Ever wonder how some people find those stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces without the shocking price tag? Welcome to the world of consignment—Roswell's best-kept secret for designer style.
It’s a smart partnership where a local, trusted store sells your high-quality, pre-loved furniture on your behalf. Instead of buying it from you outright, they display it in their curated showroom, and you both share the profit once it sells. For shoppers from Alpharetta to East Cobb, it’s the perfect way to find designer styles for a whole lot less.
How Consignment Actually Works
Think of it as a curated team-up. You bring in a beautiful piece of furniture you no longer need, and a store like Board of Trade in Roswell showcases and sells it for you.
This isn’t a thrift store—it’s a showroom where every single item is hand-picked for its style, quality, and condition. For shoppers in Alpharetta or Milton, it’s a treasure hunt for unique, designer-level finds. For sellers, it's easily the smartest way to turn that unwanted furniture into cash.
The Win-Win Model
The process is refreshingly straightforward and built to benefit everyone involved. Unlike a thrift store where you just drop things off, or a private sale where you have to do all the work, consignment creates a true win-win.
- For the Seller (Consignor): You get access to our beautiful Roswell showroom, professional marketing, and built-in customer base without the headaches of listing items online or meeting strangers.
- For the Buyer (Shopper): You discover a curated collection of high-quality, carefully inspected items from top brands at a fraction of what they cost new. It's like finding Avalon style at consignment value.
- For the Store: We get to offer a unique, ever-changing inventory of designer furniture, decor, and fashion to our community in Roswell, East Cobb, and beyond.
This sustainable model is becoming a major force in the furniture world for a reason. Consignment sits right at the intersection of a massive global furniture industry and a booming second-hand market.
In fact, the global market for second-hand furniture was valued at over USD 34 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow nearly twice as fast as the new furniture sector. That means resale formats like consignment are a smart, modern way to furnish your home.
Consignment vs. Everything Else
To really see what makes consignment different, it helps to compare it to the other options out there. Here's a quick look at how it stacks up against donating, private selling, and buying brand new.
| Method | For the Seller (Consignor) | For the Buyer (Shopper) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture Consignment | Earn money (typically 40-60% of sale price) with minimal effort. The store handles marketing and sales. | Find unique, high-quality, pre-vetted pieces at great prices in a trusted retail setting. | Getting fair value for premium items without the hassle; finding curated designer pieces for less. |
| Donating | Receive a tax deduction but no cash. Quick and easy way to clear out unwanted items. | Not applicable for acquiring items, but supports a good cause. | Quickly getting rid of items you no longer need, especially if they don't have high resale value. |
| Private Selling (Marketplace, etc.) | Keep 100% of the profit, but you do all the work—photos, listings, messages, and meeting buyers. | Can find bargains, but quality is a gamble. Involves haggling and dealing with strangers. | People with the time and patience to manage the entire sales process to maximize their cash return. |
| Buying New Retail | Not applicable. | Get the latest styles with a warranty, but pay the highest price. Often involves long lead times. | Those who need a specific item immediately, prefer brand-new condition, and have a larger budget. |
Each method has its place, but consignment truly hits that sweet spot of value, convenience, and quality for both the person selling and the person shopping.
Understanding The Financials
A crucial part of consignment, whether you're buying or selling, is understanding an item's value. For a wider perspective, it’s worth learning how to price items for resale to get the best return—a concept that works for furniture, fashion, and more.
And if you're totally new to this way of shopping, our guide on what is consignment shopping is a great place to start. It breaks down the entire experience from start to finish.
Score Designer Looks for Less
If you love high-end style but not the high-end price tags, consignment is your secret weapon. For savvy shoppers in East Cobb or Cumming, this is the single biggest win: bringing home designer brands and solid wood furniture for a fraction of what you’d pay at a luxury retailer in Avalon or Downtown Alpharetta.
But the appeal of consignment furniture goes way beyond just the price tag. Every piece you find in a curated shop like Board of Trade has been carefully vetted for its quality, condition, and style. You’re not just buying a used item; you’re investing in something that has already proven its durability and timeless appeal.
More Than Just a Good Deal
Choosing pre-owned designer furniture and decor is also a powerful way to shop sustainably. You’re giving beautiful, well-made items a second life, keeping them out of landfills and reducing the demand for new manufacturing. It's this eco-conscious mindset that's a huge driver behind the booming second-hand furniture market.
In fact, the global second-hand furniture market is projected to grow at nearly double the pace of the new furniture sector. A mix of environmental and economic pressures is turning consignment into a mainstream choice. Analysts point to eco-conscious consumer sentiment as one of the strongest growth drivers out there. For shoppers searching for "consignment furniture" in the Atlanta area, this trend means more choices, higher quality, and better prices than ever before. You can learn more about the growing global furniture market on Statista.com.
The best part of consignment shopping is the thrill of discovery. It’s the excitement of finding that unique, character-filled piece that makes your home truly yours—something you simply can’t get from a big-box store.
Benefits for Local Shoppers
Whether you're coming from Marietta, Forsyth County, or just around the corner here in Roswell, shopping consignment has clear perks:
- Find Designer Brands for Less: Score pieces from top names without the luxury sticker shock.
- Unique, Curated Selection: Discover one-of-a-kind items that add real personality and style to your home.
- Quality You Can Trust: Our team inspects every single item, so you can shop with total confidence.
- Support a Local Business: When you shop with us, you're supporting a trusted, local Roswell establishment.
Ready to see these benefits for yourself? Drop by our Roswell showroom to explore our ever-changing collection of furniture, decor, and pre-owned designer fashion. It’s time to find your next designer piece.
Turn Your Furniture into Cash
Have a high-quality piece of furniture just sitting there, taking up space? For anyone in Forsyth County or Alpharetta with furniture that deserves a new life, consignment is hands-down the easiest way to turn it into cash.
It all starts with a simple question: is your piece a good fit for our showroom? We'll help you look at the brand, style, and condition to see if it’s what our shoppers are looking for. Our whole goal is to make the experience rewarding, transforming that unused dining table or armchair from a space-filler into a valuable asset.
Making Consignment Work for You
Once you've picked out a few potential pieces, it's time to understand how a consignment partnership actually works. Forget the hassle of marketplace listings or the lowball offers of a yard sale. This is a professional service designed to get you the best possible return with the least amount of effort.
We handle everything from taking stunning photos that show off your furniture's best features to walking you through the consignment agreement. No confusing jargon here.
Key terms like the commission split become crystal clear. At Board of Trade, we're all about a fair partnership, which is why we offer a fantastic 60% payout on items that sell for over $500. It’s a transparent approach so you know exactly what to expect from day one.
Pricing is where our expertise really shines. It's part art, part science. Our Roswell team assesses each piece based on its original value, the prestige of the brand, its current condition, and—most importantly—what today’s buyers are searching for. This ensures your furniture is priced to sell, attracting serious shoppers from Marietta all the way to Milton.
This simple flowchart shows why shoppers love consignment, which is the secret to getting your items sold faster.
It’s this combination of amazing value, vetted quality, and one-of-a-kind finds that keeps people coming back to our Roswell showroom.
Prep Your Furniture for Sale
A little prep work can make a huge difference in your final payout. Before bringing your items in for evaluation, give them a quick once-over to make sure they look their best. A simple cleaning or a fresh coat of polish can seriously boost appeal.
If you have a piece with great bones but a dated finish, you might even consider a little refresh. For some inspiration, check out these easy and creative DIY tips for upcycling furniture.
Want the full playbook? For a complete walkthrough of the entire process, from the initial evaluation to getting paid, take a look at our detailed guide on how to sell high-end furniture on consignment. It’s packed with actionable tips to help you succeed.
When you're ready, just get in touch with our Roswell team. Let's find your beautiful pieces a new home where they'll be cherished all over again.
How to Spot a Great Find
Alright, let's turn you into a consignment shopping pro. When you walk into a showroom, you want to feel confident you’re getting more than just a good deal—you’re getting a piece that will last. While a trusted consignment store like Board of Trade does a lot of the initial vetting for you, knowing what to look for yourself is the real secret to finding the absolute best.
First things first: measure everything. I mean it. Know the dimensions of your room, your doorways, and your stairwells. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than falling in love with a stunning credenza only to realize it won’t fit through the front door. Having your numbers ready makes the treasure hunt so much more efficient.
Check for Quality Construction
Once you’re in the showroom and a piece catches your eye, it’s time to play detective. The signs of true quality are often in the small details that big-box stores almost always skip.
- Materials Matter: Always look for solid wood construction instead of particleboard or MDF. These engineered woods are heavy but just don't have the same lifespan. Open a drawer or peek at the back of a piece—that’s where you can usually see the raw material.
- Joints Tell the Story: High-quality furniture is built to last, and that shows in how it's put together. Look for classic woodworking techniques like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints. These interlocking joints are a hallmark of craftsmanship and strength, a world away from pieces held together with just staples and glue.
- Give It a Wiggle: A well-made piece should feel solid. Don't be shy—gently press on the corners of a table or the arms of a chair. If it wobbles, rocks, or creaks excessively, it might have structural issues that aren't worth the headache.
This hands-on inspection is your best tool for separating a true designer find from a disposable fast-furniture piece. It’s how you find items with the style you’d see at Avalon but at a much smarter value.
Inspect the Condition Honestly
Every pre-owned piece has a history, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. Your job is to decide which imperfections you can live with and which are deal-breakers. A few minor scratches on a wooden table can often be polished out and simply add to its character.
Remember, curated consignment isn't about finding something flawless—it's about finding something with lasting quality and timeless style. The story behind a piece is part of its value.
When you find something you love, take a moment to really look it over. Run your hands over surfaces to feel for deep gouges. For upholstered items, check carefully for stains, tears, or any lingering odors.
Here’s a quick mental checklist you can run through on the showroom floor:
Quick Inspection Checklist
| Area to Inspect | What to Look For (The Good) | What to Avoid (The Bad) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Surfaces | Minor surface scratches, even patina, solid feel | Deep gouges, water rings, veneer peeling, cracks |
| Joints & Structure | Tight-fitting dovetails, sturdy legs, no wobbling | Obvious glue, staples, excessive creaking or rocking |
| Upholstery | Evenly worn fabric, firm cushions, clean smell | Noticeable stains, tears, frayed seams, musty odors |
| Drawers & Doors | Glide smoothly, close flush, have original hardware | Stick or jam, hang unevenly, missing knobs or pulls |
| Overall Finish | Consistent color, feels smooth to the touch | Sun-fading on one side, sticky or tacky finish |
This simple check helps train your eye to spot the keepers.
At our 10,000 sq ft Roswell showroom, we carefully curate our collection to ensure every piece meets a high standard, giving shoppers from Alpharetta to Marietta total peace of mind. Drop by and put your new skills to the test.
Your Roswell Designer Consignment Hub
Consider this your official invitation. Come step inside Board of Trade’s massive 10,000 sq ft Roswell showroom and explore a curated world where luxury is always within reach. We’re a true treasure trove for savvy shoppers from all over North Atlanta, offering a stunning collection that goes way beyond just furniture.
Think Avalon-level style, but with the smart value that only consignment can deliver. Our location is perfectly convenient for our friends and neighbors in Milton, Marietta, and Alpharetta who are hunting for that next statement piece to really define a room or a wardrobe.
More Than Just Furniture
While our incredible consignment furniture selection is a cornerstone of the showroom, the discovery doesn’t stop there. We’ve become the local, trusted source for all things luxury consignment. Our ever-changing collection always has something new.
- Women’s Designer Consignment: We're talking timeless pieces from iconic brands like Chanel and Gucci. Browse our racks to refresh your wardrobe with pre-owned designer fashion.
- Men’s Designer Consignment: This is where you elevate your style with pre-owned designer fashion from names like Burberry.
- Designer Handbags & Accessories: You might just score that coveted handbag you've been dreaming of or the perfect accessory to tie an outfit together.
We bring that high-end boutique experience right here to Roswell, making it easy to find top-tier designer brands without the long drive or the eye-watering price tag. It's all part of a bigger shift in how we shop, where sustainability and getting real value are finally getting the attention they deserve.
It’s no surprise that consignment furniture is part of this wave. The global market for off-the-shelf second-hand furniture was valued at around USD 38.32 billion in 2023 and is expected to nearly double by 2032. North America holds about a third of that market, largely because efficient logistics have made consignment a seamless and trusted way to buy and sell. If you want to dive deeper, you can explore detailed furniture market research from Straits Research.
At Board of Trade, we believe luxury should be accessible, sustainable, and genuinely exciting. We curate pieces that tell a story, offering you a unique way to express your personal style.
Your Local Luxury Consignment Hub
Conveniently located in Roswell, our showroom is an easy drop-in for anyone in East Cobb, Forsyth County, or the surrounding northern Atlanta suburbs. Whether you're refreshing your home decor or on the hunt for a specific designer piece, we make the whole experience fun and rewarding. Our guide to shopping for furniture on consignment can give you even more great tips for your next visit.
Drop by the showroom, browse our racks, and see what's new. We can’t wait to help you find your next great designer piece today. Visit us in Roswell!
Your Top Questions, Answered
Got a few questions? We get it. Here are the clear, straightforward answers to the most common things we hear from both buyers and consignors in our Roswell showroom. Consider this your consignment cheat sheet.
Is It Just… Used?
Not even close. Think of it less as "used" and more as curated pre-owned. There's a world of difference between a high-end consignment store and your average thrift store.
Unlike places that take general donations, a trusted shop like Board of Trade is incredibly selective. We only accept designer and high-end brands that are in pristine, showroom-ready condition. Our team personally inspects every single submission to make sure it meets our strict standards for quality, style, and authenticity.
What does that mean for you? It means shoppers from Milton to East Cobb can find Avalon-level style without the guesswork. You aren’t digging through piles of stuff—you're exploring a hand-picked collection of treasures.
How Do You Decide the Price?
Pricing is part art, part science, and a whole lot of experience. Our team of experts weighs several key factors to land on a price that’s fair for the consignor and a fantastic value for the buyer.
With over 30 years of experience right here in the Roswell and North Atlanta market, we know what our neighbors are looking for and what they’re willing to pay for it. We don't just pull numbers out of thin air; we analyze.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain at what goes into our pricing:
- Original Retail Price: We always start with what the item cost brand new.
- The Brand's Cachet: A sought-after designer name will always hold its value better.
- Current Condition: We meticulously check for any signs of wear to ensure the piece is in top-notch shape.
- Local Market Demand: We have our finger on the pulse of current trends in Forsyth County and the surrounding areas. Is it hot right now? That matters.
This careful, data-driven approach ensures our consignors get a great return and our buyers walk away with incredible designer finds at a price that feels like a steal.
Can I Haggle?
While we don't do traditional haggling, the consignment model has a smart feature built right in: a markdown schedule. Honestly, it's one of the most exciting parts of the consignment shopping game!
If a piece has been in our Roswell showroom for a certain amount of time (say, 30 or 60 days), its price often gets an automatic reduction. This system keeps our inventory constantly fresh and gives savvy shoppers a great reason to pop in regularly. You never know when that accent chair you’ve been eyeing will suddenly hit an even sweeter price point.
The thrill of the hunt is a huge part of the consignment experience. Frequent visits mean you’re the first to spot new arrivals and catch the best deals the moment they happen.
So while you can't barter at the register, you can absolutely play the long game. Keep an eye on an item's tag, time your visit right, and you could score an even more amazing deal.
How Do I Start Consigning in Roswell?
Getting started is way easier than you think. You don’t need an appointment just to get the ball rolling, and we’ve made the process seamless for our neighbors in Alpharetta, Marietta, and beyond.
The single best first step is to email us clear photos of the items you’re interested in consigning. This is a non-negotiable step that saves everyone a ton of time and allows us to give you a quick, honest assessment.
Once we receive your photos, our team will review them to see if your pieces are a good fit for our showroom's aesthetic. We'll look at the style, the brand, and the visible condition. From there, we’ll reply quickly to let you know the next steps. It’s that simple.
Ready to discover the best in designer furniture, fashion, and decor? Visit Board of Trade Fine Consignments in Roswell today to explore our 10,000 sq ft showroom and find your next treasure.