Renovate, Resell . . . Renew
By Bob Spann and Brian Elrod of B&B Design and Consign
Residents and visitors of the Golden Isles have a well-deserved reputation for classic, stylish, and upscale home furnishings. We have traveled the world and indeed lived in exciting and different places and the contents of our homes reflect that unique quality. Many times when homeowners redecorate or relocate, these contents eventually find their way to a furniture and home accessories consignment store. As you consider refreshing, redesigning, or remodeling your home, you’ll discover that just such a store is the perfect place to find fashionable and often one-of-a-kind pieces at affordable prices!
Conveniently located on St. Simons Island, B&B Design and Consign accepts “gently used” items, from chandeliers to rugs and everything in between. Our Consignors are also our Buyers so we select what is current, fashionable, functional, and sometimes just plain fun! How great is it if you can have someone sell a pair of chairs for you?! Equally so that you can find the ideal sofa, mirror, or lamp at 50 to 60% off general retail prices!
When shopping consignment stores, here are some helpful things to keep in mind. First keep in mind that items are priced to sell “as is,” but that term does not mean broken or soiled. For consignment purposes, “as is” means the items is one of a kind, and/or NOT in need of repair.
Most consignment stores have mark down policies, meaning over a designated number of days the item will go down a percentage. Therein lies the gamble! That bookshelf that fits your needs perfectly may not be there if you leave it and wait to return to purchase on the date of the mark down.
You'll help yourself by having notes and measurements when you shop. For example: jot down the dimensions of the wall where you want a sofa. (B&B keeps tape measures on hand to confirm the sizes.) Remember, the depth of furniture pieces. A unique bar cart on bike wheels from France may be four feet long, but if it comes three feet into the room will it stick out too far? You'll want to know because it won't be at B&B for long!
Bring visual aids to help you shop. If you’re considering a painting for the dining room wall, bring a paint sample to help determine if the colors will work. To say your wall is taupe with designer white trim can translate into multiple colors. There are various shades of color. The paint stores have color charts and they are free for the asking. Bring this with you as the color palettes will vary! Similarly, have a swatch of fabric that you’re considering to complement an existing chair. Wicker is always in style on the islands, but will the fabric covering the cushions work with what you have? You'll know better with a swatch sample from home. Clip the picture from a magazine that caught your eye to keep you focused on what it is you’re imagining for your home. If it's a traditional, mahogany cabinet you're wanting, staff can confirm styles and makes with you. If you're flexible, you can recreate that picture for your home.
Ask the staff to help. At B&B Design and Consign, that’s what we do and have done for years. If you have colorful plates, will they match some cobalt blue glasses? You may not have time to mull it over at home after a visit to the store, the deals at consignment shops move quickly!
As a consignor, you want to get the most for your items. So too does the consignment shop, because they are splitting the profit from the sale with you when the item sells. Consider several things when deciding whether, what, and with whom to consign.The relationship established between consignor and consignment shop is important. It is based on trust. Who consigns and/or buys in consignment is a matter of confidentiality. You’ll want to visit the consignment shop and talk to the staff. Are they friendly, helpful, and available? These are the people who will be representing you and your items. Consignment policies and procedures should be presented at the outset, including whether you receive a report or something in writing confirming what is consigned, and the consignment shop’s policy for payment to the consignor.
Notice how items are presented, or merchandised. For example, is it appealing, if not intriguing the way a room is displayed? Blue & White ceramic ginger jars, vases and jugs are trending again. When paired with a gilded mirror at B&B, you'll walk away confident with the look you're trying to achieve.
Take a picture of the larger items you'd like to sell, noting size, color, manufacturer if possible, to share with the staff when you’re discussing potential consignment. It would be frustrating to show up with a table and find that it won't sell without chairs! Think about timing too. Some items are seasonal. Those holiday decorations may sell well in November and December, but not in July. Similarly, 4th of July items won't sell in December.
Be realistic in your expectations. As fantastic as your items are, they are gently used and are priced accordingly. Pricing is set by the staff with the goal of getting the most money for the consignor while ensuring the best deal for a buyer. Furniture depreciates over time. Artwork value can ride a wave of interest, making its value rise and fall with current tastes. That mauve chair that was popular in the 1908's is not going to sell as red.
While the average retailer offers specific makes and styles, choices within furniture and home accessories consignment stores provide options without these limits. So before you go to the big box stores, consider wandering through B&B's showrooms filled with local and international treasures. Whether you’re consigning or buying, given the diversity and cultural advantages of the Golden Isles, you’ll find a visit to B&B to be a wise investment. B&B Design and Consign is located at 2483 Demere Road, Suite 101 and are open every day except Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They can also be reached at 912.268.4940 or visit their website at bandbdesignconsign.com.
