that there is a large misconception that estate sales are filled with expensive antiques that are inaccessible, and out of people’s budget. The reality is that it's just not true if you're willing to put in the time to research, learn, and hunt! More often than not, I find beautifully made vintage or antique dressers, rugs, mirrors, etc. that are significantly less than what you’d pay at a big-box retailer. I just started my own business called, Thrills of the Hunt, and my intention, besides sourcing one of a kind treasures for others, is to share tips and tricks that will hopefully equip fellow treasure hunters to score big!

LEARN FROM OTHER T&T ENTREPRENEURS