Consignment percentage for watches
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
- Brand and model. Watches that resell quickly at known prices get the best splits.
- Box and papers. A full set sells faster and for more, which can earn a higher share.
- Servicing. If the shop pays for a service or a new strap before selling, it either takes more or charges it back.
- Online selling. Owners can list a watch online themselves, so the split has to be competitive.
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 $1,000 | 70% | 30% |
| $1,000 to $5,000 | 75% | 25% |
| $5,000 to $10,000 | 80% | 20% |
| $10,000 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | 70% / 30% | $420 | $180 |
| $1,850 | 75% / 25% | $1,387.50 | $462.50 |
| $12,000 | 85% / 15% | $10,200 | $1,800 |
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 percentage do watch consignment shops take?
Usually 15 to 30% of the sale price, so the consignor gets 70 to 85%. Smaller shops and lower-priced watches sit at the higher commission.
Should servicing come out of the consignor's share?
Usually yes, if the consignor agrees first. Put a limit in the agreement and keep a record of what was spent.
How long should a watch consignment agreement run?
Often 90 days or more, since buyers for expensive watches take longer to find. Agree on a lowest price, so the watch is never marked down below it.