How much does an estate sale cost in Chicago, IL?

Chicago-area estate sale companies that publish their rates charge 30% of what the sale brings in. Only one Chicago-area company we found publishes a commission rate; another charges a flat fee starting at $2,495. Published minimum fees run $0 to $2,000.

30%Published commission range

$0 to $2,000Published minimum fees

2 of 35Companies we found that publish their pricing

Published rates, company by company

Only companies that publish pricing on their own websites are shown. Checked October 21, 2026.

Company	Commission	Minimum
Diane Hudec Estate & Liquidation Sales	30% of gross sales	$2,000 minimum commission
Smith & Joans	Flat fee, not a percentage	—
Sheridan Sales	Commission of total sales; rate not published	No minimum

A worked example

Example: a Chicago company charging 30% with a $2,000 minimum commission
A sale that brings in $15,000 at 30%: the company's fee is $4,500, and the family keeps $10,500 before any other fees.

A smaller sale that brings in $5,000: 30% would be $1,500, but the $2,000 minimum applies, so the fee is $2,000 and the family keeps $3,000.

Example uses Diane Hudec Estate & Liquidation Sales's published terms (30% of gross sales with a $2,000 minimum commission). Figures are illustrations, not quotes.

Gross or net makes a real difference

Some companies take their percentage from everything the sale brings in (gross). Others take it after sale expenses are paid (net). On a sale that brings in $20,000 with $1,500 in expenses, 40% of gross is $8,000; 40% of net is $7,400. How estate sale fees work →

Common questions

How much do estate sale companies charge in Chicago?Chicago-area estate sale companies that publish their rates charge 30% of the sale; only one Chicago-area company we found publishes a commission rate; another charges a flat fee starting at $2,495. Published minimum fees run $0 to $2,000.

Is the commission taken from the gross or the net?It depends on the company. A percentage of gross is taken from everything the sale brings in; a percentage of net is taken after sale expenses are subtracted. Ask which one, in writing.

Do estate sale companies charge upfront?Most Chicago-area companies that describe their terms say there are no upfront fees; their fee comes out of the sale proceeds. Some charge separately for cleanout, dumpsters or removing unsold items.

What if my estate is small?Check the minimum. When a company has a minimum fee, a small sale can end up costing a much larger share of what it brings in. Some companies offer flat fees, buyouts or online auctions for smaller estates.

Compare all 35 Chicago companies → · Try the estate sale calculator →

8 questions to ask any estate sale company

Whether or not a company publishes its fees, ask these on the first call.

What is your commission, and is it on the gross or the net?40% of gross and 40% of net can be very different amounts.

Do you have a minimum fee or minimum estate size?Some companies won't take estates under a set value.

What other fees will I pay?Setup, advertising, dumpsters, cleanout and card-processing fees add up.

Do you let anyone in before the sale?Early entry for dealers is one of the most common complaints families have.

What happens to items that don't sell?Donated, hauled away, or left for you, and who pays for it.

Do you offer a buyout or cleanout?Useful when a house needs to be empty fast.

Are you bonded and insured?Ask for proof.

How soon can you hold the sale, and when do I get paid?Some companies are booked 6–8 weeks out.

How to choose an estate sale company: 10 questions and red flags →