Furniture on Consignment: A Smart Way to Buy and Sell Unique Pieces

 

Introduction 

Furniture consignment might be your best fit if you want to sell or buy furniture without the tussle involved in traditional retailing or the gamble found in online marketplaces. Consignment stores offer a curated selection of gently used furniture, everything from the most up-to-date design to an antique treasure. Not only does consignment give you access to special, higher-quality pieces, but it is also an eco-friendly way to furnish your home. In this article, we'll take a deeper dive into the benefits of furniture consignment, how it works, and some tips to maximize success on either side of the buying/selling equation.

Don’t wait to create that dream bedroom!

What Is Furniture Consignment?

Consignment is the method by which people bring in their used furniture to a store to sell. The store displays the items, and when they sell, the profit is split between the store and the owner of the items. Consignment stores carefully select items for quality, style, and condition; this means that shoppers may expect to see an edited inventory, while sellers can take advantage of the marketing and customer reach of the store.

This has gained popularity due to increasing appreciation for the quality of used furniture and the sustainable nature of the reuse of items. Whether downsizing, redecoration, or in pursuit of unique pieces of furniture, in consignment lies a benefit for both buyer and seller.

Benefits of Purchasing Consignment Furniture

Buying furniture through a consignment store is not all about getting good deals; it's about finding quality and unique pieces that narrate some story. Here are the top benefits:

1. High-Quality Pieces for a Lower Price

Consignment stores will oftentimes carry well-made furniture from trusted brands, even items that you may or may not have been able to afford new. From solid wood tables to designer sofas, consignment furniture is generally more durable and longer-lasting than budget options at big-box stores.

Example: You can have a nearly-new West Elm sofa or a vintage Ethan Allen dining set, whereby at quality you may be paying probably half the price without the high cost.

2. Quality Finds and the Unusual

Consignment stores are a treasure trove for anyone who loves one-of-a-kind pieces. You'll find everything from retro coffee tables that are no longer available in mainstream stores to rare mid-century modern accents. Many of them are one-of-a-kind or quite vintage, adding character and charm to your home.

Tip: Consignment stores are always getting new stock in, so check them out frequently. The best go fast!

3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Shopping

Buying secondhand consignment furniture reduces the waste of new production and its associated environmental impact. Every piece of furniture that is resold instead of discarded isn't contributing to a landfill, which is a very eco-friendly thing to do.

Stat: According to the EPA, an estimated 9.8 million tons of furniture are discarded annually. Consignment is one of the most effective ways to counteract this waste.

4. Opportunity for Negotiation

Some consignment stores will allow some negotiating on pricing; if there is a piece that has been on the floor for a little while, they may be open to price cuts. That enables all buyers to find something that fits within their budget.

Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for room for negotiation, especially if the item has been available for a few weeks. Most places offer some reduction in price after an item has sat unsold for a certain amount of time.

Benefits of Selling Furniture on Consignment

Furniture consignment can be one of the efficient and profitable ways to sell these cherishes of yours. Here's why:

1. Target Market Audience

Consignment shops give you clientele that are looking to purchase quality used furniture. You are reaching those who are active in their search for unique and quality items rather than random buyers through online marketplaces.

Example: You have a mid-century modern coffee table. A consignment store that caters to this type of home decor will get it before the right buyers.

2. Avoid the Hassle of Direct Selling

The risks involved in selling furniture independently include meeting buyers, handling negotiations, and ensuring safe transactions, which are very time-consuming. Consignment stores handle that for you, making it an easy way to sell your furniture.

Tip: Check the store's policy about item pick-up, delivery, and safety measures; some provide added convenience to sellers.

3. Earn a Fair Profit

Although the profit is shared with the store, on consignment, you're potentially able to make more than you would through some quick online sale. Quality furniture-dealer or vintage-can command a reasonable price, especially if the store has built up a good reputation.

Note: Consignment stores usually take a commission-a potential 40-60%-so it is wise to remember this when setting your price expectations.

4. Go Green By Supporting Sustainable Practices

This is when you consign: you are part of a circular economy where good furniture continues being used and overall waste is minimized. Evidently, this eco-conscious way is going to sit well with many sellers, especially those vested in any kind of sustainability.

Tips to Successfully Buy and Sell Furniture on Consignment

Whether it is trolling the consignment shops for your next statement piece or looking to sell, here is how you get the best of this consignment experience.

How to Buy

Visit Often: Inventory changes monthly. Visit often for a better chance of finding that special piece before it sells.

Measure Your Space: Before you buy, make sure the piece will fit in your space. Bring measurements, or better yet, a floor plan, with you on your phone.

Check Quality and Condition: Scratches, dents, and wear should be noted. Minor wear can add character but be sure that it is acceptable to your taste and the style of your home.

Ask About Return Policies: Some consignment stores have strict return policies, so ask about this before buying. It might save you from one that doesn't work out quite as planned.

Be Prepared to Buy on a Whim: If you love a piece, be prepared to buy it. Quality sells, and if you hesitate, someone else might snap it up.

Selling Tips

Understand the Market Value: There is some approximate value for your furniture. In most instances, high-quality or designer pieces will attract buyers, especially when attractively priced.

Clean Up, Fix Minor Scratches, and Sell: Present the furniture in question in the most presentable light-just clean it very well and fix small damages. This way, you increase your chances of selling your furniture sooner and even for a higher price.

Add Backstory or Provenance: If your furniture has an interesting history, or it comes from a designer or brand, let the consignment store know. Such origin can add value and raise curiosity for potential buyers.

Ask About Pricing Strategy: Some stores start with higher prices and reduce them over time if the item doesn't sell. Knowing the pricing strategy helps you to estimate probable earnings.

Select a Prestigious Store: Look for consignment stores in your area and select one that commands both customers and a good reputation. The right store will attract more buyers, thus guaranteeing a quicker sale and probably earnings.

Real Life Example: Finding that Gem at the Consignment Store

Let's consider Sarah, who had just moved into a new apartment and was looking for that special touch to adorn her apartment without having to pay too much for the furniture. She went to a local consignment store and found this exquisite, old wooden dresser with great detailing that she would not have been able to find anywhere else in the mainstream stores. It was in excellent condition, pretty well-priced, so she brought home the dresser and transformed her bedroom with a timeless touch.

Consider the case of Mike, a seller who needed to downsize without necessarily giving up his costly leather sofa. Without going through the hustle and struggle of trying to sell it online, he took it to a reputable consignment store. In weeks, the sofa had found a new home, with Mike receiving a fair share of the sale sans handling the transaction hassles himself.

Conclusion: Why Furniture Consignment is a Win-Win

Furniture consignment is a much more appealing alternative to buying and selling in the traditional manner and offers unique pieces for buyers, while at the same time, an effortless way of selling for those who want to downsize or simply redo their decoration. Merging quality, reasonable price, and sustainability-all three wanted features-into one single action, consignment must be taken into consideration when anyone intends to furnish a house with style.

Whether you are looking for that next treasure or ready to let a loved piece go, these consignment shops create the opportunities for finding and sharing furniture that is well-deserving of a new life. Pay your local consignment shop a little visit, and you may just find that missing perfect element to tie your home together-or pass it on to another to enjoy.

Don’t wait to create that dream bedroom!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much will I make selling furniture on consignment?

Most consignment stores charge a 40-60% commission. Your profit is directly related to the price at which your item sells. Items in great condition or designer pieces generally bring in a more lucrative return.

2. Are any types of consignment stores specialized in particular types of furniture?

Yes, some consignment stores have specific collections they carry, such as mid-century modern, antique, and/or high-end designer furniture. Do your homework on which stores in your area specialize in these types of items.

3. Am I allowed to negotiate prices in a consignment store?

Some stores can, particularly if an item has been on the floor longer than desired. It never hurts to ask if there's any price flexibility.

4. How should I prepare my furniture for consignment?

Clean well, correct any minor problems if necessary, and take clear photos. Showing your furniture in good condition will increase its attractiveness to buyers.