Free Consignment Software: Options and Considerations
This guide explores free consignment software options, their capabilities, limitations, and when they might be appropriate for your business. I'll also discuss when it makes sense to invest in paid solutions.
Last updated: May 19, 2025
Understanding Free Consignment Software
Free consignment software can be an attractive option for new store owners or those operating on a tight budget. However, it's important to understand what "free" really means in the context of business software.
Free software generally falls into one of these categories:
- Truly free solutions - Basic software with limited features but no cost
- Free trials - Full-featured software that's free for a limited time
- Freemium models - Basic features are free, but you pay for advanced capabilities
- Open-source options - Free to use but may require technical knowledge to implement
Before choosing a free option, it's essential to understand both the immediate benefits and the potential long-term limitations.
Truly Free Consignment Software Options
There are a few consignment software options that are genuinely free without significant limitations:
1. Basic Spreadsheet Templates
While not dedicated consignment software, customized spreadsheets can work for very small operations:
- Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets templates designed for consignment tracking
- Free to use with basic office software
- Highly customizable to your specific needs
- No specialized features like barcode scanning or receipt printing
Limitations: Spreadsheets become unwieldy as your inventory grows. They lack automation features, have no integrated POS capabilities, and require manual data entry for most operations.
2. ConsignmentTrac Basic
ConsignmentTrac offers a basic free version with limited functionality:
- Inventory management for up to 100 items
- Basic consignor management
- Simple sales tracking
- No monthly fees or expiration
Limitations: The 100-item limit makes this suitable only for the smallest operations. No barcode support, limited reporting, and no multi-user capabilities.
3. Open Source Alternatives
Some open-source retail management systems can be adapted for consignment use:
- OpenBravo POS - Free, open-source point of sale system
- Floreant POS - Restaurant-focused but adaptable
- uniCenta - More modern open-source POS
Limitations: These require significant technical knowledge to set up and customize for consignment operations. They lack consignment-specific features like consignor settlement and split payments.
Free Trial Options
Most commercial consignment software offers free trial periods:
| Software | Trial Period | Limitations | Cost After Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCSS | 30 days | None - full functionality | $195-$795 (one-time) |
| ConsignPro | 15 days | Limited to 25 consignors | $995 + annual fees |
| Liberty | 30 days | None - full functionality | $995 + annual fees |
| Consignment Success | 14 days | Limited reporting | $795 + annual fees |
Free trials are excellent for testing software before committing, but they're not long-term solutions. Use the trial period to thoroughly test all aspects of the software with your actual business processes.
Freemium Consignment Software
Some consignment software follows a "freemium" model, where basic features are free but advanced capabilities require payment:
1. ConsignCloud Basic
ConsignCloud offers a free tier with basic functionality:
- Unlimited consignors and items
- Basic inventory management
- Simple sales processing
Limitations: No barcode support, limited reporting, no consignor portal, and no multi-user capabilities. Advanced features require a paid subscription starting at $49/month.
2. Traxia SimpleConsign Starter
While not entirely free, Traxia offers a low-cost starter option:
- Basic consignment management
- Up to 250 active items
- Single-user access
Limitations: Limited inventory capacity, no barcode support, basic reporting only. Upgrades start at $69/month.
When to Invest in Paid Consignment Software
Consider upgrading to paid consignment software when:
- Your inventory exceeds 100 items - Most free solutions become unwieldy beyond this point
- You have multiple employees - Multi-user support is rarely available in free options
- You need barcode scanning - This feature dramatically increases efficiency
- You require detailed reporting - Essential for business analysis and growth
- You want consignor access - Online portals for consignors to check their items
- You need reliable support - Critical when issues arise during business hours
The right time to invest is often earlier than most store owners realize. The efficiency gains from proper software typically pay for themselves quickly.
Recommendations for Different Business Stages
For New or Pre-Launch Businesses
If you're just starting out or planning your store:
- Begin with spreadsheet templates to understand your workflow needs
- Use free trials of multiple consignment software options to compare
- Consider BCSS Intro Edition ($195) as an affordable entry point with no ongoing fees
For Established Small Stores (Under 500 Items)
If you're already operating with a modest inventory:
- ConsignmentTrac Basic may work if under 100 items
- BCSS Intro or Deluxe Edition offers the best value with one-time payment
- Avoid options with high annual fees that eat into profits
For Growing Stores (500+ Items)
If your business is expanding:
- Free options will likely create more problems than they solve
- BCSS Diamond Edition provides comprehensive features with no annual fees
- Consider cloud-based options if you need remote access capabilities
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Free consignment software can be a good starting point, but most growing businesses will eventually need to invest in a paid solution. The key is understanding when that transition should happen for your specific business.
When evaluating options, consider:
- Total cost of ownership (including your time)
- Scalability as your business grows
- Essential features for your specific operation
- Support availability when problems arise
- Long-term reliability of the software provider
Remember that the right software is an investment in your business efficiency and growth potential, not just an expense.
For personalized advice on choosing the right consignment software for your specific situation, feel free to contact me directly. With 15+ years of experience in the consignment industry, I'm happy to help you navigate these important decisions.