Design on a Dime Consignments & Gift Shop: Secondhand Furniture and Décor in South Carolina

What Design on a Dime Offers

Design on a Dime Consignments & Gift Shop is a consignment store where you can buy used furniture, home décor, and gifts at a fraction of new retail prices. The store takes items on consignment from individuals and local vendors, meaning the original owner or maker receives a percentage of the sale price when their piece sells. This model keeps prices lower than traditional furniture stores while giving sellers a way to recirculate items they no longer need.

The inventory changes regularly because consignment stock depends on what people bring in. You might find vintage dining tables one week and mid-century modern chairs the next. The gift section carries smaller items—candles, artwork, decorative objects—alongside the larger furniture pieces, making it a place to browse for both statement pieces and finishing touches.

Key Takeaways

• Design on a Dime operates as a consignment shop, so inventory rotates based on what sellers bring in and what sells.
• Prices are typically 40 to 60 percent lower than buying new furniture from traditional retailers.
• The store carries both furniture and smaller gift items, so you can shop for a single accent piece or furnish a room.
• Consignment means the original owner keeps a percentage of the sale, supporting local sellers and makers.
• Stock changes frequently, so visiting regularly or calling ahead about specific items increases your chances of finding what you need.

How Consignment Pricing Works

Consignment stores split the sale price between the seller and the shop. The exact split varies by store and item type, but typically the consignor (the person who brought the item in) receives 40 to 60 percent of what the piece sells for, and the shop keeps the rest. This arrangement means prices are lower than retail because the shop's overhead is smaller—they are not buying inventory upfront, only taking a cut when something sells.

Because prices depend on what the original owner or maker set and what the shop negotiated, you will not find a fixed markup. A vintage dresser might be priced at $150 when a similar new one costs $400, but a handmade ceramic piece could reflect the artist's full asking price. Browsing in person or calling ahead gives you a sense of what similar items cost at that location.

Types of Furniture and Décor You Will Find

Design on a Dime stocks a mix of vintage, secondhand, and new-made items. Furniture typically includes pieces like sofas, dining tables, bedroom sets, shelving, and accent chairs. The age and style vary—you might find mid-century modern, farmhouse, contemporary, or eclectic pieces depending on what has come in recently.

The gift section carries home décor objects, artwork, candles, vases, throw pillows, and smaller decorative items. Local artisans and makers sometimes consign handmade goods through the shop, so you may find one-of-a-kind pieces alongside vintage finds. Because inventory is not curated by a single buyer, the selection reflects what the community has brought in, which means surprises and variety but also means you cannot count on finding a specific style or item every time you visit.

Shopping Strategy and Inventory Rotation

Consignment stores reward regular visits because new items arrive as people drop off pieces and sold items leave the floor. If you are furnishing a space or looking for something specific, visiting weekly or every other week increases your odds of finding it. Many consignment shoppers check in frequently, so popular items move quickly.

Calling ahead is worth doing if you are searching for a particular type of piece—a specific size sofa, a certain wood tone, or a style you have in mind. Staff can tell you whether they currently have anything matching your description and may be able to hold an item for a short time if you are planning to visit. This is especially useful if you are driving a distance or have limited time to browse.

Consigning Your Own Items

If you have furniture or décor you want to sell, Design on a Dime accepts consignments from individuals and makers. The process typically involves bringing items in, agreeing on a price with the shop, and then receiving payment when the piece sells. Terms vary—some shops hold items for 60 to 90 days before returning unsold pieces, while others may have different timeframes.

Before consigning, ask about the shop's specific policies: what condition items need to be in, whether they accept certain categories (like electronics or very large pieces), how long they hold items, and how you receive payment. Clean, undamaged furniture in current styles or classic vintage pieces tend to consign more easily than worn or outdated items. Having photos and measurements ready can speed up the process.

Why Consignment Shopping Makes Sense in South Carolina

South Carolina's strong culture of reuse and community connection makes consignment a natural fit. Many people moving, downsizing, or refreshing their homes turn to consignment shops rather than disposal, which means steady inventory. The state's mix of historic homes, coastal cottages, and contemporary spaces means demand for varied styles—from restoration pieces for older homes to modern accents for newer builds.

Shopping consignment also aligns with South Carolina values of supporting local makers and small business owners. When you buy from Design on a Dime, you are supporting both the original seller or artisan and a local shop owner. For budget-conscious decorators and those furnishing rental properties or vacation homes, consignment offers quality pieces at prices that make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the inventory change?

Inventory changes as items sell and new consignments arrive, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Popular items move quickly, so visiting regularly gives you the best selection. Calling ahead to ask about specific pieces or styles can help you time your visit.

Can I return or exchange something I bought?

Return and exchange policies vary by consignment shop. Ask about the store's specific policy when you purchase—some allow returns within a certain window if the item is undamaged, while others may have different terms. Getting this in writing at the time of purchase prevents confusion later.

What condition do items need to be in to consign?

Most consignment shops accept items that are clean, functional, and free of major damage like stains, tears, or broken parts. Vintage wear is usually acceptable, but pieces should be in condition you would be comfortable buying yourself. Ask the shop directly about their standards before bringing items in.

Do you deliver furniture, or is it pickup only?

Delivery policies depend on the individual shop. Some consignment stores offer delivery for a fee, while others are pickup only. Contact Design on a Dime directly to ask about delivery options for larger pieces.

Can I negotiate prices?

Consignment shops typically price items based on what the consignor requested and what the market will bear. Some shops may negotiate on larger purchases or items that have been on the floor for a while, but prices are generally set. It never hurts to ask, especially if you are buying multiple pieces.