How to Consign Luxury Items: A Step-by-Step Guide
Luxury consignment is the process of selling pre-owned designer items through a trusted partner who authenticates, prices, photographs, and lists the item for you. You retain ownership until it sells. The partner takes a commission (typically between 30-50%) and handles everything else. It’s the easiest way to sell a $3,000 handbag without having to deal with scams on resale platforms.
At Retyche, we’ve processed over 34,000 authenticated items since 2019. The average consigned item sells in 30 days. Here’s exactly how the process works, whether you’re consigning your first Chanel Classic Flap or clearing out a closet full of designer pieces.
Why Consign vs. Sell It Yourself?
You could put your Birkin on Facebook Marketplace yourself. But here’s what you’re in for: ridiculous offers, skeptical buyers asking for proof of authenticity, managing shipping insurance for a $10,000 item, and the risk of a buyer filing a fraudulent PayPal claim.
Consignment eliminates all of that. A consignment partner like Retyche brings an existing audience of luxury buyers (we have over 34,800 active customers), handles authentication so the buyer trusts the listing, takes care of professional photography, and assumes the risk of returns and disputes.
The trade-off is the commission. But for most people, the time savings and higher sale price far outweigh the fee. Items sell for more on a trusted platform than on Kijiji.
How to Consign Luxury Items in 7 Steps
- Gather your item and any original packaging. Dust bags, boxes, receipts, and authenticity cards all increase resale value. A Chanel bag with its original box and card can sell for 10-15% more. Don’t worry if you’ve lost them, we accept items without packaging.
- Submit photos for a valuation. Take clear photos of the front, back, bottom, interior, hardware, date code or serial number, and any flaws. At Retyche, you can submit through our online consignment form or visit our Montreal store at Rockland Centre for an in-person appraisal.
- Wait for authentication and price assessment. Our team inspects each item based on brand-specific authentication protocols: stitching pattern, hardware weight, serial number verification, leather grain analysis. We check over 30 data points per bag. You’ll receive an estimate within 48 hours of submission.
- Review and accept consignment terms. You’ll see our recommended selling price (based on market data, condition, and demand), commission rate, and your estimated payout. At Retyche, consignors receive up to 70% of the selling price depending on the item's value.
- Ship your item or drop it off. For online consignors across Canada, we provide prepaid, insured shipping labels. In Montreal, you can drop off your items at our Rockland Centre store. Every item is insured as soon as it’s in our hands.
- Your item goes live. We professionally photograph the item, write the listing, and publish it on retyche.com. Most items go live within 5-7 business days of receipt. Your item is also visible to our 63,000 Instagram followers and email subscribers.
- Receive your payout when it sells. Once a buyer purchases your item and the return period has ended, you’ll receive your payout via e-transfer or cheque. The average consigned item at Retyche sells in 30 days.
What Sells Fastest (and What Doesn’t)
Not all luxury items are created equal in the resale market. Here’s what we see move quickly according to our sales data:
| Category | Average Sale Time | Top Brands | Value Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handbags | 14-30 Days | Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior | 60-95% |
| Shoes | 21-45 Days | Chanel, Christian Louboutin, The Row | 40-65% |
| Accessories (belts, scarves) | 30-60 Days | Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton | 35-55% |
| Jewelry | 30-60 Days | Cartier, Van Cleef, Tiffany | 50-80% |
| Apparel | 45-90 Days | The Row, Chanel, Max Mara | 20-40% |
Hermès Birkins and Kellys are the exception. They consistently sell above retail. According to Rebag’s Clair Report (2025), Hermès bags retain an average of 138% of their retail value in the secondary market. Chanel Classic Flaps retain around 80-92%, making them the second best luxury resale investment.
Harder to consign items: worn designer pieces that verge on fast fashion (think Michael Kors or Coach level), items with significant damage, and anything without clear brand identifiers for authentication.
How to Get the Best Payout for Your Item
- Condition matters more than age. A 2015 Chanel Boy Bag in excellent condition will sell better than a 2023 one with scratched hardware. Store your bags stuffed with tissue paper, keep hardware wrapped, and avoid overstuffing.
- Timing affects demand. Boots sell better in September than in March. Consign seasonal items 4-6 weeks before the season begins.
- Original packaging increases sale price by 10-20%. Keep dust bags, boxes, receipts, and authenticity cards. Even the shopping bag helps.
- Clean your item before submitting. A quick wipe of the leather and dusting makes a huge difference. Don’t attempt deep cleaning or repairs, leave that to the consignment partner.
- Price flexibility speeds up sales. Agreeing to a 10% price reduction after 30 days significantly increases sale rates.
Consignment vs. Buyout vs. Private Sale
| Factor | Consignment | Buyout (Instant Sale) | Private Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payout | 50-70% of sale price | 30-50% of market value | 85-100% minus fees |
| Effort | Low (submit & wait) | Minimal (instant cash) | High (photos, listing, shipping, disputes) |
| Speed | 14-60 days | Instant | Unpredictable |
| Authentication | Handled by partner | Handled by buyer | Your responsibility |
| Scam Risk | None | None | Moderate to high |
| Best for | High-value items ($500+) | Quick cash, lower value items | Experienced sellers, rare items |
“Most of our consignors come to us after a bad private selling experience,” says Rim Elias, co-founder of Retyche. “They’ve dealt with ridiculous offers, no-shows, or worse, a chargeback after shipping a $5,000 bag. Consignment isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about fraud protection.”
What to Look For in a Consignment Partner
If you’re comparing consignment shops, ask these questions:
- Do they authenticate in-house or outsource? In-house is faster and more reliable.
- What’s the commission structure, and does it scale with item value?
- How long until an unsold item is returned to you?
- Do they provide insurance while the item is in their possession?
- Can you track your item’s status online?
- Do they have a physical location you can visit? A storefront is a sign of legitimacy.
At Retyche, we offer in-house authentication with a certificate of authenticity, a physical storefront at Rockland Centre in Montreal, bilingual service in French and English, and free, insured shipping across Canada. Browse our full collection to see how consigned items are presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do luxury consignment stores charge?
Commission rates typically range between 30-50% of the selling price. Higher-value items often qualify for lower rates. At Retyche, consignors receive up to 70% of the selling price depending on the item's value and brand.
How long does it take to sell a luxury item on consignment?
Most handbags from sought-after brands (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton) sell within 14-30 days. Shoes and accessories can take 30-60 days. Apparel generally takes longer. Seasonal timing and price flexibility affect speed.
Can I consign luxury items from anywhere in Canada?
Yes. Retyche accepts consignments from across Canada with prepaid, insured shipping labels. You can also drop off items at our Montreal storefront. We ship sold items across Canada and the United States.
Which luxury brands have the best resale value?
Hermès dominates the market with an average 138% retention, followed by Chanel at 80-92% and Louis Vuitton at 60-75%, according to Rebag’s Clair Report (2025). Goyard (132%) and The Row (97%) are newer brands that maintain strong value.
Do I need the original receipt to consign a luxury item?
No. While original receipts, dust bags, and boxes can increase resale value by 10-20%, they are not mandatory. Our authentication team verifies items through physical inspection, not paperwork.
Ready to consign? Submit your item via our online form or visit us at Rockland Centre in Montreal for a same-day appraisal.