Antiques – Stores, Malls, Shows, and Online Sellers
Most antique dealers prefer to buy items outright. However, some antique dealers and antique malls accept items on consignment on a space available basis while others specifically allocate space for consignment items, especially for high priced items. The antique mall manager can refer you to an antique dealer who specializes in your items. Some dealers offer consignment options for items originally purchased from their store. To sell an item to a dealer during a show, please be discreet and wait patiently if they are busy making a sale.
Art – Galleries, Exhibitions, and Antique Stores
Some antique stores buy or consign important estate paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Most high-end art galleries exhibit original works from their favorite artists only and do not accept art from other artists or individuals. To sell inexpensive paintings, pictures, or sculptures, try a consignment or resale furniture store.
Auctioneers
Although auctioneers traditionally sell groups of items or an entire estate, if your item is valuable, an auctioneer may be a good choice. For unique collections, consider using an auctioneer who specializes in your items.
Auto and RV – Dealerships, eBay, and Online Sellers
Local and online selling professionals can handle all aspects of selling your car, including arranging for delivery to the buyer. Car parts and accessories are easy to sell as well. eBay Motors has “over 10 million shoppers per month.” (Source: eBay Motors, July 23, 2007) Motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and other powersport vehicles also sell well.
Business Liquidation – Auctioneers, eBay, and other Online Sellers
Consignment Pal Business Directory companies can help you liquidate surplus and returned items in a one shot deal or on an ongoing basis to free up valuable warehouse or showroom space.
Consignment Stores
Accepting items on consignment means that payment is only made when items sell. Consignment stores generally keep items for 60 – 90 days with periodic markdowns. Unsold items are returned, donated, or become the property of the store. Some consignment stores have the word “resale” in their name even though they do not buy items outright. It is best to ask for clarification since many consignment stores also buy items outright and trade. Although most consignment stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular.
eBay and Other Online Auction Sites
While eBay is the largest and most diversified online selling venue, consignment sellers also use Amazon, uBid, Google, Overstock, and independent websites. Ebay sellers receive items through eBay Drop Off Stores and eBay Pick Up Services. Ebay calls their consignment sellers “eBay Trading Assistants” (TAs). See “Sell on eBay” for details.
Estate Sales
Estate Sales are ideal for selling all the items in a house. Basic packages include pricing, display, advertising, hosting the sale, and cleanup. Expect to pay more for a preview party, itemized legal inventory, dumpster rental, and other extras. For specialty items, working directly with art, antique, or fine jewelry dealers may net higher profits.
Non Profit Stores
Charitable nonprofit stores and thrift shops operated by the Junior League, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army offer education, shelter, and other social programs. Depending upon your tax situation, donating may net you about the same or more than consignment or garage sale options.
Resale Stores
Resale stores buy items outright and pay more if you accept store credit rather than cash. This is especially true with clothing for kids and teens. Because resale stores assume the risk of the clothes not selling, they generally pay slightly less money than a consignment store. Expect to receive one bulk quote for all items rather than individual per item offers. Some resale stores will consign if the item is expensive or the manager is nervous about how quickly it will sell. Although most resale stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular.
