Consignment Agreement Template for Australia

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What is a Consignment Agreement?

A Consignment Agreement lets one party (the consignor) place their goods with another party (the consignee) to sell them on their behalf. Under Australian commercial law, the consignor keeps ownership of the items until they're sold, while the consignee typically earns a commission on each sale.

These agreements are common in retail, art galleries, and second-hand shops across Australia. They spell out key details like payment terms, sales targets, and how to handle damaged goods. The arrangement helps sellers reach new markets without opening their own stores, while giving retailers inventory without buying it outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you use a Consignment Agreement?

Use a Consignment Agreement when you want to sell products through another business without transferring ownership right away. This setup works perfectly for artists placing artwork in galleries, manufacturers testing new retail markets, or boutiques selling high-end fashion items in Australia.

The agreement becomes essential when dealing with valuable inventory or unique items where maintaining ownership control matters. It protects both parties by clearly defining commission rates, handling procedures, and liability for damaged goods. Many Australian retailers and suppliers choose this model to expand their reach while managing cash flow and inventory risks effectively.

What are the different types of Consignment Agreement?

Who should typically use a Consignment Agreement?

  • Consignors (Suppliers): Manufacturers, artists, designers, and wholesalers who want to sell goods through third parties while retaining ownership
  • Consignees (Retailers): Retail stores, galleries, boutiques, and marketplaces that display and sell items on behalf of consignors
  • Legal Advisors: Lawyers and in-house counsel who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Australian consumer law
  • Business Managers: Retail operations managers who oversee inventory tracking and commission payments
  • Accountants: Financial professionals who handle GST reporting, commission calculations, and inventory valuation

How do you write a Consignment Agreement?

  • Identify Parties: Gather full legal names, ABNs, and contact details for both consignor and consignee
  • List Items: Detail all products, including descriptions, quantities, and agreed retail prices
  • Payment Terms: Specify commission rates, payment schedules, and GST arrangements
  • Operational Details: Document handling procedures, storage requirements, and display guidelines
  • Risk Management: Outline insurance requirements, damage policies, and return procedures
  • Duration: Set agreement length, renewal terms, and termination conditions
  • Review Process: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant agreement that covers all essential elements

What should be included in a Consignment Agreement?

  • Party Details: Full legal names, ABNs, and addresses of consignor and consignee
  • Goods Description: Detailed inventory list, pricing structure, and condition assessment
  • Commission Terms: Clear percentage rates, payment schedules, and GST arrangements
  • Risk Allocation: Insurance requirements, liability provisions, and loss prevention measures
  • Operational Terms: Storage conditions, display requirements, and handling procedures
  • Duration & Termination: Agreement length, renewal options, and exit conditions
  • Dispute Resolution: Australian jurisdiction clause and conflict resolution process
  • Signatures: Execution blocks for authorized representatives with dates and witness provisions

What's the difference between a Consignment Agreement and a Commission Agreement?

A Consignment Agreement differs significantly from a Commission Agreement. While both involve payment for sales, their core structures and ownership arrangements are quite different. Let's explore the key distinctions:

  • Ownership Structure: In consignment, the consignor retains ownership until final sale. With commission agreements, the seller typically owns the goods outright
  • Risk Distribution: Consignment arrangements place inventory risk mainly on the consignor, while commission agreements often shift more risk to the seller
  • Payment Timing: Consignment payments happen after customer sales, whereas commission agreements might include upfront payments or guaranteed minimums
  • Legal Obligations: Consignment agreements require specific provisions for goods handling and return, while commission agreements focus more on sales targets and performance metrics
  • Tax Treatment: Under Australian tax law, GST implications differ significantly between these arrangements, particularly regarding when tax obligations arise

Reviewed by

Swetha Meenal

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Swetha Meenal profile photo

A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Imad Mohammed Nazar

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Imad Mohammed Nazar profile photo

A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

GenieAI

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Consignment Agreement

  • Identify Parties: Gather full legal names, ABNs, and contact details for both consignor and consignee
  • List Items: Detail all products, including descriptions, quantities, and agreed retail prices
  • Payment Terms: Specify commission rates, payment schedules, and GST arrangements
  • Operational Details: Document handling procedures, storage requirements, and display guidelines
  • Risk Management: Outline insurance requirements, damage policies, and return procedures
  • Duration: Set agreement length, renewal terms, and termination conditions
  • Review Process: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant agreement that covers all essential elements

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