Running a consignment store without proper software is like running a restaurant without a kitchen — you can do it, but it is going to be messy, slow, and you will lose money.
Here is what you actually need, what is available for the Australian market, and how to choose.
What Consignment Software Has to Do
At minimum, your software needs to handle:
- Consignor management — Track who consigned what, their commission split, and contact details
- Inventory tracking — Know what is in stock, what has sold, and what is ageing
- Payout calculation — Calculate commissions, generate payout reports, and track what you owe consignors
- Pricing — Set and adjust prices based on age, demand, and market data
- Multi-marketplace listing — Push items to eBay, Shopify, and other platforms
- Reporting — BAS/GST reporting, sales analytics, consignor performance
If your current setup (probably a spreadsheet) does not do all six, you are leaving money on the table.
The Australian Problem
Most consignment software is built for the US market. That means:
- No GST handling
- No BAS report generation
- No ABN tracking for TPAR (Taxable Payments Annual Report)
- USD pricing and US marketplace integrations only
- No understanding of Australian Consumer Law requirements
Australian consignment stores have unique needs that generic point-of-sale systems and US-centric tools simply do not address.
What to Look For
Consignor Portal
Your consignors should be able to check their item status, see what has sold, and view their payout history without calling you. A self-service portal saves you hours of admin every week.
Automated Payouts
Manual payout calculation is error-prone and time-consuming. Your software should automatically calculate splits, track cumulative earnings, and generate payout statements.
Ageing and Markdown Logic
Items that sit on the shelf cost you money in storage and opportunity. Good consignment software automatically tracks item age and can trigger markdown schedules — 30 days, 60 days, 90 days — based on rules you set.
Market Data Integration
The best software does not just list your items — it tells you what to price them at. Live sold data from eBay and other marketplaces means you price right the first time and sell faster.
BAS and GST
If you are registered for GST in Australia, you need software that tracks GST on sales and purchases, generates BAS-ready reports, and handles your tax obligations correctly.
The Options for Australian Stores
Generic POS Systems (e.g., Square, Lightspeed)
Good for retail, bad for consignment. They do not handle consignor splits, commission tracking, or multi-marketplace listing. You will need add-ons and workarounds.
US Consignment Software (e.g., ConsignCloud, SimpleConsign)
Better features for consignment, but no Australian tax support, no GST, no BAS. You will still need a separate accounting solution.
Spreadsheets
Free, but the hidden cost is enormous. One wrong formula, one missed payout, and you have a consignor dispute on your hands. Does not scale past 50-100 items.
TurnGoods
Built specifically for Australian resellers and consignment stores. Handles consignor management, multi-marketplace listing (eBay, Shopify, Trade Me NZ), AI-driven pricing, payout tracking, and BAS/GST reporting. The only platform that does all six essentials for the Australian market.
Making the Switch
If you are currently on spreadsheets or a system that does not fit, migrating is easier than you think:
- Export your current inventory data
- Set up your consignor profiles and commission splits
- Import your items
- Connect your marketplaces
- Start listing and tracking
Most stores are fully operational within a day.
Looking for consignment software that actually works in Australia? Try TurnGoods free — built by Australians, for Australian consignment stores.