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We have an antique two-piece hutch and an oak, claw-foot dinette table with chairs that we no longer need. We wanted to put them on Craigslist, but then thought that we may be better off placing them in a consignment shop. I am looking for opinions on which venue is better and any experiences forumites have had selling furniture in consignment shops. Any recommendations for good consignment shops?
I would try CL first because it's easier - puts the onus on the buyer - and people for some reason are willing to pay whatever you ask (or close to it) on CL. I know someone who sold her cribs on CL for more than I paid for mine brand new. The mind boggles, but CL is one of those things where people seem to believe they are getting a bargain just because it's listed there.
It costs nothing to list on CL. If you do go the consignment route eventually, it won't bother you because you know you tried on your own first.
There is a shop in Riverhead on main street called th red collection. They have some very high end stuff as well as genuine antiques. I don't know what agreement they make but they seem to sell a lot of furniture.
I know you want to sell at a consignment shop but just want to let you know I've had a lot of success on Craigslist. I sold a stroller (for 400 cash!!), a crib, rocking chair, dresser, play kitchen, tricycle and more. I always made sure my husband was home so I was not alone. The buyers pull up to my garage, give me the cash, and drive away happy. Its great.
There is a shop in Riverhead on main street called th red collection. They have some very high end stuff as well as genuine antiques. I don't know what agreement they make but they seem to sell a lot of furniture.
CL is a good idea - but you are only going to gain exposure to locals (very few CL users know how to search all the individual CL's across the country when looking for something). Tip for using CL: take GOOD pictures that ACCURATELY represent your item, do not allow email responses to your ad, and require interested parties to call you on the phone (helps to eliminate Nigerian scammers and the like).
You can not beat an eBay classified ad for the level of exposure it gives you and the small price eBay charges. I recently sold 2 rather expensive leather chairs to someone from upper Westchester and sold a very large wine cabinet to a fellow that drove up from DC - both as a result of eBay classifieds. Both were lovely people who would have not likely have seen my items had I placed them only on CL or in a local consignment shop.
Yes, they have couches and other seating. It seems some of their stuff comes from the Hamptons and north fork so some of it is amazing! Certainly some hidden treasures.
CL is a good idea - but you are only going to gain exposure to locals (very few CL users know how to search all the individual CL's across the country when looking for something). Tip for using CL: take GOOD pictures that ACCURATELY represent your item, do not allow email responses to your ad, and require interested parties to call you on the phone (helps to eliminate Nigerian scammers and the like).
You can not beat an eBay classified ad for the level of exposure it gives you and the small price eBay charges. I recently sold 2 rather expensive leather chairs to someone from upper Westchester and sold a very large wine cabinet to a fellow that drove up from DC - both as a result of eBay classifieds. Both were lovely people who would have not likely have seen my items had I placed them only on CL or in a local consignment shop.
That's really good to know. Did you find that ebay was better for your high end stuff? When I looked on CL, it seemed to be more for people who wanted basic furniture. I ask, because within the year, I want to sell some well-made pieces, but in this economy, it seems that most people need basic functionality and I really don't want to just give this stuff away.
That's really good to know. Did you find that ebay was better for your high end stuff? When I looked on CL, it seemed to be more for people who wanted basic furniture. I ask, because within the year, I want to sell some well-made pieces, but in this economy, it seems that most people need basic functionality and I really don't want to just give this stuff away.
In my opinion, posting items on eBay requires a more sophisticated seller which in return often attracts a more sophisticated buyer. eBay also provides a certain comfort level for buyers over CL. At least on eBay a potential buyer can review your feedback to get a feel for your honesty/legitimacy before contacting you. CL is often a crap-shoot. I've dealt with some good people on CL as well as some real fruitcakes! If my memory recalls - I recovered approximately 50% of the original purchase price of the furniture I sold after 9 years of ownership (meticulously cared for in a smoke-free/pet-free home). I think that's pretty good for furniture - especially large/difficult-to-move pieces.
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