Brie's Estate Sales. NOT RECOMMENDED. She disrespected the memory of my parents and desecrated my family's estate. We were extremely disappointed in an estate sale conducted on our behalf, Sept 20-23, 2018 in Elgin. We want to share our experience, and hopefully prevent your disappointment, anger, and feeling of being duped. Our SALES were $6,297.60 - $4,431.43 LABOR = $1,518.49 our NET. It doesn't add up. BRIE'S ESTATE SALES EVEN CHARGED US FOR EMAIL RESPONSES!!! They do not want communication. Brigid McAlpin - Owner Brie's Estate Sales In the initial meeting, the ball-park estimate was $10,000 (other dealers concurred), therefore we expected our net to be in the $5,000-$6,000 (30% commission) . We understood there were a lot of items & set-up could be a little higher. We also know that an enormous volume of items sold. 3-story home + 2-car garage + sheds. PACKED. We had friends and family "shop" the sale. THE HORRORS THEY SAW! * There was no on-site supervisor, her staff took full advantage of this. * Her staff did not unpack boxes sitting by empty tables all day. Her staff was sitting in the shade, face in their phones, or smoking. Not engaging customers. Did not restock tables or fill holes. * Her staff had spent hours pricing and charging us labor to put $1 or $2 prices on each and every item. This was ridiculous. * Her pricing was erratic, amateurish and often oddly wrong. * Her staff OFFERED 50% discounts on DAY ONE. Our "shopper" had exact cash, her staff insisted and gave change! * During sale there was no staff on every floor. Sometimes only one staff person in the house. "Shopper" reported customers stuffing their purses. * Communicating with a Brie's Estate Sales supervisor throughout the sale was difficult & frustrating. * We saw her staff load OUR stuff into their private vehicles, yet there was no sale record of those unique & high-end items. * We were forewarned to be visible and keep an eye on things. Apparently, there is a history. * Brie's Estate Sales wasted our time and money. NOT RECOMMENDED. read more

Warning!! Do not use this company for your estate sale. They are operating a fraudulent business. The contract is not Valid, her staff is rude, her prices are sky high, advertising and signage are weak, and you will make no money because she keeps it all. She claims to keep for expenses and accuses you of taking items from your own sale. She doesn't have a Better Business rating because she has so many complaints. This business needs to be shut down. I have contacted the police and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. read more

All five stars all the way here at this quaint little gift gallery. The owner and staff are courteous and professional, not pushy and have very good prices, selection and an extensive knowledge base. True professionals in their field. I especially enjoy the variety that they offer on a continual basis. Cheers to Bries! read more

Brie's Estate Sales in Mt Prospect, IL, take no responsibility for their negligence. Two large grates for a cooktop were stolen, A TV bolted to the wall was taken down and sold, causing significant damage, after expressly telling them not to--walls and hardwood floors were also damaged. Too many people were let in at one time and not enough staff to monitor the sale. If their contract doesn't scare you off, it should! They call this normal wear and tear--I call this horrendous irresponsibility! read more

Have never encountered such greedy, rude and dishonest people conducting an estate sale. Their pricing system is pathetic, they should be ashamed of their lack of professionalism. Argumentive and condescending - never again. This business owner & employees should be reported to the police. read more

Visited 2 estate sales in Elgin yesterday (Friday 9/21). Very disappointing. Spoke to a few other customers as we all were amazed at the way overpriced items! Even at 50 and 75% off they would have been overpriced.. Then checkout people were rude to customers and wouldn't deal. They said no dealing on the first day. There was hardly anyone shopping. All I can say is have fun Brie packing up all the unsold merchandise. If I was having an estate sale I would not hire this company!!! read more

Horrible company, Horrible workers and the Worst owner ever! I Wrongly hired them without seeing the Horrible reviews here on Yelp. After hiring them the owner Refused to return Any calls! She Never ever showed up at the sale or returned a phone call! We Never had the same people scheduled for any of the pricing days or the sale days! All the workers were Very UNprofessional and talked Negatively about people behind their back constantly! She promised many people and few showed up to do the pricing and Not on time! The woman in charge of jewelry seemed to keep things for herself and not sell them. I wish I had a video of what they did. I do NOT trust them with 1cent let alone thousands of dollars of jewelry and merchandise! They are the Biggest RIP-OFF ever! I could write for Hours on how BAD they are! Do yourself a favor and hire anyone else. read more

Went to one of her sales in Arlington Heights - WAY overpriced! I had an identical table from Pier one that I had paid less than $80 for over 10 yrs. ago - it was marked $120. Cleaning items were $2 if nearly full and $1 if half full or less - went to buy a floor cleaner, and after reading the label, she tried to charge me $5 and when I declined, she said that should be marked differently and sat it next to her chair. Got the feeling she thought it might be more useful to her. Will never go to her sales again. read more

We specifically look for Brie's Estate Sales. The sales people are helpful and courteous. They are familiar with their items. Almost everything has a price on it. Many estate sales experts do not do this, but advertise reduced prices for latter days of the sale. In this way, they can "pretend" they are reducing prices even if they are not. Brie's generally reduces the prices on the third and fourth days by 50% and 75%, respectively, and you know you are getting a reduced price because the items are priced. I know this because sometimes I go to a sale and return the next day or the next. They do not try to sell you broken and unusable items by pretending that they are valuable. Their sales are well organized, and signage makes them easy to find. read more

Brie's Estate Sales in Mount Prospect, IL take no responsibility for their negligence. Two large grates for a cooktop were stolen, a TV, bolted to the wall was taken down and sold, causing significant damage, after expressly telling them not to--walls and hardwood floors were also damaged. Too many people were left in at one time and not enough staff to monitor the sale. If their contract doesn't scare you off, it should! They call this normal wear and tear--I call this horrendous irresponsibility! read more

Did large estate sale for me in River Forest. They do not itemize your sales except by general descriptions, such as household misc. Brigid is nice, but does not deliver what is promised. Even after emails etc, their was no response. They charge for putting out signs, saying that people steal them. We put out signs and none were taken. I do not recommend them as an estate sale company. read more

This is related the Brie's estate sale counter part company associated with their gallery. briesestatesales.com Brie's Estate Sales 700 E Busse Ave, Mount Prospect, IL 60056, US (847) 253-3986 My sister and I recently lost both are parents. We hired this company to assist us in an estate sale of our parents home, which they lived in for 50 years, that we both grew up in. Here is a copy of the letter that was sent to the owner Brigid and her partner Melinda after we walked into our parents home the day after the sale. We never received a response. Melinda & Brigid, XXXX and I want to start by saying how much we truly appreciate both of you being so understanding and willing to work with us during this difficult time for our family. We are grateful that you were able to adjust the schedule to accommodate us. However, we feel we would be remiss if we didn't share how completely appalled and shocked we were when we arrived at our parents' house on Monday morning. The state in which your staff conducted the sale and left our parents' house was unbelievably upsetting and disturbing to both of us during what is already a very difficult and stressful time. Regarding the sale, several items we specifically said were for sale were never priced (ex. all the window treatments in the house), second, we spent a great deal of time washing/cleaning and organizing several set of serving ware and dishware and put them together. Your staff separated the complete sets, we found pieces for the sets in all different parts of the house. For example, there was beautiful dish set with plates, a platter, a pitcher and glasses, some were in the dining room, some in the kitchen, and some in the garage. The platter is gone the rest remains. Take that example and multiple by many. We had everything put together for them. Now all the sets are incomplete with a significant piece missing, obviously not sold together. Also several items we washed and set up, they are left but missing 1 item or piece now. We are unable resell or salvage complete sets. Regarding the state of the house, I don't know what your policy is on clean up and how your agency is supposed to leave the house. But the house was filthy, there were half empty fast food drink cups all over the house on the floor, and furniture- ice tea, ice cream drinks melted, coffee, pop etc. BOTH toilets completely full of waste (both kinds) NOT flushed, someone broke the towel bar off the bathroom door and the toilet paper holder off the bathroom wall. In the upstairs bedrooms it appears like they just shoved every item on their tables off onto the floors and left huge mountains of things in piles on the floor so much so that we couldn't even walk into the rooms without clearing a path first. Everything was just thrown onto the floor in piles. They did not leave my father's keys on the counter as requested, so we still don't have those back as we can't find them in the house. We were also told by the neighbor that people were digging in the dumpster that was in our driveway and pouring bag out on HER driveway to go through them. We didn't expect them to clean the house but also didn't expect them to just throw and toss everything on the floor in huge piles either, and leave garbage and waste everywhere, or break things. We find this very unprofessional and disrespectful. I would like to add, that as a small business owner myself I understand the significance of how my staff reflects on me as the owner. - XXXXXXXXX END Further, despite the contract, which is misleading. They took way more than the supposed percentage of commission (40%). My sister and I actually lost money on the estate sale. We had to hire someone to come in an clear out the rest of the items this cost us $1000. We received a $400 check from Brie's estate sale despite them selling over $3000 of our parents property. So we are negative $600. There are also several items missing there were not sold or don't appear on their invoice, either stolen, broken, or taken. We have yet to receive a response from anyone at the business. The level of unprofessionalism and disregard for families is appalling. They were recommended to us by a family member so we unfortunately didn't do our research ahead of time. We will never make that mistake again. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the better business bureau. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. I was trying to compose a review and there are so many that already reflect the same experience my family suffered. I agreed with Jackie C's review of 12/1/18, and Sharon W. of 8.11.18 and Garet S. of 8.23.18. Cindy B's review of 8.9.18 could have been written by my family and we sent a very similar letter to Bridget, the owner of Brie's. read more

First off I would like to say that Brie's Estate Sales seem to check all the boxes. I was told what to look for in an estate sale company and they had it. Register near door. several people on multiple levels, 4 day sale, list of sold items, things seemed right. I am a yelp review queen! I don't usually do anything without checking a company's reputation. I dropped the ball on this one. I am now among those who have been misled. The contract is deceptive. Brie's base is $500.00 then you pay expenses out of commission. If commission doesn't meet expenses, you pay. In other words, if your estate didn't make enough to cover expenses out of their commission, you make less for your stuff then they do! When it came to sold items, I am not entirely sure what was sold according to their list. It was general. Shame on me for not turning to yelp first. read more

Awesome people!!!love their sales!buy with confidence!!

Sale in Glenview, WAYYYYYYYYYYY overpriced on tools, close to retail prices..67 mustang was there for $35,000. again wayyyyyyyyy overpriced, I do not carry that kind of money on me to go to an ESTATE SALE..Today was 50% off and still no worth it..One seller said they marked their prices lower than E-bay..who gives a damn, this is NOT ebay, its a GARAGE SALE! read more

Professional, and knowledgeable about the business. Brie and her staff are compassionate. They really care!

Great selection of items in the gift gallery and at their estate sales. Always fair pricing.

Unfortunately the unethical practices of Brie's says it all. When selling elderly people's belongings, Brie and her staff bring in other people's belongings to sell, in your house, without telling you and refuses to remove them - and the person's belongings Brie brings in to sell is a sales person working the sale at your house! Guess who's items were prominently displayed - not yours, even though it is your house and your sale - it was the person's belongings who was working the sale promoting her belongings at your house! Avoid this business. read more

do not go to their estate sales ! overpriced and rude. stay away will sell you anything !!!

The owner of this company is extremely unprofessional. Personal items were stolen from my sale that cost me $500 to replace in order to sell the home. Her data entry person miss typed several items in her favor, resulting in lost sales for me. When i told her about it, she admitted it was a mistake but has refused to give me the money im owed. She refuses to acknowledge that my stove top burner were stolen. NEVER use this company unless you dont mind getting ripped off. I can never in good conscience refer this company. Bridget, hope you feel good yourself. read more

I've been to many sales and I've never met ruder people. It's almost like your presence bothers them. I didn't like them at all. I've been to a few of their estate sales and I have to say they are just not friendly or welcoming l. read more

I have gone to several estate sales over the years. The people working for this business are very rude. Also, they bring in all their own personal items and try to sell it all the estate sales they are conducting. There are so many estate sale companies to choose from, I suggest you do not hire this one! read more

I went to an estate sale that Brie's was handling and it was well run and they were extremely friendly and helpful executing my purchases. I would definitely use them if I ever needed them. read more

Brie's Estate Sales are very much over priced. Don't expect to get any deals from them. Other than that, their rude and unethical manner shuts down their business, I don't feel respected as a customer. Will try everything to avoid them! DO NOT go to their estate sale! read more

We try to go to every Brie sale that is advertised - almost every weekend! Bridget is professional and cares about her customers. She and her staff mark all items fairly. This house sale company becomes more negotiable as days go by - keeping in mind they have a contract with the sellers and their goal is to have the sellers fairly compensated for their items! Bridget and her staff have never been rude to their customers (that I have observed) and professionally answer all questions. It is a pleasure for my husband and I to go to their sales - worth the trip every time! Keep up the good work! A #1 class operation! read more

Brie's Estate Sales did an estate sale for me and I could not have been more disappointed. They did not price things properly, set up and advertise in advance as promised and there was no way of knowing what sold and for how much. They were rude and unprofessional. Do not use them! read more

These folks are anal retentive, perfectionist and a real drag. Their estate sales are sterile and overpriced. Everything is priced with these little white circle stickers. Everywhere you look you see white circles!! All of it is priced like you're in a retail store so it's not affordable for most people that go to estate sales. For example, their sale I went to a week ago had a lamp, it was something you would see on a side table in a doctor's office in the 60's so there was nothing charming about it, it was plain and dull. Yes, it was vintage but so what? It had zero coolness like most mid-century lamps. But they wanted 70 bucks!! 70?! I walked out. read more

Brie's were offering items for a bid, like a silent auction, taking the highest bidder on Saturday. Really weird goings on.

Do not use this company. They over price items that you can walk into any store and buy for a lower price or if it is an antique they give it away. Not only do they over charge for items they are a rip off with their commission and tack on additional expenses on top of the 35 or 40% commission rate, then refuse to explain at how they arrived at these costs. They claim to send people in for staging of items, no they just move stuff around and break things including our screen door. Very unprofessional! read more

Every weekend, I attend a select number of estate sales, based on location and quality of goods, but most of all on which estate sale company is conducting the sale. My favorite, by far, is Brie's as they seem to understand the needs of the buyers themselves. For example, not all sale companies accept credits cards, which I believe is a disservice to their client/homeowner. Brie's does. Their hours are accessible; so many close at 3:00 or even 2:00, which is too early for me. I know that a Brie's sale will always be open until 4:00 p.m. Their business model reflects economic principles, i.e., set prices higher on days 1 and 2, with incremental decreases on days 3 and 4, with the last day's goods selling at 75% off. Supply-and-demand is then able to occur naturally, thus benefiting their clients, as well as buyers. And, their photos online are always well staged and not cluttered, so I can get a good idea if I am interested in something. I have only experienced Brie's as a buyer, but I did recommend them to a friend who conducted a sale using Brie's and was very happy with the outcome. The sales people have always been professional and pleasant, especially spunky Sara Lee! read more

Bries estate sales have so much to offer at competive prices. the staff is always friendly and helpful. the signs are highly visible. I look for Bries sales all the time. My friends have had positive experiences with the sales and the staff. read more

I don't know what happened with the negative reviews seen here, but I just used the services of Brie's for my Estate Sale in Naperville and they did an outstanding job. The people who worked my sale were professional, prompt and courteous. They were a delight to work with. I couldn't be more pleased. read more

I have attended hundreds of estate sales over the past five years, and have furnished my entire home, as well as my daughter's home with goods from estate sales on the North Shore. Most of the people who own estate sale companies are professional and honest. However, I will never, ever attend another estate sale run by Brie's Estate Sales. They are arrogant, rude, brash, dishonest, and unprofessional. My husband warned me of a large, brash woman smoking a cigarette at one of the sales he attended, and I thought he was exagerrating about her uncouth behavior. After my experience today at a sale in Long Grove, I now know he wasn't. This is what I observed: A soft spoken, polite Indian man stood in front of the cash register trying to purchase a stack of men's shirts that had been marked $6 with a large sign in the bedroom. The sales lady upstairs in the bedroom where they came from told him they were marked $6. There was also a sign on the front door stating that everything was 50% off, because it was not the first day. The rude woman at the cash register told him the shirts were $8, not $6 and therefore, at 50% off, were $4 each. When the gentleman tried to politely explain that the sign indicated they were $6 and the salesperson told him they were $6, she rudely said "Don't tell me what she said to you. I don't want to know what she said to you. We've been selling for three days. I don't care what the sign said. The sign is wrong. They are $8." The gentleman left his shirts and left - as he should have. Another woman was looking over some jewelry, and asked to look at a certain group of rings. A large saleswoman with bleach blonde hair and a hat said "I told you that you should look at those. You told me 'no' but I said you should. And now you see I was right." Amazingly rude. None of them cared in the least that they were talking to human beings who are customers and deserve common courtesy. I walked out without buying one thing - which is rare. read more

They did a good job staging and setting things up in an attractive manner, however, we did not get anywhere near what we expected from the sale of an entire household of items. In addition, a Namby silver bowl, valued at over $100, which was NOT to have been included in the sale, disappeared. I emailed her on five separate occasions asking for the bowl (which was not on the inventory of the items sold and I had seen it on the table the last day of the sale). They have NEVER given a satisfactory answer about this bowl, and, in fact, have not answered the last four emails about it. So, in fact, they stole or misplaced this $100 + item and refuse to do anything about it. I feel that we were ripped off and regret that I ever contracted with them to conduct the estate sale, which should have generated significant money for my elderly mom and dad. Definitely overprice items so they won't sell and then the people that work the sales and their family members come in on the last day when they reduce prices of everything to 75% off and buy it up to resell I their own resale store! I think they were very dishonest in the way they conducted the sale. Beware! You will NOT get anywhere near the value you should if they conduct your estate sale, read more

Attended estate sales in Arlington Heights today was quoted a price on some merchandise only to find that two of their employees returned the merchandise to the sales floor and they reneged on the price quoted -not very ethical to do that. Left message at 2 this afternoon for owner but no return call also sent email but have not had the courtesy of a return call or email. The items were four small vases 3" tall, two were on a table and two in a black display box- no price anywhere- they put all the vases into the display box and said it was $50.00 and low and behold there is a price tag that is deep in the case that says $50- the two salespeople insisted the price was $50 (even though it was Sunday and suppose to be 75 percent off was told it was a consignment piece and they could not sell items separately. I asked them to call the owner of the piece and inquire- they refused. Then asked them to all the owner of the co - Bridget- they refused. The cashier quoted me a price and I agreed to purchase at that price. They did not honor that price ! read more