What to expect before the work begins.
These answers cover our pricing, estate sales, cleanouts, downsizing, buyouts, and project terms.
What areas do you serve?
Haul and Found focuses on Metro Detroit and surrounding communities. Send the property city through the contact form and we will confirm availability.
Is the property walkthrough free?
Yes, the initial walkthrough is $0 within our normal service area, subject to scheduling and property scope.
How much does an estate sale cost?
Our published starting model is a 40% commission on gross merchandise sales. A different commission or minimum service fee may apply when a project has lower expected proceeds, extensive labor, unusual access, distance, or special requirements. Your signed agreement states the exact rate.
What does “gross merchandise sales” mean?
Unless your agreement defines it differently, gross merchandise sales means the total selling price of merchandise sold before our commission is deducted, excluding sales tax collected from purchasers.
How much does a cleanout cost?
Cleanouts start at $495. The final price depends on volume, labor, disposal charges, stairs, access, heavy items, distance, restricted materials, and special handling. We provide a written quote after reviewing the property.
How is downsizing priced?
Downsizing and sorting start at $65 per worker-hour with a three-hour minimum. Moving, packing, storage, disposal, specialty handling, and other services are included only when stated in your proposal.
Does a buyout cost me anything?
No service fee applies to a direct buyout. Haul and Found makes an offer to purchase selected items. You decide whether to accept the offer.
Do you collect sales tax at estate sales?
Taxable retail sales are handled according to applicable Michigan law. Sales tax may be collected from purchasers when required. A buyer claiming an exemption may need to provide valid exemption documentation.
Do you require a deposit?
A project may require a scheduling deposit or retainer. If one applies, the amount, refund conditions, and how it is credited will appear in the written agreement before you pay it.
What if I need to cancel?
Your signed agreement identifies any cancellation or rescheduling fee. Any cancellation right required by Michigan or federal law remains available and is not waived by our website terms.
How do you decide whether an estate sale makes sense?
We look at quantity, condition, demand, expected proceeds, access, preparation, staffing, and timeline. A cleanout or direct buyout sometimes fits better.
Do you offer online consignment?
No. Haul and Found does not operate an online consignment program for customer-owned items.
What happens to items that do not sell?
Your agreement defines the next step. Remaining items might transfer to family, go to donation or recycling, remain for the owner, or enter an approved cleanout scope.
Do you provide formal appraisals?
No. Pricing and resale research for an estate sale or buyout are different from a certified appraisal. Legal, probate, insurance, charitable, and tax appraisals should come from an appropriately qualified professional.
Do you remove hazardous materials or firearms?
Not as part of standard service. Hazardous materials, regulated waste, firearms, ammunition, medications, titled property, and other regulated or specialty items require separate lawful handling and may be refused.
Should I throw things away before the walkthrough?
Usually, no. If you are unsure about an item, leave it in place until the walkthrough. Our value-first approach works best when we see the contents before large amounts leave the property.