Custom legal document

Consignment-an agreement drafting

Have it drafted, amended, or reviewed by our legal experts and/or lawyers starting from 99
SME Lawyers

Do not write this document yourself — DIY often results in expensive problems.
Have a lawyer review it and avoid misunderstandings, mistakes, and difficulties.

  • Truly Tailor-Made Legal Solutions
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  • Pay later after draft
  • Free adjustment round
  • Delivered within 5 working days
  • Express delivery possible
  • Available in Dutch and English

How does it work?
Our services include a free consultation, a draft document, a revision round, and a final document. We invoice after sending the draft document.

Experience with legal services for entrepreneurs since 2001
Lawyers and legal professionals.Direct contact with a specialist who thinks practically.
Fixed rates.Where possible, clarity regarding costs in advance.
Within 4 hoursWe respond quickly to your request.
  • We worked for, among others:
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner

We worked for, among others:

An incorrect document often provides a false sense of security.
You think everything is taken care of, but only discover whether the document actually works during a conflict or claim.

1

Free intake

We discuss your company, the purpose of the document, and the key risks.

2

Draft or check

We draft a custom document or review your existing document legally.

3

Final version

You will receive a final version with instructions on correct usage.

Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Corporate Law
Attorney, 16 years of experience

With consignment, the core lies in ownership and risk. The products are held by someone else but often remain the property of the supplier until they are sold. Without clear agreements, damage, theft, bankruptcy, or settlement quickly become a problem

  • For suppliers, shops, galleries, webshops, producers, and resellers
  • Attention to ownership, inventory, selling price, commission, and settlement
  • Risk, damage, theft, insurance, returns, and bankruptcy handled
  • Practically usable in retail, art, fashion, trade products, and showroom models

Choose Tailored Legal Solutions

Choose whether you want to have the document drafted, checked, or modified. Prices and options vary per document.

From 99
Customization
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

from 249.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

About us

Our expertise in consignment agreements

Our lawyers and in-house counsel assist suppliers, shops, galleries, manufacturers, webshops, and resellers with consignment agreements, commission agreements, distribution contracts, and terms of sale. We examine ownership, inventory, risk, damage, theft, pricing, commission, settlement, returns, insurance, and termination.

Customization for your consignment model

Consignment in retail, art, fashion, showrooms, webshops, or B2B trade does not require the same agreements. Therefore, we tailor the consignment agreement to your products, sales channel, inventory management, and risks.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Experience with trade, retail, commission, and inventory contracts
  • Attention to ownership, risk, inventory, settlement, and bankruptcy
  • Fixed rates in advance where possible
  • Customization
  • About us
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

  • Our legal expert spends 0.5 to 1.5 hours on the check
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Checks on content, risks, and practical usability
  • Attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Concrete points for improvement and legal advice
  • Delivered within 3 working days, express delivery possible
from 249.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

  • Our legal expert spends 1.5 to 2.5 hours checking and making adjustments
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Verification of the existing document
  • Adaptation to your business and working methods
  • Suitable for new services, customers, or risks
  • Delivered within 5 working days, express delivery possible

About us

Our expertise in consignment agreements

Our lawyers and in-house counsel assist suppliers, shops, galleries, manufacturers, webshops, and resellers with consignment agreements, commission agreements, distribution contracts, and terms of sale. We examine ownership, inventory, risk, damage, theft, pricing, commission, settlement, returns, insurance, and termination.

Customization for your consignment model

Consignment in retail, art, fashion, showrooms, webshops, or B2B trade does not require the same agreements. Therefore, we tailor the consignment agreement to your products, sales channel, inventory management, and risks.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Experience with trade, retail, commission, and inventory contracts
  • Attention to ownership, risk, inventory, settlement, and bankruptcy
  • Fixed rates in advance where possible

Reviews (21)

Cas

The start of the process immediately made a professional impression. Every adjustment we wanted was incorporated seamlessly and legally correctly. The service was professional and personal.

Edwin

It was immediately clear which steps we needed to go through. The review of our English-language contract was incredibly detailed and accurate. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Soukaina

It felt good to be able to hand over the legal concerns immediately. The comments were concrete and immediately usable. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Aya

Communication was direct and efficient, exactly what we were looking for. The language in the contract was modern and clear, without archaic terms. The quality fully met our expectations.

Ali

Good service and a clear working method. Ample time was taken to discuss the various options and their implications. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Mila

Communication was direct and efficient, exactly what we were looking for. They provided a watertight confidentiality agreement that perfectly suited our innovations. The end result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Sophie

The start of the collaboration was exceptionally smooth. The language in the contract was modern and clear, without archaic terms. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Sander

Things moved quickly and the work was carried out meticulously. We found the telephone intake particularly valuable. Our business partners were impressed by the professionalism of the contracts.

Musa

The clear explanation at the start of the project was crucial for us. Communication always went through a single point of contact, which prevented confusion. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Anouk

The initial analysis of our documents was razor-sharp. It was clearly indicated what we needed to pay attention to. A reliable partner who strives for perfection in their documents.

Arno

We had a fairly specific legal issue, but this was no problem at all. The document contained handy fill-in fields for future use, making it highly reusable. The service was professional and personal.

Remco

My application via the website was picked up super fast. The personal involvement made us feel truly supported. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Vincent

A breath of fresh air to speak with lawyers who speak our language. They pointed out tax risks in the contract that we hadn't considered at all. A reliable partner who strives for perfection in their documents.

Luca

The clear structure of the process was well communicated in advance. The service felt personal and reliable. Our clients respond positively to the clear general terms and conditions.

Lieke

The consultation provided immediate clarity. The lawyer needed only half a word to create the right context. A party that delivers on what it promises on its website.

Jan

Received pleasant assistance from the first contact. The fixed price upfront instilled confidence. Everything was delivered neatly and on time.

Nora

It was a relief to be helped so quickly. We received excellent advice regarding the division of intellectual property rights. The service was professional and personal.

Ahmed

It is pleasant when a party immediately understands the core of the problem. It was nice that we could call in directly if anything was unclear in the draft. Our customers respond positively to the clear general terms and conditions.

Koen

Quick response and clear explanation. It was nice that they didn't charge by the hour for a simple extra question. Our business partners were impressed by the professionalism of the contracts.

Pepijn

I received a call back within half an hour of my online request. The transparency during the writing process provided a great deal of peace of mind and clarity. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Teun

The direct and no-nonsense mentality appealed to us greatly. The legal language was firm and assertive where necessary, but lenient where possible. The quality fully met our expectations.

Meet our office

Our ContractCheck, simply explained what can all go wrong.

Why MKB Juristen?

Since 2001, we have been active as a no-nonsense legal firm for entrepreneurs. We quickly get to the heart of the matter: with a thorough assessment, clear answers, and a document that works practically.

  • Nationwide coverage
  • First consultation free and without obligation
  • Fixed rates where possible
  • Affordable legal advice from lawyers and legal experts
  • Always a response within 4 hours

First, see how we work

A legal document requires trust. You see immediately who we are, how we help entrepreneurs, and why we do not work with standard templates.

  • You can view our working method before submitting an application
  • You will get a feel for the office and the people faster
  • The video supports the choice for customized legal solutions
  • After that, you can immediately request a quote or intake

What you can expect from us

We translate your situation into a legal document that you can actually use. You won't receive a loose template, but a document tailored to your business, agreements, and risks.

  • A clear roadmap: intake, concept, revision round, and final version
  • Practical explanation on how to use the document
  • Legal attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Where possible, provide clarity in advance regarding price and delivery time
Are you unsure whether you should have the document drafted, checked, or amended?
During the initial consultation, we will determine the sensible course of action together. Afterward, you will know exactly where you stand.

Why customization?

A legal document only works well if it aligns with your business, agreements, risks, and industry. That is why we do not work with a standard generator, but with legal experts who assess your situation.

  • Prepared for your company
  • Telephone consultation included
  • No standard template
  • Review by legal specialists

What do you get?

You will receive a legal document that is practical and aligns with the agreements you wish to make.

  • Draft document or legal review
  • One adjustment round
  • Clear explanation where necessary
  • Fixed price where possible

The founders of MKB Juristen

Our organization consists of several small teams working within various legal fields. Each legal field has its own senior in-house counsel and/or lawyers.

Denian Wielhouwer

Corporate lawyer in corporate law & business expert

Denian Wielhouwer

Annelore Hendriks

Corporate lawyer, corporate law, administrative law

Annelore Hendriks

Ilja van Driel

Corporate law attorney, employment law

Ilja van Driel

Jaime Boogaers

Corporate law, ICT & privacy law, energy law attorney

Jaime Boogaers
Custom choices

Which choices determine the content?

The form of your consignment agreement depends on a few key choices. Answer these questions before having the document drafted.

Choice or question Why this matters legally
Who bears the inventory risk? Determines whether the reseller is liable for theft and damage and whether mandatory insurance is required.
How is payment made? Do you opt for a fixed purchase price at sale, or a commission or margin on the selling price?.
When and how often does the reseller report? Determines your view of inventory and checkout moments; reporting more frequently limits surprises.
What happens to unsold inventory? Regulates the return period, who bears the return costs, and whether the reseller has an obligation to purchase.
May the reseller determine the price or presentation? Determines your control over brand experience, minimum prices, and the placement of goods in the assortment.
Clauses and provisions

Which components belong in a consignment agreement?

A comprehensive consignment agreement unambiguously regulates ownership, settlement, and risk. The components below prevent disputes regarding who is responsible for what while your goods are held by the reseller.

Provision Relevant to Legal point of attention
Parties and goods Always Name the consignee and consignee and describe the goods, quantities, and any serial numbers so that the inventory is traceable.
Retention of title Always Stipulate that ownership remains with you until the goods have been sold and paid for by an end customer, so that they fall outside the reseller's bankruptcy.
Settlement and commission Always Describe the selling price, your commission or the reseller's margin, and the settlement period after the sale.
Reporting and inventory control Usually Agree on how often the reseller reports sold and remaining stock and whether you may inspect.
Risk and insurance Always Determine who bears the risk of loss, theft, and damage and require the reseller to insure the stock.
Duration, cancellation and return Always Arrange the term, notice period, and the obligation to return unsold goods at your expense or that of the reseller.
Liability Usually Limit liability and arrange for indemnification for damage caused by improper storage or presentation.
Applicable law and disputes Always Choose Dutch law and the competent court or a form of dispute resolution.
Use in practice

How do you use this document correctly?

A consignment agreement is only effective if both parties adhere to the agreements in practice. The steps below ensure the agreement is watertight.

Situation What should you do? Point of attention
At the start Have both parties sign before the goods are delivered. Without a signature, proof of the retention of title and the agreements is missing.
Upon delivery Create a signed packing list with quantities and serial numbers. This allows you to demonstrate which goods are on consignment and ensures the inventory remains traceable.
During the term Periodically check the reports and the physical inventory. You identify shortages, unsold inventory, or unsettled sales in a timely manner.
Upon termination Settle settlement and collect or return unsold goods in accordance with the agreement. This way, you avoid outstanding receivables and disputes regarding remaining stock.
Common mistakes

Common mistakes

With consignment, things often go wrong regarding the question of ownership and risk. These are the mistakes you see most often, and here is how to avoid them.

Wrong Consequence Better approach
No written retention of title In the event of the reseller's bankruptcy, your stock becomes part of the bankruptcy estate. Record the retention of title in writing and signed prior to delivery.
Risk not managed You are liable for theft or damage without recourse. Assign the risk to the reseller and require insurance.
No stock reporting You have no insight into sales and settlement moments. Agree on fixed reporting and settlement periods.
Unsold stock not settled Stock is stuck and return costs are unclear. Establish the return period and cost allocation.
Oral price agreements Discussion regarding sales price, margin, or commission. Explicitly state prices, margins, and commission in the agreement.
Risk profile

What is your situation and what do you pay attention to?

Consignment occurs in a variety of situations. If you recognize your situation, you know what to pay extra attention to.

Risk profile Example Focus in the document
Supplier to a store You place inventory with a retailer who only settles after a sale. Retention of title and clear settlement period.
Art or expensive goods You place valuable items in safekeeping and for sale. Insurance, valuation and risk allocation.
Pilot setup or test sale You are testing the sales of new products with a salesperson. Term, termination, and return of unsold stock.
International reseller Goods are held by a party outside the Netherlands. Applicable law, competent court and customs aspects.
Additional documents

When is this document not enough?

A consignment agreement manages inventory at a reseller but does not cover every partnership. In these situations, you require additional or different arrangements.

Situation Supplementary document Why
Situation Related document Explanation
You want structural sales through a fixed sales partner Distribution agreement Regulates purchase obligations, territories, and exclusivity in the event of continuous resale.
You work with the same partner for a long time Cooperation Agreement Defines the broader collaboration, roles, and responsibilities.
The reseller does not pay invoices on time Debt collection For the collection of outstanding claims after settlement.
Explanation of this document

Drafting a consignment agreement, why?

Not every entrepreneur knows exactly what consignment agreements are, when they are needed, and which risks they must cover. Therefore, we explain below what this document entails, what to look out for, and why customized legal solutions are important.

What is a consignment agreement?
A consignment agreement is the agreement whereby a supplier—the consignee—places goods in safekeeping with a reseller—the consignee—whereby ownership of the goods remains with the consignee until the goods are sold by the consignee to an end customer. The consignee sells the goods on behalf of the consignee and remits the purchase price, less their commission or margin. In practice, consignment agreements are used by publishers supplying books on consignment to bookstores, by jewelry suppliers placing collections with jewelers, by art dealers placing works with galleries, and by wholesalers placing stock with retailers without direct invoicing. Our lawyers draft a consignment agreement for you that protects the consignee's ownership position, ensures watertight administration of the consignment storage, and minimizes your risk in the event of the consignee's bankruptcy.
How does the consignee protect his property in the event of the consignee's bankruptcy?
This is the most critical question regarding consignment. If the consignee goes bankrupt, the consignee is, in principle, entitled to reclaim their goods from the bankruptcy estate, because ownership has remained with them — the goods never became the consignee's assets. In practice, however, this protection of ownership is not automatic. The bankruptcy trustee will contest the consignee's ownership claims if the goods have not been adequately identified and distinguished from the consignee's other inventory. Your consignment agreement must stipulate that the consigned goods are stored and recorded separately, bearing a clear marking or label indicating the consignee's ownership. A comprehensive inventory record demonstrating which specific goods were assigned to the consignee is essential for a successful revindication action in the event of bankruptcy. Our lawyers draft a consignment agreement that provides maximum protection for your ownership position, even in a bankruptcy situation.
How do you arrange the allocation of risk for loss, theft, and damage?
In the case of consignment, the consignee holds the goods in safekeeping but is not the owner. The allocation of risk for loss, theft, and damage must be explicitly stipulated in the consignment agreement. The general legal rule is that the risk remains with the owner—the consignee—but the parties may contractually agree otherwise. In commercial practice, consignees typically stipulate that the consignee is liable for all damage to or loss of the consignment storage in their possession, regardless of the cause. This effectively makes the consignee a custodian liable for failure to fulfill their duty of safekeeping. The consignment agreement must also regulate whether the consignee is required to take out insurance for the consignment storage, and whether the consignee is listed as a beneficiary on that policy. Our lawyers draft a risk allocation arrangement that adequately protects the consignee.
How do you handle the administration and accounting for consignment storage?
A sound administration system is indispensable for consignment. The consignee must periodically report how many of the consigned goods have been sold, which goods are still in stock, and the status of the due remittance. The consignment agreement must specify the reporting frequency—monthly or quarterly—the format of the report, the period within which the remittance of sales proceeds takes place, and the right of the consignee to inspect the consignee's records and conduct an audit. A particular point of attention: the sales proceeds received by the consignee from end customers are funds belonging to the consignee and may not be commingled with the consignee's own equity. Otherwise, in the event of the consignee's bankruptcy, these funds cannot be recovered. Our lawyers advise you on the administration structure that maximizes your asset protection.
How does a consignment agreement differ from a regular sales agreement?
The distinction is of great fiscal and legal importance. In a standard sales agreement, ownership of the goods passes to the buyer upon delivery, the invoice is paid immediately or in installments, and the buyer bears the risk of title. In a consignment agreement, ownership remains with the consignor until the consignee sells, invoicing only takes place upon sale to the end customer, and the consignor bears the risk of title—though he can reclaim the goods if they are not sold. The consequences for VAT are different: in a consignment, the VAT transaction from the consignor to the consignee only takes place at the moment of resale to the end customer. This offers cash flow benefits for the consignor. Your consignment agreement must align its tax treatment with the actual contract structure. Our lawyers ensure a consignment agreement that is structured correctly from both a private law and a tax perspective.
How does it work at MKBjuristen?
After a brief intake, our lawyers map out your product type, your distribution network, and your specific risks. Based on this, we draft a consignment agreement that protects the consignee's ownership position, ensures watertight administration and accountability, clearly defines the allocation of risk, and correctly addresses the tax implications. Do you have an existing consignment agreement that you would like to have checked for completeness and bankruptcy resistance? We will then assess it on all critical points.
Are you unsure whether your document is legally correct? We would be happy to assess the sensible course of action: drafting, reviewing, or amending.
Request a quote

Why not use a standard document?

A standard document often seems like a quick solution, but usually does not fully align with your company, agreements, risks, and way of working. Our legal experts draft documents that fit your situation.

Standard document
SME Lawyers
Not tailored to your business
Tailored to your company, industry, and working methods
No control over your specific situation
Consultation with a lawyer and assessment of your risks
Possibly outdated or incomplete
Verification of current and practical provisions
No personal explanation
Explanation regarding the use of the document

A standard document seems cheap, until it doesn't fit your situation properly. That is why we provide custom legal solutions tailored to your business.

Tailored solutions for each consignment situation

Not every consignment arrangement works the same way. Therefore, we do not make consignment agreements generic, but tailored to the product, sales channel, inventory value, and risk.

Retail consignment

Attention to sales price, stock, commission, returns, damage, and theft.

Art and gallery

Attention to ownership, insurance, presentation, minimum price, and copyright.

Fashion and season

Attention to discounts, return periods, damage, stock, and checkout.

Showroom products

Attention to usage, demos, damage, time of sale, and insurance.

Webshop consignment

Focus on returns, customer claims, inventory, order processing, and data.

B2B consignment

Attention to ownership, credit risk, inventory management, audit, and bankruptcy.


A consignment agreement must strictly separate ownership and actual stock. Therefore, we look at ownership, stock list, risk, damage, insurance, sales price, commission, settlement, and returns.

Common mistakes in consignment agreements

With consignment, things often go wrong because products are handed over without proper record-keeping or a clear allocation of risk.

  • Do not explicitly record ownership and moment of transfer
  • Do not use delivery note, stock list, or audit right
  • Do not arrange risk in case of damage, loss, or theft
  • Formulating sales price, discount, commission, and VAT too vaguely
  • Do not periodically record settlement and reporting
  • Forgot to return unsold or damaged products
  • Do not check inventory insurance and security
  • Underestimating bankruptcy risk and commingling with own stock

Draft your consignment agreement properly and avoid unnecessary problems in the future. Clear agreements prevent disputes regarding ownership, inventory, sales, damage, theft, settlement, and returns.

What is a consignment agreement?

An agreement whereby products are placed with another party for sale, while ownership often remains with the supplier until the sale takes place.

Who owns products on consignment?

Usually, the consignor remains the owner, but this must be explicitly stipulated.

Who bears the risk in the event of theft or damage?

That depends on the agreement. Clearly define risk, insurance, and duty of care.

How is payment made on consignment?

Usually periodic based on products sold, less commission or margin.

Can MKB Juristen review an existing consignment agreement?

Yes. We check ownership, inventory, risk, commission, settlement, returns, insurance, and termination, among other things.

Contact us

Annelore Hendriks

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SME Lawyers at the Chamber of Commerce Source: Chamber of Commerce 2019
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