FAQ

Why should you select Pat Mapes Estate Sales to organize your sale?

We are a business you can trust!
We are always professional, friendly, and reliable!
We have the experience necessary to make your sale successful!

What does an estate sales business do?
Our objective is to promote the disposition of inventory offered by personal estates.

Should I want to employ your services, what do I need to do?

You would call Pat Mapes at (402) 707-4837: or email her atPatMapesEstateSales@aol.com.
we arrange an initial consultation at a time that is convenient for both of us.

During our initial consultation we will:

Discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
You can show us the items that you would like to sell.
We will create an inventory list of those items.
We will discuss the best plan of action for you.
We will discuss our commission.
Sit back and relax, we will take care of the rest.

How does the estate sale business arrive at the price for each inventoried item?
We use the fair market value.  To determine the fair market value we use a multitude of informational avenues.  If necessary, we will obtain the services of a licensed appraiser.

What happens during the sale?

We utilize the "open-bidding" method.
Initial bids will be 50% of the full asking price of any item over $100.
Throughout the remainder of the sale, higher bids will be accepted to increase the sale price up to the original asking price.
On Sunday, after 4PM, we will proceed with a "silent auction" among the interested parties.
All items under $100 will be half-priced beginning Sunday.

When will the sale occur?

The sale will occur over a three (3) day period - Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The standard sale hours are 10AM through 5PM.  The Monday following the sale will be considered a pick up day.  Monday's hours are 1PM to 6PM.

How does the public find out about the estate sale?

To heighten public awareness we place a pre-sale ad in the local newspaper, in the Home Furnishings section of the Classifieds, the week before the sale, at the company's expense.  Another ad is placed in the Friday morning edition of the sale weekend.  This is the ad that you pay for.  This ad mentions the dates, times, and address of the sale.  This ad will also highlight some of the inventory being sold.

What should I do to prepare for a sale?

We ask you to remove any items that family members may wish to keep.  Also, personal papers (checks, investments, or business) should be removed.  Everything else can remain.  We also ask that you keep all the utilities on to maintain any security systems, and we require the phone service for our credit card machine.

How long does it take to set up for a sale?

It takes approximately three (3) weeks to price, stage and organize the sale.

What happens to the remaining items after the sale?

This is left entirely up to you.  some customers give the remaining items to family members. some have a garage sale, and others donate to charity.  If you would like us to prepare for donations, there is a charge of $15 per person per hour.