Many of my posts focus on how to control the amount of money that leaves your household. Occasionally I’d like to bring you some ideas on how to bring some money in to your household. Here’s an idea that is really gaining in popularity–consigning your furniture.
Take a look around you. Do you have too much stuff? Look in your basement, attic, garage, shed–are there pieces of furniture in storage that have been there for months or years? Be realistic-why are you saving it if you’re not using it? What are your plans for this piece of furniture (redecorating a room, etc.) and is it realistic that is going to happen?
The first step to consigning furniture is to dust it off and take a picture. Then print it and take it or email it to your local consignment store. I recommend you print it & take it with you so that you can also evaluate the store for yourself. Look around the store, get a feel for what they are selling and the prices they are asking. Ask the person what their percentage split is. It should be in the range of 80% you/20% them, down to 65% you/35% them.
If you do choose to bring your items in, make sure you are clear on their policies. Some charge a percentage if they have to go pick up the item for you. Know your end date for consignment and what happens to your items after that date. Some shop will continually reduce the price until it sells; make sure you are comfortable with that.
Locals, you have a few shops to check out if you decide to do this:
Consign-It Furniture-New Garden shopping center, 610.444.9290
The Mushroom Cap-‘downtown’ Kennett Square, only consigns antique furniture, 610.444.8484
Abernethy’s-Avondale, website
Encore-Chadds Ford/Kennett/Longwood area; 610.388.6269. Personally, I find their consignment procedure to cumbersome to even bother, you have to go at like 6 or 7 in the morning and wait in line for hours, seriously. But it is a busy shop and there is a good chance your things will sell, if you’re willing to make the effort. And I’ve heard that they are trying to make their policies & procedures more friendly, so it may be changing.
