Question 1

What is a consignment store?

Accepted Answer

A consignment store sells items on behalf of their owners. You drop off clothing, furniture or other goods, the shop prices and displays them, and you get a share of the sale price once they sell. Unsold items go back to you or get donated after an agreed period.

Question 2

How does consignment work?

Accepted Answer

You bring in items, the store accepts the ones it thinks will sell, and both of you agree on a split, often 40 to 60 percent to you. The store handles pricing, display and the sale. Payout usually comes after the item sells, by check, store credit or direct deposit, on a schedule the shop sets.

Question 3

What does consignment mean?

Accepted Answer

Consignment means handing goods to a seller who pays you only after they sell. Ownership stays with you until then, which is the difference from selling outright to a resale shop that pays cash up front.

Question 4

How do consignment shops make money?

Accepted Answer

The shop keeps a percentage of every sale, typically 40 to 60 percent. Some also charge a small handling fee per item or per contract. Because the shop never buys the inventory, its risk is low and its margin comes from curation and foot traffic.

Question 5

What is the difference between consignment, thrift and resale?

Accepted Answer

Thrift stores sell donated goods, often for a charity. Resale shops buy items from you outright and sell them at a markup. Consignment shops sell your items for you and pay you a share after the sale. Consignment usually gets you the most money but takes the longest.

Question 6

What sells best at consignment stores?

Accepted Answer

Clean, current, brand-name clothing in good condition, solid wood furniture, designer bags and jewelry, and seasonal items brought in a month or two before the season. Shops turn down stained, damaged or very dated pieces.

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