Meet Robin Psota | Owner of Retro Robin Estate Sales

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Psota and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It’s an interesting story about how the idea of this business in estate sales came up. I was a creative director and had worked in advertising for many years. When the internet and web design became big, print marketing design substantially slowed down. I started to sell on ebay and in antique malls, vintage goods I would find at yard sales and flea markets, for extra money. The idea of an estate sale business was just gaining traction, and there were very few companies in business, even in major cities. It seemed, as recommended by a great friend, that it would be easier to run sales and make a larger profit, than just sell items one by one. It took hard work and effort, but didn’t take any real seed money to get it off the ground either. It took very little time to exceed all expectations and have a thriving estate sale company.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart from other companies is a long list. The biggest complaint I hear about other companies is that they don’t answer the phone or return calls, not the case at my firm. Every client or potential client is important. I’m always available and pursue accounts in a timely manner. It brings in the jobs. It’s an interesting, sometimes exciting job, and every project is different. Being a woman owned company, you have too be tough and find solutions to any issues, likely on the fly. The most common challenge is a client who believes their stuff is worth more than it is, retail value, and having to explain and prove that prices are resale or dealer prices. My company has built up so many ways and resources for selling the client’s goods, at the fairest of market values. Now I can’t give away the secrets to my success, but let’s just say I’ve managed to tap yet untapped markets. You simply get more attention and better service at Retro Robin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Out of town friends are the best. Los Angeles is a great place to show them around and have fun. Since it’s usually warm and sunny, a trip would include mostly outdoor activities like a fishing charter for a day out on the water, a relaxing beach day with some swimming in the ocean, or maybe a Rams game or a concert at the Greek Theater, depending on the time of year. So many things to do related to entertainment, like a tour through famous Hollywood sites or one of many Theme parks. You can’t miss out on the nightlife either, with so many fantastic restaurants and bars, with my favorite areas, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City and more. And of course, hanging out at home by the pool with good friends and cocktails is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not have the success I’ve had without the idea for the company, the support and the encouragement from my great friend Rob Cota.

Website: RetroRobin.com