Consignment is

Consignment Is: A Complete Guide to Your Business

Marketing Team
Marketing Team
October 22, 2024
Consignment Is: A Complete Guide to Your Business

In the ever-expanding world of business, a variety of new business models are emerging to meet the needs of a dynamic market. One of the increasingly popular models is the consignment system.

This term may sound unfamiliar to some, but a deep understanding of consignment is essential for businesses looking to expand their market reach. This article will talk about consignment, from its meaning, terms, benefits, to disadvantages.

Definition of Consignment

Consignment is an agreement between two parties, namely the party who owns the goods (the consignor) and the party who sells the goods (consignment). In this system, goods are submitted to consignments for sale, but new payments are made once the goods are sold. In other words, the consignor will receive payment only after the goods have been sold.

Consignment can be considered a solution for many business operators who want to expand the market without having to spend large capital on the storage and sale of goods. In this system, the consignee serves as an intermediary who sells the goods belonging to the consignor, while the consignor retains ownership of the goods until the sale occurs.

This creates a symbiotic relationship between the two parties, where consignors can reach a wider market and consignees can add variety of products without having to incur capital costs for the purchase of goods.

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Consignment Terms

In order for the consignment system to work properly, there are several conditions that need to be met, including:

  1. Written Agreements

The consignment agreement must be drawn up in writing and contain all agreements between the two parties. It includes the type of goods to be sold, the term of the agreement, the percentage of profit sharing, and the conditions for the return of unsold goods.

This agreement is important to avoid misunderstandings later in life and ensure that both parties understand each other's responsibilities.

  1. A Clear Identity

Both parties must have a clear and legally valid identity. It includes information such as name, address, and identity number necessary to reinforce the validity of the agreement.

A clear identity also helps in law enforcement in the event of a dispute.

  1. Goods Worth Selling

The goods to be consigned must be in good condition and worth selling. Goods that are defective or do not meet quality standards can be detrimental to both parties. Consignors must ensure that all delivered goods are in optimal condition for sale.

  1. Selling Price

The selling price of the goods must be mutually agreed between the consignor and the consignor. Agreement on the sale price is important to ensure that both parties derive a fair profit from the transaction.

It will also help the consignment in marketing the product in a way that appeals to customers.

Consignment Benefits

The consignment system has several benefits, both for consignors and consignees:

  • For Consignors
  1. Expanding Market Reach

Conveyors can reach a wider market without the need to have their own physical store. By using consignment, they can leverage existing distribution networks, making it easier to reach new consumers.

  1. Minimizing the Risk of Loss

Consignors do not have to bear the risk of loss if the goods are not sold. They pay only after the goods are sold, thus reducing the risk of loss due to unsold goods.

  1. Earning Capital Faster

Consignors can get payment faster once the goods are sold. This helps in better management of cash flow, especially for small businesses that often have difficulty in funding.

  • Share Consignment
  1. Increasing Product Variety

Consignments can offer a wide range of products to customers without the need to spend large capital to buy goods in advance. This allows consignments to attract more customers with a diverse selection of products.

  1. Minimizing Stock Risk

Consignees do not have to worry about the risk of unsold goods because payment is only made after the goods are sold. This gives them flexibility in inventory management and reduces the risk of loss due to unsold products.

  1. Increase Turnover

By offering a more diversified product, consignment has the potential to increase its sales turnover. The more products available, the more likely consumers are to make a purchase.

Beginners in business? No need to worry, you can learn the basics of business through the following article: Types, Forms, Objectives and Examples of Businesses You Need to Know.

Consignment Shortage

In addition to the benefits, the consignment system also has some drawbacks that need to be noted:

  • Profit Share Percentage: The consignor must give part of the profit to the consignee as a sales commission. While this is a reasonable cost to use a consignment service, some consignors may feel that the percentage taken is too high, which can reduce their profit margins.
  • Uncertain Sales Times: There is no guarantee that all consignment items will be sold in a quick time. This can lead to uncertainty for consignors as to when they will receive payment.
  • Risk of Damage to Goods: Consignors are at risk of losing the goods if the goods are damaged or lost during the consignment's hands. Although the agreement may include provisions on the return of unsold goods, damage or loss may occur involuntarily.

Sample Consignment

The most common example of a consignment system is the sale of second-hand goods in specialized stores. Such stores often sell items from individuals or small businesses who do not have a platform to sell their goods.

In addition, the consignment system is also widely applied to the sale of fashion, art, and handicraft products. For example, many local designers use consignment to sell their products in boutiques without having to pay space rental fees.

Tips for Successful Consignment

In order for the consignment system to run smoothly, here are some tips that you can do:

  1. Choose the Right Consignment: Choose a consignment that is reputable and has a target market that matches your product. Doing your research and understanding the audience served by the consignment will help you make the right choice.
  2. Make Clear Agreements: Make sure all agreements are clearly spelled out in the written agreement. This will help prevent disputes and ensure that both parties understand each other's responsibilities.
  3. Monitor Sales Periodically: Check periodically to find out the progress of sales of your goods. By monitoring sales, you can take quick action if any problems arise.
  4. Establish Good Communication: Establish good communication with the consignment to solve any problems that may arise. Open and transparent communication will strengthen the working relationship between the consignor and the consignor.

Comparing Consignment Systems with Dropshipping Systems

In the world of e-commerce, two frequently discussed business models are consignment and dropshipping. The two have something in common in that it does not require a business owner to keep stock of goods, but there are fundamental differences that need to be understood.

  • Definition
  • Consignment

In the consignment system, the consignor hands the goods to the consignee for sale, and payment is made after the goods are sold. The consignor remains in possession of the goods until the sale occurs.

  • Dropshipping

In the dropshipping system, the owner of the online store cooperates with the supplier who manages the stock of goods. When a customer makes a purchase, the store owner sends the order to the supplier, who then sends the goods directly to the customer. In this case, the owner of the store has no ownership of the goods at all.

  • Risks and Responsibilities
  • Consignment

The consignor has the risk of damage to the goods and is also responsible for ensuring that the goods are in good condition when handed over to the consignor. If the goods are not sold, the consignor has the right to take back the goods.

  • Dropshipping

Store owners in dropshipping systems do not have the risk of damage to goods because they do not keep stock. However, they must rely on the reliability of the supplier to ensure that the products are delivered on time and in good condition.

  • Potential Profits
  • Consignment

The consignor earns a potential profit from the sale of his goods, but must give part of the profit to the consignor as a commission. This can reduce profit margins, especially if the profit share percentage is high.

  • Dropshipping

Store owners in dropshipping systems often have greater control over selling prices and can determine their own profit margins. However, they should consider shipping costs and fees that may be charged by the supplier.

  • Control over Products
  • Consignment

Consignors have greater control over the products sold, including price and quality. They can choose to terminate the consignment agreement if they are dissatisfied with the results of the sale.

  • Dropshipping

Store owners in dropshipping systems have limited control over products, especially in terms of quality and delivery. They must rely on the supplier to ensure that the product matches the customer's expectations.

Consignment is one of the attractive business models for business operators, especially for those who want to expand the reach of the market without having to spend large amounts of capital. By understanding the concept, terms, benefits, and drawbacks of consignment systems, business people can make better decisions about their sales strategy.

In addition, comparisons with dropshipping systems also provide insight into the choice of business models available in today's market. It is important that you carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the consignment system in order to be able to make the right decision according to the needs and objectives of the business.

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