Putting things in a shop on consignment

[CrazieHappy]

I've been contacted by a gallery/boutique owner in another state and invited to have some of my work in her shop on consignment. The shop takes 40% so I'd need to raise my prices accordingly. Also I would pay for shipping. They would pay for return shipping of things that didn't sell by the end of the contracted time period.
Have any of you done this or are doing this? Good experience? Bad experience? Working out well or not?
I haven't decided yet but I'm leaning towards trying it and seeing how it goes.

[Former_Member]

Kinda scary if it's in a different state. I have a wonderful relationship with a gallery in my hometown and several neighboring towns, but I can check in regularly.

[Former_Member]

I would never do this out-of-state. I have some consigned items in two shops in local antique stores. I never had a problem, but I always go down to check on the items and see if they are displayed. If not, I ask where it is. Knowing that you are checking on your items keeps them alert. Some shop owners are not going to immediately call you when an item has been sold and send you a check right away. I know this because I had a shop and accepted items on consignment. Your consignment form should be specific how long you are willing to consign the items and other policies (e.i. shipping items back to you) if not sold. However, like I stated I would never go out of state.

[WintergreenDesign]

I actually just sent my first package away to a gallery last week. I don't know if I would have done this if it had just been an antique store or boutique... but this is with a gallery/museum of art and history that has been around for decades. It's in the same province as me (Brtish Columbia) but it's a 6 hour drive to get there... so definitely not close enough for me to just check on. I paid for shipping there as well and they will pay for return if needed. They also will assume an item has been sold if it was lost/stolen/damaged etc (most places don't do this). The contract they sent me seemed very legitimate (at least to my non informed eye). I essentially kept my prices the same... if I raised them to make up the 40% I'm not sure if they would sell at that price and as this is my first time its kind of a learning experience for me.

So they did call and say they recieved the ornaments (I sent it registered mail signature required). They will be out for their November Christmas Craft Market.

I am now working on the same type of consignement deal with a boutique just 5 minutes from my home... : )

[CrazieHappy]

Thanks for your responses, that's very very helpful. I hadn't thought about any of the issues of it being out of state, and those are definitely concerns. I'm going to look into it more. If I do it it will be with the knowledge that I'm taking a risk and I'm doing it with my eyes open to those possibilities.