9 Things You Should Never Do at an Estate Sale, According to Expert Shoppers

Don't Make Colorful Comments

The most important thing to keep in mind about estate sales is that this is a private property, and the sale is happening either because of downsizing, a new milestone in life, and sometimes even a passing. That said, avoid making any off-hand comments about the house or its contents. 

“We all do it. We make snarky comments to make our friends laugh. It’s a thing. Everyone does it. Please refrain from doing it at an estate sale,” says PJ Gach, a thrifting expert and founder of The Grumpy Fashionista. “If you don’t like what you see at the sale, please keep it to yourself until after you leave.” 

Avoid Haggling on Prices

Here’s a fun little fact: Many estate sales end up dropping prices—sometimes as much as 75 percent—on the final days of the sale. However, in those first couple of days, the prices are pretty firm, and it’s considered rude to haggle. 

“The person conducting the sale receives only a smaller portion of the net; they have done all of the legwork, advertising, hiring help, and already placing prices on all of the home contents,” explains Nora Curl, appraisals expert with JustAnswer Appraisals. “In other words, they are doing a job to make a living and rely heavily on a successful sale.” 

Refrain From Using the Restroom

This estate sale faux pas goes back to the “this is a private residence” part. Refrain from using the home's bathroom if possible. Gach says, “This is a private home, not a public place. If you need to go, excuse yourself, find a public restroom, and return.” 

Don’t Sit on the Furniture (Unless Testing It Out)

Even though it may feel like a cozy place to take a load off, avoid sitting on the furniture for a rest. The only exception would be if you’re genuinely interested in purchasing the piece and are permitted to test it out. ​​

"Remember you’re at an estate sale, not a lounge, restaurant, or a friend’s home," Gach says. "Do not park yourself on the furniture. Do not use their living spaces as a place to chill and hang out." (This might also impact a buyer who truly is interested in purchasing the furniture.)

Keep Moving Along

Similarly, try to keep moving throughout the rooms and try not to linger in hallways or entry points where congestion can happen. "Don’t have a personal conversation in the middle of the foot traffic flow or in front of tables filled with items for sale that other people want to peruse and purchase," Curl says. "This may result in a lost potential sale and keep areas congested while others have to wait for you to move out of the way."

Don't Forget to Bring Some Cash

Many estate sales take credit card or digital payments for most goods, but some items (like jewelry) are available as cash-only purchases. It’s good practice to bring some cold, hard cash when dropping by an estate sale, just in case they have such a rule. While some estate sales may let you put something on hold very briefly, most won’t, and you could miss out on a great deal. 

Come Early—But Wait Until the Sale Opens

It’s fine to arrive early before the sale starts. Many people, including antique and vintage clothing dealers, will do so. “Professionals arrive early because they want to be able to see everything first,” Gach explains. “However, it is not OK to knock on the door, open it, or walk in... You may be interrupting people while they complete a final walk-through before the sale opens.”

By attempting to get a jump on the sale, you may find yourself being barred from it instead. 

Don't Bring Food or Drinks

Avoid bringing any food or drinks into the house because, again, this is a private residence. These items can spill or leave behind crumbs and water condensation. “If you accidentally spill something on furniture or soft goods, you will have to buy it,” Gach warns. “Imagine trying to explain to someone that you spent $1,500 on a chair because you accidentally dropped your soda on it.” 

Don't Wander Beyond the Sale Area

At many estate sales, much of the home is completely open for perusing items for sale. This includes closets, garages, basements, and cupboards. However, some areas might be off limits, and it’s important not to wander beyond those guardrails.

Gach says, “If the thought of someone you don’t know pawing through, say, your underwear drawer makes you cringe, that’s precisely what you’re doing when you attempt to go into a cordoned-off area.” Be respectful of their privacy.