Consignment

Bellwether consigns a wide + select variety of vintage and pre-owned clothing, accessories, housewares etc, along with handmade art, jewelry + other wares for all genders, sizes, styles + price points. We covet high-quality vintage + modern boutique fashions, and unique one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Our Spring/summer season consignment season is now open *by appointment only.* We are currently asking that you send photographs of items you’re interested in consigning, and make sure that all approved items are freshly laundered before your drop-off appointment.

To book your appointment early and take full advantage of the seasonal selling season, reach out to us on social media, email us at hello@bellwether.shop or call (506) 454-4558.

*Please note: you must follow up your consignment form submission by contacting us to book your appointment. 

Seasonal Consignment Schedule

Spring/Summer consignment accepted January 1 - June 30

Fall/Winter fashion: July 1 - December 31

Bellwether Consignment Procedures (terms + conditions*)

*subject to change without notice - please read thoroughly & check periodically

Drop off details - by appointment only!

: Don't be fashionably late! Schedule your drop-off to ensure we give your items the attention they deserve.

: We are asking current + prospective consignors to send photographs of items they would like to consign so we can virtually select items for consignment. We may not accept all photographed items. If you have vintage items with slight wear or damage, please make note of this so we can assess whether we can repair it or sell “as is.” This process saves you from lugging items to our second floor space that we may not be able to accept and send you back home with.

: Sending us a DM on social media is our preferred method of contact to send photos and schedule drop offs, but you can also email us at hello@bellwether.shop or call us at (506) 454-4558.

Saleable Condition criteria - help us help you!

: Drop off clothes in "saleable condition" – clean, fresh, and free of dirt, stains, pet hair, and funky odors.

: No one wants to sift through dirty clothing - all items that come in for consignment must be freshly clean/laundered or otherwise disinfected.

: We encourage you to wash clothes that have been hanging in your closet, or that were cleaned then stored in your basement because allergens like dust, pet dander, smoke and odours like must and BO cling to fabric like you wouldn’t believe.

: Bellwether reserves the right to refuse consignment items if they do not meet our outlined “saleable condition” criteria.

Style Preferences & Exceptions - we love unique styles, but some items are hard to sell!

: We have come to learn over the years that there are certain items and styles that aren’t as likely to sell in our shop space (despite our desire and best efforts)!

: Items are considered, accepted & priced based on quality, condition, season, style, current re-sale value and inventory levels.

: Of course there is an exception to every rule (show us if it’s really cool) but below is a breakdown of items we are looking for and items we are less likely to accept (please note that these lists are subject to change based on changing seasons, trends & demand):

Item/Style preferences we are currently looking for:

: high-quality vintage + boutique brands for all sizes and genders

: natural fabrics (cotton, rayon, vintage silk, wool blends)

: vintage band + graphic tees, and crewnecks

: diverse top halves (“going out” tops, short and long sleeve button ups, pullovers, sweater vests, light-mid weight cardigans)

: vintage denim (jeans, shorts, vests, jackets)

: plus size items (mostly tops and dresses)

: casual dresses (more specifically with sleeves)

: early/mid 2000’s fashions

Item/Style Exceptions we are less likely to take (*though there may be exceptions, please inquire):

: fast fashion brands

: synthetic fabrics (heavy polyester)

: purses and bags

: swimwear, bodysuits & under garments

: footwear

: business casual

: fancy/formal wear

: we love vintage, but certain heavy polyester house dresses, and retro power suits with giant shoulder pads aren’t really having a moment right now.

: jackets (we are currently overstocked with seasonal jackets and outer layers, so unless it’s really really special, we may forgo for now).

: Burgundy and salmon pink seem to be cursed colours that linger on the racks and don’t go anywhere atm.

Seeking Handmade Wares:

We are always in search of new and unique items to add to our rotating roster of locally handmade wares. While reproduction prints, cards, and stickers move very well at a price point accessible to our customer base, we are also interested in a range of original and one of a kind pieces of all sorts of media, including but not limited to:

: small/medium size paintings, illustrations, mixed media & collage works

: limited edition prints, screen prints, etc

: zines

: ceramics

: candles

: handmade/upcycled/altered clothing & accessories

: pins, buttons & patches

: jewelry

Share your work with us!

If you have some unique work that we might be interested in, please reach out! Due to space constraints, we may not be able to accept all works immediately, and we may be selective about what we take, based on our knowledge of what seems to work in our space, but we are always curious about what the creative endeavours of our talented customer base, and are willing to try new items on a trial & error basis to offer retail experience and exposure to budding, emerging artists!

Consignment Payouts - Cash in on your style!

: Bellwether offers 30%-40% of the final selling price of all pre-owned clothing + accessories. Consignors receive 30% of items sold for $25 or under and 40% of items sold for over $25.

: We offer 60% of the final selling price of any handmade artwork, jewelry, homewares, etc. 

: Account balances can be paid out in cash, or used as shop credit towards your next purchase!

Turn around time & Responsibility - After drop off, give us 2-4 weeks to work our magic! Consignors, stay in the loop by checking your account balance and decide: cash out or shop more?!

: Items are typically priced within 2 weeks of their arrival. Items may take up to 30 days to be priced if part of a larger drop-off or in the midst of a busy drop-off season. Pricing is non-negotiable and markdowns can be made without notice, at the shop’s discretion (including promotional and seasonal events)

: Items remain on the sales floor for up to 6 months, depending on what time they are received in the current selling season.

: It is the responsibility of the consignor to check in on their account balance. Consignment accounts accumulate over time as items sell (we do not buy clothing up front). Please check in with us (via email, social media or phone) for account inquiries. We do not notify consignors as items sell. Make sure to check in periodically *Please Note - if your consignment balance has not been inquired about and/or collected within 1 year of initial drop off, it is no longer eligible for reimbursement.

PAYOUTS are issued in store/by request and will be made by cash or cheque. E-transfer payouts are available for a $2.00 fee which is deducted from your account balance.

SHOP CREDIT: Your account balance can be used towards any shop purchase (including artwork + handmade wares).

FEES

: If we deem an item in need of repair or dry cleaning, the cost will be deducted from the consignors account.

: If items require extensive cleaning, laundering, or repair, Bellwether reserves the right to refuse items OR accept them as donations and the consignor forfeits their consignment earnings for said item(s).

End of Season Returns

: Bellwether only returns select items as instructed by the consignor at the time of drop-off. Consignors will be notified at the end of the 6 month selling period by social media, email or phone to arrange a time for pick-up of return items. We ask that items are picked up within one week. We can accommodate if you need a little extra time, please just let us know!

: Any “return” items that are not picked up within the allocated time are forfeited to the business and considered donations.

: Any remaining unsold consignment items at the end of the six month selling period will be donated

: Donated items are first placed in our “community trunk.” Proceeds from trunk sales will go to support relevant social justice causes, local community organizations, or to mutual aid, on a rotating basis. Unsold items from our community trunk are donated to Greener Village, in support of the Food Bank.

Return of handmade wares

: Handmade items are always returned to the maker at the end of the selling period and never donated. Once contacted about pick up about unsold, handmade items, we ask that items are collected promptly to ensure they are returned safely as our storage space is limited and always in flux.

Donations

: Bellwether periodically accepts donations of new and vintage items, as long as they are in good, clean “saleable condition” as outlined above. However, Bellwether is not a registered charity and may refuse to accept donations at our discretion.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Items

: Although we strive to ensure the security and take the utmost care of your belongings while in our possession, Bellwether assumes no financial responsibility for items lost, stolen, or damaged while on the premises. Consignors agree to leave items with us “at their own risk” and will not expect to be compensated for any lost, stolen, or damaged goods in the form of cash or shop credit.

*Terms + Conditions are subject to change without notice - please read thoroughly & check periodically.