Exchange Accounts
Consignors who are also customers can benefit from a 60/40 split instead of the standard 50/50. Their 60% is put into a running account from which they can spend. We advise allowing the account to run in the negative, but not more than $5.00. Customers choosing this kind of account are not permitted to take their 60% in cash. This account is used for credit only. “Drop & Run”
This service is for customers who prefer not to wait while items are checked in. It is also ONLY for customers that will trust your judgment. Make sure your consignor knows that your decision is final. Drop & Run is a huge convenience for busy or impatient customers and can bring in a lot of very good consignments. This service is not for customers who want their “un-wanteds” returned to them. Be strict and keep Drop & Run what it is meant to be. Inventory sheets should be mailed and unacceptable items become the property of Your Store.
Appointment Setting. Requiring appointments for consignors is unadvised as most consignors are spontaneous. Make the process of consignment as convenient for the customer as possible. Most will put their items in their car and drive over when it is convenient for them. Appointments are great for the very busy store or the professional consignor. Estate Consignment
In the event of a death, the family may contact you directly to help with their personal items. Our advice is to accept everything and anything and separate acceptable merchandise into sellable seasons once back at Your Store. Explain that any soiled, damaged, un-sellable merchandise or items remaining after their selling season become the property of Your Store. In an effort to reduce the burden on the family, offering to pick up the merchandise is helpful. If you choose not to pick-up, advise them to deliver everything to your place of business in large plastic bags. All fees should be waived and unacceptable items can be donated in the consignor’s name, if requested. Estate consignment contracts should be for one year and paid to the family at the end of each selling season.
Charity Donations
Allow donations to be made at anytime with no limit on the amount donated. Note on the bags the charity of their choice at the time of drop-off. Separate these items into sellable seasons and inventory as they sell. Pay the charity every quarter, at the end of each selling season or however is best for you. When they receive their check, they are sure to mention Your Shop’s name and possibly send you more consignors. Specifics should be discussed with the charity treasurer.
Pick-up Service Pick-up of large consignments or donations can be lucrative. Request merchandise be packed neatly into bags, no boxes. Unacceptable items will not be returned and will become the property of Your Store. A 10% pick-up fee can be deducted from the total due the consignor at the end of the consignment term. Large Consignments
Most of the above will result in A LOT of merchandise. If possible, don’t inventorying these items when they come in, but record them as they sell. A quick method of dealing with large consignments is to sort into seasonal piles as well salvageable and non-salvageable. Non-salvageable items should be tossed immediately, lightening the load. Salvageable items, items that need laundering, minor mending, etc., become the property of Your Store*. Items appropriate for the current selling season should be tagged and prepared for the selling floor. Items for other seasons can be boxed and tagged at a later date. Do not forget to label the box with the appropriate person or charity and the correct selling season.
*ConsignmentShops.com does not recommend, other than pressing, preparing your consignor’s items for sale. Laundering should be a requirement of your consignor and damaged goods should not be accepted. | 
