Chairish Seller: What You Need to Know Before You List

Chairish Seller: What You Need to Know Before You List

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Thinking of selling your vintage and antique furniture or decor? Chairish might be the perfect platform for you! This online marketplace caters to a discerning clientele of interior designers and affluent buyers seeking unique and stylish pieces. This FAQ guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling on Chairish, from fees and shipping policies to listing tips and seller expectations.

Table of Contents

I. Understanding Chairish

  • What is Chairish?

Chairish is an online consignment marketplace specializing in curated vintage and antique furniture, décor, and art. They prioritize high-quality, unique pieces with distinct character rather than mass-produced, generic items.

  • Who is Chairish’s target audience?

Chairish attracts a sophisticated clientele:
* Interior Designers and Home Decorators: Professionals sourcing unique and colorful pieces for their client projects.
* Affluent Buyers: Individuals seeking high-end vintage items to elevate their homes.

  • Is Chairish a legitimate platform?

Yes, absolutely. Chairish is a reputable and established platform launched in 2013. They have a proven track record with over 734,000 items sold and a strong 4.4-star rating based on verified buyer reviews.

II. Getting Started as a Chairish Seller

  • How do I sign up to sell on Chairish?

Joining Chairish as a seller is free and straightforward. Visit their website, locate the “Sell” option typically found in the top navigation, and follow the prompts to create an account.

  • What are the different seller membership options?

Chairish offers two membership types:
* Consignor: Designed for individual sellers looking to list a smaller inventory.
* Professional: Geared towards businesses or individuals with 10 or more active listings. Professional sellers benefit from lower commission fees.

  • How do I create a listing on Chairish?

    Creating a listing on Chairish is simple, but presenting your items effectively is crucial. Follow these steps to create a standout listing:

    1. Access Your Seller Dashboard: Log into your Chairish account and navigate to your Seller Dashboard, where you’ll find the listing management tools.
    2. Craft a Compelling Title: Write a concise, descriptive title that captures the essence of your item using relevant keywords. For example, “Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by [Brand Name]” is informative and searchable.
    3. Categorize Your Item: Select the most relevant category for your item from Chairish’s dropdown menu. You can often choose multiple categories for broader visibility.
    4. Upload High-Quality Photos: This is perhaps the most critical step. Use high-resolution photos taken in good natural light, showcasing your item from multiple angles and highlighting unique details. Aim for at least four photos per item. Chairish automatically removes the background from your main listing photo, ensuring a consistent look across the marketplace.
    5. Write a Detailed Description: Use descriptive language that appeals to your target audience. Incorporate dimensions, materials, artist information, and any relevant historical context.
    6. Price Competitively: Research similar sold items on Chairish and other platforms to determine a fair market value for your piece. Be realistic about pricing and consider factors like condition and rarity. Chairish offers a handy earnings calculator within the listing creation process, allowing you to see your potential profit after their commission fee.
    7. Optimize with Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your listing to improve search visibility. Think about terms that buyers might use to find your item, such as style, color, materials, period, and artist name.
    8. Include Shipping Information: Input the item’s dimensions and weight accurately. Chairish handles shipping, but accurate information is essential for cost calculation and logistics.
    9. Review & Publish: Carefully review your listing before publishing. You can save it as a draft for later editing or go live instantly.

III. Chairish Seller Fees & Shipping

  • What are Chairish’s seller fees?

Chairish charges a commission on each sale, with tiered rates based on your seller status and sales volume:
* 20% commission: Applies to Professional sellers with 20 or more active listings.
* 30% commission: Applies to Consignor members and Professional sellers with fewer than 20 active listings.
* 40% commission: Applies to Consignor members who have made less than $10,000 in total sales.

  • What are Chairish’s shipping policies?

One of the significant advantages of selling on Chairish is their comprehensive handling of shipping logistics.
* Large Items: For furniture or oversized items, Chairish coordinates a third-party delivery service to pick up the item from your location.
* Small Items: For smaller items, Chairish provides a prepaid shipping label. You simply package the item and drop it off at a designated carrier location, typically UPS.
* Shipping Costs: Shipping costs are covered by the buyer, not the seller.
* Detailed Shipping Information: Chairish offers detailed guides and articles on their Help Center page to walk you through their shipping process step-by-step.

IV. Returns & Customer Service

  • What is Chairish’s return policy?

Chairish provides a 48-hour return window for buyers. If a buyer initiates a return, Chairish manages the entire process, including communication with the buyer, return shipping arrangements, and any necessary refunds. This hands-off approach is highly convenient for sellers.

  • How can I contact Chairish customer service?

Chairish offers a robust Help Center on their website, packed with articles addressing common seller questions. If you can’t find an answer to your question within the Help Center, you can contact their customer service team directly through the “Contact Us” form on their website.

V. Tips for Selling Successfully on Chairish

Selling on any marketplace requires strategy and attention to detail. Here are some tips to maximize your success on Chairish:

  • Thorough Research is Essential: Invest time in researching your items thoroughly. Utilize resources like online auction archives and art databases to identify the artist, determine the style and period, and establish a realistic potential value.
  • Photography is Paramount: Capture high-quality photos that showcase your items in the best possible light (literally!). Use natural lighting, multiple angles, close-ups of details, and clean backgrounds.
  • Craft Compelling Descriptions: Write engaging descriptions that highlight your items’ unique features. Use evocative language, rich adjectives, and detail the item’s history or backstory whenever possible.
  • Price Competitively: Research sold listings for comparable items to determine a fair market price. Pricing too high may deter buyers, while underpricing could lead to missed profit opportunities.
  • Embrace the Trade Discount: Offer a trade discount to attract interior designers and professionals. Typical trade discounts range from 15-30%, enticing buyers within the design industry to choose your items.
  • Utilize Chairish’s Shipping Services: Chairish’s streamlined shipping services eliminate logistical headaches for sellers. For larger, heavier, or more valuable items, Chairish’s professional packing and shipping services offer peace of mind.
  • Be Patient & Persistent: Chairish curates their listings to maintain a high standard of quality. Don’t get discouraged if your listing isn’t immediately accepted. Use any feedback provided to improve your listing and re-submit. Building a successful shop on Chairish takes time, effort, and a curated inventory of desirable items.

VI. FAQ Section

  • Why does Chairish charge such a high commission fee compared to other platforms?

Chairish’s commission fees are indeed higher than some other marketplaces, but they come with valuable services. Chairish handles all shipping logistics, payment processing, and return management. They also market to a high-end clientele, bringing a curated and affluent buyer base to your listings.

  • Can I turn selling on Chairish into a full-time income?

While some successful sellers have achieved significant income on Chairish, it’s unlikely to become a reliable, sole source of full-time income for most individuals, especially Consignors. Consider Chairish a source of supplemental income, a way to clear out unwanted vintage items, or a channel for selling specific pieces alongside other income streams.

  • Do I have to strictly adhere to Chairish’s photo suggestions?

    Chairish’s photo guidelines offer best practices, but they’re ultimately just suggestions. While following them can optimize your listing’s performance, you have the freedom to select the images and the order you prefer. Prioritize high-quality images that accurately represent your item.

  • What happens if Chairish doesn’t accept my listing?

Chairish’s curation process involves reviewing listings for quality, style, and adherence to their marketplace standards. If a listing is rejected, don’t give up. Use the feedback provided to refine your photos, improve your descriptions, or adjust your item selection for future submissions.

Conclusion

Chairish offers a user-friendly platform and provides access to a discerning audience for sellers with vintage and antique furniture, décor, and art. Understanding their policies, utilizing their resources, and implementing effective selling strategies can maximize your success and potentially yield a worthwhile income stream from your unique inventory.