Listing your furniture for consignment might feel as simple as uploading a few photos and naming your price. But to actually sell quickly and for a fair return, you need a clear pricing strategy. The right price strikes a balance between attracting buyers and delivering a solid payout, especially in competitive online consignment marketplaces.
Whether you are clearing out a single piece or managing a full-room refresh, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about pricing consignment furniture to sell confidently and profitably online.
1. Understand What Impacts Price
Before you can set a price, you need to know what makes furniture valuable in the resale market. A few key factors determine how much your item can realistically sell for:
Brand: Well-known furniture brands like Restoration Hardware, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn usually command higher resale prices. Luxury brands such as Herman Miller, Knoll, or Ligne Roset can fetch even more.
Material: Solid wood or leather pieces tend to hold their value better than particle board, veneer, or faux leather.
Condition: Minimal signs of wear and tear, no stains or damage, and working hardware (drawers, doors) increase your chances of a higher payout.
Style: Mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and transitional styles are consistently in demand. Oversized or dated pieces may be harder to sell at a good price.
Original MSRP: Pricing is often tied to how much the item cost new. If you know what you paid (or can find the original retail price online), you can work from there.
2. Research Comparable Listings
Do a quick scan of online consignment stores or resale platforms like Chairish, Kaiyo, AptDeco, or even Facebook Marketplace. Look for similar items based on brand, condition, and size.
Pay attention to:
List price vs sold price: If the platform shows sold listings, this gives you the most accurate benchmark.
Location: Local demand can affect price. Urban buyers may pay more for stylish storage pieces or compact designs.
Time on market: If something has been listed for weeks with no sale, it may be overpriced.
3. Calculate Your Starting Price
A general rule of thumb for consignment furniture pricing is:
60 to 80 percent off retail for secondhand furniture in excellent condition
40 to 50 percent off for moderately used pieces
25 to 35 percent off if the item has visible wear or damage
Example:
Original retail price: $1,200
Very good condition: List around $400 to $600
If your consignment platform takes a cut (which they almost always do), factor that in. For example, if the platform charges 40 percent commission and you want to walk away with $300, list the item closer to $500.
4. Use Tiered or Timed Pricing
Some sellers use a tiered pricing model to move inventory faster without giving up too much value upfront:
Weeks 1–2: List at your ideal price
Weeks 3–4: Drop the price by 10 to 15 percent
Week 5+: Drop again or offer a bundle deal
Many consignment platforms will manage this for you automatically, but if you are selling independently, it helps to plan markdowns in advance.
5. Offer Discounts for Bundles or Sets
Selling a dining table? Offer a discount if someone buys the chairs too. Listing a bedroom set? Highlight how buyers save when purchasing the entire collection.
Bundling makes it easier to move multiple items and increases your total payout per transaction. Just make sure each item is individually priced in your listing so buyers understand the breakdown.
6. Include High-Quality Photos and Details
Price is only part of the equation. Listings with clear, well-lit photos and accurate descriptions sell faster and more confidently.
Include:
Photos from multiple angles
Close-ups of materials and textures
Any original brand tags or markings
Dimensions (height, width, depth)
Condition notes, including wear
A well-crafted listing supports your asking price and builds trust with potential buyers.
7. Avoid Common Pricing Mistakes
It’s easy to overprice furniture based on personal value, but emotional attachment does not translate into resale value. Avoid these common errors:
Overpricing out of sentiment: Buyers are shopping based on perceived value, not memories
Ignoring platform fees: Always check how much of the sale price you actually keep
Failing to adjust pricing: If something sits for weeks without interest, it’s time to drop the price
Listing without research: Don’t assume a piece is rare unless you’ve verified it
8. Consider Reperch for Simpler Selling
If pricing, listing, and managing inquiries sounds like too much hassle, Reperch offers a full-service solution. We help you price your items fairly, find buyers, and even arrange pickup. It’s the easiest way to sell your used furniture for cash or store credit.
Our team has years of experience in secondhand furniture markets and understands what sells, where, and for how much. We help you skip the stress and sell with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Pricing consignment furniture isn’t guesswork. It’s a strategic process built on market research, smart timing, and clear communication. When you take the time to price your items accurately, they not only sell faster but also maximize your return.
Whether you are downsizing, redecorating, or just making space, the right pricing strategy makes all the difference.
Want help with pricing or consignment?
Reperch is here to help you sell smarter. Reach out today and let us handle the heavy lifting.