Chairish Profit Calculator
Calculate your Chairish furniture profits with tiered commission rates from 3-45%. Compare seller levels, factor in shipping and white glove delivery costs.
Sale Details
Professional sellers: 22% for vintage, 30% for new items
Commission Rates by Level
Plus/Elite Tiers:
Furniture shipping can be expensive - factor in delivery costs
Your Chairish Profit
Profitable Sale
This sale will generate positive profit after all Chairish commissions and costs.
Net Profit
$0.00
After commission and costs
Profit Margin
0.0%
Excellent margin
Net Payout
$0.00
You receive from Chairish
ROI
0.0%
Return on investment
Detailed Breakdown
Fee Breakdown
Understanding Chairish Profit: Your Complete Guide to Vintage Furniture Selling
What is Chairish?
Chairish is a curated online marketplace specializing in vintage furniture, designer home decor, and high-end art. Unlike general marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, Chairish focuses exclusively on quality pieces - from mid-century modern furniture to antique finds and designer contemporary items. The platform attracts serious buyers willing to pay premium prices for unique, well-documented pieces.
For sellers, Chairish offers access to a sophisticated buyer base but charges commission fees that vary significantly based on your seller level and the item's sale price. Understanding these fees is critical to pricing profitably.
Understanding Chairish's Fee Structure
Chairish operates on a tiered commission model with four distinct seller levels. Your level determines what percentage Chairish takes from each sale:
Chairish Seller Levels
- •Consignor (Entry Level): 45% flat commission on all sales. This is the easiest entry point with no requirements, but the highest fee tier. Best for casual sellers testing the platform.
- •Professional: 22% for vintage items (20+ years old), 30% for new/contemporary items. Requires business registration. Best for dealers and volume sellers of vintage pieces.
- •Plus: Tiered rates - 20% for items ≤$2,500, 12% for $2,501-$25,000, and 3% for items over $25,000. High-volume sellers who apply and are accepted.
- •Elite (Invite Only): Same tiered rates as Plus with additional perks like priority customer support. Reserved for top performers invited by Chairish.
Vintage vs New Items (Professional Sellers)
Professional sellers must distinguish between vintage and new items. Vintage pieces (20+ years old) qualify for the lower 22% commission rate, while new/contemporary production items incur a 30% commission. This distinction can significantly impact your margins - a $1,000 vintage chair nets you $780 before costs, while a $1,000 new chair nets only $700. Always classify items accurately to avoid disputes.
The Hidden Cost: Furniture Shipping
Shipping costs are often the make-or-break factor for furniture profitability on Chairish. While buyers typically pay shipping charges displayed at checkout, sellers are responsible for properly packaging items and arranging freight pickup. Underestimating shipping costs can obliterate your profit margins.
Shipping Options and Costs
- •Standard Freight Shipping: For large furniture, expect $75-$300+ depending on size, weight, and distance. Sellers must package items securely and arrange carrier pickup.
- •White Glove Delivery: Premium service including room placement, assembly, and packaging removal. Costs $150-$500+ but commands higher prices and reduces buyer friction.
- •Local Pickup: Eliminates shipping costs entirely. Highly profitable but limits your buyer pool to your geographic area.
- •Small Item Shipping: Smaller decor items can ship via UPS/FedEx for $20-75. Much more manageable than freight but still eats into margins.
Many sellers make the mistake of assuming buyers pay full shipping, but competitive pricing often requires you to absorb some shipping costs or offer free local delivery. Factor realistic shipping estimates into your pricing from the start.
How to Maximize Chairish Profits
Successful Chairish sellers understand that profit isn't just about selling high - it's about smart sourcing, strategic pricing, and operational efficiency:
Sourcing Strategies
- •Buy Low, Sell High: Estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores can yield items for 10-20% of retail. A $50 estate sale chair selling for $500 on Chairish generates huge margins even after the 45% consignor fee.
- •Focus on Designer Names: Items from recognized designers (Herman Miller, Knoll, Lane, etc.) command premium prices and sell faster.
- •Understand Your Market: Mid-century modern, vintage Scandinavian, and designer contemporary consistently perform well on Chairish.
- •Condition Matters: Buyers expect quality. Items needing significant restoration should be restored before listing or priced accordingly.
Pricing and Presentation
- •Professional Photography is Non-Negotiable:High-quality photos can increase sell-through rates by 40%+. Invest in good lighting and staging.
- •Research Comparable Sales: Chairish buyers are sophisticated. Overpricing based on wishful thinking leads to zero sales.
- •Detailed Descriptions: Include dimensions, materials, condition, designer/maker, era, and any provenance. Missing details kill buyer confidence.
- •Factor in ALL Costs: Commission, shipping, restoration, photography, and your time. Don't list items with margins under 20% unless you're clearing inventory.
Tier Optimization Strategies
- •High-Value Items Benefit from Plus/Elite: A $10,000 item at Consignor level (45%) nets $5,500. At Plus tier (12% for this range), you net $8,800 - a $3,300 difference per sale.
- •Professional Tier Sweet Spot: If you primarily source vintage items, Professional status at 22% beats Consignor's 45% dramatically on moderate-priced items.
- •Apply for Plus Early: If you're doing volume, apply for Plus status. The tiered structure rewards higher-priced items with rates as low as 3%.
Who Benefits Most from Chairish?
Chairish is not for everyone. The platform works best for specific seller profiles:
- •Vintage Furniture Dealers: Professional tier at 22% commission makes Chairish competitive for vintage dealers with steady inventory flow.
- •High-End Estate Liquidators: Access to wealthy buyers willing to pay premium prices for quality pieces justifies the commission fees.
- •Interior Designers: Designers can list client pieces or their own inventory to a targeted audience.
- •Collectors Downsizing: If you have authentic designer pieces or quality antiques, Chairish connects you with buyers who appreciate (and pay for) authenticity.
Common Chairish Profit Mistakes
Mistakes That Kill Profit
- •Underestimating Shipping Costs: Furniture shipping is expensive. If you budget $75 for shipping and it actually costs $150, your profit just evaporated.
- •Ignoring Commission Tiers: Staying at Consignor level (45%) when Professional (22% vintage) or Plus (12-20%) would save thousands in fees is leaving money on the table.
- •Poor Photography: Blurry, poorly lit photos make even great pieces look cheap. Invest in presentation or hire a photographer.
- •Listing Mass-Market Furniture: IKEA, Target, and other big-box brands rarely sell well on Chairish. Stick to designer, vintage, or unique pieces.
- •Not Accounting for Time: If you spend 10 hours sourcing, photographing, listing, and shipping an item for $100 profit, you're earning $10/hour before taxes.
Chairish vs Other Selling Platforms
Understanding when to use Chairish versus alternatives maximizes your overall profitability:
When to Choose Chairish
- •Designer/Vintage Furniture: Mid-century modern, quality antiques, and recognized designer pieces command premium prices on Chairish that justify the commission.
- •Higher Price Points: Items over $500 reach serious buyers willing to pay for quality and authenticity.
- •National Audience: When local markets don't appreciate what you're selling, Chairish connects you with buyers nationwide.
When to Use Alternatives
- •Facebook Marketplace/OfferUp: Better for lower-priced items ($50-$300), mass-market furniture, and avoiding commission fees via local pickup.
- •1stDibs: For museum-quality antiques and ultra-high-end designer pieces (think $10K+). Higher buyer expectations but potentially higher prices.
- •eBay: Better for collectibles, smaller decor items, and items with established market values. Lower fees but also lower average prices than Chairish.
Final Thoughts
Chairish can be highly profitable for sellers who understand the fee structure, target the right items, and price strategically. The key is choosing pieces that justify the commission - a $2,000 authentic Herman Miller chair sourced for $200 can absorb a 45% commission and still generate excellent profit. A $150 Target bookshelf cannot.
Use this calculator before listing every item to ensure your margins make sense. Factor in realistic shipping costs, your acquisition cost, and any restoration expenses. If the numbers don't work, either adjust your pricing, upgrade your seller tier, or choose a different platform.
Successful Chairish sellers aim for profit margins of 30%+ after all fees and costs. This provides cushion for price negotiations (buyers often make offers), unexpected expenses, and ensures your time investment is worthwhile. Don't chase revenue - chase profit.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
How much commission does Chairish charge?
Chairish commission rates vary by seller level. Consignor level pays a flat 45% commission. Professional sellers pay 22% for vintage items (20+ years old) or 30% for new items. Plus and Elite sellers benefit from tiered rates: 20% for items up to $2,500, 12% for $2,501-$25,000, and just 3% for items over $25,000. Upgrading your seller tier can save thousands in fees on high-value items.
What is the difference between vintage and new on Chairish?
For Professional sellers, vintage items are pieces 20+ years old and qualify for a lower 22% commission rate. New or contemporary items (current production) incur a 30% commission. This distinction can significantly impact your profit - on a $1,000 item, vintage classification saves you $80 compared to new classification. Always classify accurately as Chairish may verify item age.
How do I become a Plus or Elite seller on Chairish?
Plus status requires application through Chairish. You must demonstrate consistent sales volume and quality listings. Plus sellers gain access to tiered commission rates that dramatically reduce fees on higher-priced items. Elite status is invitation-only for top-performing sellers. Elite offers the same tiered commission structure as Plus but includes perks like priority customer support and enhanced marketing exposure.
Who pays for shipping on Chairish?
Buyers typically pay shipping costs shown at checkout. However, sellers are responsible for packaging items properly and arranging freight pickup with carriers. For competitive pricing, some sellers choose to absorb partial shipping costs or offer free local pickup. White glove delivery (premium service with room placement) is optional and can be offered for an additional fee paid by the buyer.
What is white glove delivery and should I offer it?
White glove delivery is a premium shipping service that includes professional handling, room placement, assembly if needed, and packaging removal. It costs $150-$500+ depending on item size and distance. Offering white glove reduces buyer friction on expensive furniture and justifies higher prices. Many high-end buyers expect this option. If you sell items over $1,000, offering white glove can increase sell-through rates significantly.
What types of items sell best on Chairish?
Mid-century modern furniture, vintage designer pieces (Herman Miller, Knoll, Eames, etc.), quality antiques, original art, and high-end home decor perform best. Items should be unique, well-photographed, and accurately described. Mass-market furniture from IKEA, Target, or other big-box stores rarely sells well on Chairish. The platform caters to buyers seeking one-of-a-kind or designer pieces, not commodity furniture.
How does Chairish pricing work for sellers?
You set your own prices on Chairish. The platform may suggest pricing based on comparable items, but final pricing is your decision. Chairish occasionally runs platform-wide promotions where they discount items - importantly, promotional discounts come from Chairish's commission, not your payout. Buyers commonly submit offers below asking price, so factor negotiation room into your initial pricing.
How long does it take to get paid from Chairish?
Chairish typically pays sellers 5-7 business days after the buyer receives and accepts the item. Payments are processed via direct deposit or check. The delay allows time for buyer inspection and potential returns. Always account for this payment delay when managing cash flow - unlike local sales where you get cash immediately, Chairish sales take 1-2 weeks from sale to payment.
Should I use Chairish or Facebook Marketplace for furniture?
Use Chairish for designer/vintage furniture over $500 where quality buyers justify the commission fees. Use Facebook Marketplace for lower-priced items ($50-$300), mass-market furniture, or items you can sell locally to avoid shipping and commission fees entirely. Chairish attracts serious buyers with larger budgets, while Facebook offers zero fees but requires local pickup or shipping arrangements you handle yourself.
What happens if a buyer returns an item?
Chairish has a 48-hour return window for most items. If a buyer initiates a return for reasons like damage in shipping or item not as described, you may need to accept the return and refund. Returns due to buyer remorse depend on your return policy settings. Returned items often incur additional shipping costs. Always package items extremely well and accurately describe condition to minimize return risk.
What profit margin should I target on Chairish?
Aim for profit margins of 30%+ after all fees and costs. This provides cushion for price negotiations (buyers often make offers 10-20% below asking), unexpected shipping costs, and ensures worthwhile time investment. Margins below 20% leave little room for error. If your margin is under 30%, consider upgrading your seller tier to reduce commission fees, finding better sourcing opportunities, or choosing a different sales platform.