Some of our previous satisfied clients:
December 2008
Dear Brian,
You are a MIRACLE WORKER!!! So very difficult a task AND situation, yet you did a fabulous job! On the day we met, my dad and brother and his wife and I had already interviewed two other potential managers of the estate sale. This was going to be interesting –yes, my parents had some beautiful original art and antiques, but in their 46 years in that 5-bedroom home, they had thrown out very little, leaving just “paths” everywhere.
My parents are gracious in their new assisted living, but not up to the job of cleaning out that home!
The first man we interviewed said it was too big a sale for him; the second was delighted at the “finds” as he toured, and asked “how soon can you have it cleaned out so I can set up the sale?”
Then the miracle started . . .
You recognized so much of the art, crystal, china, antiques, etc. right on that first walkthrough. You say how much work was ahead too – and you said that you would include that clean-out with your bid! We carefully checked references and found your good rating at the Better Business Bureau, and you were hired.
It was an amazing four weeks of preparation. You were up to the hard work, putting 100 hour or more weeks. You found so much that had been tucked away and forgotten, including a large quantity of cash. Your integrity shone bright in how you handled that, keeping a careful account of every penny. You were careful with family mementos –photos and such –segregating those, but also determined in following our instructions: sell whatever can be sold, since the house needs to be emptied for sale also.
Every object needed cleaning for marketability, so I know you spent many hours with “dishpan hands.” And pricing was a thorough job, done with your great knowledge as well as reference books, and even outside expert opinions. The set-up of tables, lights, and display cases you had were amazing. And the details you managed!
From parking to safety to merchandise control, all was done expertly!
Of course there were a few glitches. It was hard for my folks to see their things sold (even though they had no use for them, and did for the money.) But you were careful and sensitive with the roller-coaster of emotions – obviously you’ve become skilled with families in this situation. And you tolerated our family’s intrusions, even encouraging visits to the home, when our jaws dropped at the transformation.
The sale went smoothly, with your staff assisting ably. And with the “buzz” you generated, a great ad and word of mouth, too, a huge lot of people came, eager to buy (some from far away). IT WAS A GREAT SALE.
And that wasn’t the end! It took four thirty-yard dumpsters (plus many pick-up loads) to clean it all out, but now the final miracle: the house is basically ready for the market.
Brian, my parents, my brother, and I want to say “thank so very much” for such a fantastic job. I can truly recommend you to anyone. YOU HAVE WORKED A MIRACLE!
With heartfelt gratitude,
S. Lagaard
October 2010
Dear Brian,
Thank you for helping us liquidate the holdings of our deceased parents. You handled the sale very professionally and your knowledge of what things were of value and current prices was impressive. But it was your Character that I will always remember. For me, it was a very emotional time as we were selling things which our mother had spent a lifetime collecting and cherishing. You handled her things with such respect and displayed them beautifully as if each and every thing was a valuable as she thought they were. You respected our wishes at all times and communicated well with all of us. You got a job done that we had waited twenty years to do and made it as painless as it could be.
Thank you for being you. Your character and work ethic is admirable. We were so lucky to have found you to handle this project.
M. Weisberg
P.S. If any future clients read this letter, I encourage you to allow Brian to do what is best and let him deal a bit on the first day of the sale when the traffic is at its heaviest. He has been “around the block” a few times and his instincts and knowledge are to be trusted.
March 4
Brian!
Where do I even start?!? I do know the day I called you and was probably reaching my wit’s end and hearing you say, “I can take care of this for you,” was the nicest thing anyone had said to me since Colleen died. I know I shouldn’t have taken on as much and she probably sent you before I went completely over the edge. Maybe that’s why she keeps showing up for you; she’s thanking you for helping me. She was like that . . . Anyway, I am so grateful for all the work you put into the sale. I know it wasn’t a big money sale, but you worked it like it was. I’m not sure anyone else would have. Although you didn’t need to, it was thoughtful of you to call about questions, etc. And you set everything up so nicely and the house looked good for people. And I really appreciate that you worked even though you were sick; that impressed me a lot!! I didn’t expect you to clean up as well as you did, that, also, was extremely thoughtful. As you know, I only heard one complaint . . . Almost most of all thanks for the pictures. Somehow they made me feel better and I’ll treasure them. As I told you (and you’re well aware!) I can talk and I’ve been singing your praises to everyone – even if they don’t ask!!! As you start your new venture, please don’t change who you are – you are your biggest asset.
Gratefully,
C. Haas
April 2010
To Whom it May Concern,
Brian Mays ran our family’s estate sale this month and I would highly recommend him to anyone. He was very well organized, had competent people working for him. The sale seemed very organized for the amount of merchandise we had to offer. We saw how much work was involved to prepare for the sale. We were very impressed with how knowledgeable he was when it came to pricing our family’s treasures. His pricing was more than fair. People that know Brian will follow his sales and he will call certain collectors to make them aware of items they may collect. With all the work entailed in doing an estate sale we felt Brian’s fee was more than fair.
Sincerely,
The Prest Family
October 2009
Dear Brian,
You said you would “empty out the house” and you did. You accomplished a pretty amazing feat. Even thought the house was packed, with only paths in some rooms, you came in and worked tirelessly, creating appealing displays, pricing, appraising and arranging all of the items.
The way in which you went about this huge task was something to be commended. You conducted the whole effort with consideration, respect, professionalism and you are a man of your word. Your trustworthiness was a relief to the entire family and we greatly appreciate the kindness, respect and consideration you showed the family. We also appreciate that you kept us informed along the way and the patience you demonstrated when you were “put on the spot.”
The Brian Mays staff also deserved recognition. The people that work for you are not only efficient and professional, but they were a pleasure to do business with. Both you and your staff went that extra mile to sell the items and clear out the house.
You put the check in the mail in the time frame promised and that was great appreciated so that the estate matters could be wrapped up in a timely manner.
Thank you very much,
C. Korlin and B. Markie
February 2010
Brian,
We want to thank you for the first class sale that you put together for us.
My mother had to leave her home after 60 years. Your professionalism made the sale of her many possessions less traumatic and a godsend for all of us.
I would like to share these points with anyone interested in your services.
1. The charges for the sale were fair.
2. The advertising was effective.
3. You helped us get rid of the sale remnants with your ending bag sale.
4. You kept our house clear with “Shoes Off” during messy wet weather.
5. You cleaned up after the sale making it much easier for us to remove what was left.
6. We were pleased with your overall pricing and second day discounting.
7. It was easy to communicate with you and resolve any questions.
8. You were prompt with your accounting of the sale and we had our check within 10 days.
Once again, we want to thank you and your staff for a wonderful sale. I’m glad that we selected your name from the phone book. I highly recommend Brian Mays for any estate or moving sale.
Sincerely,
K. & S. Booth
June 2008
Dear Brian,
Past time and I’m reliving this past summer’s trauma as I went through the process of closing out the life of my dear friend and mentor . . .
As her executor, my responsibilities were many and “pressing” and you stepped in with your able crew to “lift the load” as you prepared to have a sale of her possessions all of which had a great deal of meaning to me.
I was too “spent” to attend the sale but the day after when I came to her apartment to begin the final steps in “turning over the keys” . . . “I was overwhelmed” with how carefully you had brought things to a close . . . making my job so much easier, even packing charity boxes and putting aside for me a couple of meaningful treasures I had missed.
I was a bit overwhelmed and very thankful that you had handled everything so well . . . an “above and beyond” performance for sure.
Sincerely and gratefully,
B. Dalluge
Summer 2008
Hi Brian,
We are very please customers. You handled our family members very nicely, kept in great contact all through the preparations and the sale.
Your crew is fantastic.
The clean up was way past our expectations. No words are quite enough for our appreciation.
My family would highly recommend you.
Thank you again.
R. Arnold