Consignment can be a dream for vintage sellers — you get access to incredible pieces without the upfront cost of buying them. But it comes with one big challenge: keeping track of what belongs to whom, what’s sold, and what needs to be returned.
Without a clear system, it’s easy to lose track of payments, misplace stock, or damage relationships with consignors. Here’s how to manage consignment inventory with confidence.
When you take a consignment item, record:
A photo record is equally important — it protects both you and the consignor if disputes arise.
Even in a small operation, consigned items can get mixed with owned stock. Use a separate SKU system, colored tags, or physical storage sections to keep consignment stock distinct.
Consignment works best when consignors get timely updates. The faster you can notify them of a sale and pay their share, the more trust you’ll build — and the more likely they’ll send you future stock.
If an item doesn’t sell after the agreed period, it should be returned promptly. Having a standard consignment agreement with timelines avoids misunderstandings.
When a consigned piece sells:
This transparency strengthens the relationship and encourages repeat consignments.
Mixing the two makes it difficult to see which model is more profitable for your business. Keep separate reports for consignment sales and owned stock to guide your sourcing strategy.
Consignment is a powerful way to expand your inventory and attract higher-value pieces without tying up capital — but only if you have an airtight system to track every step.
Many sellers use Oly to log consignor details, track sales in real time, and calculate commissions automatically, so nothing slips through the cracks.
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