What Does Consignment Mean?

[Anonymous]

At some of my local hobby shops I tend to see some items behind the glass case that lists the price and then says 'consignment' on the bottom of the tag. Anyone know what this means?

[corton]

Consignment means that ownership of the product remains with the original owner - i.e., the shop does not own it.

It's mostly done as a favor. The shop owner wants to help someone off-load some stuff. Sometimes it's as an inducement - "Gee, I'd love to buy that Acela, but I have this old J3a and no $$$. Any idea who'd want to buy it?" That way, if the sale frees up some $$$, the shop can usually make a sale.

Typically, items "on consignment" result in a small kickback/commission to the shop for taking up their space, having the owner show the product, etc.

[Anonymous]

Consignment is when a customer leaves a piece at a retail store for its owner to sell for him..It is left in the store for an agreed lenth of time. The owner ususlly gets a percentage of the sale if the seller agrees to the price. Usually the store owner does not guarantee the item.

Dale Hz

[IRONROOSTER]

Consignment items are usually not covered by the store's return policy and are "as is". You should get the shopkeeper to let you open it up to check for parts and condition. If it's electrical such as a locomotive test it.
Enjoy
Paul

[phillyreading]

I have been to several consignment shops, not all will let you test something & I just walked away because I figure that something must be wrong with the piece.
Lee Fritz