How Much Do Estate Sale Companies Charge? Commission, Fees, and What You Keep
Most estate sale companies charge a commission of 30% to 40% of what the sale brings in, and the full range runs from about 25% to 50% or more. Smaller sales pay the highest rates or a minimum fee, often $1,000 to $3,000. Larger sales can usually negotiate a lower percentage. Cleanout of whatever doesn't sell is often a separate charge, so ask about it before you compare quotes.
Typical Estate Sale Commission by Sale Size
Many companies use a sliding scale: the more a sale is expected to bring, the lower the rate. These are common ranges, not rules; local markets vary a lot.
| Expected gross sales | Common commission |
|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | Often declined, or a minimum fee |
| $5,000–$10,000 | 40%–50% |
| $10,000–$20,000 | 35%–40% |
| $20,000–$50,000 | 30%–35% |
| $50,000 and up | 25%–30%, negotiable |
What You Actually Take Home
Commission comes off the gross. Cleanout and any separate fees come off what is left.
| Sale grosses | Commission | Family receives |
|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | 45% = $3,600 | $4,400 |
| $15,000 | 38% = $5,700 | $9,300 |
| $30,000 | 33% = $9,900 | $20,100 |
The lowest rate is not always the best deal. A company charging 40% that draws a bigger crowd and prices well can leave you with more than one charging 30% that runs a quiet sale.
Fees Besides the Commission
- Minimum fee. A floor the company keeps even if the sale brings less, common on small estates.
- Cleanout. Hauling, donating or buying out what doesn't sell. It may be a flat price, a buyout offer, or billed by the truckload.
- Advertising, setup or labor. Most companies include these in the commission; a few bill them separately.
- Card processing. Some pass the 3% or so card fee on to the family.
- Specialist or auction consignment. High-value pieces sent to an auction house carry that house's own seller commission.
Commission vs. Buyout vs. Estate Liquidator
- Commission sale: the company runs a public sale and keeps a percentage. Usually the most money for a full house.
- Buyout: a company or dealer pays one price for everything and takes it away. Fast and simple, but expect a fraction of what a sale would bring.
- Estate liquidator: often a mix of the two: a sale followed by a cleanout, or a buyout of what's left. Ask exactly which you are getting.
For a deeper comparison, read estate sale vs. auction vs. consignment.
What Makes the Rate Go Up or Down
- Size and quality of the contents. More sellable items means more sales to share the work.
- How much prep there is. Sorting, cleaning and staging a crowded house is labor.
- Location and access. A house with parking and an easy layout is cheaper to run than a third-floor apartment.
- Timing. Spring and fall are busy; a company with an open weekend may be more flexible.
- Who handles cleanout. Companies that include it often charge a higher rate.
How to Compare Quotes and Keep More
- Get two or three quotes in writing, with the commission, minimum, cleanout and payment date spelled out.
- Know what your best pieces are worth before anyone walks through. Photograph a few key items with PocketPrice for prices calibrated to your local market, so a quote is not your only reference.
- Leave things where they are. Don't throw out the garage or the junk drawers first; read what not to throw away.
- Ask for an itemized report of what sold and for how much.
- Visit one of their current sales to see how they price and how busy it gets.
To get several quotes without calling down a list, Estate Sale Connect is free for families: describe the estate once, and local estate sale companies that are interested reach out to you. You should still interview them and check references yourself. Then use how to hire an estate sale company for the questions to ask in the walk-through.
Quick answers
What percentage do estate sale companies take?
Most take 30% to 40% of gross sales. The full range runs from about 25% on large, valuable sales to 50% or more on small ones, and many companies use a sliding scale that drops the rate as the sale gets bigger.
Do estate sale companies charge a minimum fee?
Many do, often $1,000 to $3,000, or they require the estate to be expected to bring a minimum amount, commonly $5,000 to $10,000, before they will take the job.
Is cleanout included in the estate sale commission?
Sometimes. Some companies include cleanout of unsold items in a higher commission; others charge a flat fee, make a buyout offer, or bill by the truckload. Get it in writing before you sign.
How much do estate liquidators charge?
Liquidators who run a sale usually charge a commission in the same 30% to 50% range. Those who buy everything outright pay one lump sum instead, which is faster but typically far less than a sale would bring.
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