Question 1

What is the 1stDibs commission rate?

Accepted Answer

1stDibs commission rates typically range from 15% to 30% of the sale price, varying based on your membership plan and seller agreement. Most sellers report 15% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee as standard. Higher-tier membership plans with higher monthly fees may offer lower commission rates, while lower monthly subscription plans incur higher per-sale commissions. The exact rate is determined during the application process and depends on your business type, sales volume, and product category.

Question 2

What is the monthly fee for 1stDibs?

Accepted Answer

1stDibs offers multiple membership tiers with varying monthly subscription fees, typically around $500-$1,500 per month depending on the plan. The platform provides a choice: lower monthly fees with higher per-sale commission rates, or higher monthly fees with lower commission rates. The exact monthly cost depends on your chosen membership tier and is discussed during the seller application and approval process. High-volume sellers may benefit from higher-tier plans that reduce commission percentages.

Question 3

How do I become a seller on 1stDibs?

Accepted Answer

1stDibs accepts only vetted, professional sellers through an application process. To apply: submit a seller application on their website, provide examples of your inventory (photos and descriptions), demonstrate expertise in your category (furniture, art, jewelry, etc.), and show your business credentials. 1stDibs looks for dealers, galleries, antique shops, and established professionals with quality merchandise. After review, approved sellers are onboarded with membership tier selection and fee structure discussion. The vetting process maintains the platform's luxury market positioning.

Question 4

What sells best on 1stDibs?

Accepted Answer

High-end antique furniture, designer vintage pieces, fine art, estate jewelry, rare decorative objects, and authentic mid-century modern furniture sell best on 1stDibs. The platform attracts affluent buyers seeking investment-quality items and one-of-a-kind pieces. Items should be professionally authenticated, expertly photographed, and thoroughly documented with provenance when possible. Price points typically start at $1,000+ for furniture and $500+ for smaller items. Mass-market or reproduction pieces do not fit the 1stDibs luxury marketplace.

Question 5

Is 1stDibs worth it for sellers?

Accepted Answer

1stDibs can be worth it for professional dealers with high-value inventory ($2,000+ items) and consistent sales volume to offset the monthly subscription fees. The platform provides access to affluent international buyers willing to pay premium prices for authenticated luxury goods. Calculate your break-even: if monthly fees are $1,000 and your average margin is $500 per item after commission, you need 2+ sales monthly. Best for: established dealers with specialty inventory, items difficult to sell locally, and businesses that can maintain consistent listings. Not ideal for: casual sellers, low-priced items, or inconsistent inventory.

Question 6

How does 1stDibs pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Sellers set their own prices on 1stDibs based on market research, comparable sales, and authentication/provenance. The platform may provide pricing guidance from historical sales data. Price items to allow for the "Make Offer" feature - buyers commonly negotiate, so leave 10-20% room above your minimum acceptable price. 1stDibs occasionally runs promotions, but discounts typically come from their commission portion, protecting seller payouts. Factor in all costs when pricing: acquisition cost, restoration/cleaning, photography, shipping, and the commission/fees before determining your list price.

Question 7

Who pays for shipping on 1stDibs?

Accepted Answer

Shipping costs are typically paid by the buyer and shown at checkout. Sellers are responsible for professional packaging and coordinating with shipping carriers. For large furniture and valuable items, white glove delivery service is often expected - this provides professional movers who deliver, unpack, place, and remove packaging. White glove costs $200-$2,000+ depending on item size and distance. Sellers can offer "free shipping" by building the cost into the item price, or negotiate shipping splits with buyers on high-value pieces.

Question 8

What is the payment processing fee on 1stDibs?

Accepted Answer

Payment processing fees on 1stDibs are typically around 3% of the sale price, charged in addition to the commission rate. This covers credit card processing and payment handling. For example, a $5,000 sale with 15% commission and 3% processing would deduct: $750 (commission) + $150 (processing) = $900 total fees, leaving $4,100. Some membership tiers may bundle processing into the commission rate, so clarify the exact fee structure during onboarding to accurately calculate your net proceeds.

Question 9

How do I calculate my 1stDibs profit margin?

Accepted Answer

Profit margin = (Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100. Revenue is your sale price minus 1stDibs fees (commission + processing). Profit is revenue minus all your costs. Example: $8,000 sale - $1,200 commission (15%) - $240 processing (3%) = $6,560 revenue. $6,560 - $3,000 acquisition - $500 restoration - $300 shipping = $2,760 profit. Margin = ($2,760 ÷ $6,560) × 100 = 42%. Also subtract monthly subscription costs allocated across sales. Target 50-70% margins on luxury items to remain profitable after all costs and negotiated offers.

Question 10

What is the difference between 1stDibs and Chairish?

Accepted Answer

1stDibs is a luxury marketplace for high-end antiques, fine art, and designer pieces with professional-only sellers, monthly subscription fees ($500+), and commission rates of 15-30%. Chairish is more accessible with tiered seller levels including casual consignors, no monthly fees for basic tiers, and commission rates of 3-45% depending on seller status. 1stDibs attracts higher price points ($2,000+ typical) and international collectors, while Chairish serves broader markets ($200-$5,000 range). Choose 1stDibs for museum-quality, authenticated luxury goods; choose Chairish for designer vintage and quality furniture at more accessible price points.

Question 11

How does this calculator save my data?

Accepted Answer

Your inputs are automatically saved to your browser's local storage, so when you return, your previous values are restored. No data is sent to our servers - everything stays private on your device. This allows you to compare different membership tiers, pricing scenarios, and cost structures without re-entering all your details each time. Clear your browser data to reset saved values.

1stDibs Profit Calculator

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