Once you begin consigning and working directly with a shop or dealers, you
become more valued if you are professional and keep up your end of all
bargains. If you deliver solid goods that move and if you are easy to work
with, you’re likely to be given more leeway than someone right off the street.
New consigners often walk out with many items turned down (not to be taken
personally), but regular consigners will be given the benefit of the doubt. The
shop owner may not feel that some of your pieces are top notch or quite right
for his or her market, but he or she may take the pieces and give them a chance
if you’re a consistent seller.
Shop owners will also contact regular consigners and let them know when they
have good matching buyers. For instance, the shop may have a buyer of the same
size in clothing and similar tastes who will frequently buy items brought in
from your closet. Your pieces may be noted and held for the buyer rather than
sitting on the shelf waiting for a potential match. This can mean much faster
sales and often higher profits as well.
A Note of Caution
Do know that general consigners may or may not be experts in any or all
product areas. If you’re moving items that may be of high value or if you are
charged with moving a large number of goods of varying value from an estate or
such, it may be wise to get some outside appraisal assistance before simply
dropping off boxes of items at a consignment shop and hoping for the best.
You nor your usual consigner may recognize the vastly desirable painting
that your aunt left in the back room as a valuable work of art. Turn on
“Antiques Roadshow” (PBS) any evening to hear of individuals paying pennies for
things worth thousands. You don’t want to be the one who missed or ruined the
deal and neither does your consigner. You’re both working toward a common goal
and both doing the best possible to maximize benefits for all involved.
For most people and in most circumstances, a general consignment deal with
one or more matched shops/dealers works out great, but do move to the next
level if necessary. In most cases, the consigner will recognize when the match
is off and will help with finding additional help when needed.