What Blue Moon Estate Sales Does
Blue Moon Estate Sales is a company that sells household items, furniture, and personal property on behalf of people who are downsizing, moving, or settling an estate. The company handles the sorting, pricing, display, and sale of goods — usually through in-person sales events held at the property or at their own location. You bring in your items, Blue Moon runs the sale, and you receive a percentage of what sells.
The company operates in multiple states and handles everything from single-room cleanouts to full-house estate liquidations. They work with families, individuals, and executors of estates who need to move merchandise quickly without managing the sale themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Moon Estate Sales charges a commission on items that sell, typically ranging from 30 to 50 percent depending on the sale type and location.
- The company handles pricing, display, advertising, and staffing the sale event, so you do not have to run it yourself.
- You should contact them directly to discuss your specific items and get a sense of what they think will sell and what commission rate applies to your situation.
- Payment to you usually comes after the sale closes and Blue Moon deducts their commission and any expenses they incurred.
- The timeline from initial contact to final payment typically spans several weeks, depending on how quickly they can schedule your sale.
How the Commission Structure Works
Blue Moon Estate Sales makes money by taking a percentage of the sale price of each item that sells. This commission covers their labor, overhead, advertising, and the risk that some items will not sell. The exact percentage varies — it is typically between 30 and 50 percent — and may depend on the total value of your estate, the type of items, and whether the sale is held at your home or at their facility.
Some items may not be accepted at all. Blue Moon generally focuses on furniture, antiques, collectibles, and household goods that have resale value. Items that are damaged, outdated, or in poor condition often will not be included in the sale. It is worth asking during your initial conversation which categories of your items they think will sell and which they will likely pass on.
You do not pay an upfront fee to use Blue Moon's services. You only pay commission on items that actually sell. Unsold items are typically returned to you or, in some cases, donated or discarded depending on what you agreed to beforehand.
What Happens During the Sale Process
Once you contact Blue Moon and they agree to handle your sale, they will schedule a time to view your items in person. This walkthrough helps them estimate the total value, decide what will and will not sell, and give you a rough idea of what to expect. They will also discuss timing — how soon they can hold the sale and how long it will take to prepare.
Blue Moon then prices each item, creates a catalog or online listing (depending on the sale format), and advertises the event. They handle all the setup, display, and staffing on sale day. Some sales are held at your home; others are held at Blue Moon's location or a rented venue. The company manages customer traffic, handles payments, and wraps up at the end of the event.
After the sale closes, Blue Moon tallies what sold, deducts their commission and any out-of-pocket expenses (such as advertising or rental fees), and sends you the remainder. The timeline for payment varies but is usually within a few weeks of the sale date.
Preparing Your Items for a Blue Moon Sale
Before Blue Moon arrives to assess your items, clean and organize them as much as you reasonably can. Items that are visibly dirty or in poor repair are less likely to sell and may be rejected outright. Group similar items together so the appraiser can see what you have at a glance.
Gather any original boxes, manuals, or documentation for electronics, collectibles, or high-value items — these can increase the sale price. If you have receipts, certificates of authenticity, or provenance information for antiques or art, have those ready to show. The more complete the item, the higher the price it will likely fetch.
Be realistic about condition. Blue Moon's appraiser will assess items honestly, and overstating condition or value wastes everyone's time. If you are unsure whether something will sell, ask directly during the initial consultation.
Costs Beyond Commission
Commission is the main cost, but there may be others. If Blue Moon rents a space to hold your sale, that rental fee may be deducted from your proceeds. Advertising costs — such as online listings, newspaper ads, or signage — may also be passed to you. Some companies include these in their standard service; others itemize them separately.
Ask about these potential expenses during your initial conversation so there are no surprises when you receive your payment. Request an estimate of what the total deductions might be, not just the commission percentage.
Alternatives to Blue Moon Estate Sales
If Blue Moon's commission rate or service does not fit your needs, other options exist. You can hire a different local estate sale company, many of which have similar commission structures but may specialize in certain types of items. You can also sell items yourself through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist, though this requires more time and effort on your part.
Donation is another route if you want items out quickly and do not need the money. Charities like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will pick up furniture and household goods, and you may be able to deduct the donation on your taxes. For high-value items like art or jewelry, you might consult a specialist appraiser or auction house instead of a general estate sale company.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Blue Moon
Contact Blue Moon directly and ask about their commission rate for your type of sale, what items they will and will not accept, and how soon they can schedule. Ask whether they handle pickup of items or if you need to deliver them. Clarify what happens to unsold items — will they be returned to you, or can Blue Moon dispose of them?
Ask about their advertising reach and how they promote sales. Find out whether they provide an itemized breakdown of what sold and for how much, and when you can expect payment. If there are facility rental or advertising costs, ask for an estimate. Getting these details in writing before you commit helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from the initial contact to getting paid?
The timeline varies, but typically it takes two to four weeks from your first contact to the actual sale date, and then another one to three weeks to receive payment after the sale closes. If Blue Moon has a long waitlist or your items need significant preparation, it could take longer. Ask for a specific timeline during your initial consultation.
What if I have items Blue Moon will not take?
Items they reject are your responsibility to handle. You can try selling them elsewhere, donating them, or discarding them. Some estate sale companies will haul away unwanted items for a fee, so ask if Blue Moon offers that service or can recommend someone who does.
Can I negotiate the commission rate?
Commission rates are often set by the company and may not be negotiable, but it does not hurt to ask — especially if you have a large estate or high-value items. Different sale types (online versus in-person, for example) may have different rates, so clarify which applies to you.
Do I need to be present during the sale?
You do not have to be, but many people choose to be. Blue Moon will handle everything, so your presence is optional. If you do attend, stay out of the way and let the staff do their job — customers may feel uncomfortable if the seller is hovering.
What if items do not sell?
Unsold items are typically returned to you or, if you agreed beforehand, donated or discarded by Blue Moon. Confirm the policy for unsold goods before the sale so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.