Selling Through a Consignment Shop: How It Works and What to Ask
Not everyone wants to photograph items, write listings and meet strangers. A consignment shop does most of that work for you. You drop off good-quality clothing, furniture or home goods, the shop displays and sells them, and you get a share of the price once they sell.
Consignment or resale: what’s the difference?
A University of Kentucky Extension guide explains it simply. A resale shop buys your items on the spot and pays you right away. A consignment shop pays you a percentage of the selling price, but only after the item sells. Consignment usually pays more; the trade-off is waiting.
Some shops also offer a higher amount if you take store credit instead of cash. That is mainly worth it if you already shop there.
How the money is split
A 2026 article from consignment software company SimpleConsign says shops typically keep 40% to 60% of the sale price, and you get the rest. The split depends on the type of goods, the area and demand; luxury shops may pay consignors up to 70%. Every shop is different, so make sure the split is written in your agreement before you leave anything.
Here is a rough example. If a few nice pieces sell for $70 in total and your share is half, you would receive $35, which might cover a basic phone plan for a month. That is just an illustration, and nothing is guaranteed to sell.
Questions to ask before you consign
- How can I check my account? Many shops give you a consigner number, and some let you check sales online.
- When and how do I get paid?
- When are prices marked down, and by how much?
- What happens to items that don’t sell? Can I pick them up, or are they donated?
- What brands, styles and seasons are you accepting right now?
Getting your items ready
- Check each piece in good light for stains, odors, pet hair and damage.
- Wash and iron clothing. Bring it on hangers if the shop asks for that.
- Pick a shop whose customers like your kind of items. A shop full of classic, well-made clothing is a better fit for a good wool coat than a trendy one.
- Call ahead. Each shop sets its own rules, and many only accept certain items in certain seasons.
A word on taxes and benefits
Selling your own used things for less than you paid usually brings little or no profit, but the IRS says personal items sold at a gain must be reported. Extra income can also affect Social Security before full retirement age, SSI, Medicaid or housing assistance. This is general information only, so check your situation with Social Security or a tax professional.
More on Replace a Bill
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