Do you have possessions you need to sell, and don’t know where to begin? You may have heard of consignment sales but might not be exactly sure what it is, or what the process entails.
Consignment is where you entrust a third party business or retailer (the consignee) to sell your possessions for you (the consigner). In return, they take a percentage of the sale. At Fruitcocktail, we offer services to help you streamline the consignment process.
However, there is much more to consignment, such as knowing what to sell and through which avenues to sell them. This is what you need to know before you try consignment.
What Kinds of Items Should You Bring to Consignment Sales?
Items that are sold through consignment tend to be in the categories of “antique” or “vintage,” usually dating back to the 1970’s or before. Items that tend to sell well are:
- Designer Midcentury Modern Furniture: Midcentury furniture is very popular right now. Other types of furniture aren’t trending at the moment and don’t sell well through consignment.
- Fine Jewelry: This includes gold, silver, and other jewels.
- Sterling Silver: This includes flatware, utensils, table settings such as bowls and plates, and even tea sets.
- Coin Collectables: Old coin collections tend to sell well among collectors.
- Vintage Clothing: Vintage clothing is trending at the moment for both thrifters and those who enjoy older styles. This includes any clothes from the 1970s or before that aren’t too worn.
- Original Artwork: This includes artwork from local and listed artists. Depending on your location, different types of ethnic art might also sell well.
- Designer and Antique Items: These include any items that are considered antique and in good shape.
- Vintage Toys: Vintage toys are often of interest to collectors or to people who want to pass on traditional styles of play to the younger generations.
- Vintage Cameras: Some photographers enjoy the challenge of using older cameras and the unique quality it adds to their photos.
- Old Posters: These include old movies, music, and other vintage posters that have sentimental or aesthetic value.
- Ephemera: Old letters, newspapers, and similar items sometimes sell through consignment.
Most consignment stores won’t take items that are damaged (some light wear is fine) or dirty. They also won’t take old electronics or other out-of-date technology, or books containing out-of-date information.
Keep in mind that what consignees are willing to accept depends on what they think they will be able to successfully sell based on current market trends. Items that sell well in some geographic areas may not sell in others.
If you are unsure if your possessions fall into one of these categories, you can conduct your own research or check in with your local antique dealer or consignment company. Fruitcocktail Collectables is one such company. We have accredited appraisers who can help you find out how much your items are worth and if they will sell well in the Seattle area. Our knowledgeable staff is available to help answer any questions you have about your items.
The Consignment Sales Process
The first step in the consignment process is to find a consignee, either online or in person. After you choose a consignee, you can draw a contract detailing the inventory of the items to be sold and how the percentages of the sale will be split between the consignor and consignee.
The consignee will then sell your items through their physical store, use an online marketplace, or use their network to find a buyer.
Online Consignment Sales
Consignment through an online retailer has some perks over its brick-and-mortar counterpart. Items posted online can reach a broader range of customers, as people from all over the world have the opportunity to bid on your items.
Online consignment often makes it easier to get the highest possible price for your items. It can help solve the problem of low interest in your particular geographic area. Selling items online also tends to be faster, so you don’t have to wait too long to get your money from the sale.
Brick and Mortar Consignment
Brick and mortar shops allow the consignee and potential buyers to see and sometimes touch each item to get a more accurate idea of its value. Some buyers like to see items in person before they buy them.
However, the process of selling your items usually will take longer. Brick-and-mortar stores tend to have a smaller customer base and geographic reach than online marketplaces, so it may be harder to make a sale or get the same amount of money for your items.
At Fruitcocktail, we post your items to an online marketplace to expose your possessions to a wide audience, We utilize our network to get your items sold as quickly and efficiently as possible, with minimal hassle for you. In addition, we insure your items and keep them in a secure facility with an alarm system, so you know your goods are in safe hands.
Where to Go For Consignment In Seattle
Fruitcocktail Collectables is an accredited company that offers consignment services in the Seattle area. If you are looking to sell through consignment or an estate sale, we also offer appraisal services so you can find out exactly what your possessions are worth.
We have connections and intimately know the market throughout the Greater Puget Sound region. Our staff has years of experience and the specialized knowledge to help you get your items sold for the prices they are worth. At Fruitcocktail, we normally take anywhere from 20-50% commission, depending on the price of the item.
If you are still on the fence about what to do with your possessions, know that if they fall into certain categories and are in good shape, then you can successfully sell them through consignment. Entrusting your possessions to a consignee takes the work of selling the items off your shoulders so that you can focus on more important things.
At Fruitcocktail, we will accept your jewelry, art, midcentury modern furniture, and more. If you have any questions about the consignment process or any of our consignment services, don’t hesitate to contact us.