Estate Auction Guide for Farms, Shops, and Small Businesses

A Step-by-Step Plan for Families and Executors Handling Complex Liquidations

Settling an estate is never easy—especially when the property includes not only household contents but also tools, vehicles, trailers, or valuable business or farm equipment. These assets can be a blessing to heirs… or a logistical headache.

If you're facing the task of liquidating a loved one’s estate that includes tools, tractors, shop equipment, trailers, or inventory from a small business, an estate auction is often the most efficient and respectful path forward.

At Burgess Auctions LLC, we help families and estate representatives turn complex asset situations into smooth, profitable sales.

Who Should Consider an Estate Auction?

An estate auction may be the right solution if the estate includes:

• Multiple shop tools or power equipment
  
  

• Farm equipment such as tractors, implements, or livestock gear
  
  

• Work trucks, trailers, or commercial vehicles
  
  

• A business location with inventory or specialized machinery
  
  

• Partial collections or small businesses with resale value
  
  

• Heirs who are spread out and unable to divide assets fairly
  
  

Whether you're a family member, attorney, or executor, this guide will walk you through what to expect—and how to prepare.

Step 1: Identify What Needs to Be Sold

Before contacting an auctioneer, take inventory. Walk the property, take photos, and identify:

• Shop or garage contents (tools, compressors, lifts, etc.)
  
  

• Larger assets: tractors, skid steers, trailers, trucks, plows
  
  

• Remaining commercial equipment or resale inventory
  
  

• Office furniture, safes, storage units, or specialized tools
  
  

If you’re unsure about value, that’s okay—Burgess Auctions provides free consultations and evaluations to help prioritize what’s worth selling.

Step 2: Choose the Right Auction Partner

Not every auction company has the equipment or know-how to handle mixed-use estate sales. Choose a team with:

• Experience in farm and commercial assets
  
  

• Digital marketing tools to reach competitive buyers
  
  

• The ability to sell on-site or haul items to auction
  
  

• Clear processes, contracts, and transparency
  
  

Burgess Auctions specializes in blended estate sales, where we list tools, equipment, vehicles, and household goods together for maximum reach and return.

Step 3: Clean & Group Items for Sale

Once you've selected an auction company, prepping the items can boost value:

• Clean off heavy equipment, tools, and trailers (power washing helps!)
  
  

• Group small items (e.g., tool sets, drill bits, parts bins) into auction-ready lots
  
  

• Separate any items not for sale and mark them clearly
  
  

• Let us handle tagging, photographing, and cataloging—we'll make it turnkey
  
  

For larger or outdoor sales, we can bring trailers and tents or conduct the auction right on your farm or business property.

Step 4: Let the Auction Team Handle the Sale

Our process includes:

• Professional photos and item descriptions
  
  

• Full listing on high-traffic auction platforms
  
  

• Local and regional advertising to buyers who want your specific assets
  
  

• Online bidding, real-time monitoring, and secure payments
  
  

Auctions typically run for 7–10 days, with pick-up and payment occurring in the days following.

Step 5: Reconcile the Sale and Finalize the Estate

After the auction ends, Burgess Auctions provides:

• A full accounting and itemized seller report
  
  

• Net payout via check or direct deposit
  
  

• Optional cleanup or disposal of unsold lots
  
  

• Tax-compliant documentation for estates, attorneys, or heirs
  
  

Most estate auctions close out and disburse funds within 10–14 days of the auction closing.

FAQs: Estate Auctions for Shops, Farms & Small Businesses

Q: Can we auction everything from one location—even farm equipment and tools?
 Absolutely. We specialize in blended auctions. From tractors and trailers to welding gear and power tools, we can list and sell everything in a single event.

Q: Do you sell entire business inventories?
 Yes! Whether it’s a machine shop, welding business, or repair garage, we help liquidate assets and clear the property—while returning maximum value.

Q: What if we don’t know the value of the tools or equipment?
 No problem. We offer free consultations and will appraise and photograph all items. Our broad buyer network ensures you get a fair market price.

Q: What happens to items that don’t sell?
 We offer donation, disposal, or re-listing options. In many cases, everything sells—especially when marketed effectively.

Q: How quickly can we be paid?
 Typically within 7–14 days of the sale’s close, depending on buyer pickup and payment timing. We provide full records for estate attorneys or courts if needed.

Why Families Choose Burgess Auctions

Choosing Burgess Auctions LLC means working with a team that understands the emotional and logistical challenges of settling estates—especially when they include valuable tools or equipment.

Here’s what makes us different:

✔️ Full-service coordination – We handle everything from setup to final cleanup
 ✔️ Respect for families & legacy – We treat every estate with dignity and care
 ✔️ Multi-asset expertise – From tractors to trailers to toolboxes, we know how to sell it
 ✔️ Digital advantage – We reach buyers across the Midwest and beyond
 ✔️ Fast results – We move quickly so you can settle the estate and move forward

Let’s Simplify the Process for You

If you’re facing the sale of a farm, workshop, or business estate—don’t do it alone. Let Burgess Auctions handle the details of your estates auction so you can focus on what matters.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized estate auction plan.