Free Consignment Agreement Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly
A consignment agreement is a contract between a consignor (the owner of goods) and a consignee (a shop, gallery, or retailer) that governs the sale of goods on a commission basis. The consignee displays and sells the items but does not purchase them outright — the consignor retains title until the goods are sold.
⚠️ Important: This is a general informational template, not legal advice or a guarantee of validity. Requirements vary by state and situation. Verify current official requirements and seek a licensed attorney for consequential matters. Review our sources and methodology.
What Is a Consignment Agreement Template?
A consignment agreement is a contract between a consignor (the owner of goods) and a consignee (a shop, gallery, or retailer) that governs the sale of goods on a commission basis. The consignee displays and sells the items but does not purchase them outright — the consignor retains title until the goods are sold. This template covers item descriptions, valuation, commission rates, payment schedules, storage responsibilities, unsold return procedures, and liability, making it suitable for clothing boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and general retail consignment arrangements..
When Do You Need It?
You need a consignment agreement when: an artist or designer wants a gallery or boutique to sell their work, a seller wants to place goods in a consignment shop without selling outright, a retailer agrees to stock third-party goods and pay the owner only upon sale, or an estate is liquidating items through a consignment store. A written agreement protects both the owner's title and the seller's commission rights..
What's Included in This Template
- Consignor and consignee identification
- Detailed description and valuation of consigned items
- Consignment period with start and end dates
- Commission percentage and minimum sale price
- Payment schedule and method
- Storage and display responsibilities
- Procedure for returning unsold items
- Title retention clause (owner retains title until sale)
- Insurance and risk of loss provisions
- Damage and theft liability allocation
- Signature blocks for both parties
How to Fill It Out
Legal Requirements & Notes
This consignment agreement template addresses key legal considerations for US consignment arrangements: - **UCC Article 9 (Secured Transactions)**: Under the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in all 50 states, a consignor may need to file a UCC-1 financing statement to perfect their security interest in consigned goods and protect against the consignee's creditors in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy. This is critical when the consigned value is substantial. - **Bankruptcy Risk**: If a consignee files for bankruptcy, consigned goods may be treated as the consignee's property by the bankruptcy trustee unless the consignor has a perfected UCC security interest. Consignors with high-value items should consider filing a UCC-1. - **Title Retention**: Clear title retention language helps establish consignor ownership, but UCC filing provides the strongest legal protection. - **State Consignment Laws**: Some states have specific laws governing art consignment (e.g., California, New York) that provide enhanced protections for artists. These laws may supersede contract terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a wholesale arrangement, the retailer purchases goods outright and assumes all risk. In consignment, the retailer only pays the supplier when items actually sell. The supplier retains ownership until sale. Consignment is riskier for the supplier but gets products into stores without the retailer needing upfront capital.
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