FROM: HOLLEY
CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 23,
2014
RE: PRESS RELEASE – CONSIGNMENT SCAM
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. Consumer Affairs can be
reached at 340-3260.
