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We make tremendous investments in our
furniture as we interior design our homes.
Inevitably, a change in décor will mean that you
have to find a new home for your old furniture.
Unfortunately, many pieces of furniture, unlike
fine antiques, do not hold their value. For this
reason, when redecorating, many people give
their furniture to relatives in need or to
charity. While both are excellent causes, there
is another option that few probably consider.
Consign your furniture.
A furniture consignment shop can be an
invaluable tool in reducing the cost of your
home’s interior redesign. While you are not
going to part with your antiques unless you have
to, you will have pieces of furniture and
accessories that do not suit the new design.
This is the perfect time to acquaint yourself
with the consignment process.
First, a trip to a reputable consignment
store is in order. Upon arrival you will see
that it is much like any new furniture store.
Their selection is thoughtfully arranged into
groupings that give the store’s clientele ideas
and showcase the furniture in the best possible
way. Browse around and take note of the pieces
they have for sale. How does your furniture
compare?
Consignment furniture stores have standards.
If they were to accept all used furniture, then
they would be considered more like a thrift
store where you can find amazing prices, but
less quality. How does your furniture compare
with what you see on the consignment store’s
showroom floor? Is your furniture as clean? Is
it in as good of a condition structurally as the
furniture you see? These are important questions
that you need to ask yourself as you gather your
facts. You want your furniture to show as well
as the furniture in the store because, in
essence, your furniture will be competing
against what you see for sale.
Once you have toured the store and taken
note of the items that are for sale, you will
need to go home to assess your “inventory.” On
your way out, stop by the counter and ask if
they have a policy guide that you can take with
you which states the terms of their consignment
agreements. Do not be afraid to ask the
associate what sells well in the store. Tastes
can be very regional, and only a person who has
been working at the store knows what sells and
what does not. Their advice can be invaluable as
you sort through your things and decide what to
donate to charity, and what to try to sell. The
associate will also know what the stores policy
is regarding the acceptance of merchandise to
consign.
Each store has a policy that facilitates
the accumulation of their inventory. Depending
on the owners and management, the stores have
guidelines which they use to determine what will
go on the floor for sale and what will be
declined for consignment. Make sure you know
this policy, before you load the sofa up in your
neighbor’s, borrowed truck. Some stores will
come to your home to make the assessment of the
pieces that you would like to sell, and many
will have a van and crew to remove the
furniture, once the decision is made. Other
stores require that you be responsible for the
piece’s transport to the store, where they will
make the decision about whether or not it is
right for their inventory. If this is the case,
and your furniture is declined, then take note
of the address of a thrift store or charity drop
off location to get that tax receipt at the very
least and dispose of the piece in one trip. A
final way that they select inventory is through
pictures. You may be able to photograph the
pieces you are interested in consigning and take
the photographs to the store for review or send
digital pictures in via email. Each store has a
unique policy that works for their system and
clientele. It is important that you understand
this policy upfront so there are no
misunderstandings.
Once you are home and know which furniture
will be going on consignment, it is time to
prepare the furniture. Here is a small check
list of things to consider doing before the
furniture departs your home.
•
Remove any stains from the upholstery
•
Vacuum upholstered pieces, especially under the
cushions and in the crevices
•
Fluff up the cushions
•
If there are arm covers for chairs and sofa,
make sure they are included
•
Clean, dust and shine non-upholstered furniture
items
•
Remove everything from the drawers
•
Correct blemishes with wood pens.
Note:
Anything that you can do to make the piece of
furniture in the best condition possible means
that it will be a better show at the store and
ultimately bring you more money!
Finally, as you prepare to consign your
furniture, know the store’s policy on sales
commissions. The rates can vary from store to
store. It is usually a percentage of the sale.
Some stores will split the proceeds with you
50/50, while others will be 60/40. These are
just examples, so you need to find out your
store’s particular policy. Do not let the
commission rates discourage you. Remember, the
store is offering the showroom and the space
needed to sell your things. They have a sales
staff and operations expenses which place an
inherent cost in each piece that they sell. You
will still make more money on your good
furniture than you would by selling it through
the classifieds, where brand and quality become
irrelevant.
Consigning
furniture can be fun. It is especially thrilling
the day you receive your check for a sale. That
money and time well spent can then really reduce
the cost of your new interior décor. |
