So, what’s the bottom line? How much do you actually make when you consign that amazing designer piece?
The short answer is this: most consignment shops take a commission between 40% and 60% of the final selling price. That means you, the consignor, get to pocket the other 40% to 60%. The classic 50/50 split is still a very common and fair starting point you’ll see all over the industry, from local boutiques to big city stores.
The Secret Behind the 50/50 Split
You’re staring into your closet, looking at that gorgeous designer handbag you haven’t carried in a year, and thinking, "I could probably sell this." You're absolutely right. Consigning is one of the best ways to refresh your wardrobe, give beautiful pieces a second life, and earn some cash back.
But before you start clearing out your closet, it helps to understand exactly how the money side works.
That percentage the consignment shop takes? It’s their fee for doing all the heavy lifting. Think about everything that goes into selling your pre-owned gems. A trusted local shop like Board of Trade provides a beautiful showroom in Roswell, an expert team to price and display your items perfectly, and a built-in audience of eager shoppers from Alpharetta, Marietta, and beyond. They handle the marketing, the customer service, the credit card fees—all of it.
Why the 50/50 Split is a True Partnership
The 50/50 split became the gold standard for a reason: it’s a true partnership. The store invests its resources—rent, staff, marketing, and years of expertise—to get your item sold. Your investment is the beautiful, high-quality piece itself. This split keeps both sides motivated to get the best possible price. It’s a win-win.
This simple chart shows that classic model in action, where the value is shared right down the middle between you and the store.
This balanced approach is really the heart of the consignment world.
Historically, and still today in 2025, most brick-and-mortar consignment stores take somewhere between 40% and 60% of the sale price. That range gives shops flexibility based on an item’s value and the services they offer, but the 50/50 model holds strong for its straightforward fairness.
Before we get deeper into the numbers, it’s helpful to understand the fundamentals of consignment selling. At its core, it’s a collaboration. You provide the amazing designer pieces, and a curated shop provides the platform and expertise to connect them with new owners who will love them just as much.
Here at Board of Trade, we make that process seamless for our consignors across East Cobb and Forsyth County. Drop by our Roswell store and see for yourself how we turn your style into someone else's treasure.
Why Some Shops Take More (And Why It’s Worth It)
Ever wonder why one consignment store offers you a 60/40 payout while the shop down the street sticks to a classic 50/50? That difference isn't just a random number—it’s a direct reflection of the value and service that store brings to the table. Understanding the "why" behind those percentages helps you make the smartest choice for your designer pieces.
Think of a consignment store’s commission as their fee for a whole suite of professional services. It’s not just about hanging your dress on a rack. At a curated shop like Board of Trade in Roswell, that percentage covers a lot more ground than you might think.
It includes the cost of a prime retail location, expert authentication for those high-end designer handbags, professional photography, marketing that attracts serious shoppers from Marietta and Milton, and a dedicated sales team. Essentially, you're partnering with an expert who handles all the legwork to get your item sold.
It All Comes Down to Value
Let's be real: not all items are created equal, and neither are their payout rates. The brand, condition, and flat-out desirability of your piece play a massive role in determining the consignment split. A pristine Chanel handbag will almost always command a better percentage for you than a contemporary dress, simply because it requires less marketing effort and has a built-in, high-demand audience ready to pounce.
Stores factor in several key elements when setting their rates:
- Brand Desirability: Iconic names like Louis Vuitton or Gucci often fetch higher payouts because they sell quickly and for top dollar.
- Item Category: High-value categories, such as fine jewelry or designer handbags, typically have more favorable splits for the consignor.
- Condition: Items that are new-with-tags or in like-new condition reduce the store’s workload (less cleaning and repair) and can justify a better rate.
- Market Value: An item expected to sell for over $500 will naturally get a better split than one priced under $50.
A higher commission at a top-tier store can often lead to more money in your pocket than a lower commission at a shop with less foot traffic. It’s about the final sale price, not just the percentage.
For our clients in Forsyth County or East Cobb, this is key. Choosing a shop that specializes in pre-owned designer fashion means you’re not just getting a space on a rack; you're accessing a targeted market of buyers willing to pay for quality.
That’s why our curated model at Board of Trade focuses on securing a fair return for high-end goods. We know the brands and the buyers, ensuring your pieces are valued correctly. Ready to see what your items are worth? Visit us in Roswell to get started.
Better Payouts for Your Best Brands
When it comes to that stunning Louis Vuitton bag or those Gucci loafers you’ve worn exactly once, the standard 50/50 split usually goes right out the window—and that’s a good thing for you.
For luxury and designer items, the rules are different. High-end consignment isn't just about selling clothes; it's about marketing valuable assets. The payout structure should reflect that. This is where a curated, specialized shop like Board of Trade really makes a difference for our consignors in Roswell, Marietta, and Alpharetta.
Instead of a flat rate, we often use a tiered commission model, which you might also hear called a sliding scale. It’s a simple concept designed to reward you with a higher percentage as your item's price goes up. Think of it as the store’s way of acknowledging the value of your pieces and encouraging you to bring in the best of the best.
Tiered Payouts = More Money For You
Let’s break it down. A contemporary dress that sells for $80 might land you a 40% payout. But a Chanel handbag that sells for $2,500? That’s a completely different ballgame. With a tiered system, your payout percentage literally climbs with the price tag.
For instance, a common luxury consignment structure might look something like this:
- Items under $200: You receive 40%
- Items from $201 - $999: You receive 50%
- Items over $1,000: You receive 60% or even 70%
This model is becoming the standard in the specialized luxury consignment world because shops know that high-ticket items require a much more competitive payout to attract top-tier inventory. It’s not unusual for luxury shops to give consignors 60% to 70% of the sale price for designer items that sell for several thousand dollars. You can dig into more pricing models over on ConsignCloud.com.
The bottom line is simple: the more valuable your item, the more you stand to earn. A trusted shop that specializes in pre-owned designer fashion knows how to price, market, and sell these pieces to a discerning audience, justifying a better return for you.
Why Your Designer Pieces Earn More Here
A consignor from Marietta who brings a coveted Rolex watch to Board of Trade is going to see a much higher return than they would at a general-purpose consignment store. Why? Because we have the expertise and, just as importantly, the right clientele looking for that exact level of quality. We live and breathe the market for both men's and women's designer consignment brands, from Burberry to Balenciaga.
This specialized approach ensures your items are positioned as the luxury goods they are, not just another piece of "used clothing." Our Roswell location makes it easy for consignors from East Cobb and Forsyth County to swing by and get an expert take on pricing for their high-end pieces. We’ve built an experience that feels more like a luxury boutique than a typical resale shop, which in turn attracts buyers who are ready to pay what your designer items are truly worth.
Ready to see what your luxury items could earn? Drop by our Roswell showroom to chat with our experts. We make it simple to turn your pre-owned designer fashion into a serious payout.
How To Get More Money From Your Consignment
Knowing the commission split is only half the battle. The real secret to a great payout is making sure your item sells for the highest possible price. After all, a 50% cut of a $400 sale is a lot better than 60% of a $200 one.
Here are a few insider tips to ensure you get the most money back for your pieces.
Think of it this way: you and the consignment shop are partners. The better your items look, the more they’ll fetch, and the more we both earn. At Board of Trade, our curation process here in Roswell is designed to reward consignors who bring us well-cared-for items that are ready for the sales floor.
A Little Prep Goes A Long Way
First impressions are everything in the world of designer consignment. An item that looks pristine, clean, and ready to wear will always command a higher price. It just feels more valuable. Before you bring anything to our store, a little prep work goes a long way.
To help you get started, we've put together a quick checklist. Following these simple steps before you consign helps ensure your items are accepted and priced for the highest possible return.
Your Pre-Consignment Checklist
| Checklist Item | Why It Matters | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clean & Press | Freshly laundered or dry-cleaned items feel new. No one wants to buy something with a spot or wrinkles. | For delicate items like silk or cashmere, professional dry-cleaning is a non-negotiable investment that pays off. |
| Inspect Closely | A missing button, a tiny scuff, or a loose thread can lead to a lower price or even rejection. | Check zippers, seams, and linings. These are the first places our team looks for signs of wear. |
| Include the Extras | The original box, dust bag, or authenticity card adds serious value, especially for handbags and shoes. | Gather everything that came with the item. For collectors, these details can be the deciding factor. |
An item that's "store-ready" gives us the confidence to price it at its peak value. The effort you put in beforehand directly impacts your final payout.
Seasonality is Everything
Timing is absolutely crucial in fashion. You want your items to hit the floor right when shoppers are looking for them. This is one of the easiest ways to boost your earnings without any extra cost.
It’s all about thinking seasonally. Bring in those beautiful cashmere sweaters and wool coats in late summer or early fall, not in the middle of April. On the flip side, sundresses and sandals will get snapped up quickly as spring starts to warm up.
By consigning just ahead of the season, you give your pieces the best shot at selling quickly and at full price. This approach aligns with how savvy shops manage their inventory, and understanding effective inventory management strategies can give you an edge as a consignor.
At Board of Trade, we’re always thinking about what our customers from Cumming to Milton will be searching for next month. When you partner with us, your items are presented at that perfect moment.
For more insider tips on getting the most from your pre-owned designer pieces, you can explore our https://goboardoftrade.com/blogs/trade-secrets blog. Or, even better, just drop by our Roswell location to start your consignment journey today
Find Avalon Style at Consignment Prices in Roswell
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land on how consignment commissions work, let’s talk about how we do things at Board of Trade. We built our shop on the idea that consignment should be simple, transparent, and rewarding for our partners. After all, you’re trusting us with your beautiful designer pieces, and that’s a responsibility we take seriously.
Our whole process is designed to be fair and get you the best possible price for your items. We’re a trusted local hub right here in Roswell, which makes it incredibly easy for our friends and neighbors in Marietta, East Cobb, and Alpharetta to swing by. We aren’t just another consignment store; we’re a curated destination for pre-owned designer fashion, offering the kind of quality you’d hunt for at Avalon but with the smart value only consignment can deliver.
Our Simple and Fair Payout Structure
We keep our commission rates straightforward because trust is everything. Here’s exactly what percentage our consignment shop takes and, more importantly, what you earn:
- For items selling for $500 or more, you receive a generous 60% of the final sale price.
- For items selling for less than $500, you receive 50% of the final sale price.
This tiered structure makes sure you earn a higher percentage for your most valuable pieces, from that investment handbag to fine jewelry. It’s our way of creating a true partnership that rewards quality.
We specialize in both women’s and men’s designer fashion, plus accessories, footwear, and even stunning consignment furniture and home décor. That variety brings in a wide range of discerning shoppers from all over—including Milton and Forsyth County—which means more eyes on your items and a better chance of a quick, profitable sale.
By focusing on a tightly curated collection, we maintain a high-end environment where shoppers trust the quality and consignors feel valued. For a closer look at how we blend boutique style with consignment savvy, check out The Roswell Edit on our blog.
Ready to get started? We’ve made the whole thing incredibly easy. Come experience the Board of Trade difference for yourself. Visit us in Roswell, and let’s turn your pre-loved designer goods into your next payout.
Find Your Next Designer Piece Today
Now that you know how the numbers work, it’s time for the best part: the thrill of the hunt. This is where the whole consignment journey comes full circle, and you get to reap the rewards of someone else’s closet cleanout. Our racks are packed with incredible finds just waiting for a new home.
Shopping resale at Board of Trade is about so much more than a good deal. It’s your chance to snag those unique, high-quality designer pieces—the kind you’d find in the boutiques at Avalon or Downtown Alpharetta—without that painful price tag. It's the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe, find a single statement piece, or just discover pre-loved fashion that feels completely you.
More Than a Store, We're a Local Destination
For our community here in Roswell, Marietta, and Alpharetta, shopping consignment is just a smarter way to live. It's local, it's sustainable, and it saves you money while letting you find brands you absolutely love. You're giving beautiful, well-made items a second life. We’ve carefully curated a collection of both women’s and men’s fashion, designer handbags, and unique home décor, so there’s always something new to see.
At Board of Trade, we believe luxury should be accessible. Our curated collection offers designer style and lasting quality at an amazing value, making every visit a treasure hunt.
Why not see the magic for yourself? Whether you live down the street in Roswell or are making a trip from East Cobb, Milton, or Forsyth County, we invite you to stop by. Come browse our ever-changing selection of designer brands and find your next favorite piece today.
Want a sneak peek? You can explore the Board of Trade collection online before you visit. We can't wait to see you.
A Few More Questions We Hear a Lot
Thinking about consigning is exciting, but it's natural to have a few questions before you dive in. We get it. You're entrusting us with your beautiful pieces, and you want to feel great about the process. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from first-time consignors around Roswell.
What Happens If My Item Doesn't Sell?
We're proud of the fact that our collection is curated to sell, which is why most items find a new home within the 60-90 day consignment period. But if your piece is still waiting for its perfect match by then, we’ll reach out.
You can either come pick it up, or if you'd rather not, we can donate it to one of our trusted local charity partners for you. The choice is always yours.
Do I Need an Appointment to Consign?
Yes, we highly recommend an appointment. Setting aside dedicated time allows our experts to really focus on you and your items without any rush. It’s the best way to ensure a smooth, personalized experience.
While we do accept walk-ins during certain hours at our Roswell store, it's always best to call ahead. A quick call guarantees we're ready for you, making it a seamless trip whether you're coming from Marietta, East Cobb, or just down the street.
What Designer Brands Are You Looking For?
Our shoppers have a taste for quality, so we focus on high-end and contemporary designer brands for men and women. Think iconic names like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch, along with modern favorites like Rag & Bone.
Our reputation as a destination for pre-owned luxury attracts discerning buyers from Alpharetta to Forsyth County. They trust us to have the real deal, so bringing in brands that are in high demand is the first step toward a successful sale.
Ready to turn those closet gems into cash? The team at Board of Trade Fine Consignments is here to make it happen. Stop by our Roswell shop to get started!