FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MARCH 15, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – CONSIGNMENT SCAMS
CONSIGNMENT CAVEAT: TIPS TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS, SCAMS AND PROPERTY LOSS
A dealer offers to take one or more items on consignment and remit payment when they’re sold. The risk is not knowing how much the item sold for or if it sold at all. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs suggests before entering into a consignment agreement, a consignor should make sure they have a signed contract and receipt, plus photographs of items left with the consignee, serial numbers (if available) and copies of an appraisal (for high-end items). The agreement/contract should state: the business’ responsibility in case of damages to the goods or theft; the consignment shop’s fees or their percentage of the sale price; who pays for shipping and promotional responsibilities (where applicable); and a provision that the item returns to the owner in the event of the shop’s closure or bankruptcy or within a specified time. Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.