Even the Devil Uses the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval®

Throughout the course of my career, I have worked my fanny off (like most of you) trying to accomplish my calling:  make a positive contribution to the estate industry, educate, advocate and resolve difficult issues for my clients, earn an impeccable reputation, and do it all honestly and ethically.  After 23 years, I feel pretty confident I have achieved many of my goals with the help of some great team members and my faith.

What makes me steaming mad are those individuals who flat out steal logos and intellectual property that is not theirs.  No conscience, no care or concern.  They don’t care that they steal what they didn’t earn.  They do it with no forethought of hurting others, most especially themselves in the long run, because the truth will come out eventually.  Those who know me would tell you I’d be the first to teach, to help, to answer questions if I can.  Stealing information or logos is a huge no-no.

Many of you may not know that I own and direct The American Society of Estate Liquidators®. http://www.aselonline.com This professional organization is for those who want to learn the estate industry, and offers educational courses and a place for experienced liquidators to learn how to build their business.  It is a safe haven for ethical liquidators and we have worked hard to set the standard for the industry.

ASEL Logo the one

The problem is some people don’t want to play nice.  People steal logos without paying dues.  Some don’t care about ethics until they get caught or fined.  It’s not just about me … it’s about you too because many will attempt to take advantage of you, or someone you know, in the future.  I often wonder how they sleep at night.

Here’s my point: Each industry has its good and bad, even estate liquidation.  With companies that have no training/education or just popped up, and no one knows anything about them, you (the consumer) needs to research them carefully to make sure what their site says about them is accurate.  Just because some company creates a website and add logos and makes claims, doesn’t mean they are legitimate or ethical.  Follow up with them and pay attention to red flags.

Contact your local BBB and ask questions.  Look for UNresolved complaints.  Search online for the company name and any complaints or reviews.  Ask for and check several recent references.  Ask people in the community who is the best of the best.  Do not be swayed by a company that is cheaper, for you often get what you pay for!  Go for integrity, trust, ethics, gut instinct.

If the company is hesitant to answer questions, doesn’t call you back in a timely manner, doesn’t give you a polished and trustworthy feeling, then that little voice inside is probably telling you something.  Listen to it.

So you see that even the devil uses the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval®.  Anyone can steal that seal or logo.  But not everyone can back it up with education, training, credibility, experience, and know-how.  A professional liquidator is going to do the right thing for the client, answer any and all questions, maintain confidentiality, guide you to know what is best for your given situation, and communicate clearly each step of the way.

If you find out they are lying about being part of a professional organization, or anything else, don’t walk away … RUN!

©2013 The Estate Lady®

Julie Hall, The Estate Lady®, is the foremost national expert on personal property in estates, including liquidating, advising, and appraising. http://www.TheEstateLady.com  She is also the Director of American Society of Estate Liquidators®, the national educational and resource organization for estate liquidation. http://www.aselonline.com.

3 thoughts on “Even the Devil Uses the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval®

  1. Sometimes that little extra in a fee is really the difference between the good and the bad…it is always easier to pay a bit more for quality and reputation, not to mention things like liability, etc. I go with the pros anytime I can. Sure beats being taken…
    excellent!

  2. Julie We were one of the first senior move managers in North America and had calls from many people in other countries to start a business. As you know locals took our ideas, our brochures word for word and started undercutting our service and prices. Our business dropped TEMPORARILY several times as people went with the new faces. It has taken time but come full circle and with 10 competing businesses in an area of 800,000 people we are rising as experts in the field. NASMM states that “Senior Move Manager”  belongs to them. What can you do to protect your wonderful reputation? I highly admire you, use your books as references, enjoyed the estate liquidator course I took on line.  We have been “doing estates” since 1996 and now have a division of Senior Moves called Executor Assists. We network with many professionals and are building a solid reputation. Julie – you see people- fragile people and families with needs others see $$$$ – that is a BIG difference. A wise mentor said to us 18 years ago “If you provide and excellent service you will make money – if your goal is to MAKE MONEY you will fall flat on your face.” Many have. Doug and I are in our 70s and still love what we do. Faith has seen me through – I see my work as a mission field and constantly touch lives. Julie YOU DO TOO.    Judy

      Doug and Judy Robinson owners of Senior Moves and Executor Assists

    serving eastern Ontario since 1996

    http://www.seniormoves.ca   and   http://www.executorassists.com

    (613) 832 0053

    ________________________________

    1. Judy, Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. I have always believed ‘the cream always rises to the top.” Pop ups and fly-by-night companies will come and go because they lack the tenacity and passion to really build something strong and long-lasting that will leave a positive impression. Everyday I get up loving what I do and knowing I make a big difference in many lives, and that is something you cannot put a price on! We truly care and it shows.
      ~ Julie

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