I have been given the opportunity to have my quilts and other sewing items (totes, placemats, potholders, christmas items, etc) offered for sale in a consignment shop. The shop has antiques, collectibles, clothing and furniture and has only been open for a few months.

The owner stated she normally receives 50% of consignments but for me she would let me sale my stuff and not charge me a consignment because this would help her out in her store by offering a variety of items, especially since she is just getting started in her businesss. I don't feel confortable with her not charging me anything to have my items in her store. I would like to be fair and give her something. I don't know this lady and just recently met her when she purchased two small quilts from me to resale in her shop.

What would be a fair arrangement for us? Have any of you done this before? I would like to offer her a percentage but don't know how much. I already have a ton of fabric so I would only have invested in my time/labor. Suggestions please. What would you do?

maybe offer to help in the store a couple hours a week

good idea, Nancy!

I think I would have her put that in writing that she won't charge you a fee just in case you never know.
I wish you luck and hope that you are able to sell a bunch of your stuff and I hope that her little business will take off. :)

50% is the going rate. I like the idea of trading your time, by helping out.

I think 50% commission is pretty high. I wouldn't pay over 25%. Like sewwhat85 said sound very fair.

wouldn't that make the price too high to sell?

You could rent a wall in the store. I did this with a coffee shop in town. I paid $25/ month and they sold all the quilts I wanted during that time. I could come and rotate them any time I wanted and rearrange my wall. I sold a lot that way and everyone felt fairly treated.

I think that is a good idea.

I consign to one place that takes 30% and this fall I'm going to consign where she takes 40%. This seems to be fair around here, lots of places take 50% which I think is terrible. I will not be putting anything in the 40% shop until next spring. I feel this way about it, if I sell a lot at 40% then I am still making a good profit.

Hope this helps.
Bontie