Consigning vs Selling Outright: How to Get the Best Price for Your Prints

Consigning vs Selling Outright: How to Get the Best Price for Your Prints

When it comes time to sell, collectors face a fundamental choice: sell outright for an immediate, guaranteed sum, or consign the work and wait for a buyer willing to pay market price. Both approaches have merits, and the right choice depends on your priorities.

Selling Outright

Some dealers and platforms will purchase your print directly. The advantage is speed and certainty — you receive payment immediately, with no waiting period. The disadvantage is price: dealers buying outright need to build in their margin, so expect offers at 60-80% of estimated market value. This approach works well when you need liquidity quickly or when the work is highly liquid (a well-known Banksy edition, for instance, where the dealer has confidence in a quick resale).

Consignment

Consignment means the dealer or platform lists your work for sale at an agreed price and takes a commission when it sells — typically 10-20%. Your net proceeds will usually be higher than an outright sale, but you bear the risk of the work not selling and the time cost of waiting. Consignment periods typically range from three to six months.

Which Should You Choose?

If you are not in a hurry and your work is by a sought-after artist, consignment will almost always yield a better outcome. The commission is a fair price for the dealer's marketing, network, and transaction infrastructure. If you need cash quickly or the work is by a less-established artist where sale timelines are uncertain, an outright offer provides certainty.

Hanga House offers both options. Submit your work and we will discuss which approach makes the most sense for your specific situation.