What kinds of products is The Peale seeking for its museum shop? We are looking for handmade items that are created by local artists/artisans; for example: jewelry, household items (toss pillows, coasters, hand towels, cutting boards, candlesticks, vases, etc.), scarves, hats, soaps, lotion, candles, toys, glass, pottery, tote bags, among many others.  Also appropriate are items that have been hand embellished or created by local artists/artisans; for example, hand silkscreened products, books written by a local author, repurposed/transformed items, etc.

“I’m a jewelry maker who uses fine metals and semi-precious stones.  Does The Peale have any locking display cabinets for small items”? Yes, The Peale has two locking, sizable glass cabinets to protect smaller items from loss, damage or theft.

How does the consignment process work? After you have completed the online form expressing your interest to consign and providing image examples of the types of items you would like to consign, we will review your application within 30 days.  If your items meet the above criteria (made locally) and if the shop has room for them among the current shop offerings, we will be in touch via email or telephone to coordinate next steps.  At this time, we will also send you our consignment agreement and W9 via email to fill out and return. Once these are received, The Peale will begin the process to set you or your company up with our payment processor (bill.com).  You will then receive an email from bill.com to complete the set-up process.  Setting up your bill.com account will allow your consignment payments to be sent electronically.  If you do not set up your bill.com account, you will receive your consignment payments via hard copy check.  Please note that receiving a  check will delay your consignment payment because it has to be mailed to you via USPS. 

What is the length of the consignment? The Peale will consign chosen items for a minimum of six months.  This initial time period will be extended on a case by case basis.  Consignors may end their consignment agreement at any time, and may arrange to pick up their unsold items by appointment.

What are the financial consignment terms? 70% of the sales price of a consigned item is paid to the consignor.  30% is retained by The Peale to assist in covering shop operating costs.

Will I have to report sales tax to the State of Maryland?  No, The Peale will collect sales tax on all applicable sales and forward payment to the state.

How frequently will consignors be paid for sold items? Each month’s sales will be processed in the first half of the following month. Please note that consignors will receive electronic payments more quickly than checks, as checks will arrive via regular USPS mail.

If I have additional items to consign, can I simply drop by the museum with them?  Unfortunately, no. Consignments will ONLY be accepted by appointment – this will allow us to devote enough time to accurately catalog incoming inventory.

“I’m a local maker, but I typically do not offer my items for consignment.  Would The Peale be interested in purchasing my items at wholesale rates to be sold in the museum’s shop?”  At this time, The Peale is only accepting items on consignment.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?  Currently, our shop is being managed by our Chief Operations Officer, Kim Domanski. Kim can be reached via email at coo@thepeale.org.