Consider Your Items

Local prices – Check out local prices at consignment stores, antique stores, and auction houses.

Online prices – Check out eBay "completed auctions" to see what your items are selling for. (Must be a registered eBay user.) Or for 90 days of historical completed sales, see eBay Marketplace Research starting at $2.99. Your consignment seller can also tell you what similar items have sold for on eBay.

On Site Consultations – Many consignment sellers offer free home or business consultations if you have a lot of items to sell. This is especially true for estate sales and business liquidations. eBay Pick-Up Services consignment sellers always come to you.

Size and Weight – Can items be easily mailed? Or should the item be sold locally?

Pickup and Delivery – Many consignment sellers offer free or reasonably priced pick up and delivery options for large items. Sellers may want to see furniture pictures prior to pickup. Consignment sellers who offer eBay Pick- Up Services will come to your home or business for free.

Uniqueness – Are the items common or rare? On eBay, sale prices for common items are generally low while prices for unique items can be very high due to a worldwide audience.

Quantity – How many items do you have to sell? A few items? An entire estate? For large estates, you may want to use several different types of sellers to get top dollar.

Personal Considerations

Goal – Do you want top dollar or do you just want to get rid of the stuff?

Time – How much time and energy do you have? Ebay auctions are usually seven days while consignment and antique shops usually display items for 60 - 90 days. If you are moving, will you be around to reclaim your unsold items in three months?

Emotional Mindset – Are you overwhelmed? Has someone recently passed away? If so, is it too painful to personally handle the estate?

Need for Cash – Do you need to raise money quickly? Most resale sellers and some consignment sellers pay cash on the spot. You may receive less money, but there's no 90 day wait and no risk of your items not selling.

Family Members – Never underestimate the influence they may have to encourage you to downsize. They can either be your cheerleader or your critic.

Want to sell on eBay?

You may even want to try selling on eBay yourself. Ebay gives you a world wide audience. If you have the time, interest, and a digital camera, then why not give eBay a chance? See List an Item for Sell on eBay.

Consignment Details

Appointments – Call ahead to ask if you need an appointment.

Contract – Your written and signed contract should include commission fees, length of contract, return policy, insurance, theft, pay out schedule, price reduction schedule, etc. You should also receive an itemized inventory of items left with the seller. Your initial list may state numbers only (2 shirts, 5 shoes, etc.) with a detailed computerized list to follow.

Fees – Expect fees of about 25 - 50% depending upon the value. For online sales, ask if eBay fees or Pay Pal fees are included or extra. Fees should be clearly stated in the contract. Repeat customers may receive discounts. Referral incentives may also reduce fees.

Be Selective – If you have a lot to sell, give a few items to four different sellers. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. After a trial period, let your favorite sellers handle the rest.

Setting Prices – A consignment seller should quote you an expected selling price range for each item. If the seller does not know the value or is unwilling to do some research, then find another seller. Remember, this is not the Antiques Roadshow or an insurance appraisal. Be reasonable.