Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and selling them after the wedding is a great way to recoup some of the costs. There are several options for selling a wedding dress, including online marketplaces, social media, and local consignment shops. Pawn shops are not usually mentioned as a place to sell wedding dresses, and consignment shops are generally recommended as the best option for local sales.
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress online, you can choose between online marketplaces and consignment shops. Online marketplaces tend to be the better option if you're looking to get the most money for your gown, as consignment shops often have higher commission fees. However, online marketplaces will also take a cut of the purchase price or charge a listing fee.
There are a number of reputable online marketplaces for buying and selling wedding dresses, including:
- Stillwhite: The world's largest marketplace for new, used, pre-owned, and sample wedding dresses, with over 60,000 listings from a wide range of designers.
- Nearly Newlywed: An innovative marketplace for buying and selling new, sample, and used wedding dresses, accessories, and bridal party gowns. Nearly Newlywed charges a $20 listing fee and takes a 20% commission fee for standard listings and 30% for premium listings.
- Borrowing Magnolia: A platform for buying and selling used wedding dresses, where brides with similar styles can help each other save money. Borrowing Magnolia also allows users to buy and sell bridesmaid dresses.
- The Knot Vendor Marketplace: A place to find bridal salons in your area that sell both new and consignment wedding dresses.
- The RealReal: A luxury consignment marketplace that offers a curated selection of pre-owned and vintage designer wedding dresses, with a focus on sustainability and quality.
When buying or selling a wedding dress online, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, it's crucial to verify any buyer or seller and ensure you're using a reputable site. When selling, it's recommended to include quality photos of the dress, including photos of the dress being worn to give potential buyers a better idea of how it looks. When buying, it's especially important to know your measurements, particularly when purchasing a pre-owned gown.
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Social media
Other online platforms like Poshmark, Tradesy, and Stillwhite.com are also effective tools for selling wedding dresses. Poshmark offers custom filters and a large selection of wedding dresses, while Tradesy has no upfront selling fees. Stillwhite.com is the world's largest wedding dress resale marketplace and has helped sellers earn over $20 million.
When selling a wedding dress online, it is important to include clear and well-lit pictures from different angles, close-ups of unique design patterns, and even pictures of yourself in the gown. Being upfront about any damage or stains is crucial, and providing detailed descriptions about sizing, style, fabric, and any special beadwork or lace designs is essential.
While social media and online platforms offer a wide reach and user-friendly interfaces, local consignment shops provide a physical space for brides who prefer in-person transactions. These shops specifically focus on selling wedding-related items, so they attract local buyers looking specifically for wedding dresses. However, they often charge fairly steep fees, with commission rates ranging from 40% to 60% of the final sale price.
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Local consignment shops
When shopping for a wedding dress at a local consignment shop, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, it's recommended to shop with established consignment shops that offer purchase protection. This will give you peace of mind in case you don't receive your gown or if it differs from its description. Knowing your exact measurements is crucial when buying a pre-owned dress, especially since alterations can significantly impact the fit. It's generally easier to take a dress in than to let it out, so consider sizing up, especially if the dress has already been altered.
If you're selling your wedding dress, local consignment shops provide a safe, easy, and inexpensive way to resell your gown. Reputable shops, such as Blue Sky Bridal in Seattle and Portland, accept brand new, floor samples, and previously worn dry-cleaned wedding dresses. They handle the entire resale process and typically offer a percentage of the final sale price to the original owner. This can be a great way to recoup some of the costs from your wedding while also helping another bride find their dream dress.
When consigning your wedding dress, there are a few standard requirements to keep in mind. Most consignment shops accept only mint condition dresses that are less than five years old, stain-free, and odourless. Some shops may also have specific brand requirements and seasonal intake periods for wedding gowns. It's always a good idea to contact the consignment shop beforehand to understand their policies and prepare your dress accordingly.
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Bridal resale salons
While pawn shops may not be the best option for selling wedding dresses, bridal resale salons are a great alternative. These shops specialize in wedding attire and typically offer a higher percentage of the sale price compared to general consignment shops. They provide a convenient and local option for selling pre-loved wedding dresses.
One advantage of bridal resale salons is their focus on wedding-related items, including gowns, accessories, and shoes. This specialization increases the chances of finding local buyers specifically looking for wedding attire. However, it's important to note that these shops may charge relatively high fees for their services.
When choosing a bridal resale salon, consider factors such as commission fees, shipping policies, and seller protection. Each platform has its pros and cons, so selecting one that aligns with your goals and comfort level is essential. Remember, selling your wedding dress not only recoups some of your investment but also contributes to sustainability by giving your dress a second life.
In addition to bridal resale salons, there are other options for selling your wedding dress. Online marketplaces like Poshmark, Nearly Newlywed, and Wore It Once offer convenient platforms for connecting with buyers. These sites may charge commission fees, but they provide hassle-free selling experiences. Social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist are also viable options for local sales, although they may require more time and effort to find qualified buyers.
Ultimately, the decision of where to sell your wedding dress depends on your preferences and goals. Bridal resale salons offer a specialized service with higher returns, making them a desirable choice for those looking to sell their pre-loved wedding attire.
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$98.99 $108.99
Selling platforms (e.g. Still White, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Tradesy)
Selling a wedding dress online is an increasingly attractive option for brides who want to make a positive impact while also benefiting personally. It can provide financial returns, contribute to sustainability efforts, and help declutter living spaces.
Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for preowned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, is a popular platform for selling wedding dresses. It offers an easy and user-friendly selling process, with communication tools that allow sellers to connect with buyers and keep their contact details private. Stillwhite does not charge any commission or ongoing monthly fees, but typical transaction fees apply to payments received through PayPal.
PreOwned Wedding Dresses is another platform that connects buyers and sellers, helping both save money. They specialize in connecting brides with dresses, whether an individual has a single dress to sell or a salon with a large inventory.
Tradesy is an online marketplace where you can sell wedding dresses and other pre-loved fashion items. They offer an easy and convenient selling process, with custom filters and a large selection of wedding dresses. You can communicate with potential buyers within the platform, making it easier to manage the sale. However, there is a 20% commission fee for selling wedding dresses on Tradesy.
Other online platforms for selling wedding dresses include Wore It Once, Nearly Newlywed, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of fees, shipping policies, seller protection, and user base, so it's important to select the one that best aligns with your goals and comfort level.
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Frequently asked questions
Pawn shops may not be the best option for selling wedding dresses. Instead, you can try local consignment shops, online marketplaces, or apps.
You can sell your wedding dress at local consignment shops, such as bridal resale salons, or on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Examples of online marketplaces for wedding dresses include Still White, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Tradesy, Nearly Newlywed, and Wore It Once.
Yes, apps such as Poshmark and Nearly Newlywed can be used to sell wedding dresses.
Selling your wedding dress can provide financial returns, contribute to sustainability efforts, and help declutter your living space.
