I am still fairly new at all of this (about one year) but I have had
many thoughts and conversations about consignment.
Number one, when you leave things on consignment, you have no real
way to know if or when the items have been sold unless you return to
the store if it is local. (can also be construed as being a nudge)
You must be able to trust the store’s employees .
Second, if you do leave things on consignment, you should establish
terms for getting paid promptly (net 30? net 15?) after the item is
sold.
Third, You should investigate whether your items are covered under
the store’s insurance or your own in case of loss or theft.
Leaving things on consignment means that you give up samples that you
could be taking around to other places, which may be a problem if you
do not have multiples. It also means needing to restock your inventory
if you are doing shows.
Find out how much of the store merchandise is on consignment, what
their strong sellers are, what their terms are for percentage of the
take, whether their salespeople are well-trained and careful.
With all of these caveats (and I am sure there are many more!!),
sometimes consignment can gather you a following if people see your
work. At least your work is out there and you probably will sell
something (or lots) if the store carries merchandise in your price
range and look. But I would not leave things there indefinitely and
if you cannot afford to make multiples, then ask for permission to
recall it if you have to show it to come other customers.
That is all from this peanut gallery. Good luck!
Diana Widman at Birch Tree Studio