Upscale Consignment Shop
Sell consigned furniture, antiques, and household goods
Overview
Consignment shops keep 40-60% of sale price with remaining 40-60% to consignor.
Shops generate $150,000-$800,000 annually with 30-45% net margins after rent, labor, and overhead.
In 2025, consignment provides sustainable shopping and liquidation outlet for quality used goods.
Accept furniture, antiques, decor, art, collectibles, and household items on consignment (typically 60-90 day terms).
Successful consignment shops curate quality items, price competitively, display attractively, track inventory with software, rotate stock regularly, and maintain clean upscale atmosphere.
Location critical: affluent areas with foot traffic.
Can specialize: furniture, antiques, home decor, or upscale general.
Many shoppers prefer consignment for sustainable shopping and deals.
Marketing through local presence, social media, email list, and interior designers.
Required Skills
- Retail Management
- Merchandising
- Pricing
- Inventory Management
- Customer Service
- Consignor Relations
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Inventory provided by consignors (no buying)
- Sustainable shopping trend growing
- Affluent customers seek quality used goods
- Can build loyal consignor base
- Multiple revenue streams (consignment, buy-sell)
Cons
- High retail space rent
- Managing consignor expectations
- Inventory turns vary by item
- Consignor pickups and paperwork
- Long time to profitability
How to Get Started
- Learn consignment business operations
- Secure retail location in affluent area
- Set consignment terms (split, duration, pricing)
- Invest in point-of-sale and inventory software
- Recruit quality consignors
- Merchandise store attractively
- Build customer base through marketing
Explore More Estate & Personal Property Auctions Ideas
Discover additional business opportunities in this category.
View All Estate & Personal Property Auctions Ideas →