Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are expensive, with the average dress costing around $1,100. As a result, a secondary market where old wedding dresses are bought and sold has emerged. While pawn shops aren't the epicentre of this market, some are willing to buy and sell wedding dresses. If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, it's recommended to sell it online on sites like Stillwhite, Tradesy, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also sell your dress to local consignment shops, bridal resale salons, or general consignment shops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to sell | Local consignment shops, online marketplaces, bridal resale salons, Facebook Marketplace, StillWhite, Tradesy, Poshmark, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, The Real Real, Mercari, Craigslist, eBay |
| When to sell | Before the wedding season, when shops will be more interested |
| Price | Set a price comparable to other second-hand offerings. Be prepared for potential markdowns if the dress doesn't sell quickly |
| Condition | Professionally clean the dress to ensure it is in pristine condition and maintains its value |
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What You'll Learn
Pawn shops that buy wedding dresses
Pawn shops are a good option for selling wedding dresses, especially if you are divorced and looking to recoup some of the costs. While pawn shops are not the epicentre of the pre-owned wedding dress market, some are willing to buy and sell dresses.
Pawn shops regularly trade in jewellery, electronics, and firearms, but they also deal in other goods. It is worth doing some research to find a shop that will buy your wedding dress. For example, 2 J's Pawn & Gun in Fort Lauderdale, FL, says it offers expert guidance and fair loan terms. It is also recommended that you take your dress to a pawn shop before the wedding season, as shops only have limited floor and storage space.
If you are looking for other options, there are online marketplaces, such as Stillwhite, Tradesy, and Poshmark, where you can sell your wedding dress. Stillwhite, the world's largest pre-owned wedding dress marketplace, charges a one-time fee of $20 to list your dress, with no commission on the sale. Tradesy offers step-by-step guidance through the listing process, with suggestions to improve your listings, and automatically enhances your photos. However, there is a 19.8% commission fee on items sold for more than $50. Poshmark is another option, with a 20% commission fee.
Before selling your wedding dress, it is important to have it professionally cleaned to ensure it remains in pristine condition and maintains its value.
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$82.99 $96.98
Online marketplaces for selling wedding dresses
Deciding to sell your wedding dress can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of the big day. There are several online marketplaces that can help you sell your wedding dress, each with its own unique advantages.
One option is to use a site specifically targeted at second-hand wedding items, such as Stillwhite, which calls itself the world's largest pre-owned wedding dress marketplace. Stillwhite allows you to list your dress for a one-time fee of $20, with no commission on the sale. You can upload up to four photos with the standard listing option, or pay $30 for the premium option, which includes a homepage gallery feature, a larger photo in search, and up to eight photos. Another similar site is Nearly Newlywed, which charges a $25 listing fee, a 20% commission fee for standard listings, and a 30% commission fee for premium listings.
If you're looking to sell a designer wedding dress, you could try an online marketplace for designer clothing and accessories, such as Tradesy. Tradesy guides you through the listing process and offers suggestions to improve your listings. It also automatically enhances your photos to make your listing stand out. There are no upfront selling fees, but there is a 19.8% commission fee on items sold for more than $50. Poshmark is another option for selling designer wedding dresses. It's easy to create a listing, and you can communicate with potential buyers within the app. However, there is a 20% commission fee.
Before listing your wedding dress online, it's important to have it professionally cleaned to ensure it remains in pristine condition and maintains its value.
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Local consignment shops
When choosing a consignment shop, consider factors such as commission fees, shipping policies, seller protection, and the size of the user base. Each option has its pros and cons, so it's essential to select the one that best aligns with your goals and comfort level. For example, while general consignment shops may offer lower returns, they can be a quick option for selling a dress. On the other hand, bridal resale salons, which are specialized shops focusing on wedding attire, typically offer a higher percentage of the sale price compared to general consignment shops.
- Consignment Bridal & Prom LLC in North Andover, MA, offers a wide variety of bridal, prom, and other formal dresses. They also provide consignment options for those looking to sell their once-loved gowns.
- Encore in Canton is a consignment store with a sizable wedding dress section.
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Bridal resale salons
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, one option is to go to a bridal resale salon. These shops specialize in wedding attire and typically offer a higher percentage of the sale price compared to general consignment shops.
When choosing a bridal resale salon, consider factors such as commission fees, shipping policies, seller protection, and the size of the user base. Each option will have its pros and cons, so it's important to select the one that best aligns with your goals and comfort level.
- Brilliant Bridal: This salon offers gowns at up to 70% off retail prices and provides a personal bridal stylist and a private dressing room.
- Khloe Mae Bridal: This salon offers a wide selection of quality gowns at a fraction of the prices of big bridal stores. They also provide expert stylist consultations.
In addition to bridal resale salons, there are also online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress, such as Stillwhite, Tradesy, and Poshmark. These sites offer different features and benefits, so be sure to explore multiple options before deciding on the best platform for your needs.
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Selling a wedding dress before wedding season
If you're looking to sell a wedding dress before the wedding season, there are several options available to you, each with its own advantages. You could opt for an online marketplace, leverage social media, or choose a local consignment shop. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you sell your wedding dress before the wedding season:
Online Marketplaces:
Selling your wedding dress online can provide a wide reach and potentially increase your chances of finding a buyer quickly. Here are some popular online platforms for selling wedding dresses:
- Stillwhite: Marketed as the world's largest pre-owned wedding dress marketplace, Stillwhite offers two listing options: standard ($20 fee) and premium ($30 fee). You can upload photos, set your price, and choose to sell online or meet buyers in person.
- Tradesy: This platform is known for designer clothing and accessories, including wedding dresses. They guide you through the listing process and offer suggestions to enhance your listing. There are no upfront selling fees, but a 19.8% commission fee applies for items sold over $50.
- Poshmark: This app and website focus on mall and designer brands. Creating a listing is straightforward, and you can communicate with buyers directly on the app. A 20% commission fee is charged for wedding dresses.
Local Consignment Shops:
If you prefer a more traditional route, local consignment shops, including bridal resale salons, can be a good option. They may offer lower returns compared to online platforms, but they provide a physical presence and can be quicker for selling dresses. Bridal resale salons typically offer a higher percentage of the sale price compared to general consignment shops.
Social Media:
Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or even niche wedding groups can be a creative way to reach potential buyers. You can connect with other brides-to-be or those specifically looking for pre-owned wedding dresses.
Preparation and Timing:
Before listing your wedding dress for sale, it is crucial to ensure it is in the best possible condition. Consider having it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or marks, especially if it has yellowed over time. Most online marketplaces and consignment shops prefer dresses that are in excellent condition and may have limits on the age of the dress, usually accepting only gowns that are three to five years old.
Additionally, the timing of your sale can impact its success. Wedding dresses are in higher demand during certain seasons, and selling before the wedding season can be strategic. Many brides-to-be start their search for the perfect dress several months in advance, so listing your dress before the peak wedding season could increase your chances of finding a buyer.
In conclusion, selling a wedding dress before the wedding season involves finding the right platforms, preparing the dress, and timing your sale strategically. By exploring online marketplaces, local consignment shops, and utilizing social media, you can reach a wide range of potential buyers and successfully sell your wedding dress to recoup costs or free up closet space.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pawn your wedding dress. Pawn shops aren't the epicenter of the pre-owned wedding dress market, but some are willing to buy and sell dresses when the opportunity arises.
You can sell your wedding dress at local consignment shops or online marketplaces. Sites like Stillwhite, Poshmark, Tradesy, and Facebook Marketplace are good options.
If you're going to sell a wedding dress, take it to a pawn shop before the wedding season. Pawn shops only have so much storage space, and most won't want to hold onto a wedding dress for six months until the next wedding season.
The first step in preparing a wedding dress for sale is to have it professionally cleaned and maintained in pristine condition.
