Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: What can I consign?
The Ivy Cottage previews each item and selects the highest quality pre-owned furniture and accessories. Furniture must be stylish, in good condition and clean. Our goal is to provide the finest in pre-owned home furnishings and accessories. We reserve the right to refuse any item. Consignors may bring their small items directly to the store. Large furniture items must be pre-approved before they are brought in or picked up. To have a large furniture item pre-approved you can bring us a picture of the item or send a picture by email to threecottages3@yahoo.com. In some instances we may be able to pre-approve the item just from your description.
Q: How do you price the items to sell?
The Ivy Cottage will price your merchandise to provide you fair market value. It is our policy not to compromise the consigned price by accepting offers or “bargaining”. The Ivy Cottage does however use the following price adjustment schedule: Merchandise that has not sold will be marked down by 15% at 45 and 90 days during the 120 day consignment period. The consignor may remove items before the markdown dates if they do not want their items marked down. However, those items may not be reconsigned for 6 months.
Q: How and when do I get paid?
At The Ivy Cottage our consignors receive 50% of the final selling price. Consignor’s statements and checks are mailed on the 9th of each month.
Q: I don't have a truck and/or the items I want to consign are really big/heavy. Will you pick them up from my house/storage unit?
The Ivy Cottage provides a limited pick up and delivery service for a nominal charge of $40-$65 per trip, within the local area. Consignors may elect to deliver their own items to The Ivy Cottage. However, we must know in advance if you will be bringing in any large items of furniture.
Q: When should I come in to consign?
All consigning is done Monday-Friday from 10:00 to 4:00. No appointment is necessary during the week. Due to the nature of this business, please do not bring in more than 20 items per day. On weekends all consigning is done by appointment only. Please call several days ahead for an appointment as they are limited.
Q: What kind of jewelry do you consign?
Fine platinum, gold, and sterling jewelry items. We are currently accepting jewelry from all eras of design and manufacturing. We are currently looking for antique, estate, modern, artisan, and designer diamond, gemstone, and precious metal pieces that are in excellent wearable condition.
Q: Does your jewelry go down in price?
No. However, we frequently audit our inventory and will often reduce items and entertain reasonable offers on higher end pieces. We have a wonderful team in the jewelry department whose goal is to move inventory quickly. Every piece is carefully examined and priced against the fair market value of comparable jewelry. We have a team of jewelry professionals including a contracted Graduate Gemologist from G.I.A.. Please be aware that fair market and retail pricing can be quite different, so a formal appraisal is always recommended on high value items.
Q: Is jewelry consignment different from regular consignment at The Ivy Cottage?
Yes. Jewelry sales are built on relationships and trust, so we extend the general contract to avoid the traditional automatic price reductions. This relieves some of the pressure for both buyer and consignor. However, we will also contact the consignor on behalf of the buyer with reasonable offers on our higher end items.
Q: I don't know what I have. Can I bring it in, anyways?
Yes! Our staff is happy to help you sort through your items. We are able to help you figure out what is "real" and what isn't. We recommend making an appointment by calling 910.782.8953 or you may stop in during normal consignment hours (10:30-4:30, M-F) for a look-over. If we are not able to give you an immediate assessment, we can sign your items in, give you an itemized receipt, and call you with pricing at a later time.
Q: I have a ring but it's missing a stone. Can I still consign it?
Quite Possibly! We require all jewelry to be in excellent, like-new, wearable condition. However, we realize that jewelry is meant to be enjoyed and worn, and it is common for items to need some repair before they are consigned. We work with area bench jewelers and can organize any repair for you. Please note: the consignor is responsible for all repairs and cost for any repairs before an item is placed in our cases.
Q: I totally have the Hope Diamond, why isn't anyone buying it?!
Because jewelry is a finicky market. Jewelry is a deeply personal investment for most buyers. Personal taste, trends, sentiment, and financial commitment must all be taken into consideration. As economies and markets fluctuate, the jewelry market does as well. Marquise, princess cut, and fancy colored diamonds change in popularity, and therefore fluctuate in fair market value. We will be honest with you if we think an item can sell at a fair price to you. If you have consigned an item and it hasn't sold, we would urge you to consider a price reduction or possible redesign.