I've been going to estate sales in the Chicagoland area for the last 15+ years. I've actually never been to a estate sale hosted by Diane Hudec. You can always tell if a estate sale is priced high if you go on their last day , the house is still full of stuff and it's not buzzing with people. This is exactly what happened when I entered a sale yesterday hosted by Diane. Right when I walked in at 9:30, the check out table was only occupied by Diane and a staffer. I immediately knew prices are high. I will never go to another estate sale hosted by this company. If I want eBay prices or higher, I'll just stay at home, order off of eBay and have a money back guarantee. Such a shame, if prices were reasonable, I would've purchased a ton of junk I don't need. Instead, it will most likely go to a landfill. read more

They were all very rude and ignorant. They don't answer any questions. At 12 when we were inside they only gave some people tickets and made us go wait outside. read more

They were rude & disrespectful. Nothing had prices on it. A few things had signs up by them, but you still had to take item and ask what they were asking for the item. They were kind of nasty when you asked the price. One item I asked about in the garage was garden stakes and the man working out there went to ask what price they wanted and disappeared for a long period of time so we went to see where he went. We saw the item by the cashier so asked about the price. The price seemed very high & I could buy at the store for same price if not cheaper so said I didn't want it. The man came by and saw that I didn't want them and walked by & said "Go make your own then". So rude! The cashier also had a nasty attitude. I asked about the price of a purse & of course it was the high end of what the sign listed even though it wasn't the largest of the purses or bags. Once they think you're interested they price the item high. I will never go to another Diane Hudec Estate sale! So rude! Don't waste your time! read more

went to this estate sale she was conducting and she was false advertising items! She denied My purchases because she said she could buy it herself and list it on eBay for more money mind you she wanted $1300 for some booklets of commodore games not even the video games just the instruction manuals. this is A SHADY ESTATE SALE COMPANY DO NOT GO & DO NOT GIVE HER ESTATE SALES HOMES TO CONDUCT BECAUSE SHE IS NOT LITERALLY TELLING PEOPLE SHE WONT SELL THEIR ITEMS FOR HER OWN PROFIT horrible customer service horrible quality. read more

Diane and her cronies are ripoff bottom feeders. The prices are insane, like actually insane, I would normally scoff and brush it off but I actually could not believe my eyes. Their prices are easily 3-4x the actual value, as others have said they probably look at the first ebay result which is wrong on so many levels because it doesn't take into account the actual realized value of an item, shipping, sellers fees, and how niche/obscure some items can be. When people called out staff for their absolute crackpot pricing they were rude and defensive. Many of the items there even had their original tags and they wanted over 5x the price lmao. Don't support Diane, host it yourself or go with someone who isn't rated 2.2 stars on yelp, if you are a buyer and by some miracle you find something that has down to earth pricing don't support her out of principle. Diane if you are reading this (You probably are) you should consider the old saying "If everyone in the room says you're drunk, maybe you should stop drinking" and by that I mean, stop ripping people off. Thanks. read more

I was at a estate sale today that was conducted by this company. I am writing this review because I felt it was poorly run! For instance, the way they handled the people outside was not very nice! I walked up to the front door with my elderly friend and was immediately told to come back in fifteen minutes for they were closing to make everything half off! Now mind you I did not mind that but what the staff member failed to give us was a numbered ticket to get in at noon. So we came back and there was a line of at least 15 to twenty people now ahead of us. What got me was she never mentioned or gave us a ticket! And cause I complained how they were uncaring about the way they were treating us and another gentleman who they made wait outside in the cold whojust wanted to pick up his stuff from yesterdays purchase they denied our entrance. I also asked other people if theyvwere happy of how they were conducting this and they said no they were not! So it just wasn't me! They should of given people tickets right off the bat and told them they could wait outside or come back in fifteen minutes and be more understanding . Hopefully they will read this and run their sales better and be nicer to people outside. Also, get more staff help for they seemed overwhelmwd! read more

Insultingly high prices. Seems like whoever the "appraisers" were just went by the first (unsold) result on ebay, and shockingly in some cases even MORE. Many items were just as or more expensive than their ebay counterparts even after the prices were cut in half. Some items which were too obscure to appraise were haphazardly assumed to be rare and valuable. Overall it felt like there was little rhyme or reason to the appraisal. Online listings allow you to expose sales to many thousands of potential buyers for an unlimited amount of time, so expect those prices to be heavily inflated. An estate sale is not in that position. I assume that like me, most people don't go to a little two day estate sale for infamously inflated online prices. Nearly every single estate sale I've ever gone to has met those expectations. It must depend on the type of item you're going for, but for me it was a complete waste and disrespect of my time. read more

We attended an estate sale and the fat blond woman working the register was more like a short change artist. She was changing the prices as she went scribbling them on a piece of scratch paper and not using the register therefor we didn't get a receipt. After the purchase we added up our items and realized we were charged to much. We questioned her about it and she became rude and argumentative with us. She dug under her table for a couple minutes and finally pulled out a "all sales are final " sign. If this is how she treats the paying public I feel sorry for the homeowners who are not there to keep an eye on her and their monies. I feel she is doing them more harm then good. Lies read more

Diane and her team did a great job! We were under quite a short timeline with our contract for sale signed on July 10th and closing scheduled for August 11th. Diane was able to maneuver her schedule to help us pull off our large estate sale in Central Illinois on August 7th and 8th, allowing us to make our closing date with ease. Her team sorted through our household stuff and helped to separate the good stuff from the junk. Her team filled up two dumpsters of junk and did a great job organizing the sale of the remaining furniture books and household goods. I explored her sales floor and felt that she did a great job identifying the objects of value. Where it would have been great if we had more time to prepare for the sale, that simply was not the case. Diane took charge and made it happen. With the Wuhan Virus, we were very concerned about being safe and Diane's team did a great job making sure that people were safely distanced and wearing their required masks. Moreover, Diane was very accommodating to the family who purchased the home from the Estate and I found her to be very professionally disciplined to manage the sales process very effectively. She handled very well a sticky situation where a local realtor wanted to accompany the buyer. The realtor in a very unprofessional situation actually brought her husband, parents and children; (fortunately no pets) to 'preview' the sale. Diane did a great job of sorting out the offender and got them out of the house. Without Diane's professionalism, it could have turned into a mess! Of course, due to this being an estate sale we expected to have quite a bit of leftover stuff. Diane provided us with resources to get the house cleared out. She suggested Salvation Army as a solution. We were very pleased to donate the remainder of our belongings to them. Ill do a separate review. Sorry, I did not take any pictures to share... read more

This review is based on my personal experience with Diane. My first response would be to say that I would recommend that you look elsewhere before engaging Diane in selling anything. I had a very good idea of everything in my home prior to my hiring her to conduct an estate sale. Many of the items are missing from the sales floor as I write this review. When I contacted her and asked her about the missing items she became very hostile and told me to contact her attorney if I had any problems. She told me she had a contract and insisted that many of the items she threw away we're not sellable items. I became furious when I found my personal laptop computer missing. I called her to question the missing items and I did not receive a call back for almost 3 weeks. Needless to say, based on all of these reviews I would suggest that you find another company to work with. If you are selling out an estate I would suggest you take great inventory and know every item that's in your home. Read the reviews, believe them. I didn't do my research, now I'm the fool. Don't be her next story. **************UPDATE JULY 17th*********** Diane informed me today that she will be taking legal action against me for this post. Once again, this is not a fake review, my experience is real. This is my personal experience with Diane, and it is still a horrible one. read more

I've been burned a couple times waiting for hours to get into a disorganized, filth sale run by this company. I gave them the benefit of the doubt the first time or two, thinking the lack of any sort of cleaning, set up or even price tags must have been because they were accommodating a home owner's last minute sale needs. Turns out that's just how they do business. You'll wait for hours to get in, be met with attitude by the people working the sale, then have to wait for Diane to (over)price each of your items at the register. Then you'll probably need to send what you bought out for expensive specialty cleaning. I've regretted everything I ever bought from one of these sales! For real. After wasting my time and money a few times, I decided I won't bother with them anymore. Now, here's yet ANOTHER reason: I just came across these pictures and description for a Diane Hudec sale this weekend that includes Nazi paraphernalia, described simply as "arm bands." This company is trash, just like the overpriced garbage it's selling! read more

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Diane and her team did a fantastic job liquidating my estate. She is very knowledgeable and trustworthy! A true pro at n the estate business! I will give her referrals in the future. Thank you Diane for everything! read more

Went to their sale. I parked out front with my anti trump bumper sticker on my car. One of the employees with long blond hair and a frown asked me to move my car as my bumper was near the driveway. And by the way I don't like your bumper sticker. Told her that's her right. Went to move my car. Decided not to go. Not really thinking its appropriate for an estate sale company employee to view her misguided political views while on the clock with Diane Hudec. So will no longer support this company. read more

The employee at the register (Indoors) wasn't wearing a mask so don't go if you aren't comfortable with that kind of exposure

Terrible and worthless are the only words to describe this business. We contacted her and she came out to the house and did an assessment. She asked me to text her if I was interested in proceeding. After discussing with the family I texted her an hour later. Over the next five days I texted her 12 times, left 2 voicemails and sent 2 emails. She completely ignored all of it and just hoped I would go away. I can completely understand that she may not have wanted to take on our business. I have no problem with that. But for someone to just pretend someone does not exist or respond to any communications is just miserable. I can only imaging how horrible it would have been if we had actually moved forward with her. If she thinks so little of other people and customers that she cannot even respond to texts after asking them to text her she is obviously a pretty lousy person. Do not waste your time with this crummy place. read more

We went to a sale run by DH. We were interested in a large item, and returned with the money. After waiting, she refused to take the money but suggested we call a mover and get back in touch. We did and texted her, no response. I left her my number and she never called. A week or so later we called and she said the owner wanted to keep it. Today, we walked by and there was another sale. When we asked the owners if they still had it, they said Diane told them it didn't sell, so they ended up posting it online for free. read more

I must say I'm quite surprised at some of the reviews on here. I went to the same estate sale both yesterday, and today that was hosted by Diane. The prices were definitely varied from extreme bargains to extreme "did I just read that right?", but it all averages out to a pretty good deal none the less for some really cool things. All of the staff were extremely friendly and I have never gone to a estate sale where they actually offer to have someone bring your stuff to your car. I worked with the cashier on something I really wanted but was out of my price range. I gave her my number and she actually communicated with me after the first day of the sale and helped me get the item I really wanted. Come to find out, she was the owner! But I ended up spending more money the second day with the half off because of the good deals- The owner was super kind, and the prices were fair and some really great bargains. Highly recommend their estate sales read more

Racist. Plain and simple. Prices were more than I thought worth it, but she as a person is clearly racist. She told me that no credit cards would be allowed for purchases under $100, then the woman in front of me bought things for $67 and didn't have cash, so she told her she could pay the $3 credit fee. I then offered to pay that too, and she said she couldn't because it would cost her too much, it's not worth it. I offered Venmo or zelle. My purchase was $25 and I offered to pay the fee whatever it was. She refused. I told her I understood. I did, I understood her prejudice. I bought what I had cash for $5 headphones... and left. Diane, I hope you know we people of color, see you. We understand what you choose to do with your privilege. I can choose to pay for what I want. I hadn't planned on going to a estate sale, I just saw it on my errands and chose to stop. I see you Diane. Please do better in the future and treat people equally. Thanks read more

Easily one of the worst estate sale companies out there. Crazy high prices, unprimed items, long checkout lines, as we all wait for Diane Hudec to price items, one by one, while people are checking. Over the winter I waited 40 minutes in the checkout line, as she made up prices on dozens of items for a customer, which were mostly rejected for being too high, then she forgot the total and had to start ore. Stay away, if you are a buyer or seller, as this is a horrible outfit and many families have to resort to a second sale, with another conductor, in order to dispose of the contents of their homes. STAY AWAY! read more

Diane is hard working and thorough and charges a fair price ! She takes great care in pricing items !

After meeting with Diane, she said she would hold my dates for an estate sale. I was waiting on a final offer on my house and didn't want to sign a contract that day. I kept in touch with her over the next few days and asked her to let me know if someone else wanted my weekend for a sale to please contact me first. A week ago I contacted her telling her I was ready to sign. I emailed various times, called, texted and NOTHING. She didn't even have the courtesy to reply back. It is a stressful time to sell everything in your home and you need someone you can count on. THIS IS NOT YOUR PERSON. So disappointing. read more

Horrible! Will NEVER GO TO HER SALES again!! !! My friend and I went to her sale today and got numbers. Line was long (40 people ahead of us)so we went to lunch and came back only to be told we had to get new numbers . How ridiculous!! read more

We have a large house that we are planning to sell in the near future. We learned of Diane Hudec from her web site and thought, from her stated e-bay sale services and estate sale management, she would be a perfect fit for our needs. We have furniture, numerous collections as well as collectibles; all of various sizes. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem or want business. Over the past month we have leftt three specially identied messages on her answering machine and, having had no response, have e-mailed to her address two clear emails. We have not heard from her and wonder how she's still in business. This doesn' t seem to be the way to operate in this economy. read more

I enjoy visiting Diane's sales with my wife. She usually finds some vintage treasure and I can get a deal on a power tool or find a great piece of furniture. We always check their website before we go and get a feel for what we are hunting for, and their staff is extremely helpful. Overall a great way to spend a Saturday read more

Diane was extremely responsive the needs of my estate. She came over and assessed what I have and spent considerable time with me explaining what the process was. Unfortunately in my case she was very honest and upfront with me about reaching the minimum dollar amount. Despite her being unable to fulfil the sale she helped with valuable advice and contacts to help me in my situation. I would trust her way more than other estate sales companies I encountered read more

I don't usually write reviews but after reading John C's review I felt I had to give my input. I've been to numerous estate sales and many of Diane's sales, although mostly in the city of Chicago. I did go to one in the suburbs and it seems that some of the people want the items for near to nothing. Not to mention that there are SOOO many items at these sales that it would be impossible to price them all. I do have to say I've seen Diane's staff put up with some absolutely obnoxious and rude people, I personally would not be able to handle some of these people. Check out the sale for yourself, this kind of stuff isn't for everyone, it's time consuming rummaging through peoples stuff but it can be fun and you might even find a gem! If you're up for an adventure and want to find a bargain, I'd say do it! read more

I wish I could give this company negative stars!!! This is for any company that Diane Hudec is associated with. This is a horribly bad estate sale company. If you are thinking about going to one of Diane's sales remember this: even though she advertises Saturday hours of 9-3 she fails to tell you that she closes all sales at 11:45 and kicks everyone out so that at noon she can mark prices down. She's a liar though because I was there at 11:20 and she said we could not come in even though the sign said it closes at 11:45. There were no customers inside at all! She then gives out numbers and you have to wait for them to reopen and your number to be called. Ridiculous! My advice is to go there after 12:45 to get decent deals. Or better yet, don't go at all. I won't! If you are thinking about hiring her, think twice for that same reason. I've been to 2 of her sales and have seen dozens of people leaving and driving away. When I complained that she was turning away paying customers she said "I've been doing this for 20 years and it seems to be working just fine." Really? Dozens of people leaving empty handed because of this stupid way of doing business??? She doesn't realize her business earnings are relative amounts. What I mean is how can she know it's been successful way of doing this? What if a sale where she made $10 grand, she could have made $15 grand? She has no clue how successful this is. She doesn't care because most of her sales she charges a flat fee. If she charged ONLY a percentage of sales (and not just a flat fee) she would be mad that people were leaving. She also told other potential customers we talked to that "me and my workers need to take lunch!" Really? You can't take staggered breaks!? No other estate sale companies do this. If you are thinking about hiring her company, and she says this closing at 11:45 works great, tell her you want to attend one of her sales that does this and keep track of how many people are leaving and not coming back. You can also easily count how many tickets she hands out and how many tickets return after noon. I guarantee you will see dozens of people leaving. When having an estate sale 2 things are very important: competitive prices and getting as many bodies through the door as possible. We went there to buy some high end furniture but when she said we could not come in, we left. My wife asked me "should we ask what the full price is of the stuff we want to see if we will just buy it for that amount?" I replied "I won't give this rude person my money no matter how much it is." She is a scammer. She has a used car salesman type answer for everything. There's plenty of other sales that she is not part of that we can buy from. I'd also like to add that it's quite possible she does t care that some things aren't selling because part of her business is to offer to clean out the homes or recommend an "outside" company to come give homeowners pennies on the dollar for their stuff that she failed to sell. Don't trust her! She's a slimy businesswoman read more

Diane was quite professional from beginning to end in clearly explaining how things work and everything that her team covers. As I had quite the overwhelming task ahead of me, Diane's warm presence and calming demeanor was very much appreciated. This, combined with her experience and wealth of knowledge, left me quite confident that any sale represented by Diane Hudec would be successful. read more

I was satisfied at first with the deal that we made for some furniture items at a recent estate sale in Wheeling, IL. Diane asked if I had someone to help me carry out a medium sized sofa bed. I said my son who lives in the area went home sick from work and that I would not be able to get anyone else on short notice. She told me, one of her helpers offered to help me load the item to my car. When I discovered that it would not fit in my larger cross over vehicle, we put it in the garage and I said that I would have to rent a van from the nearby Home Depot and come back for it. It was about a half hour before the sale ended, but she said they would be cleaning up for awhile and would still be around. Once I got the van and was headed back, I texted that I would be there soon. She texted back stating that they had left and had put the sofa outside on the driveway! It was a rainy day and by the time I returned the sofa was damp and I was stuck loading it by myself. Very unprofessional behavior, If she wasn't going to wait, she should have told me and/or refunded my money, minus 10% rather than leave it at the curb. Buyers beware!!!! read more

I sat in line for 3 hours this morning to attend one of this company's sales. The staff was not on time with numbers, they weren't on time opening. Once I walked in, the item was the same price or higher on eBay. My mom taught me to start shopping estate sales as a first time home owner to save money to furnish my house. You can't even get a reasonable deal at this company's sales. I get it you have to make money for the family or seller but geez cut your customers some slack. read more

Love her sales! They are well organized with items displayed professionally. I find her prices to be very competitive and typically never leave her sale without buying something. Friendly staff-they even help you carry items to your car. Long lines at check out should be expected (especially on a Saturday). I know the sale is a good one if there is a line. When people complain about high prices, what they are really saying is "I can't afford it". This has nothing to do with who is managing the sale. I don't drive a Mercedes because I can't afford it but I don't go to the dealership to complain--I purchase a car I can afford. read more

Ran across this woman's name-used her about 11 years ago-cannot believe she is still in business ripping people off. So many valuable things were 'missing' or sold for the wrong price, saw them at night loading their car. I was in too much pain from a divorce to go after her, but I am sorry to see she is still in business. A very unethical person. read more

Great deals! Great finds on many weekends! Very friendly and fun and helpful staff members who are always willing to help. Diane Hudec sales are the "Cheers" of estate sales... they make me feel so welcomed and appreciated. read more