For the latest installment of our favorite places to shop vintage in Tulsa–consignment shops! Yet more wonderful destinations to hit up when searching for that perfectly elusive vintage object.

*Found this tufted beauty hanging out at Snow's Consignment at 25th and Sheridan.*

What are consignment shops?

What is a consignment shop, you ask? Consignment shops take items on consignment (hence the name) which means the store doesn't out-right own its merchandise; they instead take a cut of the profit once something sells. The percentage the shop takes ranges from shop to shop–typically we see anywhere from 50% to 20%. Many genres of these shops exist–clothing, jewelry, kid's stuff, furniture. We only have eyes for furniture and home-related consignment shops, obviously. Some of these shops pack in the furniture while others more thoughtfully arrange the pieces. As such, your experience can vary widely while shopping vintage in consignment stores.

Pricing and negotiating at consignment shops

Consignment stores usually have a more narrow focus, better quality, and a higher price point (though still reasonable) compared to thrift stores. Often times, you can negotiate prices at these shops, although the shopkeeper has to get an okay from the item's owner before agreeing to a lower price. Sometimes consignment shops will have dates written on tags, indicating how long an item has been on consignment. Items that have been around for longer periods of time usually have owners who are more motivated to sell, and you may be able to more easily negotiate a better price.,

*You can see the price as been lowered over the time this pretty couch has been available.*

Pro tips about consignment shops

Note that not everything in a consignment shop is vintage. These shops usually stock all eras of furniture and homewares, so be sure to really inspect an item if you want a true vintage piece. There's nothing more disappointing than spotting the "made in China, 2001" stamp on the bottom of your hand-carved vintage bird figurine. Amiright? The more you shop vintage, the better you'll get at deciphering what is old and new. Also, if you really love the bird figurine from 2001, who really cares?

Another pro tip to note when it comes to consignment shops: the back room. Yes, you heard right. We especially love consignment shops that have a forgotten back room where they house the "older" stuff. You can score great deals there. Tulsa folks, be sure to check out Consignment Furniture's back room.