Are consignment shops responsible if my items are lost or damaged?

It depends on the shop's policies and your agreement. Some shops accept responsibility for items lost, stolen, or damaged while in their care and may pay you the agreed or expected amount. Others limit their liability or exclude it altogether.

Read the agreement carefully and ask the shop to explain its policy in plain terms. Laws about consignment and responsibility for goods also vary by state, so if you are consigning something valuable, it may be worth checking with a local attorney or your insurance agent.

Keep a list and photos of everything you consign, along with the date and the shop's intake receipt. That record will be important if anything goes missing or a question comes up later.