But consignment is a terrific thing. You clean out things you don't want, take it to the shop, and then sit back and wait for a check. Perfect! There isn't a lot of responsibility on your part (at least at our store), and you can end up with a little pocket money at the end of the month. But just as there are guidelines when dickering, we have a few things to say about the consignment process...
2. Clean and working order. Sure, it may have been sitting in the attic for a year or more, but it doesn't have to look like it. Check it to make sure it is dent, crack, and chip free. If it is a lamp or other electric item, make sure it works (old wiring is sometimes dangerous, so please be careful!) A little wear and tear is understandable, but broken and damaged items won't sell here. Please clean off the dust and dirt before you bring it here. Sure, we clean items as well, but that takes time out of our day, and it will take longer to get your stuff out.
3. Stick to the limit. We have a limit on the number of items you can bring at one time. 12 items a week is a fair number. We do this for two reasons. First, setting a limit makes you think about what you want to bring in to consign, and keeps lower priced garage sale stuff out. Second, we have very limited space and room, so we don't want too many items at one time. We also have a times for when you can bring stuff in. Typically we are very busy on Saturdays, so it is not a convenient time to consign. We like to take time with our consigners, talk about the items, and what you would like to get for them, etc. So, typically the best time to consign is earlier in the day during the week. Hint: we can usually get your stuff out right away when you come in early, increasing your earning potential. Our regulars come in almost daily, and like to look at and snatch up those new items!
4. Know what you would like to get. Bonus points if you bring a list! It is okay not to know what your stuff is worth, that is one of the reasons we meet with people. We also do some research and investigate items at no charge, but we are not appraisers. It is always easier if we have some idea of what you would like to get for an item. I always worry when a consigner say "you price it for whatever you want". I fret that it isn't enough, or too much, eek the pressure! Having an amount in mind will make it much easier and I can smoothly get it in the computer and out on the sales floor.
5. That being said, be realistic. Sure, something similar to what you own may have sold on eBay for $150 dollars. But, as Frank always says, "the guy who paid that amount already owns it; it doesn't mean the next guy is going to pay that." Typically, we price our stuff at half of what it sold for on eBay, as we have dealers and sellers come in looking for deals. If it is worth more, we put our stuff on eBay, which is a great way to sell. Unfortunately we don't have time to list stuff for you at this time, just not enough hours in the day! Just keep in mind the area in which the shop is located, the clientele, and what the item may really be worth. Items that are priced lower move faster. Does that mean we can't sell your table at $200? Not at all, it just means it may sit a while before the right person walks in.
6. Please don't be pushy. We have been here for three years. We have been bargain hunters and estate sale and auction hunters for even longer! We have seen many things come in and out of our door. We know what people are looking for and what sells in our little shop. So, when we say no cut glass, for example, we mean NO cut glass. It doesn't sell, it takes up space, and it sits. Please don't try and guilt me in to taking it. I understand that it came from great Aunt Edna and was bought in the depression, but I STILL don't want it. We try to be accommodating, but if we think you want to much for something, or it isn't a good item for the shop (clothing for instance), we will tell you. We may even suggest another avenue to sell it, but we still won't take it in just to have it sit. Sorry.
7. When the time is up, please come pick up your stuff. We keep items for 3 months. Once the item has been here that long, we send a postcard to remind you to pick it up. We try to call and remind you too. We pull stuff and place it on the shelves out back. Right now our shelves are full of stuff. In our contract we state that we will donate unclaimed items after another 90 days. It does make me sad to do it, but if we haven't heard from you, you aren't leaving us much of a choice. If you contact us and are willing to drop prices significantly, maybe we can work something out. If not, please come and pick up your stuff.
And lastly,
8. Be a promoter. This isn't a "rule" per say, but a courtesy. Our consignment rate is just 30%. That means we make 30 cents for each dollar. That isn't a lot when you factor in tags, time, space, and advertising. The best advertising is word of mouth. "Like" us on Facebook, follow the blog and website, and share it with your friends. We have been here three years, and people still come in saying they didn't know we were here! The more you let others know about us, the more chance of your items being seen and sold. It's a win- win!
Did we miss anything? Have any questions or comments? Drop us a line and let us know about your consignment stories! Or visit us in person Wednesday through Friday 1pm until 7pm and Saturdays 10am until 3pm. 7504 South State Street in Lowville, NY.
We look forward to hearing from you or seeing you soon!
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