Running a consignment shop isn’t your typical retail gig. Sure, you’re managing inventory like any other store, but there’s an extra layer of complexity when you’re selling on behalf of someone else.
Every item has a backstory — whether it’s a vintage jacket, a high-end bike helmet, or a pair of designer boots — and each piece has an owner, an arrival date, and a sales split to pay out once you’ve found a buyer. That’s a lot of moving parts to juggle while you’re also helping customers and meeting with potential consignors.
If you’re still tracking everything in spreadsheets or outdated databases, there’s a good chance you’re running out of time to do it all. But here’s the good news: There’s software made for consignment shops that can shoulder the brunt of your administrative burden.
Ready to simplify your operations? Explore the benefits of the three best consignment shop software options available.
What’s a POS System for Consignment Stores? (And Why You’ll Love It)
A point of sale (POS) system for consignment stores is like having an extra set of hands — designed to make your daily operations more efficient and way less stressful. Here are some of the features included in the best options:
-
Automatic inventory tracking: Tracks large quantities of items and stock-keeping units (SKUs) accurately, no matter how big your store is.
-
Consignment-specific features: Track consignor information, commissions, and payouts — generic retail POS software can’t do this.
-
Real-time updates: Know exactly what’s in stock and what’s selling — instantly. Real-time tracking means you’re always in the loop with up-to-the-minute inventory and sales data.
-
Accurate reporting features: Generate detailed financial and sales reports with just a few clicks. You’ll see exactly how much revenue you’ve made and what commissions are owed, and stay on top of consignor payments.
The best consignment shop software gives you back your time. Leave the paperwork and tedious data entry behind. Instead, you’ll have more hours to connect with consignors, assist customers, and grow your business.
The Top 3 Best Consignment Shop Software Providers
Thinking about getting a POS system for your consignment shop? We’ve narrowed it down to the three best options out there — here’s what you need to know about each one.
1. AIM by Tri-Tech
AIM, developed by Tri-Tech Retail, has features designed specifically for consignment and resale stores. Consider it your all-in-one command center, combining cloud-based convenience with every feature you need to keep your shop running efficiently — whether you’re juggling racks of vintage dresses or shelves stocked with bike gear. From tracking inventory to managing consignors, AIM handles it all — no sticky notes (or coffee-stained spreadsheets) required.
Top features:
-
Detailed inventory manager: AIM can record and display the complete history of each item recorded, including transfers, sales, and rentals.
-
Web-based consignor login: AIM allows you to set up a web service so your consignors can easily log in and check the status of their goods at any time, even when your store is closed.
-
Untethered access: Since AIM is cloud-based, you’re never tied to one spot. Whether you’re at the front counter, in the stockroom, or offsite, you can access everything from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. The AIM Mobile version keeps all the features you need right at your fingertips.
-
Complete report catalogs: AIM offers over 200 prebuilt reports you can generate in seconds. Need something more specific? Create custom reports tailored to your business. It’s perfect for spotting trends, tracking performance, and making data-driven decisions.
Need help using the software? Two free months of Tri-Tech’s Platinum support plan are included with AIM, giving you access to an on-call team, a support forum, and phone or video meetings.
Reviews:
“For a small retail store this is excellent! Helps manage inventory, as well as daily and weekly check out.” — Ron C.
“Overall, I am very happy with this AIM. It has made our business run smoother and has opened up some avenues to us that were previously not feasible.” — Devon H.
“Overall experience has been amazing. Tech support is there to help us out when there are questions. The training videos are full of good advice and very helpful hints to make the software work better for us.” — Steve G.
2. Ricochet
Launched in 2013, Ricochet started with one mission — making life easier for small and mid-sized consignment shops. While they’ve expanded to support other types of businesses over the years, consignment stores are still their bread and butter. It’s in their DNA, which means every feature is designed with your unique needs in mind.
Top features:
- Versatile functionality: Ricochet works as a POS system for in-store transactions, e-commerce platforms, and even on-the-go applications, such as events and conventions.
- Numerous payment options: Ricochet can accept a wide range of payment methods from customers, including cash and credit cards, consignor credit, checks, gift cards, and reward points.
- Free customer service: Need help? Just reach out. Ricochet includes customer support with every plan — you won’t have to pay extra or upgrade to talk to a real person when you need assistance.
Ricochet works on PC, Mac, and iPad, giving you the flexibility to use it on a computer or a tablet — whatever fits your workflow best.
Reviews:
“We love the accessibility of this software. We use it at our shop, at home, when we take our products out on the road, and everyone that sells with us can use it from their homes too.” — Capri W.
“What I like most about this software is the user-friendly interface. As a new business, we needed a software that wasn't going to take months of trial to figure out and that could integrate a lot of the steps to save time.” — Carina L.
3. SimpleConsign
SimpleConsign, (formerly ConsignPro) has been around since 1996, making it the wise elder of consignment software. It’s like that super-organized friend who always knows where everything is — even in a closet full of vintage purses. Trusted by thousands of resale stores, SimpleConsign proves that when it comes to managing inventory, tracking payouts, and keeping consignors happy, old-school reliability never goes out of style.
Top features:
-
User-friendly experience: SimpleConsign was designed with the user in mind. Its simple and intuitive interface is built to offer the best user experience (UX) possible.
-
Built-in accounting functions: At the end of each day, SimpleConsign automatically reconciles the expected totals from all sales, consignment payouts, and returns with the actual amounts recorded. This convenient feature saves time, reduces errors, and creates more accurate financial records.
-
Cloud-based reporting system: If you need a data report, just log into SimpleConsign’s interface with any device and request it from anywhere.
SimpleConsign comes with all the essential features for consignment and resale stores, plus options to support thrift shops, multiple locations, and vendor or dealer malls, giving you the flexibility to grow and adapt.
Reviews:
“Our experience overall has been great. The reports are easy to run, and the few that we've had to develop have worked well. Even though we use an external credit card processor, the interface with the software is easy to use.” — Bill B.
“I can't imagine our business model operating efficiently without SimpleConsign.” — Chris R.
How a Point of Sale System Can Benefit Your Consignment Shop
Running a consignment business involves many moving parts and the best consignment shop software can help those parts move in sync. If you’re looking to simplify your day-to-day operations, AIM by Tri-Tech can do just that by tracking inventory ownership, calculating commissions, handling payouts, and reconciling sales.
Ready to see it in action? Request a demo today to see what AIM by Tri-Tech can do for your consignment business.
