Ever wonder what your consignor’s not telling you?

And for consignor, read seller or donor if you’re not a consignment shop. Yes, even those receiving cash on the barrel head, or donating to your nonprofit thrift shop, have unspoken concerns.

We’re not mind-readers. When you tell us we have to choose only 15 items to bring in to you, it’s stressful. Should I include that mink in the batch or will you tell me “no furs”? Are suits 2 pieces or just one? It gets so confusing, I’ll decide just to give everything to my cleaning lady.

We don’t REALLY want to pick things up. But sometimes, your agreement and your web site seem to make us think we have to. What a hassle. We’d much rather just let you donate them.

We want to feel like our things are going to a good home. It’s silly, we know, and we’d be embarrassed if you knew we were thinking this way. After all we’re selling it, right? But we want to feel that you’ll find our underloved possessions a good home. Cuts down on the guilt of passing Mother’s mahogany chest on.

We’re more than willing to brag on you, but we need help. Whether we’re proud of our eco-correctness or excited that we made $250 with no effort, we’re happy to tell others about you. But darn it, what’s your shop called again? Where on Main Street are you? What’s the name of that nice blonde who helped us?

We’d love for you to keep in touch. We like hearing how the shop’s doing, so let us know. Don’t just hand out a check without a little human contact. We like to think our relationship is based on more than money.

Are any of these unspoken concerns, something you could address to make your suppliers feel more comfortable as your business partner?

Also, read 5 Things your NONconsignor won’t tell you.

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