Reliable Estate Sales in the Media
Daily Sentinel Story
9/14/2017
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As Featured in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Biz Briefcase
Feb. 16, 2017
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/biz-buzz-feb-16-2017
Reliable Estate Sales, a company that has done on-site, professionally conducted estate sales in the area since 2001, is touting a new industry recognition that owner Mark Bluhm says sets his firm apart.
In December, Bluhm said, Reliable was able to earn the Service Excellence Award from the American Society of Estate Liquidators, making it the only such accredited estate sales company in Colorado or Utah.
“It’s kind of a big deal to us because (to get the award) you have to provide ASEL with a survey from every client that you have over the course of a calendar year,” Bluhm said.
“In this industry, in the whole estate sale business, it isn’t always easy to please all of these families,” he said.
It’s tricky, Bluhm said, because oftentimes the children of a parent who has died are surprised by the financial situation the family then finds itself in. Family members of folks who have passed away can also often overvalue their loved one’s belongings, both before and after Reliable operates an estate sale.
“A lot of them think that mom’s Franklin Mint plates that she paid $35 bucks for in the ‘70s are still worth that or more today,” Bluhm said, adding that those items can sometimes fetch just a few bucks apiece at an estate sale today.
“Because of that, it can make it difficult for us to go back and say, ‘I pleased every single customer with 100 percent satisfaction over the course of a year.’” Bluhm said, of the rigors involved in the ASEL customer service recognition.
While Reliable conducts their estate sales on site, their website at reliableestatesales.net usually shows off items that are set to be sold at future estate sales. Right now on the site people can see items set to be sold off at a sale planned for next Saturday.
The site also links to Reliable’s eBay page, where they usually have lots of other items for sale via online auction.
Reliable only accredited service for 500 miles
Reliable Estate Sales is the only accredited member of the American Society of Estate Liquidators within a 500-mile radius of Grand Junction, the local firm announced.
The American Society is the only nationally recognized professional organization for estate sale professionals. Accreditation means Reliable has completed training and abides by a nationally recognized code of ethics when providing its services, according to the society’s website.
Unlike an auction, an estate sale gives owners control over the asking price of the items to be sold.
“Coming from a family of auctioneers, vendors and antique dealers, I’ve seen time and time again where items of great value fall through the cracks at a auction and sell way too cheap,” owner Mark Bluhm said in a news release.
Using an accredited estate sale service means sellers have a credible representative “who will treat every sale with care, respect and compassion for the family,” Bluhm said. “There are no two estate sales with the same circumstances and we understand that and take that in consideration when setting up and conducting the estate sale.”
Call 260-2327 or email mark@reliableestatesales.net for more information.
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My husband and I had no idea of how estate sales were handled until our first meeting with Mark. He let us know the exact time frames, procedures, and what we could expect from his team. It was unbelievable how organized, efficient and professional he and his team handled our sale. Mark is extremely knowledgable and went the extra mile to help us. I would definitely recommend this team and wouldn't hesitate to call them again if needed. Excellent job, guys and gals!!