Consignment percentage for guitars and instruments
Updated October 4, 2026
The usual range
The consignor's share is what they get from each sale. The shop keeps the rest as its commission.
| Consignor gets | Shop keeps | |
|---|---|---|
| Low end | 70% | 30% |
| Typical | 80% | 20% |
| High end | 85% | 15% |
What moves the split
- Price. Shops take a bigger cut on cheap pedals and amps, and a smaller one on expensive guitars.
- Setup and repairs. A setup or new strings helps an instrument sell, and the shop either charges for it or takes more.
- Online prices. Players know what gear sells for and can sell it online themselves, so the split has to be competitive.
- Returns. Many music stores offer returns, so consignors are paid once the return window has passed.
A split tiered by price
Many shops give consignors a bigger share as prices go up, so their best pieces are worth bringing in. A common ladder:
| Item price | Consignor gets | Shop keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | 70% | 30% |
| $500 to $2,000 | 75% | 25% |
| $2,000 to $5,000 | 80% | 20% |
| $5,000 and up | 85% | 15% |
Worked examples
What each side gets from a few typical sales with the ladder above, before any card fees.
| Sold for | Split | Consignor gets | Shop keeps |
|---|---|---|---|
| $350 | 70% / 30% | $245 | $105 |
| $1,100 | 75% / 25% | $825 | $275 |
| $4,500 | 80% / 20% | $3,600 | $900 |
Setting it up in Consignment Hub
Consignment Hub uses one split per consignor: your shop's default, or a share you set for that consignor. Each item keeps the split it was taken in at, and each sale is split by what the customer paid, after discounts and before tax. It doesn't change the split by price on its own, so shops with a ladder give consignors of high-value pieces their own share.
Questions
What commission do music stores charge on consignment?
Usually 15 to 30% of the sale price. About 20% is common, lower at large shops and on expensive instruments, higher at small local stores.
Is a tiered commission common for guitars?
Yes. A common ladder takes 30% on cheaper gear, falling to 15 to 20% on the most expensive instruments.
Who pays for a setup before selling?
Agree it first. Many stores charge the consignor for setup work and take it from their share when the instrument sells.