FAQs
Is My Collection Right for an Estate Sale?
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are clear on what you'd like to keep and what will be included in the sale. Once you're ready, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. During our one-hour walkthrough, we’ll assess your home, discuss your collection, and outline how we would prepare and execute a professional in-home estate sale.
How Do You Price My Items?
Heather & Kirk, founders of The Root Cellar Estate Sale Co., work closely with a network of trusted vintage experts and appraisers to ensure pricing is fair, market-driven, and reflective of current demand. With deep knowledge in MCM design, glass & pottery, militaria, farm equipment & tools, vintage clothing, and furniture, we price thoughtfully using historical sale data, online comps, and real-time insights.
When Should I Schedule an Estate Sale If I’m Selling My Home?
Whether your realtor needs the home cleared for staging or you're approaching closing, we can help—as long as the home is unoccupied before we begin prepping. We only operate in single-family, vacant homes. Please note that commercial businesses' content sales are handled differently.
What If I'm Out of State and I'm the Executor?
No problem. We are a full-service operation. Just hand us the keys—we’ll handle everything from setup to full clear-out. Your home will be empty and sale-ready in a matter of weeks.
What Happens to Items That Don’t Sell?
We’ll donate as many items as possible and provide a tax receipt. Anything that can’t be donated is responsibly discarded. We strive to not put items in a landfill.
Can You Move My Items to a Different Location for the Sale?
We do not conduct off-site sales. All sales happen in-home to maintain authenticity, atmosphere, and efficiency. We're meticulous about logistics, flow, and home protection throughout the process.
I Only Have a Few Items—Can You Help Sell Them?
We only conduct full-scale estate sales for single clients. If you have just a few items, we recommend selling via our online auction.
Do You Clean the Home After?
We handle the heavy lifting and full clear-out, but we do not provide cleaning services.
Are You Insured?
Yes. The Root Cellar Estate Sale Co. is fully insured and bonded.
Shopping With Us
How Does It Work?
Everything for sale is clearly priced and tagged. Simply browse as you would in a retail space. Place any items you want on the hold table while you continue shopping. Once you’re ready to purchase, a team member will write up your ticket, you’ll pay at the register, and present your paid receipt to exit.
Do I Need to RSVP?
Most sales are open to the public—no RSVP needed. Occasionally, an appointment may be required; we’ll make this clear in all marketing materials. Subscribe to our email list for early access and notifications.
How Do I Learn About Upcoming Sales?
Subscribe to our email list to receive sale invitations with early access to addresses and preview photos. You can also find us on EstateSales.net, Instagram, and TikTok: @rootcellarestatesales.
Can I Preview the Sale in Person?
We do not allow in-person previews. However, we share detailed photos and video walkthroughs on our website and social media prior to each sale.
Can I Buy or Hold Something I Saw Online?
All items are sold in person only. We do not hold items via phone or accept remote payment. This ensures buyers can inspect the condition firsthand. All sales are final and sold as-is.
Do You Share Pricing Before or During the Sale?
We do not provide pricing information over the phone or via DM. All questions must be asked in person at the sale.
What If I Change My Mind or the Item Is Damaged?
All sales are final. Please inspect items carefully before purchasing. No refunds, returns, or exchanges.
How Does Entry Work on Sale Day?
The address is revealed the day before the sale begins. We work on a numbers system. Want to be the first inside? Beginning at 8 AM the day of the sale, numbers will be handed out. Once you have your number, feel free to grab a coffee or relax until we start lining up. At 9:30 AM, our staff will begin lining up shoppers in numerical ticket order. As long as you're present when your number is called, you'll be admitted. If you miss your number being called, you'll need to join the back of the line. If you show up after a line has already formed and don't have a number, no worries --just join the line. Once lining begins, tickets are no longer needed.
What If I Can’t Pick Up My Items That Day?
We offer a Monday pickup window after the sale for any pre-paid large items. Ask a team member for details during checkout.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept Cash, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, and all major credit cards.
Let’s Work Together
Serving Chautauqua County, NY & Erie, PA
Tel: 814-580-8284
