What EBTH Does and How It Differs From Other Estate Sale Companies

EBTH (Estate Buyers Thrift House) is an online marketplace where you can list items from your home for sale to buyers across the country. Unlike a traditional estate sale company that sends staff to your house, prices everything, and runs a one- or two-day in-person event, EBTH handles the listing and shipping logistics while you stay home. The company photographs items, writes descriptions, sets up the auction, and arranges for the buyer to pay and receive the item — you pack and ship it, or EBTH can arrange shipping for a fee.

The trade-off is that you do more of the work upfront. You photograph each item, answer questions from potential buyers during the auction period, and handle packing. In return, you keep a larger percentage of the sale price than you would at a traditional estate sale, where the company typically takes 30 to 50 percent. EBTH's fee structure varies depending on the item category and final sale price, but generally ranges from 20 to 35 percent.

EBTH works best if you have items worth $50 to $500 each — furniture, collectibles, vintage goods, artwork, and household items that appeal to online buyers. Items that sell poorly on EBTH include very heavy furniture that costs more to ship than it's worth, clothing, books, and items in poor condition. If you have a large volume of mixed-quality household goods, a traditional estate sale company may move everything faster, even if you keep less money per item.

Key Takeaways

  • EBTH is an online auction platform, not a company that comes to your home; you photograph items and handle shipping, or pay EBTH to arrange it.
  • The company takes 20 to 35 percent of the sale price depending on category and final price, leaving you with more than a traditional estate sale but requiring more work from you.
  • Items priced between $50 and $500 tend to sell best; very heavy furniture, clothing, and damaged goods often don't recoup their shipping costs.
  • The auction period is typically 7 to 10 days, and you must be available to answer buyer questions and pack items after the sale ends.
  • EBTH handles payment collection and buyer communication, so you don't have to manage strangers in your home or negotiate prices.

How to List Items on EBTH

To start, you create a free account on the EBTH website and begin uploading items. For each item, you take clear photographs from multiple angles, write a description that includes condition, dimensions, and any flaws, and set a starting bid price. EBTH's system suggests starting prices based on similar sold items, which helps you avoid pricing too high or too low.

You choose which category your item belongs to — furniture, art, collectibles, vintage, jewelry, and so on — because EBTH's fee percentage varies by category. A collectible might have a lower fee than a piece of furniture. You also decide whether you will ship the item yourself or request that EBTH arrange shipping. If EBTH ships, the cost is deducted from your proceeds, and the buyer pays the shipping fee at checkout.

Once you submit the listing, EBTH's team reviews it for accuracy and completeness. If the description is vague, the photos are poor quality, or the category seems wrong, they may ask you to revise before the item goes live. This review process typically takes one to three business days. After approval, your item appears in the auction and bidding begins.

What Happens During and After the Auction

Auctions on EBTH run for 7 to 10 days. During this time, potential buyers can view your item, ask questions in a comments section, and place bids. You should check the listing regularly and answer questions honestly and quickly — buyers are more likely to bid if they trust that you'll respond. Common questions include whether an item has all its original parts, whether it works, and whether there are any hidden damage or stains.

When the auction ends, the highest bidder wins and EBTH sends you a notification with the final price and buyer information. The buyer pays EBTH directly through the website, so you don't handle money. EBTH then notifies you of the sale and provides a shipping label if you arranged for EBTH to handle shipping. If you're shipping yourself, you pack the item securely and provide the tracking number to EBTH, which forwards it to the buyer.

EBTH holds the payment for a short period (typically 5 to 7 business days after the buyer receives the item) to allow time for the buyer to confirm the item arrived in good condition. Once that window closes, EBTH deposits your proceeds into your bank account. If a buyer reports that an item arrived damaged or not as described, EBTH may withhold payment while investigating, and you may be asked to refund the buyer or accept a partial refund.

Fees, Payments, and What You Actually Receive

EBTH's fee structure is tiered by category and final sale price. For example, furniture might carry a 30 percent fee, while collectibles might be 25 percent. Some categories have lower fees for items that sell above a certain price threshold — an item that sells for $200 might have a lower fee percentage than one that sells for $50 in the same category. You can view the exact fee schedule for each category before you list.

In addition to EBTH's commission, you may pay for shipping if you request that EBTH arrange it. Shipping costs depend on the item's weight and destination. If you ship yourself, you pay the carrier directly, but you keep the full shipping fee the buyer paid (minus EBTH's commission on that fee). You also lose money if an item is damaged in transit and the buyer requests a refund — the shipping cost is not refunded to the buyer, but you lose the sale price.

Example: You list a chair that sells for $150. EBTH's fee for furniture in that price range is 30 percent, so EBTH takes $45. You receive $105. If you arranged shipping and EBTH charged $25 to ship it, that $25 is also subject to the 30 percent fee, so EBTH takes an additional $7.50 from the shipping revenue. You net $97.50 from the sale.

When EBTH Is Worth Your Time and When It Isn't

EBTH makes sense if you have a moderate number of items (5 to 50) that are in good condition and worth at least $50 each. The time investment — photographing, writing descriptions, answering questions, and packing — is spread across multiple items, so the effort per dollar is reasonable. You also avoid the disruption of having strangers in your home for a full day.

EBTH is less practical if you have a large house full of mixed-quality items and want everything gone quickly. Photographing and listing 200 items takes weeks, and many will not sell or will sell for very little. In that case, a traditional estate sale company or a bulk buyer may be faster, even if you keep less money. Similarly, if you have very heavy items like pianos, large dressers, or antique tables, the shipping cost often exceeds what the item will sell for online, making a local buyer a better choice.

EBTH also requires that you be available during the auction period to answer questions and after the auction to pack and ship items. If you're traveling or managing an estate from out of state, this may not be feasible unless you hire someone locally to handle packing and shipping on your behalf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using EBTH

The most common mistake is overestimating what items are worth. EBTH's suggested starting prices are based on actual sales, so if you set the starting bid much higher than similar items have sold for, your auction may not attract bidders. You can always lower the price in a future listing, but you lose time and momentum.

Poor photography is another frequent problem. Blurry photos, photos taken in dim light, or photos that don't show the item's condition or flaws discourage bidders. Take photos in natural light, show the item from multiple angles, and include close-ups of any damage, stains, or wear. Buyers want to see what they're buying.

Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions also hurt sales. If you list a vintage lamp as "working" but don't mention that the cord is frayed or the switch is loose, the buyer will be unhappy when it arrives, and you may face a refund request or negative feedback. Be specific about condition, dimensions, and any repairs or restoration the item has had.

Finally, don't ignore buyer questions. If someone asks whether a piece of furniture has all its legs or whether a clock keeps accurate time, answer within 24 hours. Responsiveness builds trust and increases the likelihood of a bid.

Alternatives to EBTH for Selling Estate Items

If EBTH doesn't fit your situation, other options include traditional estate sale companies, which handle everything but take a larger commission; Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which are free but require you to meet buyers in person and negotiate prices; consignment shops, which take items on a percentage basis but move them slowly; and donation, which provides a tax deduction if you itemize. Some people use a combination — listing high-value items on EBTH and donating the rest.

Each alternative has trade-offs in terms of time, money, and convenience. A traditional estate sale company removes the burden of photographing and shipping but takes 30 to 50 percent of proceeds. Facebook Marketplace is free but exposes you to negotiation and the logistics of meeting strangers. Consignment is passive but slow. Understanding your priorities — speed, maximum proceeds, or minimal effort — helps you choose the right path for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid after an item sells?

EBTH holds payment for 5 to 7 business days after the buyer receives the item to allow time for inspection. Once that window closes and there are no disputes, payment is deposited to your bank account. The total time from auction end to payment is typically 2 to 3 weeks.

What if a buyer says the item arrived damaged?

EBTH investigates damage claims and may ask you for photos of how the item was packed. If the damage was caused by poor packing, you may be asked to refund the buyer or accept a partial refund. If the damage was caused by the shipping carrier, EBTH may file a claim with the carrier on your behalf. Always pack items securely and consider purchasing shipping insurance for high-value items.

Can I cancel a listing before the auction ends?

Yes, you can end a listing early if there are no bids. Once someone has placed a bid, you cannot cancel without EBTH's permission, and canceling may result in a fee or negative feedback. Plan carefully before you list to avoid this situation.

Do I have to use EBTH's shipping service?

No. You can choose to ship items yourself and provide the tracking number to EBTH. However, EBTH's shipping service is often competitive because of their carrier relationships, and it simplifies the process. Compare costs before deciding.

What types of items should I avoid listing on EBTH?

Avoid very heavy furniture that costs more to ship than it's worth, clothing, books, items in poor condition, and anything that is fragile and difficult to pack safely. Also avoid items that are illegal to ship, such as certain electronics with batteries or hazardous materials. Check EBTH's prohibited items list before listing.