How Relics Estate Sales and Consignment Works in South Carolina

What Relics Does and How to Use It

Relics Estate Sales and Consignment is a Charleston-based business that sells items from estates, downsizing situations, and consignments on behalf of the owner. Instead of holding an estate sale yourself or donating everything at once, you can bring items to Relics, and they handle pricing, display, and sales. You keep a percentage of what sells; Relics keeps the rest as their commission.

The process starts with a conversation about what you have. Relics accepts furniture, artwork, collectibles, vintage items, and household goods—essentially anything that might appeal to buyers in the Charleston area. Not everything gets accepted; they're selective about condition and marketability. If they agree to take your items, you either drop them off or arrange a pickup, depending on the size and your location.

Items stay on the floor for a set period, usually 60 to 90 days. During that time, Relics prices everything, displays it in their showroom, and handles customer transactions. When items sell, you receive payment based on your consignment agreement. Unsold items either go back to you, get donated, or are disposed of—the terms depend on what you agreed to upfront.

Key Takeaways

• Relics accepts estate items, downsizing goods, and consignments, handling pricing and sales in exchange for a commission.
• You keep a percentage of the sale price while Relics retains their commission; the exact split varies by item category and agreement.
• Items typically remain on the floor for 60 to 90 days before unsold pieces are returned, donated, or disposed of.
• Relics is located in Charleston and serves the Lowcountry; they can discuss pickup options for larger estates or collections.

Commission Rates and What You'll Receive

Relics operates on a consignment model, which means you don't pay upfront to sell your items—they take a percentage of each sale instead. Commission rates vary depending on the category of item. Furniture, for example, may have a different split than artwork or collectibles. The exact percentage should be spelled out in your consignment agreement before items are accepted.

Payment timing also matters. Most consignment shops pay monthly or at the end of the consignment period, not immediately after each sale. Ask Relics about their payment schedule when you first contact them so you know when to expect money. If an item doesn't sell within the agreed timeframe, you'll need to decide whether to pick it up, let them donate it, or pay a small fee for disposal.

What Items Relics Accepts and Rejects

Relics focuses on items that appeal to Charleston's market: mid-century modern furniture, vintage décor, quality artwork, antiques, collectibles, and well-maintained household goods. They're particularly interested in pieces with character, history, or design appeal—the kind of thing that draws people looking for unique finds rather than mass-produced goods.

Items in poor condition, heavily worn upholstery, broken electronics, or anything that requires significant repair typically won't be accepted. Relics also doesn't take clothing, books, or everyday items unless they're vintage or collectible. If you're unsure whether something qualifies, contact them directly with photos or a description. They can tell you quickly whether it's worth bringing in.

How to get your free guide: Contacting and Dropping Off Items

Start by reaching out to Relics directly—by phone, email, or visiting their Charleston location. Describe what you have and ask whether they're currently taking consignments. Some consignment shops close to new items seasonally or when their floor is full, so it's worth checking availability first.

If they're interested, you'll either drop items off yourself or arrange a pickup. For large estates or collections, Relics may come to your home to assess what's there and discuss logistics. Bring photos if you're describing items over the phone; it helps them decide faster. Once you've agreed on terms, get a written consignment agreement that spells out the commission rate, the consignment period, and what happens to unsold items.

Timeline: From Drop-Off to Payment

The typical timeline runs like this: you drop off or have items picked up, Relics prices and displays them within a week or two, items sit on the floor for 60 to 90 days, and then unsold pieces are either returned to you, donated, or disposed of. Payment comes at the end of the consignment period or monthly, depending on their policy.

If something sells quickly, you may see payment sooner. If nothing sells, you'll need to retrieve your items before the consignment period ends or authorize Relics to handle them another way. Keep track of your consignment agreement's end date so you're not surprised by what happens to unsold goods.

Relics Versus Other Estate Liquidation Options

Consignment through Relics differs from a traditional estate sale company in several ways. With Relics, you're not paying a flat fee or percentage upfront; you only pay commission on what actually sells. This works well if you have a smaller collection or items you're confident will sell. If you have a large estate and want everything gone quickly, a traditional estate sale company might be faster, though you'll pay their fees regardless of sales.

Relics also differs from donation. When you donate, you get a tax deduction but no cash. With Relics, you keep money from sales, but items that don't sell won't generate that deduction. For downsizing or smaller estates where you want some return on your items without the work of hosting a sale yourself, consignment is often the middle ground.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Before signing a consignment agreement with Relics, clarify these points: What is the exact commission rate for your items? How long is the consignment period? What happens to unsold items—do they come back to you, get donated, or get thrown away? When and how will you receive payment? Can you pick up unsold items early if needed? Is there a fee if you want items returned before the period ends?

Getting these answers in writing protects both you and Relics. It also prevents surprises about money or timing later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my items are worth consigning versus donating?

Contact Relics with photos or descriptions. If they're interested, consignment makes sense. If they decline, the items may still have value to a charity for the tax deduction, or they may simply be everyday goods that don't have resale appeal. Relics's interest is a good indicator that something has market value in Charleston.

What if I need my items back before the 60 or 90 days are up?

Ask Relics about early pickup when you sign the agreement. Some shops allow it without penalty; others charge a restocking or handling fee. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether consignment works for your timeline.

Do I need to bring items to their Charleston location, or do they pick up?

Relics can discuss pickup options depending on the size and location of your estate. For large collections or if you're outside Charleston proper, ask about their pickup service. They may charge a fee or require a minimum amount of items, so clarify before committing.

How often do items actually sell at Relics?

Relics's selectivity about what they accept means items that do make it onto their floor tend to sell reasonably well. However, no consignment shop guarantees sales. Unique, well-priced pieces sell faster than trendy items that may fall out of favor. Ask Relics about their typical sell-through rate for the category of items you're consigning.

Can I consign items from an estate I'm settling, or do I have to own them personally?

Yes, estate executors and administrators often use consignment to liquidate items. Bring documentation of your authority to sell (such as letters testamentary or a power of attorney) when you contact Relics. They'll want to know you have the legal right to consign the items.