Design With Consignment

Had a great experience selling with this store. Lots of consignment shops treat you like they are doing you a huge favor instead of acknowledging that you are a vital link in their business model. Took a recliner, a table/​lamp combo, and two sets of decorative throw pillows into this shop in May. The recliner was damaged upon unloading by an employee. Hey, stuff happens, but I was pretty upset, assuming the shop would screw with me as if it was my fault. Instead, shop owner personally apologized and wrote me a check for the full consignment amount that we had previously agreed, had the item sold on time.
A few weeks later, we called the shop and told them that we had decided to retrieve the table/​lamp combo for my MIL, who needed it in her new assisted living facility. The employees did not act perturbed that we had changed our minds — by the time we got there a few minutes later, they had already removed the item from the floor and put our name on it so it would be ready to pick up.
That left the throw pillows, which I more or less wrote off. If items don’t sell within the agreed time, they keep or donate to charity, which is pretty standard with most consignment shops. Lo and behold, a few weeks later, I got a check in the mail for the pillows. I really appreciated the way the shop owner and employees treated me with respect, even though I was not a big client with a lot of items. My husband and I saw lots of things there we would love to have if we weren’t downsizing. It’s a very cheery, upbeat environment, with really nice displays, unlike some resale shops where it looks like the Island of Misfit Furniture! I will definitely visit again when we need furniture or decorative items in the future.

Kate with Desing With Consignment does it again!!! I went, again, to drop more of my furniture and accessories to Kate and wouldn’t you know… She is there with a big smile on her face ready to tackle the task at hand… Get my things off of my hands and ready to find them a new home. This place is amazing full of beautiful and wonderful things at very reasonable prices. I simply love Kate and this amazing store. I truly recommend everyone stopping by and check it out. And don’t forget ask for Kate.

Since this store opened, I stop in often enough, as it is near my «usual» furniture store.
Every time, I find something that will enhance my home, either in a new location, or occasionally, replacing something I have. True, the prices go down after each month, and I’ve had some discounts. But, if it is the right piece, the prices are already very reasonable. Wide variety of décor/​periods, some vintage, some antique, some modern, some art deco – a fun place to shop. Staff are always helpful. I don’t think I’m a crazy shopper but I’m remembered when I walk in. They have several great movers to recommend if you need them, also. Just what North Austin needed!!! our review helps others learn about great local businesses. Showroom is large, last time I was in, overflowing.
Now that I’ve written my review — I’m a northeasterner, I don’t think their items are too pricey, they try only to sell quality merchandise as far as I can see. I’ve never regretted a purchase, even if I took some time to think about it. My differences with others could be a north vs. south Austin artifact as the areas become even more different. But for sure, with the population influx of 2015, this place has a certain future.
Please don’t review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you’re connected in any way to the owner or employees.

I liked Design it By Consignment when they were at their old place off hiway; 71. The stuff seemed more unique, not picked over, and an overall hometown warm feeling. The new place they are in is just too modern looking and the prices seem to be increased. I agree with a lot of posters, the stuff just isn’t what it used to be …

Decent prices, prices decrease the longer things sit on the floor. Friendly staff. Good, solid furniture in a nicely kept store.

A step above most consignment stores due the the sharp designing eye of staff and owners. Great merchandise, fairly priced and well merchandised and displayed. Helpful, crisp, professional staff.
A win for Austin in the consignment world!

My original review stated that this store priced their items too high for pre-​owned furniture. And though I stand by that opinion I will say the shop owner is very interested in improving their store and looking for ways to update their prices and inventory. Next time we need furniture I would consider stopping by to see the new changes.
5 stars to management for caring about their business and customers.

«Overpriced for some good quality and some not good at all. «
I wanted so bad to like this place. Plus it’s close to home and has furniture at a discount, so what’s not to like right?
Guess again. They do have some very unique items here if that’s what you’re looking for. To me, it was a little beyond unique into clutter. From really old to why would someone buy that. Not to mention a few overpriced items that had plenty of scratches. Including some target and Walmart quality, particle board bookshelves for $ 80-​$ 120. Really? That’s a rip off. And the overly priced paintings.
I was sadly disappointed because I’ve been to a ton of furniture and consignment stores to know this was not the expected quality I was looking for.

Set up most of my new apartment from here!!! TWO THUMBS UP

Hands down the best furniture consignment place in town. They have everything arranged by period (also their mid-​century stuff is KILLER) and a helpful, knowledgeable staff.
We have only bought a few things there but the sales folk always remember our name (Hi Michael!) and they keep an ear to the ground about what’s coming in case we’re interested.
They also have good parking and great air conditioning which is a plus when you’re shopping in this heat! If you want a nice, well designed and clean environment that costs a little more than a discount place but gets you much more for your dollar then come here. Now to go pick up that cowskin rug! :)

I was quite impressed with the selection. No discount furniture here. Everything seemed of good to high quality and resonable prices given the quality. This isn’t where you want to go if you are looking for a less expensive dresser that shows a lot of use that you can grab for $ 50. You will find items such as a Drexel overstuffed couch or chair that is so heavenly to sit in, yet still you will find it probably at 70% or more off full retail. Everything looks either new or gently used.
My wife and I found a wonderful handcrafted bed made out of heavy iron that was ¹⁄₅^th or original price — it is an amazing piece that matched the 2 dressers we already had. We continued on to 3 other shops and that’s where we realized we were already spoiled.
If you are looking for top quality and begin your shopping day here, you won’t spend much time in most other consignment shops nearby.
This review comes from someone who will spend $ 5k on a leather couch without hesitation, so keep this in mind.

This spotless show room is a ‘must see’ for the competition, always displaying clean tailored, high end consignments in room settings that are seeming updated daily. Their engagement of the web to help us better use our time reflects they do ‘Get It’. The staff displays a team level of professionalism that ‘politely’ offers assistance and ‘true value add’ to our visits and purchases. We are pleased to offer our best to this trusted business

Disappointing! I got so excited when I found this place on Unilocal,but after walking through the door my excitement turned into regret. This place has high priced items you can find on Craigslist. Yes, I just said that. Their «showroom» also smells of mothballs. Yuck!
I’ll apologize in advance for the harsh review, but seriously when you try to overcharge for items that aren’t worthy it just doesn’t seem right.

My partner and I came in to this store and saw a great piece that was going to fit our place perfectly. We thought we struck gold. Then we found out someone else had a one day hold on the piece. We were ready to buy, but no problem. At the suggestion of the staff, we placed a back-​up hold.
The first customer’s hold was to expire the following day at end of business, so I called with about 15 minutes to close and found out that the other customer had not yet purchased. I made it clear we would buy (with a credit card, over the phone) right away. The staff told me that the other customer had a sick father, so they wanted to give her an additional few hours. They insisted if she didn’t buy by 11 AM the following morning, we would «get a call by 11:05» to be given the chance to buy. When we didn’t hear anything by 11:30 the next day, my partner called. At first, the staff told us that the customer was «in the store now, but still hasn’t decided.» We pressed them, insisting that her hold has expired and now it was our turn to buy. The staff then admitted that the other customer was «on her way in to make a decision, but still had not purchased.»
At this point, I interrupted my work day and called them as well. I didn’t think this was the right way for them to do business. They had set the rules. They broke them once. They broke them again. Then they lied to us openly and broke their own rules once more. Unfortunately, I can’t do business here again after the way we were treated. I can appreciate making accommodations for a customer, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of another.
Frankly, although the staff denied it, it seemed to me that one salesperson was changing the rules to ensure they received the commission, rather than the salesperson who assisted us. That may not have been the case, but that’s how it appeared. We were never given any explanation for why they made the decisions to allow the other customer additional time, over and over, to make up her mind — at our expense. We weren’t even given so much as an apology for the runaround. They did tell us they «would have done the same for us», but, in fact, they didn’t do anything for us except waste our time. I do not recommend Design With Consignment in Austin Texas.

I recently had such an outstanding customer service moment at Design With Consignment that I had to write an update to the review I wrote ages ago.
I placed an order for rental furniture for a home staging project. When our order slipped through the cracks with one of their rental vendors, DWC jumped through SUCH hoops to get my stuff into Austin by my deadline. I really appreciate them going the extra mile to get everything in town when I desperately needed it. They saved my bacon!
Considering the lengths that they went through for a rental order – a fraction of what they would’ve made if this was a purchase – you know you’re in good hands dealing with DWC.

This was my third time in the store. The first time, I thought they were just busy but when I asked the middle-​age man (owner??) a question about an item and then consigning, he said «just a minute» and walked off never to return. The second time I went back to try again. I was one of 2 customers in the store and was never acknowledged. I approached the counter to ask officially about consigning. He just said, «send a picture.» I am talking about high-​dollar antiques and designer stuff here.
Last weekend I went in to see what had sold and really see if people were buying. I was the only person in the store. I was never acknowledged or greeted. I walked by the desk and said «hello.» I got a «hi». No «may I help you», etc. This third time was the charm for me. BUH-​BYE DWC. The über-​rude man obviously does not need the business. There are so many other nice stores with nice people. My review is anywhere but here!

Wonderful items and well displayed. Very helpful and knowledgable staff. The proprietor Lisa makes everyone feel welcomed and special. If you are looking for something specific and they don’t have it they will make a note and try to locate it for you.
Definitely a quality organization!

I love a good hunt… for furniture, that is. Leave the animals be… unless they come in the form of a perfectly spotted cow hide rug. This new place in my ‘hood has acquired full rooms of matchy matchy items, arranged so you can see how it may look in your home setting. Sofas with coffee tables, end tables and décor atop area rugs, hutches alongside elegant dining tables, chandeliers, paintings, etc., DWC is more upscale elegance with a few ecclectic items thrown in here and there, all dedending on the source of their inventory at the time. There were several very high end sofas ($ 3000+) sharing equal space with items not requiring your credit history, all in very good condition. No flea market/​garage sale items here, folks. Become a frequent cusstomer as their inventory changes often.

NOTE: This review is for their consignment services.
Consigned a dresser and bed at the shop (moved out of state and couldn’t find a buyer on craigslist). The owner recommended prices for both, and both items sold for a little less than these recommendations (store policy is to reduce price after a certain number of days). However, I was happy with what they fetched.
Note that their policy is to send out the checks 30 days after a sale. Just be patient, and make sure you talk to the owner to get the straight dope on the status of your items. The owner knows the details and can answer exactly when your item sold, how much it sold for, and when you will receive your check.
Very happy with their service, and I recommend them to anyone who is sceptical about consigning furniture.

Oh baby. I do love this store. Of all the consignment houses in Austin (and there are a lot), this might be my new favorite. Or maybe I’m just going through an intense infatuation. But regardless, this medium-​sized store at the convergence of Ben White, South Lamar and Hwy 360 is a dreamland for the bargain furniture shopper.
Most consignment stores have a little bit of everything. Design It With Consignment concentrates mainly on furniture, with a little bit of home décor on the side. You won’t find trinkets, appliances, clothing, shoes or collectibles here. In fact, I would guess that some may not share my love of this place because it doesn’t have a huge stock. BUT, do not fear — the quality of their product makes up for their lack of quantity.
DIWC has bar chairs, couches, chairs, dining room tables, coffee tables, buffets and bureaus. They also carry a limited assortment of wall art, lighting, and floor rugs (including pieces designed by local Austin artists). If I wanted a giant floor rug or a gently used coffee table, I would go here first. Their prices are awesome. As is usual with consignment, the ticket is discounted based on the amount of time the item sits in the store. They also run a kick-​ass year-​end sale where you can find things for 50 and 70% off. Nice.
There’s no lack of creativity at Design It. It’s clear that the owner is choosy about what she features in the showroom. Nowhere else have I seen vintage pet chaise loungers (not one in-​store, but TWO) or antique travel trunks (three in-​store on my last visit) that look like they could have belonged to a passenger on the Titanic. Not to mention an oak draftsman table with matching chair. Beautiful.
I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to check this store out. Even if there’s only one item store wide that impresses you, there’s potential here to go home a very happy customer.
Design It With: Charm, Appeal and Affordability.