Consignment Shops

So, is this a consignment shop? Maybe...maybe not! With antiques, sometimes it's hard to tell whether it's an antique shop, or, in some cases, even a flea market!

For the "rookie" antique shopper out there, it can get confusing!

But don't worry about it! Have a look around!

That's up to you to decide, but if they have what you want, who cares?

Basically, here's what a consignment shop will offer:

Consignment shops can be a concept or a physical store, though it is actually both!
Take for example, a local antique shop that agrees to sell merchandise for a commission, from you, on your behalf. It goes something like this:

• You provide the merchandise.
• They sell it for you!
• You pay them a commission.
• They give you the difference!
• Everybody makes money!
• Everybody is happy!

So how does this help you, as a buyer? Well, quite frankly...not much! It merely provides the antique shop/mall with a larger variety of merchandise to sell.

Suppose someone has one or two items that are highly collectible, but not enough to warrant putting them up for an auction. As a result, you may come across a special item from a private collection that normally wouldn't have been for sale.

That's when using a consignment shop may be a good solution for everyone involved.

Any Disadvantages?

Commissions can run as high as 40-60% (though many are lower!) Remember, that shop is using valuable retail space to sell the item on consignment for it's owner. They need to be compensated for that!

If you think the price is too high, ask to meet or call the original owner and negotiate a better price. The shop owner can provide you with that information.

Don't worry, they will still get their commission for showing the item and "sparking" the sale!

Random Notes...

Our Advice?

Stick to what you know. Focus your attention on what you are seeking; that "one-of-a-kind" paper collectible. Use your best common sense judgement here, just as you would anywhere else.

Also, keep this in mind; the shop in the photo above appears to have only furniture for sale. But remember this! You can fit a lot of old paper goods into a small area.

If you don't see anything that catches your fancy, ask the owner before you leave! There's a good chance that they have a box of paper goods somewhere! It never hurts to ask...

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