How Antique Consignment Shops Work

Consignment lets you sell antiques, furniture and collectibles through a shop without selling them to the shop outright. The shop displays and sells the item, and you are paid a share of the price when it sells. It suits people with good pieces who do not want to deal with buyers themselves.

How it works

1. Bring items in or send photos. Shops are selective and accept what they think will sell.
2. Sign a consignment agreement covering price, commission and timing.
3. The shop prices and displays your items, often with your input.
4. When an item sells, you receive your share, usually on a set payout schedule.
5. Unsold items are returned, marked down, donated or kept by the shop at the end of the period, depending on the contract.

Commission splits

Splits vary by shop and item value. Many shops keep a share somewhere in the range of a third to a half of the sale price, and higher-value items sometimes earn the consignor a larger share. Ask whether any fees, like pickup or cleaning, come out of your share.

Pricing and markdowns

Many contracts include automatic markdowns, for example a price reduction after 30 or 60 days. Ask what the schedule is, and whether you can set a minimum price.

Questions to ask before signing

• What is the commission, and are there other fees?
• How long is the consignment period?
• How do markdowns work, and can I set a floor price?
• When and how am I paid?
• What happens to unsold items, and how long do I have to pick them up?
• Is my property insured against theft or damage while in the shop?

Consignment vs. other ways to sell

• Sell outright to a dealer: faster, but usually a lower price.
• Auction: wide exposure, but prices can swing.
• Estate sale: best when clearing a whole house.

See where to sell antiques and selling estate antiques. For values, see how much are my antiques worth.

Find a consignment shop near you.