Why Does JBF Charge a Seller Fee Upfront?

If you've looked into selling your outgrown kids’ items at Just Between Friends Livonia/Novi, you may have noticed that we charge a small upfront seller fee when you register. Understandably, many people ask, "Why do I have to pay before I sell?"

We totally get it! So let’s break it down and explain why this fee exists—and how it actually benefits you as a consignor.

1. It Helps Cover Event Costs

Running a massive pop-up consignment sale requires a ton of resources—venue rental, insurance, marketing, staff, equipment, and more. Your seller fee helps cover these operational costs so we can host a high-quality, well-organized event that brings in thousands of shoppers looking to buy what you’re selling!

2. It Ensures Commitment & Space Allocation

We carefully plan our sale space based on the number of consignors registered. The seller fee ensures that every consignor who signs up is committed to selling. This allows us to allocate enough space for everyone’s items without overbooking or under-planning.

3. It Funds Advertising to Bring in More Buyers

More shoppers = more sales for you! Your seller fee helps fund strategic advertising efforts, including social media ads, email campaigns, local outreach, and promotions to attract as many buyers as possible.

4. You Can Earn It Back (and Then Some!)

Think of your seller fee as an investment in your earnings. The average consignor at JBF Livonia/Novi makes $300–$500 selling their items—far outweighing the small upfront fee. Plus, our Consignor Crew members can even earn an extra 10-15% commission, making it an even sweeter deal.

5. It’s Standard Practice in Consignment Sales

Most consignment events charge some form of seller fee, and many even take higher commission rates. At JBF, we keep both our seller fees and commission competitive while giving you one of the best-selling experiences out there.

If you've ever heard someone say they’re “cosigning” their kid’s clothes and found yourself tilting your head, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up the confusion!

First Things First: What Does It Mean to Consign?

Consigning (with an n) is when you sell your gently-loved items (like clothes, toys, gear, and more) through a third party—like Just Between Friends Livonia/Novi. You tag your items, drop them off, and we do the selling for you. Then, you get a paycheck!

And Cosigning? That’s Totally Different.

"Cosigning" (with an o) means signing a loan with someone—like a friend or family member—to guarantee repayment. Totally unrelated. Unless you’re trying to help your toddler qualify for a mortgage (in which case... please message us, we have questions 😂).

Why Consign With JBF?

• Earn 60–70% on your sales

• Shop early for the best deals

• Clear out your closets (and your mind)

• Help local families find amazing bargains

• Keep items out of landfills—yay sustainability!

The Bottom Line?

Consignment is the smarter, simpler way to sell your kids’ outgrown things without the garage sale hassle or flaky porch pickups. And no loan paperwork required 😉