Antiques – Stores, Malls, Shows, and Online Sellers

Antiques Collectibles, and Vintage includes antique shops, antique malls, antique galleries, antique shows and online sellers at GoAntiques, eBay, Ruby Lane, TIAS, etc.

Most antique dealers prefer to buy items outright. However, some antique dealers and antique malls accept items on consignment on a space available basis while others specifically allocate space for consignment items, especially for high priced items. The antique mall manager can refer you to an antique dealer who specializes in your items. Some dealers offer consignment options for items originally purchased from their store. To sell an item to a dealer during a show, please be discreet and wait patiently if they are busy making a sale.

Art – Galleries, Exhibitions, and Antique Stores 

Art includes art exhibitions, art galleries, antique stores featuring fine art, and resale furniture stores featuring decorative arts.

Some antique stores buy or consign important estate paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Most high-end art galleries exhibit original works from their favorite artists only and do not accept art from other artists or individuals. To sell inexpensive paintings, pictures, or sculptures, try a consignment or resale furniture store.

Auctioneers

Auction Houses includes auctioneers with brick and mortar auction house businesses. Some auction houses may also sell online.

Although auctioneers traditionally sell groups of items or an entire estate, if your item is valuable, an auctioneer may be a good choice. For unique collections, consider using an auctioneer who specializes in your items. 

Business Liquidation – Auctioneers, eBay, and other Online Sellers

Business Liquidation includes auction houses, resale shops, company websites, and online venues like eBay Amazon. Business Liquidators sell surplus inventory and/or business assets.

Consignment Pal Business Directory companies can help you liquidate surplus and returned items in a one shot deal or on an ongoing basis to free up valuable warehouse or showroom space.

Collectors

Collectors are typically individuals, not businesses, who actively buy, sell, and/or trade items directly with other collectors, antique dealers, buyers, or sellers.

Cut out the middleman! Buy directly from the collectors who want to sell their collectibles for cash. If you want to purchase specific collectibles items, simply put "Wanted to Buy " in your Consignment Pal profile and specifically list the items you want. Ditto for "Want to Sell XYZ".

Consignment Stores

Consignment Shops generally accept items for 60 or 90 days and pay customers if and when items sell. Unsold items are returned, donated, or become the property of the consignment store. Some Consignment Stores also buy items outright for cash.

Accepting items on consignment means that payment is only made when items sell.  Consignment stores generally keep items for 60 - 90 days with periodic markdowns. Unsold items are returned, donated, or become the property of the store. Some consignment stores have the word “resale” in their name even though they do not buy items outright. It is best to ask for clarification since many consignment stores also buy items outright and trade. Although most consignment stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular.  

eCommerce - eBay, Amazon, Business Websites, etc.

eBay consignment specialists include eBay Drop Off Stores, eBay Pick Up Services, and eBay Trading Assistant consignment sellers operating out of a home or business office.

eCommerce includes company websites and sellers using online selling venues like Amazon, GoAntiques, OnlineAuction, Overstock, uBid, etc.

While eBay is the largest and most diversified online selling venue, consignment sellers also use Amazon, uBid, Google, Overstock, and independent websites. Ebay sellers receive items through eBay Drop Off Stores and eBay Pick Up Services. Ebay calls their consignment sellers “eBay Trading Assistants” (TAs). See “Sell on eBay” for details.

Estate Sales

Although most sales are conducted on-site, some companies hold the estate sales online. Estate Sales may be the equivalent of Business Liquidation on a residential level.

Estate Sales are ideal for selling all the items in a house. Basic packages include pricing, display, advertising, hosting the sale, and cleanup. Expect to pay more for a preview party, itemized legal inventory, dumpster rental, and other extras. For specialty items, working directly with art, antique, or fine jewelry dealers may net higher profits.

Non Profit Stores

Non-Profit Stores includes charitable nonprofit stores and thrift shops offering job training, food and shelter, and other social programs for the local community.

Charitable nonprofit stores and thrift shops operated by the Junior League, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army offer education, shelter, and other social programs. Depending upon your tax situation, donating may net you about the same or more than consignment or garage sale options.

Resale Stores

Resale Stores generally buy items outright for cash or offer store credit if you want to trade. Some Resale Shops offer consignment too.

Resale stores buy items outright and pay more if you accept store credit rather than cash. This is especially true with clothing for kids and teens. Because resale stores assume the risk of the clothes not selling, they generally pay slightly less money than a consignment store. Expect to receive one bulk quote for all items rather than individual per item offers. Some resale stores will consign if the item is expensive or the manager is nervous about how quickly it will sell. Although most resale stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular.  

Third Party Service Providers

Service Providers include consultants, writers, conferences, associations, etc. to help businesses grow, gain knowledge, save time, and save money.