Consigning with Us

In case you’re wondering what consignment is all about, it’s an agreement between an artist or crafter and a gallery or shop owner to place, or consign, the artist’s work in the gallery. They agree on the price of the work and the length of time the piece will remain for sale in the store. After the piece sells, the artist and the gallery are each paid a share of the selling price, usually (but not always) split in the artist’s favor. The work remains the property of the artist until it is sold. This system can work out well because it offers control and flexibility on both parts.

If you are an artist, artisan or crafter, we know that you are passionate about your work and you want to present it in the best possible light. You also want to put it into the hands of customers who appreciate the value of handmade goods, and you want a fair price for it as well. We understand; we are artists too.

VIX will represent your work with respect, professionalism and flair. Your items will be dispayed in an elegant setting; creative merchandising is our specialty and our vintage storefront is truly a gem. Your work will be found among other handmade items of many kinds, from jewelry to paper goods to pottery. We want to provide a reliable place in our neighborhood where people know they will find an interesting gift or an unexpected treasure, something with a story and a person behind it. Publicity for our store will include print advertising as well as regular “openings” for many of our local consignors. It’s fun for people to get together, have a glass of wine and meet the artists they are supporting, not to mention a great way to build word of mouth.

For a craftsperson, there’s nothing like having your work available in a store. Of course, there are other ways for artists to market their work, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Online selling gives artists total control over how their work is presented and priced, but it’s just not the same as seeing a piece in person. Stores such as ours provide customers a place to experience our offerings with all their senses, to handle, touch, try on and compare, not just look at photos. Instant gratification is a plus, too - no waiting for the item to ship.

Craft shows offer control, too, and are a great way to make that personal connection with customers, but they can be a hassle. Many shows charge substantial booth rental fees, and it can be a lot of work and travel time for just a few hours of business. Our store will be open most days of the week, all year round, so customers can stop in and browse on a whim or find a gift when they need one.

Of course, consignment shops have a few disadvantages, too. Not everyone is comfortable leaving their work in a shop with payment only after a sale. Consignment makes the most sense for artists who are based in the same geographical area. Local artists usually hand-deliver their work and are able to “check in” to see how their pieces are doing or to remove an item from the shop if needed. Faraway consignors do not have the same convenience.

The standard consignment rate commonly found in comparable shops in our city is 60% of the retail price to the artist and 40% to the shop. Going forward, we will be implementing a rate of 63/37.

If you’d like to learn more or submit your work for our consideration, we’d love to hear from you! Call us at 215-471-7700 or send us your details at info@vixemporium.com. If we’re interested in carrying your work, we’ll provide an official consignment contract as well as a tax ID number if needed.

We look forward to meeting you, serving our community, and supporting handmade goods!
Emily & Sean