Auftragslieferung

Auftragslieferung, also known as consignment delivery or drop shipping in some contexts, is a commercial arrangement where a seller (the consignor) entrusts goods to a buyer (the consignee) for the purpose of selling them to a third party. The key characteristic is that ownership of the goods remains with the consignor until the consignee successfully sells them to an end customer. The consignee acts as an intermediary, essentially a retailer, who holds the inventory but does not own it outright.

This model is frequently used by manufacturers who want to expand their market reach without establishing their own retail outlets. It allows them to place products in various locations and rely on the consignee's existing customer base and sales channels. The consignee benefits by being able to offer a wider range of products to their customers without the financial risk of purchasing and stocking inventory upfront. They only pay for the goods once they have been sold.

Upon selling the goods, the consignee remits the agreed-upon selling price to the consignor, often deducting a commission or profit margin. The consignor is then informed of the sales and receives payment for the sold items. Unsold goods typically remain the property of the consignor and can be returned to them or replaced with new stock. This arrangement requires clear contractual agreements detailing terms of sale, payment schedules, responsibilities for storage, insurance, and the handling of unsold or damaged goods.