One of the things I love about estate sales is that, in large part, it is a win, win, win situation. Shoppers get to buy new, used, unique or antique merchandise at a fraction of the retail price. The estate sale company gets to earn profit and provide a service. And, the homeowner recaptures some of the funds they invested in furniture, house wares, clothing, home maintenance goods, and more. And, they get to vacate one place and go on to the next, whether they want to or are obliged. Tangible things are recycled and everyone wins by being kind to the environment and making the wheels of the economy turn. For all these reasons, estate sales should make people happy and, moreover, grateful.
In this business, I have come to appreciate those people who make it a point to acknowledge all the benefits they reap in association with an estate sale – whether they are the client, the company, or the shopper. There is an auctioneer in our town that will always make a special call to let you know how much he appreciates that we think of him when we are in a position to offer something for his auction. Then, there are those clients who gush with thanks for making sense of a situation that they otherwise found confusing, overwhelming, or emotionally difficult. And many customers can't contain their jubilation and gratitude when they find a sewing machine for a song, the perfect bedroom set for a teenaged daughter, or even the pool table they long have been holding a space for in their bonus room.
Yet, every now and then it is stunning how client and shopper sometimes overlook a simple ‘thank you’. It is not a matter of minding your “Ps and Qs” because I don't think we need to comply with standard practices in order to be perceived as ‘proper’ by others. I’m talking about acknowledging from the heart when someone has done something that is helpful for you or done something for you that is wanted and needed.
If you have come to a sale and scooped up all kinds of great finds at runaway prices, give a nod of thanks and appreciation to the nearest salesperson or the cashier. Recently, we had a shopper who was lucky enough to come back at the end of sale, when items can be found at the deepest discount, to still find that the couch she wanted was available. The pillows that came with the couch were still there, but some of complimentary pillows had been sold. She bought the couch, but couldn’t stop complaining about the missing pillows. My two cents is to catch yourself in the act of complaining and not overshadow the win with a whine.
It is understandable that someone who is retaining the service of an estate sale company is eager to finish their project and move on with their life. Yet, before you walk away without looking back, punctuate your estate sale project with a ‘thank you’ and even a letter of recommendation for your estate sale company. Their business relies on building confidence with future prospects. Since they helped you, think about doing a little something for them. Remember their team of people took care to organize, price, market and sell each and every item on your behalf and emptied your house so it was in shape for you to sell, rent, or walk away and not look back. They made something you didn’t want to do or couldn’t do a lot easier. Before you run off into the sunset in relief, don’t forget to say ‘thank you’. It may sound as if I am stating the obvious, but apparently this is not always the case. It will make those people who worked for you feel appreciated, but moreover, it will make you feel good.
And, you can be sure, that as an estate sale company we are deeply grateful to be able to earn our living by having so much fun making a contribution to our clients and providing a unique shopping experience to estate sale goers!
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