1stDibs Profit Calculator
Calculate your 1stDibs seller profits including 15-30% tiered commission rates, monthly membership fees, payment processing, and shipping costs for luxury furniture, art, and antiques.
Sale Details
1stDibs Commission Structure
Standard Plan: Balanced monthly fee ($1,000) and commission rate (20%).
The price you sell the item for on 1stDibs
What you paid to acquire the item
Your shipping/delivery costs
Higher monthly fee = lower commission rate
$500 (Basic), $1,000 (Standard), $1,500 (Premium)
Used to allocate monthly subscription cost per sale
Optional listing fee ($0-20 depending on plan)
High-End Luxury Marketplace
1stDibs specializes in luxury furniture, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles. Commission rates decrease for items over $20,000.
Your 1stDibs Profit
Good Profit Margins
This sale will generate strong profit after all 1stDibs fees and costs.
Net Profit
$0
After all fees and costs
Profit Margin
0.0%
Good margin
Commission Fee
$0
0% of sale price
Total Fees
$0
0.0% effective rate
ROI
0.0%
Return on investment
Break-Even Price
$0
Minimum sale price
Subscription Per Sale
$1000/mo ÷ your monthly sales
$0
Profit After Subscription
Net profit minus allocated monthly fee
$0
Revenue Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Understanding 1stDibs Profit: Your Complete Guide to Luxury Resale
What is 1stDibs?
1stDibs is the world's leading online marketplace for luxury design, specializing in high-end furniture, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles. Founded in 2001, the platform connects curated dealers and galleries with discerning buyers seeking exceptional pieces with provenance, authenticity, and museum-quality presentation. Unlike general furniture marketplaces, 1stDibs exclusively features verified dealers selling premium and luxury items, often with historical significance or unique design pedigree.
The platform differentiates itself through rigorous dealer vetting, white-glove customer service, and a curated selection of extraordinary pieces ranging from mid-century modern furniture to ancient antiquities. For sellers, 1stDibs provides access to an affluent global buyer base willing to pay premium prices for authenticated, expertly presented luxury goods.
1stDibs Fee Structure
Understanding 1stDibs' commission structure is essential for calculating accurate profit margins on luxury resale. The platform uses a tiered commission model based on seller status and item value, with rates generally ranging from 10-20% depending on your dealer tier.
Commission Rates by Seller Tier
- •Standard Sellers (15-20%): Individual dealers and smaller galleries typically pay 15-20% commission on sales. The exact rate may vary based on category and item value, with higher-priced items sometimes receiving more favorable rates.
- •Premier Dealers (12-18%): Established dealers with proven sales history and quality inventory qualify for Premier status, receiving reduced commission rates of 12-18%. Premier dealers also receive enhanced search visibility and priority placement.
- •Verified Dealers (10-15%): Top-tier dealers with exceptional reputation, high-volume sales, and museum-quality inventory receive the lowest commission rates at 10-15%. Verified status is invitation-only and reserved for the most established luxury dealers.
Buyer Premium Fee
In addition to seller commission, 1stDibs charges buyers a premium fee on top of the listed price. This buyer premium typically ranges from 12-20% depending on item value and category. Importantly, the buyer premium does NOT reduce seller payout - it's an additional fee paid by the buyer.
- •How It Works: If you list a chair for $5,000, the buyer pays $5,000 + buyer premium (typically $600-$1,000). You receive $5,000 minus your seller commission (e.g., 15% = $750), for a net payout of $4,250.
- •Competitive Pricing Advantage: Because the buyer premium is separate, you can price items competitively while still earning strong margins. Buyers expect and accept the premium as part of the 1stDibs luxury experience.
How to Calculate 1stDibs Profit
Calculating profit on 1stDibs requires accounting for commission, shipping costs (if you cover them), white-glove delivery (for large furniture), professional photography, and the original item cost. Here's the breakdown:
Profit Calculation Formula
Profit = Sale Price - Commission - Shipping Cost - White Glove Delivery - Photography - Item Cost
Example: You sell a mid-century modern sideboard for $8,000.
- •Sale Price: $8,000
- •Commission (15%): -$1,200
- •White Glove Delivery: -$350
- •Professional Photography: -$150
- •Item Cost (What You Paid): -$3,000
Net Profit: $8,000 - $1,200 - $350 - $150 - $3,000 = $3,300 (41.3% margin)
Sourcing Luxury Items for 1stDibs
Success on 1stDibs begins with sourcing exceptional pieces that appeal to luxury buyers. Unlike general resale platforms, 1stDibs buyers expect provenance, authenticity documentation, and museum-quality presentation.
Best Sourcing Channels for Luxury Items
- •Estate Sales in Affluent Neighborhoods: High-net-worth estates often contain museum-quality furniture, art, and antiques. Arrive early to secure the best pieces before dealers.
- •Auction Houses (Regional & National): Sotheby's, Christie's, Heritage Auctions, and regional auction houses offer authenticated luxury items. Buy unsold lots or lower-tier pieces at below-market prices.
- •European Antique Markets: Paris, London, and Italian markets offer access to authentic European antiques at wholesale prices. Import costs and duties must be factored into profit calculations.
- •Designer Estate Liquidations: Architects, interior designers, and art collectors often liquidate entire collections. Network with estate attorneys and senior living facilities for access.
- •Wholesale Trade Shows: High Point Market, Maison & Objet (Paris), and Milan Design Week offer access to designer furniture at trade prices. Requires dealer credentials.
Pro Tip: Focus on iconic designers (Eames, Knoll, Le Corbusier, Nakashima), rare materials (Brazilian rosewood, shagreen, bronze), and pieces with documented provenance. 1stDibs buyers pay premium prices for verified authenticity and historical significance.
Presentation is Everything on 1stDibs
Unlike mass-market resale platforms, 1stDibs buyers expect gallery-quality presentation. Professional photography, detailed provenance documentation, and expert descriptions are not optional - they're required for success.
Essential Presentation Elements
- •Professional Photography ($150-$500/item): Hire a professional photographer who specializes in furniture or art. Use natural lighting, neutral backgrounds, and multiple angles. Include detail shots of maker's marks, signatures, and unique features. Budget $150-$300 for standard furniture, $500+ for fine art.
- •Detailed Descriptions with Provenance: Write museum-quality descriptions including designer/maker, year of manufacture, materials, dimensions, condition report, and provenance history. Mention any gallery exhibitions, publications, or notable previous owners.
- •Condition Reports: Be transparent about condition. Note any restoration, repairs, or wear. 1stDibs buyers expect honesty and detailed condition assessment. Minor wear is acceptable if disclosed.
- •Certificates of Authenticity: For high-value items, include or obtain certificates from recognized experts, auction houses, or foundations (e.g., Eames Foundation, Nakashima Foundation).
Investing in professional presentation pays dividends. Well-presented items sell faster, command higher prices, and receive fewer condition-related returns.
Shipping and White Glove Delivery
Shipping luxury furniture and large items requires specialized logistics. 1stDibs offers integrated white-glove delivery services, but sellers must understand costs and logistics to price items profitably.
Shipping Cost Guidelines
- •Small Items (Art, Decor, Lighting): Standard insured shipping via UPS/FedEx: $50-$200. Always purchase insurance for full declared value. Require signature confirmation for items over $500.
- •Mid-Size Furniture (Chairs, Tables): Freight shipping or white-glove delivery: $250-$600 depending on distance and service level. White-glove includes professional packing, crating, delivery, and placement.
- •Large Furniture (Cabinets, Sofas): White-glove delivery strongly recommended: $500-$1,500. Includes custom crating, blanket-wrap protection, inside delivery, unpacking, and debris removal.
- •International Shipping: For overseas buyers (common on 1stDibs), costs range from $800-$3,000+ depending on size and destination. Always use specialized art/antique shippers with customs expertise.
Who Pays Shipping?
On 1stDibs, shipping costs can be structured multiple ways:
- •Buyer Pays Shipping (Most Common): List your item price and quote shipping separately. Buyer pays actual shipping costs. This is standard for most 1stDibs transactions.
- •Free Shipping (Seller Pays): Build shipping costs into your price and offer free shipping to simplify checkout and appear more competitive. Best for smaller items with predictable shipping costs.
- •Flat Rate Shipping: Charge a flat fee (e.g., $500 for all U.S. shipping) that covers most scenarios but may lose money on West Coast shipments or save money on local deliveries.
Pricing Strategies for Maximum Profit
Pricing on 1stDibs requires balancing market research, provenance value, and profit margins. Unlike commodity resale, luxury items command premium prices when properly authenticated and presented.
Pricing Best Practices
- •Research Sold Comparables: Search 1stDibs for identical or similar items (same designer, period, materials). Note sold prices, not just current listings. Auction house results (Sotheby's, Christie's) provide additional market data.
- •Condition Premium: Excellent/mint condition commands 30-50% premium over good condition. Rare or early examples may command 2-3x standard prices. Documented provenance (gallery exhibition, notable owner) adds 20-40% value.
- •Account for Commission Upfront: When setting your sale price, mentally subtract your commission rate (15-20%) to ensure your net payout meets profit targets. For a $10,000 item at 15% commission, you net $8,500.
- •Seasonal Timing: Furniture sells best September-November (fall decorating season) and January-March (New Year's resolutions). Art and jewelry peak during auction season (May and November). Time your listings accordingly.
- •Leave Room to Negotiate: 1stDibs allows buyers to make offers. Price 10-20% above your minimum acceptable price to leave negotiation room while still hitting profit targets. Most sales involve some negotiation.
Understanding Dealer Tiers on 1stDibs
1stDibs offers tiered dealer programs with progressively lower commission rates and enhanced benefits. Understanding these tiers helps you plan your growth strategy and maximize long-term profitability.
Benefits of Higher Dealer Tiers
- •Reduced Commission (12-15% vs 20%): Premier and Verified dealers save 5-8% on every sale. On a $10,000 sale, that's $500-$800 more profit per item.
- •Priority Search Placement: Higher-tier dealers receive preferential placement in search results and category pages, leading to increased visibility and sales velocity.
- •Enhanced Trust Signals: Verified dealer badges and enhanced profiles build buyer confidence, reducing negotiation friction and increasing conversion rates.
- •Marketing Support: Premier and Verified dealers may receive featured placement in 1stDibs marketing campaigns, newsletters, and social media.
Qualifying for Higher Tiers
While exact criteria are not publicly disclosed, higher dealer tiers typically require:
- •Consistent Sales History: Premier status typically requires 6-12 months of consistent sales ($50,000+ annually). Verified status may require $250,000+ annual sales volume.
- •Excellent Seller Ratings: Maintain near-perfect customer feedback scores with minimal disputes, returns, or condition issues.
- •Professional Inventory: Curated, high-quality inventory with expert descriptions, professional photography, and proper provenance documentation.
- •Application or Invitation: Some tiers require invitation based on performance; others allow application through dealer account settings.
Who Benefits Most from Selling on 1stDibs?
1stDibs is ideal for specific types of luxury dealers and collectors:
- •Established Antique & Furniture Dealers: Brick-and-mortar dealers expanding online reach. 1stDibs provides access to global luxury buyers without geographic limitations.
- •High-End Interior Designers: Designers liquidating client projects or sourced inventory benefit from 1stDibs' designer-focused buyer base.
- •Fine Art Galleries: Galleries selling secondary market art, prints, and sculptures reach collectors willing to pay gallery prices with authentication guarantees.
- •Luxury Estate Liquidators: Specialists in estate sales of high-net-worth individuals benefit from 1stDibs' affluent buyer network.
- •Jewelry & Watch Dealers: Specialists in vintage and estate jewelry find buyers willing to pay premium prices for authenticated luxury pieces.
Common 1stDibs Profit Calculation Mistakes
Mistakes That Reduce Profit
- •Underestimating Photography Costs: Many new dealers try DIY photography to save money. Poor photos reduce perceived value by 30-50% and slow sales velocity. Always budget $150-$500 for professional photography on items over $1,000.
- •Forgetting White Glove Delivery Costs: Large furniture requires $350-$1,500 white-glove delivery. Failing to account for these costs when pricing items leads to unexpected losses.
- •Over-Pricing Based on Retail: New dealers often price based on original retail rather than current resale market. Research sold comparables, not current listings, to set realistic prices.
- •Inadequate Provenance Documentation: Failing to document designer, manufacturer, period, and condition hurts credibility and reduces sale prices by 20-40% compared to well-documented pieces.
- •Ignoring International Buyers: 1stDibs has strong international buyer base. Not offering international shipping eliminates 30-40% of potential buyers and limits sale prices.
1stDibs vs Other Luxury Marketplaces
Understanding how 1stDibs compares to other luxury marketplaces helps you choose the best platform for your items and maximize profit.
Platform Comparison
- •1stDibs (10-20% commission): Highest-end marketplace with affluent global buyer base. Best for museum-quality furniture, fine art, and exceptional antiques over $3,000. Buyer premium (paid by buyer) allows competitive seller pricing.
- •Chairish (20-45% commission): Mid-luxury marketplace with lower barriers to entry. Better for contemporary furniture and decor under $5,000. Higher commission but easier approval process for new dealers.
- •Sotheby's/Christie's (25% buyer premium, 10-15% seller commission): Traditional auction houses for investment-grade art and antiques. Best for pieces over $10,000 with significant provenance. Longer sales cycles (3-6 months).
- •Etsy Vintage (6.5% transaction fee): Lower fees but mass-market buyers. Suitable for mid-century decor and accessories under $500. Significantly lower sale prices than 1stDibs for identical items.
Bottom Line: 1stDibs excels for authenticated luxury items where brand cachet and buyer trust justify premium prices. For mid-range furniture, consider Chairish. For investment-grade art, auction houses may achieve higher prices despite longer timelines.
Final Thoughts
1stDibs offers unparalleled access to affluent global buyers seeking authenticated luxury furniture, art, and collectibles. While commission rates (10-20%) are comparable to competitors, the platform's buyer premium structure and curated marketplace allow dealers to command premium prices that justify the costs.
Success on 1stDibs requires professional presentation, expert knowledge, and realistic pricing based on market comparables. Invest in high-quality photography ($150-$500), document provenance thoroughly, and price competitively within your category. For dealers moving significant volume, achieving Premier or Verified status reduces commission by 5-10%, significantly improving margins.
Use this calculator to accurately project profit margins before listing. Factor in all costs - commission, white-glove delivery, professional photography, and original item cost - to ensure your pricing strategy delivers the profit margins you need. The luxury market rewards expertise, authenticity, and presentation quality above all else.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What are 1stDibs commission rates for sellers?
1stDibs commission rates range from 10-20% depending on your dealer tier. Standard sellers typically pay 15-20%, Premier Dealers pay 12-18%, and Verified Dealers (invitation-only) pay 10-15%. Higher-tier dealers receive reduced commission rates and enhanced search visibility. Commission is deducted from your sale price when the item sells.
Do buyers pay additional fees on 1stDibs?
Yes, 1stDibs charges buyers a premium fee (typically 12-20%) on top of the listed sale price. This buyer premium does NOT reduce your seller payout - it's an additional fee paid by the buyer. For example, if you list an item for $5,000, the buyer pays $5,000 plus buyer premium (around $600-$1,000), but you still receive $5,000 minus your seller commission.
How do I become a Premier or Verified Dealer on 1stDibs?
Premier Dealer status typically requires 6-12 months of consistent sales history (approximately $50,000+ annually), excellent seller ratings, and professionally curated inventory with expert descriptions and photography. Verified Dealer status is invitation-only for top-performing dealers with $250,000+ annual sales, museum-quality inventory, and exceptional reputation. Contact 1stDibs support to inquire about tier upgrades.
Who pays for shipping on 1stDibs sales?
Shipping payment is negotiable between buyer and seller. Most 1stDibs transactions have buyers pay actual shipping costs quoted separately from the sale price. Alternatively, you can offer free shipping by building shipping costs into your list price, or charge a flat rate that covers most scenarios. For large furniture, white-glove delivery ($350-$1,500) is standard and typically paid by the buyer.
Is professional photography worth the cost for 1stDibs listings?
Absolutely. Professional photography ($150-$500 per item) is essential for success on 1stDibs. Well-photographed items sell 40-60% faster and command 20-30% higher prices compared to DIY photos. 1stDibs buyers expect gallery-quality presentation. Use natural lighting, neutral backgrounds, multiple angles, and detail shots of signatures, maker's marks, and unique features.
What types of items sell best on 1stDibs?
1stDibs excels for authenticated luxury items: mid-century modern furniture (Eames, Knoll, Nakashima), European antiques (18th-19th century), fine art (prints, paintings, sculpture), designer jewelry and watches, vintage lighting, and rare collectibles. Items over $3,000 with documented provenance perform best. Focus on iconic designers, rare materials, and pieces with historical significance.
How important is provenance documentation for 1stDibs sales?
Provenance documentation is critical. Items with documented history (gallery exhibitions, notable previous owners, auction house records, certificates of authenticity) command 20-40% higher prices than undocumented pieces. Include designer/maker, year of manufacture, materials, condition reports, and any historical significance. Museum-quality descriptions build buyer trust and reduce return disputes.
Can I negotiate commission rates with 1stDibs?
Commission rates are primarily determined by dealer tier (Standard, Premier, Verified). However, high-volume dealers or those with exceptional inventory may be able to negotiate custom rates with 1stDibs account managers. Focus first on achieving Premier or Verified status through consistent sales and excellent performance, which automatically reduces your commission by 5-10%.
How does 1stDibs compare to Chairish for furniture resale?
1stDibs targets higher-end luxury buyers ($5,000+ items) with 10-20% commission, while Chairish serves mid-luxury market ($500-$5,000) with 20-45% commission. 1stDibs has stricter dealer vetting and attracts more affluent buyers willing to pay premium prices. Use 1stDibs for museum-quality pieces with provenance, Chairish for contemporary and mid-range furniture. Many dealers list on both platforms.
What are the best sourcing strategies for 1stDibs inventory?
Focus on estate sales in affluent neighborhoods, regional and national auction houses (buying unsold lots), European antique markets (Paris, London, Italy), designer estate liquidations, and wholesale trade shows (High Point Market, Maison & Objet). Network with estate attorneys, senior living facilities, and interior designers for access to high-quality inventory before it reaches the open market.
Are there any fees for listing items on 1stDibs?
1stDibs does not charge upfront listing fees - it's a commission-based model where you only pay when items sell. However, you should budget for professional photography ($150-$500), potential white-glove delivery costs (if you cover shipping), and optional premium subscription services for enhanced visibility. The commission (10-20%) is deducted from your sale price upon successful transaction.
How long does it typically take to sell items on 1stDibs?
Sales velocity varies by category, price point, and quality. Exceptional pieces priced competitively may sell within 1-4 weeks. Average items take 2-4 months. High-value items over $25,000 may take 6-12 months to find the right buyer. Seasonal factors matter - furniture sells best September-November and January-March, art peaks during auction seasons (May and November). Professional presentation and accurate pricing accelerate sales.