What is typical for consignment?

[Former_Member]

I have a gallery that wants to take these pieces on consignment.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72613667/c-3po-in-tweed
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70198215/r2d2-in-tweed

They want 40%, but I've heard other galleries say 30% is normal. They're new. So, I don't know if they just don't know or if they're trying to take advantage. I don't want to jack up my prices so high that no one can pay for them just so that I feel like I'm getting what I deserve for the work that I put in.
Do you think I should say "no thanks" and just take my chances on Etsy where I don't have to split my earnings?

[Former_Member]

I don't have much experience with consignment, but I have done a good deal of reading on the subject. From what I have read, you should never do it for more than 30-35%. You are pretty close to Nashville. I am sure there are some excellent shops there that would gladly take 30%.

[Former_Member]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Thanks.

[TheLizardFactory]

The percentage depends a lot on where you are located. Galleries and consignment shops in larger cities will charge 40%. This has been my experience in NC.
I have found shops in smaller towns in NC and VA where they charge 20-35%. I"ve done pretty well in the smaller venues and I think it's because I don't have to jack up the prices so much.

[Former_Member]

I don't want to raise my prices. If I was more established as an artist, I might. But I think my prices are fair right now. I told that to the gallery, which is actually in a smaller town and not in Nashville. They said that I could change my mind at any time. I might consider it at a later date.

[HavertonVintageArts]

30-40% is standard. Shop owners need to make a living too.

Have you considered this? Let the shop owner sell a few of your select pieces for 40% of sale as long as they let you (in their shop next to your paintings) advertise your other work on Etsy. Then you can keep your prices consistent but also get other potential business for what you give up in profit.

[Former_Member]

I know shop owners need to make a living. I get that. I plan on having my own shop someday. However, when I'm not getting anything out of it that I wouldn't get from Etsy at a $0.20 commission I don't see the point. 30% is standard in my area - in nicer areas - not where this shop is.
I'd take a smaller cut for my other paintings. They don't want any of my other paintings, they just want those two. I worked harder on those two than any other 16" by 20" in my shop. I'm not taking less for them.

[Former_Member]

I consign in a few different shops - and each shop has a different fee. The most being 30%. The markup is VERY high and will turn off a lot of potential customers. Most of the shop owners will not allow you to post your ETSY shop either (they want to be the middle man). I would stick to your guns and tell them that you will consign with them for 20-25%.

Think about it this way, you are giving them FREE items to make their store look nice and THEY get to keep 30% of YOUR profit. And if your items don't sell there is no loss to them. Fight for the lower percentage - trust me - if they want your artwork bad enough - they will lower the percentage rate!

Good luck!