Orangeburg Furniture Exchange: Buying and Selling Used Furniture Locally
Orangeburg Furniture Exchange is a consignment and resale furniture store in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Orangeburg Furniture Exchange operates as a consignment shop where people can buy and sell used furniture, home décor, and related items. The store carries a rotating inventory of pieces from local consignors—people who own furniture they no longer need and want to sell through the shop rather than privately. This model means the selection changes regularly, and prices are typically lower than new furniture retailers.
The store is located in Orangeburg, a city in the Midlands region of South Carolina known for its history and community character. If you're furnishing a home, apartment, or office on a budget, or if you have furniture to sell, this is a local option worth visiting in person to see current stock and condition.
Key Takeaways
- Orangeburg Furniture Exchange buys and sells used furniture through consignment, meaning inventory changes as items sell and new pieces arrive.
- Prices are generally lower than new furniture stores because the items are secondhand and the store takes a percentage rather than marking up wholesale cost.
- You can bring your own furniture to consign if you want to sell pieces you no longer use.
- Visiting in person is the best way to see what's available, check condition, and measure pieces before buying.
How consignment works at this store
When you bring furniture to Orangeburg Furniture Exchange to consign, the store evaluates the piece and agrees on a price. The store then displays it for sale. When the item sells, you receive a percentage of the sale price—the exact split depends on the store's consignment agreement. The store keeps the remainder as commission for handling the sale, storage, and customer service.
This arrangement means you don't have to sell the piece privately, handle your own advertising, or manage multiple inquiries. The trade-off is that you receive less than you might get selling directly, and the item may take time to sell depending on demand and condition. Ask the store directly about their current consignment terms, payment timeline, and how long they hold items before returning unsold furniture to you.
What types of furniture and items are typically available
Consignment stores stock whatever local people bring in, so selection varies week to week. You might find dining tables, sofas, bedroom sets, office furniture, shelving, lamps, mirrors, and decorative accessories. Condition ranges from nearly new to well-used, so inspect pieces carefully for damage, stains, or wear before purchasing.
Because inventory is consigned rather than purchased by the store, you won't find the same selection every time you visit. If you're looking for a specific type of piece—say, a mid-century credenza or a particular style of dining chair—you may need to check back several times or ask staff whether they expect similar items soon.
Pricing and what affects the cost
Prices at consignment furniture stores are generally lower than new furniture retailers because the items are secondhand. However, price depends on the piece's condition, age, brand, style, and current demand. A well-maintained sofa from a quality manufacturer may cost several hundred dollars; a worn office chair might be under fifty.
The consignor sets the initial price (often with input from store staff), so prices can vary widely even for similar items. Unlike chain furniture stores with set markups, consignment pricing is negotiated piece by piece. Some stores allow haggling, especially on larger purchases or items that have been in stock for a while—it never hurts to ask.
Visiting the store and what to bring
Before you go, know what you're looking for in terms of size, style, and budget. Bring a measuring tape if you're furnishing a specific room—consignment pieces won't be returnable if they don't fit your space. Take photos of your room or note the dimensions of the space you're filling so you can compare on the spot.
If you're planning to consign furniture, bring photos of the pieces you want to sell and be prepared to discuss their condition honestly. The store will evaluate them in person, so you may need to make a second trip to drop off items if they accept them. Ask about their current consignment terms, how they handle delivery or pickup, and how often they pay consignors.
Location, hours, and how to contact the store
Orangeburg Furniture Exchange is located in Orangeburg. Before visiting, confirm the store's current hours and location by calling ahead or checking online, as hours and addresses can change. This is especially important if you're traveling from another part of South Carolina, since a phone call takes a minute and saves a wasted trip.
Having the store's phone number or website on hand also lets you ask about specific items before you go, whether they're currently taking consignments, and what their payment schedule looks like. Many consignment shops have social media pages where they post new arrivals, which can help you decide whether a trip is worth your time.
Alternatives if you can't find what you need
If Orangeburg Furniture Exchange doesn't have what you're looking for, other options in the Midlands include larger consignment shops in nearby Columbia, online resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, estate sale companies, and new furniture retailers. Each has different pricing, selection, and return policies, so your choice depends on your timeline, budget, and whether you want to inspect items in person before buying.
For selling furniture, you can also list privately on online platforms, hire an estate sale company if you have multiple items, or donate to local charities like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which also sells used furniture and home goods at low prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return furniture if it doesn't fit or I change my mind?
Consignment stores typically do not accept returns on used furniture, since items are sold as-is. Before buying, inspect the piece carefully and measure to confirm it fits your space. Ask the store about their return policy when you purchase.
How long does it take to sell furniture I consign?
Timeline varies by item, condition, and demand. Some pieces sell within weeks; others may take months. Ask the store what their average holding period is and whether they have a policy for returning unsold items after a certain time.
Do I need to deliver furniture to the store, or can they pick it up?
Policies differ by store and item size. Some consignment shops require you to deliver; others offer pickup for large pieces, sometimes for a fee. Ask when you contact them about consigning.
Are there any items the store won't accept?
Most consignment furniture stores decline items that are heavily damaged, stained, or infested. They may also have limits on certain categories like mattresses. Call ahead to ask about specific pieces you want to consign.
What should I look for when buying used furniture to avoid problems?
Check for structural damage, stains, odors, and wear on joints and legs. Test drawers and doors to make sure they open and close smoothly. Ask about the item's history if possible. Inspect underneath and inside pieces before committing to buy.