Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the process started?
Simply submit clear photographs of your item, including the front, back, interior, corners, hardware, and any visible signs of wear. Please also include the designer, style name—if known—and any original packaging, receipts, authenticity cards, or accessories that accompany the item.
Once we review the photographs and confirm that the item may be a good fit for our boutique, we will contact you regarding the next steps.
How long does it take to receive a response?
Please allow up to 48 hours for our team to review your submission. We are often able to respond the same day, but evaluation times may vary depending on the number of submissions we receive.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are preferred so we can dedicate the proper time and attention to reviewing your items. Please contact us before bringing in a large number of pieces.
What is the difference between a buyout and consignment?
A buyout provides an immediate cash payment for an accepted item. You do not have to wait for the item to sell before receiving your money.
With consignment, your item is displayed and marketed through our boutique, and you are paid once it sells. Consignment generally provides the opportunity for a higher payout than an immediate buyout.
Buyouts are offered selectively and depend on the item, designer, condition, current market demand, and our inventory levels. An offer or acceptance is never guaranteed.
How long is the consignment period?
Our standard consignment agreement is 120 calendar days.
How much will I receive?
Consignment payouts generally range from 40% to 60% of the final selling price, depending on the designer, item category, condition, estimated value, market demand, and our current inventory.
Our standard handbag payout is 55%, while select Hermès handbags—such as Birkin and Kelly styles—may qualify for a 60% payout. Clothing, shoes, and accessories may have different commission structures.
Your exact payout percentage will be clearly explained before your item is accepted.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. There are no hidden fees. L’Atelier pays for the professional photography, marketing, and authentication of accepted consignment merchandise. These standard costs are not passed along to the consignor.
An early-removal fee may apply if an item is withdrawn before the end of the agreed-upon 120-day consignment period.
Are the items professionally authenticated?
Yes. We take authenticity extremely seriously. Luxury resale items accepted by L’Atelier are professionally authenticated before being offered for sale.
We also provide authentication services for customer-owned items for $40 for most eligible luxury pieces and $160 for Hermès ( handbags ). Jewelry/shoes have different authentication fees.
Can the selling price be reduced?
We may reduce the listed price by up to 25% during the consignment period based on market conditions, customer interest, promotions, and other factors. Any reduction beyond that amount requires prior approval.
When will I be paid after my item sells?
Consignor payments are issued within seven calendar days of the completed sale, although we are often able to process payments within 48 to 72 hours. Payments may be made through Zelle, Venmo, or check.
Do you accept every item?
No. All merchandise is accepted at our discretion. Decisions are based on authenticity, condition, designer, style, age, current resale demand, expected selling price, and our existing inventory.
Do you offer store credit or trades?
Yes. Depending on the item, we may offer store credit or a trade toward another item in our boutique. Store credit may provide a higher value than a cash buyout. All offers are made on a case-by-case basis.
Which designers do you accept?
We currently accept select pieces from luxury designers, including:
Gucci, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Goyard, Loewe, Fendi, Prada, and Miu Miu.
If you have an item from a designer not listed above, please feel free to submit photographs. We occasionally make exceptions based on the designer, item, condition, current demand, and our inventory levels. All merchandise is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Which designers do you not accept?
At this time, we do not accept Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, or Dooney & Bourke.
Do you accept luxury clothing, shoes, and jewelry?
Our luxury consignment business primarily focuses on designer handbags and select jewelry.
We may make exceptions for certain luxury clothing pieces when they are new or in like-new condition. Shoes are also considered selectively and must be newer styles in new or like-new condition.
Acceptance is based on the designer, style, condition, resale demand, and our current inventory levels.