How Much Do Estate Sale Companies Charge in Jacksonville?

The Short Answer

Most estate sale companies in Jacksonville, FL charge a commission between 35% and 50% of total gross sales. The company takes their percentage off the top, and you receive the remainder. There are no upfront costs in most cases.

How Commission Structures Work

Estate sale companies work on commission because it aligns their interests with yours. The more they sell and the higher the prices they get, the more everyone makes. This is one of the few industries where the service provider's income is directly tied to their performance.

Here's a simple example. If your estate sale generates $15,000 in total sales and your company charges a 40% commission, the breakdown looks like this:

What Affects the Commission Rate

Several factors influence where a company's rate falls within the 35-50% range:

Size of the estate. Larger homes with more inventory often command lower commission rates because the total sale value is higher. A $50,000 sale at 35% still pays the company $17,500, while a $5,000 sale at 50% only pays $2,500.

Quality of items. Homes with high-value furniture, art, jewelry, or collectibles are more attractive to estate sale companies. Higher-value inventory means more revenue for everyone, so companies may offer lower rates.

Location. Properties in desirable Jacksonville neighborhoods like Ponte Vedra, San Marco, or Riverside tend to attract more buyers, which can justify a lower commission rate for the company.

Condition of the home. A well-maintained, organized home requires less prep work than a cluttered or neglected property. Companies factor preparation time into their rates.

Time of year. Some companies offer slightly better rates during slower months to keep their schedule full.

What's Included in the Commission

A reputable estate sale company's commission should cover:

What Might Cost Extra

Some services fall outside the standard commission:

Always ask what's included before signing a contract. A good company will be transparent about what's covered and what isn't.

Minimum Sale Requirements

Most Jacksonville estate sale companies require a minimum estimated gross revenue of $5,000 to $10,000 before they'll agree to manage a sale. This threshold ensures the sale generates enough revenue to justify the company's time and resources.

If your estate doesn't meet the minimum, some companies offer alternatives like partial sales, consignment, or buyout options. Others may simply decline and refer you elsewhere.

How to Compare Companies

When comparing estate sale companies in Jacksonville, don't just look at the commission rate. A company charging 40% that generates $20,000 in sales puts more money in your pocket than a company charging 35% that only generates $12,000.

Ask each company:

The best estate sale company isn't always the cheapest. It's the one that will market your sale effectively, price items correctly, and maximize your total return.

Bottom Line

Estate sale commissions in Jacksonville run 35-50%, with most companies landing around 40%. Focus less on the percentage and more on the company's track record, marketing reach, and ability to generate strong sales. A few percentage points in commission mean nothing if the company brings in significantly more buyers and gets better prices for your items.