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Run Your Own Online Estate Sale

A Flexible, Cost-Effective Alternative Powered by Pine Marten Auctions

Not every estate requires full-service liquidation—and not every client wants one. That’s why Pine Marten Auctions offers a “Run Your Own Online Estate Sale” solution: a guided, professional auction platform that allows you to stay in control while leveraging our technology, bidder base, and marketing reach.

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If you’re organized, hands-on, or working within a tighter budget, this hybrid model gives you the tools to succeed—without sacrificing exposure or results.

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What Is “Run Your Own Online Estate Sale”?

This service allows sellers to manage much of the physical estate sale process themselves while Pine Marten Auctions provides the digital infrastructure and marketplace.

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Think of it as DIY estate liquidation—backed by a professional auction house.

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You handle the on-site work.
We handle the online sale.

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How It Works

1. Initial Consultation

We review your estate inventory, timeline, and goals to confirm the auction format is a good fit.

2. Platform Setup

Your dedicated online auction catalog is built on our bidding platform, branded and scheduled for sale.

3. Seller-Managed Lotting

You photograph, describe, and group items into lots using our guidelines and templates.

4. Catalog Upload & Review

We review listings for accuracy, clarity, and compliance before publishing.

5. Marketing Launch

Your sale is promoted to our established bidder network, email lists, and collector audiences.

6. Live Online Bidding

Bidders compete over a timed closing period with auto-extend (“soft close”) functionality.

7. Pickup & Payment

You manage pickup logistics while we process bidder payments (or provide payment guidance depending on package level).

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Ideal For:

This model works best when:

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  • Estates have organized inventory

  • Sellers are comfortable photographing items

  • There is adequate on-site space for staging

  • Timelines are flexible but defined

  • Families want hands-on involvement

  • Budgets don’t allow full service
     

It’s especially popular for downsizing seniors, reseller liquidations, and collector estates.

 

What You Handle

  • Sorting & organizing contents

  • Photographing items

  • Writing basic descriptions

  • Lot grouping

  • Pickup scheduling

  • On-site supervision

  • Item handoff to buyers

 

We provide training materials to streamline these steps.

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What We Handle

  • Auction platform hosting

  • Bidder registration & compliance

  • Payment processing

  • National & cross-border bidder reach

  • Email & platform marketing

  • Technical support

  • Closing automation

  • Settlement reporting

 

You get professional auction exposure—without full liquidation fees.

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Cost Structure

Our “Run Your Own” model is designed to be cost-efficient.

Typical pricing may include:

  • Flat platform fee or

  • Reduced commission structure or

  • Hybrid fee + commission model
     

Exact pricing depends on:

  • Lot volume

  • Sale value estimates

  • Timeline

  • Marketing level required

 

Contact us for a tailored quote.

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Pros vs. Full-Service Estate Auctions

Advantages

  • Lower seller fees

  • Greater control over pricing & grouping

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Hands-on involvement

  • Cost savings on labor

Considerations

  • Requires time & effort

  • Photography quality impacts results

  • Pickup logistics are seller-managed

  • Less turnkey than full service

 

We help you decide which model fits best.

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Seller Support & Training

We don’t leave DIY sellers guessing. You’ll receive:

  • Lotting best-practice guides

  • Photography tips

  • Pricing strategy advice

  • Category grouping suggestions

  • Auction timeline planning

  • Pickup workflow templates

 

Our goal: help you achieve professional results—independently.

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What Types of Estates Work Best?

  • Downsizing households

  • Collector estates

  • Vintage & antique contents

  • Reseller inventory

  • Garage/shop liquidations

  • Hobby collections

  • Mid-century & retro homes

 

If items have resale demand, this format can work.

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Revenue Expectations

While results vary by estate, online auctions benefit from:

  • Competitive bidding

  • Broader buyer reach

  • Collector participation

  • Transparent price discovery

 

Many sellers are surprised by how strongly niche items perform in an open bidding environment.

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Upgrade Options

Need more help? You can scale support as needed:

  • Partial cataloging assistance

  • Photography services

  • Lotting labor add-ons

  • Pickup staffing

  • Clean-out services post-sale

 

Start DIY—upgrade anytime.

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Is This Right for You?

This service is ideal if you want:

  • Lower fees

  • More control

  • Flexible involvement

  • Professional auction exposure

  • Faster liquidation than private selling

 

If you prefer zero-stress, turnkey handling, our full-service estate auction may be the better fit.

 

Get Started

Ready to run your own online estate sale?

Contact Pine Marten Auctions today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your estate, explain the process, and help you decide if the DIY auction model is the right solution.

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Email: martin@pinemartenauctions.com
Website: www.pinemartenauctions.com

Serving estates across Alberta and beyond through our online bidding platform.

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Turn your estate into a professionally marketed online auction—on your terms.

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