Seller FAQ
Everything you need to know about selling through The Rake Archive, from intake to payout.
Intake
How do I start selling through The Rake Archive?
Submit an intake enquiry on the Sell With Us page, or email archive@therake.com.au with a list of brands and items. We'll confirm what we can accept within 1–2 business days.
What condition do items need to be in?
Most pieces we accept are graded New with tags through Very good. We take Good or Vintage pieces only when they're of exceptional interest: rare, sought-after or genuinely collectable. See how we grade.
What information do I need to provide?
Brand, item type, size and an honest assessment of condition. Photos are helpful but not required at this stage. We photograph everything properly once items arrive.
Can I drop items off in person?
Yes. Bring items to 159 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW during store hours: Monday to Saturday 9am–4pm, Sunday 10am–2pm. We'll inspect them on arrival and confirm what we can accept.
Can I ship items to you?
Yes. Once your intake is confirmed we'll send you our postal address. Shipping is at your cost, and we recommend tracked postage as we can't take responsibility for items lost in transit.
What happens if you decline my items?
If we can't accept items after inspection, we'll contact you to arrange their return. Return postage is at your cost for posted items. Items dropped off in store can be collected whenever suits you.
Is there a minimum number of items?
No. We accept individual items. If you have a large number, we may stage listings over time to give each piece proper exposure.
Commission & payouts
How much commission do you take?
Our standard commission is 40% of the final sale price. You receive 60% as a bank transfer or 70% as store credit.
The commission covers everything: photography, copywriting, listing, customer enquiries, payment processing, packaging and shipping.
Are lower commission rates available?
Yes. For exceptional pieces we assess reduced commission case by case. Mention it in your intake enquiry and we'll discuss it.
Are there any upfront costs or fees?
No. There are no upfront costs, listing fees, storage fees or photography charges. Our commission only applies when your item sells, so if it doesn't sell, you owe us nothing.
The one exception: if you ask for a piece back before its 90-day review, there's an A$20 fee per item to cover photography and listing.
How do I get paid?
You choose at intake: bank transfer at 60% of the final sale price, or store credit at 70%.
When do I get paid?
Archive buyers have 7 days from delivery to return an item. Once that window closes, we pay you within 3 business days, around 10 days after your item is delivered. Store credit follows the same timeline.
What happens if the buyer returns my item?
It goes back on sale at the same price and no payout is made for that sale. We'll let you know if this happens.
Can I change my payout preference?
Yes. Email archive@therake.com.au before your item sells and we'll update it. Once a payout has been processed, the method can't be changed.
What details do you need for a bank transfer?
Your account name, BSB and account number. We'll ask for these once your items are accepted, and we only keep what's needed to process your payout.
Pricing
Who sets the price of my items?
We price every item at intake based on original RRP, current market value, condition and demand, and agree it with you before listing. You have the final say.
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes. If there's a price below which you'd rather have an item returned than sold, tell us at intake and we'll note it on your consignment agreement.
Do prices drop automatically?
No. We price every piece properly at intake, so there's no automatic markdown schedule. Your item stays at the agreed price unless you choose to change it.
Can I change the price after my item is listed?
Yes. Email archive@therake.com.au at any time and we'll adjust it.
Will my item be included in sale events?
Archive pieces can join The Rake's seasonal sales. We'll always check with you first, and your payout is calculated on the final sale price.
Listing
Do I need to provide photos?
No. We photograph every Archive piece ourselves, with the same setup we use for new stock. It's included in our commission.
How will my items be presented?
Archive pieces are listed in the Archive on therake.com.au. Each listing shows the condition grade, condition notes, measurements and who it was consigned by.
How long until my items are listed?
We aim to photograph and list items within 5 business days of receiving them. In busy periods this can stretch to 7–10 days, and we'll let you know if there's a delay.
Unsold items
What happens if my item hasn't sold after 90 days?
We'll get in touch to review it with you. You can lower the price, hold it at the current price, or take it back. Nothing changes without your agreement.
If you'd rather not collect it, we can donate it on your behalf. We never dispose of items without your approval.
Can I request my item back early?
Yes. Email archive@therake.com.au at any time. We ask for 3 business days' notice to delist and prepare it.
Because we've already photographed and listed it, there's an A$20 fee per item for returns before the 90-day review. Taking a piece back at the review itself is free. Return postage is at your cost unless we made an error.
Ready to sell?