• How long does an estate sale take?
• What happens during auction set-up?
• How long does an auction run?
• Is there a set-up fee?
• Where are my items listed online?
• How do you advertise? Do I have options?
• What percentage do estate sale companies charge?
• What's the reserve price?
• How do buyer's pick up their items?
• What happens to items that don't sell?
• Do you offer cleaning services? 
   

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an online personal property auction take?

The amount of time needed to prepare your auction depends on the size of the property and the quantity of items being sold. On average, auction setup takes 2–5 days, although larger estates or specialty collections may require additional time.

What happens during auction set-up?

Our team carefully sorts and organizes your items into groups called lots. Each lot is professionally photographed, assigned a unique lot number, and cataloged for the online auction. We bring professional lighting, photography equipment, and display backgrounds to ensure your items are presented in the best possible way, helping attract more bidders and maximize value.

Once cataloging begins, it is very important that items are not moved, removed, or handled, as this can create inventory errors and affect the auction process.

How long does the auction run?

Most online auctions run for 5–7 days. This gives buyers from across the country ample time to discover, review, and bid on your items, helping maximize exposure and competitive bidding.

Is there a set-up fee?

Every project is unique, so set-up costs vary depending on the services you need, the size of the sale, and the amount of preparation involved. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your items, discuss your goals, and provide a customized estimate based on your specific situation.

Where do my items get listed online?

Lift Up Higher’s auctions are typically listed on HiBid’s online platform. HiBid is the premier auction platform for selling a wide variety of items. Everything from real estate, cars, and fine jewelry to collectibles, sports memorabilia, and personal property is open for bidding on HiBid.com. Thousands of auction companies worldwide use HiBid to conduct auctions. With a wide range of items always available at auction, HiBid is one of the top auction platforms nationwide!

How do you advertise? Do I have options?

We advertise nationwide, reaching tens of thousands of top buyer’s. Our advertising is on HiBid’s platform, “Featured Estate Sales” online marketing, estatesales.org., Facebook ad campaigns, email campaigns, Craigslist.org., digital marketing, and other online marketing tools necessary. We strive to reach buyers nationwide, ensuring your items reach high visibility. 

Yes, you do have options. We are able to set up signage at the property, yard signs, banners, flags, etc. 

*A minimum of $300 is required for advertising your auction. If you desire additional advertising, increased amounts will apply. 

How does your commission work?

Lift Up Higher's commission varies depending on the type of sale and the services provided. Commission rates typically range from 20% to 50% of the final hammer price.

Commission Structure

20% Auctioneer/ 80% Seller - Qualified high-value items sold with an approved reserve price.

30% Auctioneer / 70% Seller - Fine jewelry (gold and silver), coins, currency, and select collectibles.

40% Auctioneer / 60% Seller - This is our standard commission for on-site online estate auctions, including household furniture, antiques, décor, kitchenware, tools, collectibles, and general personal property. Buyers pick-up their purchases directly from the property during the scheduled pick-up date.

50% Auctioneer / 50% Seller - Consignment items brought to Lift Up Higher for inclusion in one of our multi-consignor online auctions. This option is ideal if you have only a few items—or even a room full—that you would like to sell without hosting a full estate auction. Most consignment items are listed within 30–60 days.

What is the reserve price?

The reserve price is the minimum amount a seller is willing to accept for an item. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the item will not sell. Reserve prices are established jointly by the seller and Lift Up Higher prior to the auction, and only certain items qualify for a reserve.

Items eligible for reserves include:

• Automobiles
• Campers
• ATVs and UTVs
• Motorcycles
• Dirt bikes
• Boats
• Other high-value specialty items (upon approval)

How do buyers pick up their purchases? 

When the auction is published online, there is a scheduled pick-up date within the auction notice. Buyers acknowledge this date and time prior to placing their bids. Our team manages: Buyer communication, payment verification, pickup coordination, and item distribution. For everyone's safety and to ensure an organized pickup, sellers are not permitted on the property during the scheduled pickup.

What happens to the remaining items?

Not every item is listed in the auction, and occasionally some listed items may not sell. You remain the owner of any unsold or unlisted items and may choose how they are handled. Available options include:

• Returned to you.
• Donated to a charitable organization.
• Re-listed in a future auction (when appropriate).
• Responsibly disposed of.

*Additional fees may apply depending on the option selected.

Do you offer cleanout services after the auction?

Yes. We offer complete property cleanout services following the auction. Our team can remove all remaining contents, leaving the home completely empty and ready for its next chapter. Cleanout services are quoted separately after the auction has concluded.

Do you offer cleaning services? 

Absolutely. We also provide residential cleaning services to prepare the property for listing, photography, or its new owners. Whether you need a light touch-up or full deep cleaning, our team can help make the property market ready.

*Cleaning services and clean-out costs are quoted separately.