Rhiannon Hendricks
There are a variety of consignment shops and online stores that buy and sell wedding dresses. For example, consignment shops such as Loved Twice Bridal, Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, and Consignment Bridal & Prom LLC buy and sell wedding dresses. Loved Twice Bridal offers a listing fee that covers shipping, housing, and marketing costs, while Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal offers a 60/40 or 50/50 split for preowned gowns and accessories. Online stores such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Stillwhite, and Once Wed also offer platforms for buying and selling wedding dresses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online vs Brick-and-Mortar | Online marketplaces offer a wider selection of gowns, but brick-and-mortar consignment shops allow brides to see the dress in person before buying. |
| Buying Experience | Brides may prefer buying from a trained bridal stylist who can help assure them that the dress will match their vision and fit their body. |
| Saving Money | Brides can save up to 90% when purchasing a consignment designer gown, and sellers often include extra items like veils, sashes, and belts. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Buying consignment is significantly better for the environment as it gives dresses "a second (or third) life" and keeps them out of landfills. |
| Purchase Protection | Established consignment shops offer purchase protection and return policies, providing peace of mind for buyers. |
| Consignment Process | Consignment shops typically charge a listing or commission fee and may have specific guidelines for accepting gowns, including age and condition. |
| Payment | Consignment shops usually take a percentage of the selling price, with payment sent via check or direct deposit. |
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What You'll Learn
Online vs. in-person consignment shops
There are several online and in-person consignment shops that deal in wedding dresses. Online consignment shops offer a wide selection of options, saving you time spent scouring shelves or driving around. They also offer convenience, as you can search for a specific designer or dress name from the comfort of your home. Some popular online consignment shops for wedding dresses include PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Nearly Newlywed, Stillwhite, Poshmark, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace.
On the other hand, in-person consignment shops offer the advantage of physically inspecting the dress before purchase. This can be particularly important when buying a pre-owned wedding dress, as you can assess its condition and authenticity. Additionally, established consignment shops often offer purchase protection, providing peace of mind in case the gown is not as described or needs to be returned.
When considering online options, it is essential to be vigilant and request additional pictures to confirm the dress's condition and authenticity. Reputable online shops, such as Nearly Newlywed, act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, providing added protection. Online consignment shops also offer various customer service features, including live chat, speedy email responses, and virtual appointments to address any concerns or questions you may have about a particular gown.
In-person consignment shops often have trained bridal stylists who can provide expert advice and ensure the gown matches the bride's vision and fits their body. This personalized service can be especially valuable for brides who want assurance and a perfect fit for their dream wedding gown.
Both online and in-person consignment shops have their advantages. Online shops offer convenience, a wide selection, and competitive pricing, while in-person shops provide the opportunity for physical inspection and personalized service from bridal stylists. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preferences, level of digital savviness, and the buying or selling experience you desire.
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Pros and cons of consignment vs. resale
The decision to sell your wedding dress through consignment or resale depends on your priorities and preferences. Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you decide:
Consignment
Pros:
- You retain ownership of your wedding dress until it is sold, and you can often request its return if it doesn't sell.
- You may receive a higher price for your dress compared to resale, especially if it is a designer or high-end piece.
- Consignment shops typically have trained bridal stylists who can help market your dress to potential buyers and assure them of its quality and fit.
- You don't need to create listings or maintain an online storefront, as the consignment shop handles storage, inventory management, and sales.
- Consignment shops often have specific niches or brands they focus on, so if your dress fits their criteria, it may sell faster.
Cons:
- You may need to pay a listing fee or commission to the consignment shop, reducing your profit.
- It may take longer to sell your dress through consignment as you have to wait for the right buyer.
- Some consignment shops have strict criteria for accepting items, including proof of authenticity and condition requirements.
Resale
Pros:
- You get paid upfront for your dress, and the resale store assumes all the risk of selling it.
- Resale stores often have a wider selection of gowns, giving your dress more exposure to potential buyers.
- Resale stores are more likely to accept your dress, even if it is not in perfect condition or does not fit their specific criteria.
- You don't have to deal with inquiries or messages from potential buyers, as the resale store handles all interactions.
Cons:
- Resale stores typically buy items at a lower price, and you may need to negotiate to get the best offer.
- The resale store may not have the same level of customer service or expertise as a consignment shop, which could impact the likelihood of your dress selling.
- You give up ownership of your dress immediately, and it may be donated to charity if it doesn't sell, depending on the store's policy.
Ultimately, the decision between consignment and resale depends on your personal preferences and the specific circumstances of your wedding dress sale.
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How consignment shops work
Consignment shops are an increasingly popular way to sell second-hand items, including wedding dresses. They offer a win-win payment structure for both sellers and stores.
Consignment shops are a great option for those who want to sell their wedding dress without the hassle of listing it online or waiting for a buyer. They also provide expertise and customer service that other resale platforms may lack. For example, bridal consignment shops often have trained bridal stylists who can help brides find the right dress and assure them that it will match their vision and fit their body.
To sell an item through a consignment shop, you typically need to make an appointment, during which the shop will review your items and decide whether to accept them. If they do, you will sign a contract outlining the terms of the sale, including the agreed-upon revenue split and the time period in which they will attempt to sell the item.
Consignment shops can vary in terms of their policies and practices, so it's important to do your research and read the contract carefully before agreeing to sell your items through a consignment shop.
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What to consider when buying a consignment wedding dress
When buying a consignment wedding dress, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between bridal resale and bridal consignment. Resale means a business will buy your item outright, usually for a lower price, which is not very common for bridal wear. On the other hand, consignment involves asking a third party to sell your item for you, either in-person or online, and then paying them a portion of the final sale price.
If you are looking to buy a consignment wedding dress, it is a good idea to start by visiting local consignment salons or bridal stores to try on different styles and silhouettes. This will help you understand what you like and don't like, and give you a sense of direction when shopping for a second-hand dress. You can also use this opportunity to get professionally measured by a seamstress to understand bridal sizing.
When browsing second-hand wedding dresses, pay close attention to the condition of the garment. Minor signs of wear and tear, such as makeup stains, loose beads, or marks on the hem, are common. Consider sending photos to a seamstress to get an estimate of any required repairs and the associated costs.
To find consignment wedding dresses, you can browse online marketplaces such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Stillwhite, NearlyNewlywed, Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms offer a wide selection of gowns at a fraction of the cost of a new dress. However, if you prefer to see the dress in person before purchasing, local consignment salons or thrift stores are a better option.
Lastly, when buying online, ensure you have accurate measurements and ask the seller for the garment's measurements as well. Do not rely solely on the dress size, as it may have been tailored for a previous bride. Also, consider using a secure payment method, such as PayPal, to protect your transaction.
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Where to sell a wedding dress
There are a variety of options available for selling a wedding dress, both online and in-person.
Online Marketplaces
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress quickly, online marketplaces are a great option. Popular choices include PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. These platforms offer a wide reach and convenience, but be prepared for potential buyers to expect significant discounts.
Local Consignment Salons and Shops
If you prefer a more traditional route, local consignment salons and shops are a good option. They handle the selling process for you, providing expertise and personalized service. Examples of such shops include Loved Twice Bridal, which offers online services and live chat, and Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal in Hammonton, New Jersey. Consignment shops often charge a fee or take a percentage of the sale, and you may need to lower your asking price if the dress doesn't sell initially.
Bridal and Prom Shops
Some shops specialize in both bridal and prom dresses, offering new and pre-loved options. An example is Consignment Bridal & Prom LLC in North Andover, Massachusetts, which carries a wide variety of formal dresses and provides personalized services to help customers find their perfect dress within their budget.
Thrift Stores and Charity Donations
If you're not concerned about making a profit and simply want to give your dress a new life, consider donating it to a thrift store or charity. This option allows someone in need to access an affordable wedding dress and contributes to a more sustainable clothing market.
When deciding where to sell your wedding dress, consider factors such as convenience, potential resale value, and the level of involvement you wish to have in the selling process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, consignment shops do buy wedding dresses. However, it is not very common for bridal shops to buy your item outright.
Some online consignment shops that buy wedding dresses include PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Stillwhite, NearlyNewlywed, Poshmark, eBay, and Loved Twice Bridal.
Some physical consignment shops that buy wedding dresses include Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal in New Jersey, Consignment Bridal & Prom in North Andover, MA, and Loved Twice Bridal.
The process of selling your wedding dress to a consignment shop typically involves scheduling a consultation or appointment with the shop, where they will assess the dress and determine whether they can sell it. If accepted, the shop will then market the dress to potential buyers. Once sold, the shop will take a portion of the selling price as a fee, and you will receive the remainder.
Selling your wedding dress to a consignment shop can provide a more sustainable and affordable option for brides. It also allows you to reach a wider audience of potential buyers and benefit from the shop's expertise and customer service. Additionally, consignment shops often offer purchase protection and try-at-home programs, enhancing the buyer's experience and confidence.
