CONSIGNORS GUIDE

SHOP. CONSIGN. REPEAT.

Michael's maintains a superior level of quality and excellence on behalf of our customers who are seeking the most beautiful and stylish bags, accessories, shoes, watches, jewelry, and clothes. Below are some guidelines of what types of items to consign, our most popular labels, a link to a comprehensive list of all of the brands we accept as well as a few helpful pointers to maximize their resale value. Please note that we take items seasonally and based on current inventory in the store. It is always a good idea to contact us ahead of time to make the best use of your time.

FAQs

DO YOU PICK UP?

Yes! We pick up large groups (10 or more previously vetted pieces) in New York City, Westchester, Southern Connecticut and some Northern counties of New Jersey. Call or email and schedule a pick-up with one of our luxury consultants. We'll take care of the rest. (212) 737-7273 or [email protected]

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIND OUT IF YOU'RE ACCEPTING MY ITEMS?

If you bring your items to the store, we will tell you what we are accepting on the spot. An itemized list will follow via email outlining the prices within 3-5 business days. If you ship your items to us, you can expect an itemized list within 3-5 business days from the day we receive the package. If you email us ahead of time, we often can tell you if we will accept your items based on the images.

WHAT IF MY ITEMS DON'T SELL?

If your items haven’t sold by the end of the consignment period, merchandise can either be returned to you or donated to charity. Please note that Michael’s does this as a convenience and that we are not a charity. We are not authorized to issue tax deductions. If you choose to have your items returned to you, Michael’s will notify you via email and ask you to pick them up within ten days.

IS THERE ANY PAPERWORK INVOLVED IN THE CONSIGNMENT PROCESS?

Every consignor is asked to fill out a short consignment agreement in order to open an account with us. We need your address so we know where to send the checks!

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO LEAVE MY ITEMS WITH YOU?

Generally, we will hold the items for three to four months before returning them to you, or sending to charity!

WHO OWNS THE ITEMS ONCE THEY'RE IN THE STORE?

Your items belong to you until they are sold or put on deposit. We are happy to return any piece that hasn't sold as long as you give us 24 hours notice. (We also sell items in our online store at our off-site processing center and these items may take longer to return.)

DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Nope! We see people all day Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM-5PM. Sometimes there may be a few minute wait if we are helping another customer, but it's minimal.

HOW ARE ITEMS PRICED?

We have many years of experience within the high-end fashion and designer consignment industry. We price each item according to our expertise and knowledge of the secondary market, always considering the retail value. Merchandise is reduced every 30 days by up to 20%.

HOW MUCH WILL I MAKE?

We split the proceeds with our consignors 50/50 if the item sells for $4999 or less; you earn 60% if the item sells for $5000-$7500 and 70% if the item sells for more than $7500. 

WHEN WILL I GET PAID?

Consignors are paid by check at the beginning of each month for items that were sold the previous month. If you prefer, you can use your outstanding balance plus 10% to pay for items purchased in the store at any time.

CAN I DONATE MY EARNINGS TO CHARITY?

Absolutely. Many consignors choose to set up their accounts so that checks are automatically issued to their charity of choice.

Condition Ratings

PRISTINE: The item has never been used. It has no signs of wear and may be new with tags (NWT).

EXCELLENT: The item is in impeccable condition with barely noticeable signs of use.

VERY GOOD: The item has been used and very well taken care of. There are limited signs of wear that will be described in detail and photographed.

GOOD: The item has been used with minor signs of wear. There may be slight patina or other imperfections. All will be described in detail and photographed.

WELL-LOVED: The item has been well loved and may have scratches or other more obvious signs of wear. Item is still too fabulous to not find a new home. All imperfections will be described and photographed in detail.

10 Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Items

1. Make it Shine

Hardware on high quality fashion accessories can be quickly brought back to glistening condition with a little dab of silver polish and a dash of elbow grease. Be sure to use a polishing cloth and test a small area before going to town. For the sparkling jewels be sure to use a general jewellry cleanser or give it a good blast of steam before having it appraised.

2. Bring in all the Bells and Whistles

Deliver your items with all the original accouterments (sleeper, shoe bags, paper work, receipt, etc...) Having all of the original documentation is a huge selling point and will go a long way at the cash register. Please note, we can't always take the original box because of storage and space issues but it's a good idea to bring it just in case.

3. Button Up

A new set of buttons can make a drab item look dynamite. There are many well-stocked button sources that can be found online. With that said, make sure the buttons you use don't compromise the item's integrity.

4. Never Remove the Labels

We won’t take the garment if the labels or stamps are missing so deal with the pesky label... never cut them out.

5. Take out the Sewing Kit

Take a needle to your items and make sure there are no open seams, loose buttons, or falling hems. If you don't have the time or patience, most dry cleaners and tailors will do this at very little cost.

6. Don't Store Items in a Bag by the Front Door

They tend to get wrinkled and look worse for wear.  In most cases they will not be considered for consignment.

7. Shoe Polish is a Wonderful Thing

It can make your favorite shoes everybody's darlings.

8. Bring your Shoes to the Shoemaker

A $20 repair or leather cleaning and conditioning could make you another $100 on consignment. It’s well worth the investment.

9. Clean and Press

There’s nothing worse than receiving items covered in cat or dog hair. Take your items to a dry cleaner you trust and have them delivered clean and pressed. We only take items that can go right onto the selling floor.

10. Working Order

Zippers, snaps and buckles need to all be working properly.  If they are not, take them in to be repaired.

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