Consignment and Sale: Meaning, Characteristics & Difference

The consignment and sale model is an important concept in business transactions, especially in retail and wholesale industries. These terms refer to two different kinds of ways to sell and manage the stock. The financial implications as well as legal are far different, although they both transfer goods from one party to another. This article will explain the basic principles behind consignment and sale, compare them by highlighting the key characteristics, and finally give a detailed explanation of the difference between consignment and sale.

What is Consignment and Sale?

In a consignment and sale arrangement, the ownership and responsibility of the goods are transferred in distinct ways depending on whether it is a consignment or a sale transaction.

• Consignment: Under a consignment arrangement, goods are sent by the owner (the consignor) to another party (the consignee) for sale. However, ownership of the goods remains with the consignor until the goods are sold to the final customer. The consignee is not obligated to purchase the goods but is expected to sell them on behalf of the consignor. The consignee earns a commission or fee from the sale price.
• Sale: In a sale transaction, ownership of the goods is immediately transferred to the buyer upon purchase. The buyer assumes all rights and responsibilities of the goods once the sale is completed. The seller receives payment in exchange for transferring ownership of the product.

Characteristics of Consignment

Understanding the key characteristics of consignments helps to clarify their differences. Let’s break down the features of each arrangement.

1. Ownership Remains with the Consignor: Until the goods are sold, the consignor retains ownership of the goods. The consignee only has possession of the items.
2. No Immediate Payment: The consignee does not pay for the goods upfront. Payment is made only after the goods are sold, and a commission is paid to the consignee.
3. Risk Remains with the Consignor: The consignor carries the risk until the goods are sold. If the goods do not sell, the consignor may either reclaim the goods or let them remain with the consignee.

4. Commission-Based Earnings: The consignee earns a commission or fee based on the sale price. The commission rate is usually pre-agreed.
5. Inventory Management: Goods on consignment are often tracked separately in the inventory of the consignor, and the consignee is not responsible for any unsold items.

Characteristics of Sale

Understanding some of the key attributes that characterize sales will help disambiguate their differences. Let’s break down the features of each arrangement below.

1. Ownership Transfers to Buyer: Once the buyer pays for the goods, ownership is immediately transferred. The seller no longer holds any rights to the goods.
2. Immediate Payment: In a sale, payment is made upfront by the buyer. There is no waiting for the sale to happen, as the transaction is complete at the point of purchase.
3. Risk with the Buyer: After the sale, the buyer assumes all risks related to the goods, including storage, handling, and potential damages.
4. Price Determined by Seller: The seller sets the price of the goods, and the buyer agrees to pay this amount.
5. No Commission: Unlike consignment, no intermediary is earning a commission. The full payment goes to the seller.

Key Differences Between Consignment & Sale

The difference between consignment and sale can be quite significant in terms of legal ownership, financial arrangements, and business risks. Below are five key distinctions between consignment and sale transactions:

Feature	Consignment	Sale
Ownership Transfer	Remains with the consignor until goods are sold.	Immediately transferred to the buyer.
Payment Timing	Payment is made after goods are sold.	Payment is made immediately at the time of purchase.
Risk and Liability	Risk stays with the consignor until the sale occurs.	Risk is transferred to the buyer after purchase.
Earnings	The consignee earns a commission or fee from the sale.	The seller receives full payment with no commission.
Inventory Control	Goods remain in the consignor’s inventory.	Goods are removed from the seller’s inventory upon sale.
Obligation to Purchase	No obligation for the consignee to buy the goods.	The buyer must pay for the goods upfront.
Return of Goods	Unsold goods may be returned to the consignor.	Once sold, the goods cannot be returned.
Payment Responsibility	The consignee is responsible for selling but not paying upfront.	The buyer is responsible for immediate payment.

Conclusion

The difference between consignment and sale lies primarily in the ownership, payment timing, and risk exposure of the involved parties. It can be described that consignment arrangements help businesses sell their goods without immediately taking on the upfront costs or risks, whereas a sale facilitates cash flow and transfer of ownership right away. Knowing this will allow businesses to select an option that best suits their needs and enables investors to better decide when entering into a consignment or sale agreement.

Consignment and Sale FAQs

What is the key difference between consignment and sale?

The key difference is that in consignment, the consignor retains ownership until the goods are sold, while in a sale, ownership transfers immediately to the buyer.

Who takes the risk in a consignment arrangement?

The consignor retains the risk in a consignment arrangement until the goods are sold.

Is payment made immediately in a sale?

Yes, payment is made immediately when a sale transaction occurs.

Do consignors get paid upfront?

No, consignors are only paid after the goods are sold by the consignee.

Can consignment goods be returned to the consignor?

Yes, unsold goods can be returned to the consignor depending on the agreement made between both parties.