Consignment vs. Parcel — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
Consignment refers to the shipment of goods for sale or custody, whereas a parcel is simply a package prepared for shipping.
Difference Between Consignment and Parcel
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A consignment involves transferring goods to another party for the purpose of sale, storage, or transfer without immediate transfer of ownership, while a parcel refers to any packaged item that is sent through a postal or courier service.
In consignment, the original owner retains ownership until the goods are sold, whereas a parcel typically involves a straightforward transfer of goods from sender to receiver.
Consignments are often used in business contexts, particularly in retail and wholesale markets, on the other hand, parcels can be used for a wide range of personal and commercial shipping needs.
The terms of agreement in consignment sales are crucial, covering revenue share and unsold goods, while the terms for sending a parcel generally cover shipping costs, delivery times, and insurance options.
Consignments can sometimes return unsold goods to the consignor without any financial exchange, whereas a parcel once sent is usually not returned unless specific arrangements are made or delivery fails.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Goods shipped for sale or custody
Packaged item sent for delivery
Ownership
Retained until sale
Transferred to receiver
Usage Context
Business, particularly in retail
Personal and commercial shipping
Agreement Terms
Covers revenue share, unsold goods
Shipping costs, delivery times
Return of Goods
Possible without sale
Only if delivery fails or is returned
Compare with Definitions
Consignment
A method of sale or distribution where goods are paid for only after being sold.
She uses consignment to reduce upfront inventory costs.
Parcel
A package wrapped and prepared for shipping.
He received a parcel from his family overseas.
Consignment
Goods sent by one party to another to be sold.
The artist sent several paintings on consignment to the gallery.
Parcel
An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper, to be carried or sent by mail.
She sent a parcel containing gifts to her friends.
Consignment
The act of consigning goods.
Consignment to the regional warehouse occurred last week.
Parcel
A division of land, especially in the context of real estate.
The parcel of real estate includes both residential and commercial spaces.
Consignment
A shipment of goods for sale where the sender retains ownership until sale.
The bookstore accepts books on consignment from local authors.
Parcel
A quantity or amount of something, especially when wrapped or packed.
They bought a small parcel of land to start their farm.
Consignment
A batch of goods destined for or delivered to someone.
The latest consignment of imported cheeses was quite impressive.
Parcel
A distinct, continuous portion or tract of land.
The city plans to develop the vacant parcel next to the park.
Consignment
Consignment involves selling one's personal goods (clothing, furniture, etc.) through a third-party vendor such as a consignment store or online thrift store. The owner of the goods pays the third-party a portion of the sale for facilitating the sale.
Parcel
An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper in order to be carried or sent by post
A brown paper parcel
A parcel bomb
The lorry was carrying a large number of Royal Mail parcels
Consignment
A batch of goods destined for or delivered to someone
A consignment of drugs
Parcel
A quantity or amount of something, especially as dealt with in one commercial transaction
A parcel of shares
Consignment
The act of consigning.
Parcel
Make (something) into a parcel by wrapping it
He parcelled up the goods and sent them back
Consignment
Something consigned.
Parcel
Wrap (rope) with strips of tarred canvas, before binding it with yarn as part of a traditional technique to reduce chafing.
Consignment
A collection of goods to be sent, in transit or having been sent.
Parcel
Something wrapped up or packaged; a package.
Consignment
The act of consigning.
Parcel
A plot of land, usually a division of a larger area.
Consignment
The sale of one's own goods (clothing, furniture, etc.) through a third-party vendor, in exchange for a portion of the sale price, and with the consigner retaining ownership of the goods until they are sold or abandoned.
Parcel
A quantity of merchandise offered for sale.
Consignment
The act of consigning; consignation.
Parcel
A group or company; a pack
"this youthful parcel of noble bachelors" (Shakespeare).
Consignment
The act of consigning or sending property to an agent or correspondent in another place, as for care, sale, etc.
Parcel
To divide into parts and distribute
Parceled out the land to their three children.
Consignment
That which is consigned; the goods or commodities sent or addressed to a consignee at one time or by one conveyance.
To increase your consignments of this valuable branch of national commerce.
Parcel
To make into a parcel; package.
Consignment
The writing by which anything is consigned.
Parcel
(Nautical) To wind protective strips of canvas around (rope).
Consignment
Goods carried by a large vehicle
Parcel
A package wrapped for shipment.
I saw a brown paper parcel on my doorstep.
Consignment
The official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
Parcel
An individual consignment of cargo for shipment, regardless of size and form.
Consignment
The delivery of goods for sale or disposal
Parcel
An individual item appearing on an invoice or receipt (only in the phrase bill of parcels).
Parcel
A division of land bought and sold as a unit.
I own a small parcel of land between the refinery and the fish cannery.
Parcel
(obsolete) A group of birds.
Parcel
An indiscriminate or indefinite number, measure, or quantity; a collection; a group.
Parcel
A small amount of food that has been wrapped up, for example a pastry.
Parcel
A portion of anything taken separately; a fragment of a whole; a part.
A certain piece of land is part and parcel of another piece.
Parcel
To wrap something up into the form of a package.
Parcel
To wrap a strip around the end of a rope.
Worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way.
Parcel
To divide and distribute by parts or portions; often with out or into.
Parcel
To add a parcel or item to; to itemize.
Parcel
(obsolete) Part or half; in part; partially.
Parcel
A portion of anything taken separately; a fragment of a whole; a part.
Two parcels of the white of an egg.
The parcels of the nation adopted different forms of self-government.
Parcel
A part; a portion; a piece; as, a certain piece of land is part and parcel of another piece.
Parcel
An indiscriminate or indefinite number, measure, or quantity; a collection; a group.
This youthful parcelOf noble bachelors stand at my disposing.
Parcel
A number or quantity of things put up together; a bundle; a package; a packet.
'Tis like a parcel sent you by the stage.
Parcel
To divide and distribute by parts or portions; - often with out or into.
These ghostly kings would parcel out my power.
The broad woodland parceled into farms.
Parcel
To add a parcel or item to; to itemize.
That mine own servant shouldParcel the sum of my disgraces byAddition of his envy.
Parcel
To make up into a parcel; as, to parcel a customer's purchases; the machine parcels yarn, wool, etc.
Parcel
Part or half; in part; partially.
The worthy dame was parcel-blind.
One that . . . was parcel-bearded [partially bearded].
Parcel
A wrapped container
Parcel
The result of parcelling out or sharing;
Death gets more than its share of attention from theologicans
Parcel
An extended area of land
Parcel
A collection of things wrapped or boxed together
Parcel
Divide into parts;
The developers parceled the land
Parcel
Cover with strips of canvas;
Parcel rope
Parcel
Make into a wrapped container
Common Curiosities
What is a parcel?
A parcel is any package that is prepared and sent through postal or courier services.
What is a consignment?
A consignment is the shipment of goods to be sold by another party, with the original owner retaining ownership until the goods are sold.
How does ownership work in a consignment?
In a consignment, ownership of the goods remains with the consignor until the goods are sold.
What happens to unsold goods in a consignment?
Unsold goods in a consignment are typically returned to the consignor unless other arrangements are made.
Can parcels be tracked during shipping?
Most courier services offer tracking options for parcels during shipping.
What is the typical use of a parcel?
Parcels are typically used for sending gifts, business products, personal items, and more.
Can a parcel include multiple items?
Yes, a parcel can include multiple items as long as they are packaged together.
What types of goods are typically sent as consignments?
Goods sent as consignments often include art, clothing, books, and jewelry.
Are there risks involved in sending consignments?
Yes, risks include not selling the goods, damage during storage or display, and theft.
Is a parcel insured?
Parcels can be insured depending on the sender’s preference and the policies of the courier service.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Stress vs. Highlight
Next Comparison
Adrenaline vs. EpinephrineAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
