How Consignment 1st Works and What to Expect When You Shop There

What Consignment 1st Is and How It Operates

Consignment 1st is a furniture consignment store where people bring used furniture, home décor, and household items to sell on their behalf. The store displays these items, handles the sales, and splits the proceeds with the original owner. You shop for secondhand furniture at lower prices than new retail, and the people consigning their pieces get cash without having to sell items themselves.

The store operates on a simple model: a consignor brings furniture in, Consignment 1st prices it and puts it on the floor, and when it sells, both parties benefit. This arrangement means the inventory changes regularly—what you see one week may be gone the next, and new pieces arrive constantly. The store typically keeps a percentage of the sale price and pays the consignor the remainder after the item sells.

Consignment 1st locations exist across South Carolina, with stores in multiple cities. Each location carries a rotating stock of sofas, dining tables, bedroom sets, accent pieces, and decorative items. Because inventory turns over frequently, shopping here rewards regular visits if you're hunting for a specific style or piece.

Key Takeaways

• Consignment 1st sells used furniture on behalf of the original owners, meaning prices are typically lower than new retail stores.
• Inventory changes regularly as new consignments arrive and items sell, so the same piece won't be there on your next visit.
• You can bring your own furniture to consign if you want to sell pieces without handling the sale yourself.
• Payment to consignors happens after an item sells, not when it's dropped off, so there's a waiting period before you receive money.
• Shopping at consignment stores means inspecting furniture carefully for damage, wear, and structural soundness before purchase.

What Types of Furniture and Items You'll Find

Consignment 1st stocks a wide range of used household furniture suitable for different rooms and budgets. You'll typically find sofas and sectionals, dining room tables with chairs, bedroom sets including dressers and nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, and accent chairs. The selection varies by location and what consignors have brought in recently.

Beyond furniture, many Consignment 1st stores carry home décor items like mirrors, lamps, wall art, and decorative accessories. Some locations also stock smaller household goods. Because the inventory is consignment-based, you might find vintage pieces, brand-name furniture, or items from estate sales mixed in with everyday used furniture. The mix means you could discover a high-quality piece at a fraction of its original price, or you might find something that doesn't meet your needs.

How Pricing Works and What You'll Pay

Prices at Consignment 1st reflect the used condition of the furniture and what the store believes it can sell for. A sofa that cost $2,000 new might be priced at $400 to $800 depending on its age, condition, and brand. Dining tables, bedroom sets, and accent pieces follow similar logic—the store prices items to move them within a reasonable timeframe while still paying the consignor a meaningful share.

Prices are typically marked on tags attached to each piece. Unlike some consignment shops that negotiate, Consignment 1st generally operates with set prices, though it's worth asking if the store is running any promotions or if older items have been marked down. Payment methods vary by location, so confirm whether they accept cash, card, or both before you shop.

Inspecting Furniture Before You Buy

Because you're buying used furniture, inspecting each piece carefully is essential. Check for stains, tears, or worn fabric on upholstered items. Test drawers and doors to make sure they open and close smoothly. Look underneath tables and chairs for structural damage, loose joints, or signs of woodworm or water damage. Sit on chairs and sofas to feel whether the cushioning is still supportive or has compressed significantly.

Ask the store staff about the history of any piece if you're concerned about its condition. Some consignment stores can tell you whether an item came from a smoke-free home or has any known issues. If you're buying a larger piece like a sofa or bed, measure it carefully and confirm it will fit through your doorways and in your space before you commit to the purchase. Consignment stores typically don't accept returns, so what you buy is yours to keep.

Consigning Your Own Furniture at Consignment 1st

If you have furniture you want to sell, you can bring it to Consignment 1st and let them handle the sale. The process typically begins with bringing your items to the store during business hours. Staff will evaluate the pieces to determine whether they're suitable for consignment—items must be in decent condition, free of major damage, and something the store believes it can sell.

Once your furniture is accepted, the store will price it, display it, and handle customer inquiries and sales. You won't receive payment immediately; instead, you'll be paid after an item sells. The store will contact you when a piece has sold and arrange payment. Consignment periods typically last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by location—if an item doesn't sell within that window, you may need to pick it up or allow the store to donate or dispose of it. Contact your local Consignment 1st store directly to learn their specific consignment terms, payment splits, and timeline.

Finding a Consignment 1st Location Near You

Consignment 1st has multiple locations throughout South Carolina. To find the store nearest you, search online for "Consignment 1st" plus your city or region, or visit the store's website if one is available. Hours vary by location, so confirm the store is open before you visit, especially if you're traveling a distance.

When you call ahead, ask about current inventory if you're looking for something specific, or simply ask when new consignments typically arrive so you know the best time to shop for fresh selection. Some locations may offer delivery or hold items for a short period if you need time to arrange pickup or delivery to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return furniture if I change my mind after buying it?

Most consignment stores, including Consignment 1st, operate on a no-return basis for used furniture. Once you purchase an item, it's yours. This is why inspecting furniture carefully before you buy is so important—you won't have the option to bring it back if you decide it doesn't work for your space or if you notice damage after you get home.

How long does it take to get paid if I consign furniture?

Payment happens after your furniture sells, not when you drop it off. Depending on how quickly the item sells and the store's payment schedule, this could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Contact the specific Consignment 1st location where you're consigning to learn their exact payment timeline and how they'll notify you when a sale occurs.

What happens to my furniture if it doesn't sell within the consignment period?

Consignment periods typically last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by location. If your item doesn't sell by the end of that period, you'll usually need to pick it up yourself. Some stores may offer to donate unsold items or dispose of them, but you should confirm the store's policy before you consign. Ask about this when you drop off your furniture.

Do I need to deliver furniture to Consignment 1st, or can I pick it up there?

You bring your furniture to the store yourself if you're consigning. When you buy furniture at Consignment 1st, you're responsible for pickup unless the store offers delivery service. Ask your local store whether they provide delivery options and what the cost would be for larger pieces like sofas or bedroom sets.

Are items at Consignment 1st brand-new or all used?

All furniture at Consignment 1st is used or secondhand. The store specializes in consignment, meaning every piece has had a previous owner. This is why prices are lower than new retail, but it also means you need to inspect items carefully for wear, damage, and condition before you purchase.