Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consign with Coffer and Hutch?
Coffer and Hutch allows you to forget all the struggles of selling your gently used items – instead of spending time haggling with potential buyers on Marketplace only to have them not show up, let us do the heavy lifting! We’ll do all the selling for you – for a portion of the profit, all you have to do is sit back and watch your item(s) sell!
What types of items will Coffer and Hutch accept?
We will consign your furniture or other home décor based on three characteristics: quality, style, and condition; we pride ourselves in only consigning well maintained furniture and other home décor. If you’d like to consign with us, please see our information page for details regarding how you can show us your pieces. If you’ve never consigned before, we’d love to help make it easy for you. Just contact us and we can get you started!
What happens to my items if they don’t sell within the contract period?
We do our best to display and promote your pieces in our showroom and on our social media channels. In our experience, items that are priced correctly and are desirable sell quickly from our showroom. In the event that your items aren’t sold within the first 30 days, we will mark down the items by 10% of the original price, 20% after 60 days, and so forth until the 151st day, at which point the item will be reduced to 50% and sold as clearance or reclaimed by you. You’re also welcome to leave the item with us, and we will donate it on your behalf.
Will you notify me when my items have sold?
Once we sign an agreement, access to an online account is provided. It is up to the you as the consignor to monitor your account to see if your items have been sold. Of course, you’re always welcome to contact us with any questions – we’re happy to help you out!
You’ve sold something for me. When will my payment be ready?
Payment is issued by eDeposit on the 15th of each month, and will contain all profits from the previous calendar month.
Can I have my cheque mailed to me?
Yes! We can mail you a cheque if that is more convenient for you. However, it will be at the consignor’s own discretion and requires a fee of $3.00 which will be removed from the consignor’s profit. There are also some variables that could delay payment receipt (e.g. postal delays).
If you are moving or otherwise cannot receive your payment by mail, please contact us to discuss other options.
Who handles the logistics when I decide to consign with you?
Unfortunately, Coffer and Hutch will not be able to assist with any transportation of items; however, we can certainly provide you with contacts to moving companies if you require additional assistance to bring your item to our storeroom.
After delivery, our professional decorator arranges the pieces in our 5500 sq ft. showroom along with many other high quality consignment furniture and décor pieces. Our designers and stylists are experts at displaying items to sell in beautifully displayed vignettes so your items can be experienced, rather than just seen.
Who sets the price on my items?
Coffer and Hutch sets all of the prices on our consigned furniture and other home décor. Our experience and knowledge of the market helps us price fairly for both consignor and customer. We work hard to get you the best possible price for your piece while keeping a fair and competitive price for buyers. All items are considered to be your personal property until they sell.
Our pricing formula takes into consideration the condition of your home furnishings, quality of construction, age, manufacturer, brand, original price, where it was purchased, style, colour, and customer demand for the item in the marketplace.
Do you negotiate pricing with your consignors when setting the price?
Yes! We always have an open discussion with our consignors when setting the price on your items. Our pricing is honest and reflects current market trends and industry pricing standards. Our expertise ensures that it is in both the consignors and Coffer and Hutch’s best interest for us to set the selling price of your furniture.
How long do you keep my pieces?
Your items are consigned to us for a contracted 180-day period. Most of our inventory sells faster than that, but some particular pieces require longer exposure in our showroom, as styles and demand changes regularly. Don’t fret if your furnishings don’t sell immediately – we signed an agreement with you because we believe that someone else will enjoy having them in their home. We will continue to promote your items at a lower price (see below).
What styles of furniture do you accept?
We consign a broad range of styles from many different periods. We’ve carried modern couches to vintage sofas, contemporary buffets to antique dining sets, and everything in between.
If you want more information on whether your furnishings or accessories would be a good fit to consign with us, please contact us. We love to talk shop!
Coffer and Hutch carries gently used home furnishings. What condition should my furniture be in?
We pride ourselves on only carrying top quality lightly used home furnishings. The furniture you are looking to sell should be in good to mint condition. We evaluate whether we can accept the items (and eventually its selling price) based on condition, style, and quality of the piece. You are responsible to ensure all of your items are clean, free of stains, free of odours, and free of hair (of both the two- and four-legged varieties).
Can I take back my items if I change my mind?
Absolutely, you may take back your item(s) at any point of the consignment process, up until your item has sold – however, there is a fee of 10% of the current sale price if the item is reclaimed prior to the 151st day of the contracted arrangement. We simply ask for 2 days’ notice so we can have your items ready to be retrieved.
Do you buy items outright?
We operate strictly on a consignment basis. While we sometimes purchase corporate show samples or display items, we do not purchase merchandise from consigners outright. When we save on buying new current trends, we are able to provide more savings to our customers, and you can discover some fabulous finds!
Do you have insurance to cover my items?
Coffer and Hutch carries general liability insurance and coverage for our business property. Since the items that you consign with us do not belong to us, you may wish ensure that items of particular value are covered under your insurance. All property remains yours until sold.