The percentage matters less than what it is a percentage of. Ask what comes out before the split and you will know what you actually take home.
You get paid when it sells
There is no upfront fee. When an item sells, the money is split between you and us at a percentage we agree on before anything ships. If it does not sell, nobody gets paid.
Most consignors do not publish a rate. Ours is quoted per lot, in writing. Newer equipment that sells fast gets the better end of the range. Lots that take more work cost more.
Ask if the split is on gross or net
This is the question that matters. Some programs split the sale price. Others split what is left after costs. A 70/30 split can turn into a lot less than 70% once erasure, freight and refurbishment come out first. We have seen this in IT asset disposition programs more than anywhere else.
We split net sale proceeds, and we define that in writing: the price collected, minus marketplace and payment fees, refunds or chargebacks, and any freight we had to pay. Sales tax is not included. Every deduction is a line on your statement.
Marketplace and payment fees are real costs. If someone splits gross, they are either eating those fees or pricing them into a lower number for you. Either way you pay them. Splitting net just shows you the line.
So when you compare two offers, do not compare percentages. Ask each one to walk one item from sale price to your payout, line by line.
Consignment vs selling outright
A cash buyer pays less because they take the risk and the wait. Consignment usually pays more per item, but later, and only if it sells.
If a cash offer is close to what consignment would net, take the cash. Consignment is worth the wait when the cash offers come in low, which usually happens with equipment that is valuable but slow to price or sell.
Other costs
- Freight to us. Usually on you.
- Storage. Most consignors include a period, then charge per unit per month. Ask when the clock starts.
- Return freight on anything unsold. Usually on you.
- Upfront, listing or photo fees. We do not charge any.
Five questions to ask any consignor
- Is the split on sale price or net proceeds? What exactly gets deducted?
- Who sets the price, and can anything sell below a floor I agree to?
- When do I get paid, and what does the statement show?
- What does storage cost, and when does it start?
- What happens to items that do not sell?