What MaxSold Does

MaxSold is an online auction platform that runs estate sales and downsizing sales for homeowners, executors, and liquidators. Instead of holding a traditional in-person sale at your home, MaxSold photographs your items, lists them on their website, and lets buyers bid online. The company handles the photography, listing, bidding platform, and pickup logistics — you don't run the auction yourself.

MaxSold operates in the United States and Canada. They work with a network of local representatives who visit your home, assess what you have, take photos, write descriptions, and manage the sale. Buyers place bids online over a set period (usually 7 to 10 days), and the highest bidders win. After the sale ends, buyers arrange pickup or shipping, and you receive payment minus MaxSold's commission.

Key Takeaways

  • MaxSold charges a seller commission (typically 25 to 35 percent of the hammer price) plus optional fees for shipping, insurance, and buyer's premium handling.
  • A local MaxSold representative visits your home, photographs items, writes listings, and manages the entire online auction on your behalf.
  • The auction runs online for 7 to 10 days, and buyers bid remotely rather than gathering at your house.
  • You do not need to be present during the sale, and MaxSold handles communication with buyers about pickup and shipping.
  • Payment is issued after the auction closes and buyers have picked up or arranged shipment of their items.

How the MaxSold Process Works

The process begins when you contact MaxSold and request a home visit. A local representative schedules a time to come to your property and walk through the items you want to sell. They assess condition, photograph everything, and create online listings with descriptions and estimated values.

Once listings go live on the MaxSold website, the auction runs for a set number of days. Buyers browse items, place bids, and compete for lots. You can watch the bidding in real time through your MaxSold account. When the auction closes, the highest bidder for each lot wins, and MaxSold notifies them about payment and pickup or shipping.

Buyers handle their own logistics — they either pick up items from your home during a scheduled window or arrange for MaxSold to ship items to them. MaxSold collects payment from buyers (including a buyer's premium, typically 15 to 20 percent) and then pays you your share after deducting their commission and any other fees.

What MaxSold Costs

MaxSold's main charge is a seller commission, which ranges from 25 to 35 percent of the final sale price (the "hammer price" before buyer's premium). The exact percentage depends on the total value of items sold and your location. Higher-value estates sometimes may have access to for lower commission rates.

Beyond the base commission, you may pay additional fees. These include optional services like professional shipping, insurance on shipped items, and storage if items need to be held before pickup. Some sellers also pay a listing fee if they want MaxSold to list items that don't meet minimum value thresholds. Ask your local representative for a full fee schedule before the sale begins.

Buyers pay a separate buyer's premium (typically 15 to 20 percent of the hammer price), which goes to MaxSold and does not affect your payout. Your commission is calculated on the hammer price alone.

When MaxSold Makes Sense

MaxSold works well if you have a large volume of items spread across many categories — furniture, collectibles, tools, kitchenware, and decor all in one sale. The online format reaches a wider audience than a single-day in-person event, which can drive higher prices for items with national appeal.

It is also useful if you cannot be present during the sale, live far from your property, or prefer not to manage buyer traffic and negotiations yourself. The platform handles all buyer communication and logistics, so you can step back once the auction starts.

MaxSold is less ideal if you have only a small number of items, very heavy furniture that is difficult to ship, or items with minimal resale value. The commission and shipping costs can eat into proceeds on low-value lots. In those cases, donation or a traditional in-person estate sale company might be more cost-effective.

How MaxSold Compares to Other Estate Sale Routes

Traditional in-person estate sale companies hold sales at your home over one or two days, with buyers walking through and bidding on items in person. They typically charge 30 to 40 percent commission. MaxSold's commission is often lower (25 to 35 percent), but you pay separately for shipping if buyers want items delivered.

Consignment shops take items on a percentage of the sale price, usually 40 to 60 percent, and sell them over weeks or months. This is slower but requires no upfront work from you. Auction houses (like Sotheby's or local auctioneers) handle high-value or specialized items and charge 10 to 25 percent commission, but have minimum lot values and focus on collectibles rather than household goods.

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay let you list items yourself and keep most of the proceeds, but you handle all photography, communication, and logistics. This is free or very cheap but demands significant time and effort.

What Happens After the Sale Ends

Once the auction closes, MaxSold sends invoices to winning bidders and collects payment. Buyers then have a set window (usually 5 to 10 days) to pick up items from your home or arrange shipping. MaxSold provides pickup instructions and can coordinate with shipping partners if needed.

After all items have been picked up or shipped and payment has cleared, MaxSold calculates your payout. They deduct their commission, any optional fees, and any refunds or chargebacks, then send you the remainder. Payment timing varies but typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after the auction closes.

If items do not sell, they remain yours. MaxSold does not charge you for unsold lots, but you are responsible for removing them from your home or arranging storage.

Questions to Ask Before You Start

Before committing to MaxSold, ask your local representative whether your items meet their standards. Not all estate sale companies accept every type of inventory — some avoid items in poor condition, very heavy furniture, or goods with no resale value. Clarify what happens to items that don't sell and whether you can remove them yourself or if storage fees explore.

Ask about the exact commission rate for your sale, any additional fees, and the timeline from initial visit to payment. Confirm whether the representative will handle all photography and listing or if you need to provide any information. Finally, ask how long the auction will run and when buyers can pick up items — this affects how long your home will be occupied by the sale process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be home during the MaxSold auction?

No. MaxSold handles all buyer communication and bidding online. You can monitor the auction through your account, but you do not need to be present. Buyers arrange pickup or shipping directly with MaxSold, so you can be away during the entire process if you choose.

What if an item doesn't sell?

Unsold items remain your responsibility. MaxSold does not charge you for lots that receive no bids. You can remove them yourself, donate them, or ask MaxSold about storage options (which may have a fee). Discuss this with your representative before the sale starts.

How long does it take to get paid?

Payment typically arrives 2 to 4 weeks after the auction closes, once all items have been picked up or shipped and payment from buyers has cleared. The exact timeline depends on how quickly buyers collect their items and whether any refunds or disputes arise.

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Commission rates vary by location and the total value of your sale. Higher-value estates sometimes may have access to for lower rates. Ask your local representative about the rate for your specific situation — there may be room to discuss, but rates are generally set based on the size and scope of the sale.

What if a buyer doesn't pay or wants to return an item?

MaxSold collects payment from buyers before items are released, so non-payment is rare. If a buyer disputes a charge or requests a return after pickup, MaxSold handles the dispute resolution. Ask your representative about their refund and return policy so you know what to expect.