Deborah Chan
There are many factors to consider when deciding how much to sell your wedding dress for. The price will depend on the condition of the dress, the designer, and current trends. If you're planning on selling your wedding dress, it's important to get it professionally cleaned and provide detailed information about the dress, including any alterations made, to increase buyer confidence. You should also consider including accessories with the purchase, as this can increase the price. It's worth noting that online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops might provide a quicker sale. Additionally, the bridal industry has seasons, so it's recommended to list your dress during peak planning seasons, typically from January to March.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Website/Platform | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Kleinfeld Again, Tradesy, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram |
| Commission | Tradesy takes 20% commission, Nearly Newlywed takes 20% for standard listings and 30% for premium listings |
| Listing Fee | Stillwhite charges $25 for a basic listing and $35 for a premium listing, Nearly Newlywed charges $25, Kleinfeld Again is free |
| Price | Generally, you can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price, with 70% of second-hand wedding dresses priced at $1,000 or below |
| Accessories | The more accessories included in the purchase, the higher the price |
| Condition | A dress in great condition and under two years old can sell for 50% of its original price, while professional cleaning can help a dress sell twice as quickly |
| Alterations | A dress that has been heavily altered may not be alterable to another bride's body, and may be less marketable |
| Timing | List during peak planning seasons (typically January to March) and after major holidays to capitalise on post-holiday engagements |
| Story | Buyers love a personal touch when shopping for used bridal dresses |
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What You'll Learn
Selling a used wedding dress online vs. in-store
There are a variety of options available for selling a used wedding dress, both online and in-store. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the seller's preferences and goals.
Online Options
Online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Tradesy, and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com are popular destinations for selling used wedding dresses. These platforms offer a wide reach and convenience, allowing sellers to connect with buyers from the comfort of their homes. Creating a listing typically involves providing detailed descriptions, accurate measurements, clear photos, and information on the dress's condition. Some sites charge a listing fee, while others take a commission on sales. For example, Stillwhite charges a small one-off fee with no commission, allowing sellers to keep all their sales proceeds. Nearly Newlywed, on the other hand, charges a $25 listing fee and a 20% commission fee for standard listings, with a higher commission for premium listings. Tradesy takes a similar approach, with a 20% commission and coverage of shipping and return costs.
In-Store Options
Selling a used wedding dress in-store typically involves consignment shops, thrift stores, or bridal boutiques. This option may appeal to those who are less digitally savvy or prefer a more traditional approach. Consignment shops usually have specific policies, such as requesting exclusivity or having set rates. It's important to understand these policies before choosing a boutique to ensure they align with the seller's goals. In-store options may offer less room for negotiation on pricing, but they can provide the advantage of seeing the dress in person before purchase. Additionally, local bridal resale shops can be a good choice for those who want a quicker sale without the waiting game associated with online listings.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between online and in-store options, several factors come into play. Online marketplaces offer a broader reach and a larger selection of gowns, but they may involve additional fees and the challenge of effectively presenting the dress through photos and descriptions. In-store options provide the opportunity for in-person inspections and try-ons, which can be valuable for buyers. However, they may have more limited audiences and might require giving up a degree of control over the selling process.
Ultimately, the decision to sell a used wedding dress online or in-store depends on the seller's priorities, the condition of the dress, and their comfort level with digital platforms.
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Factors that determine the price of a second-hand wedding dress
When it comes to selling a second-hand wedding dress, there are several factors that can determine its price. Firstly, the dress's condition is crucial. A dress in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear and tear, will naturally command a higher price than one with noticeable flaws or damage. Professional cleaning can enhance the appeal of a second-hand dress, making it more desirable to potential buyers.
The age of the dress is another factor that influences its resale value. Generally, a second-hand wedding dress that is less than two years old can be sold for a higher price, often around 50% of its original retail price. This is because the style is likely to still be fashionable and relevant to brides seeking a more affordable option. The older a dress gets, the more likely it is to appear dated or less trendy, which can decrease its resale value over time.
The designer or brand of the wedding dress also plays a significant role in determining its resale price. Gowns from prominent designers or well-known brands, such as Vera Wang or Vivienne Westwood, tend to retain a higher percentage of their original value due to the brand's reputation and prestige. On the other hand, a dress from a lesser-known brand, even if made from similar materials and with intricate craftsmanship, may fetch a lower price due to the lack of brand recognition.
The choice of fabric is another important consideration. Natural materials like silk and sustainable options like Tencel tend to be more expensive than synthetic fabrics like polyester. The location of production also impacts the price, with dresses handcrafted in regions with higher labour and operating costs, such as London, typically carrying a higher price tag than those produced in other parts of the world.
Lastly, the resale channel can influence the price of a second-hand wedding dress. Online marketplaces, such as Stillwhite or Nearly Newlywed, may charge a listing fee but often allow sellers to set their own prices and keep a larger portion of the sale proceeds. Consignment shops or bridal boutiques, on the other hand, may offer a more streamlined selling process but may have set rates and specific policies that sellers need to adhere to.
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How to get the best price for a used wedding dress
Selling a wedding dress can be a tricky process, but with the right approach, you can get a good price for your gown. Here are some tips to help you get the best price for your used wedding dress:
Do Your Research
Before listing your dress, it's essential to do your research to determine a fair price. Consider the original price, the condition of the dress, any alterations or customisations, and current trends. Generally, you can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price, depending on these factors.
Timing is Key
The bridal industry has seasons, so timing your sale can significantly impact your success. Aim to list your dress during peak planning seasons, typically from January to March, to capitalise on post-holiday engagements. Avoid the off-season, as the market can be oversaturated with gowns during this period.
Presentation is Everything
Make sure your dress is in the best possible condition before listing it. Consider having it professionally cleaned, as this can make a significant difference to potential buyers. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and use acid-free tissue paper and a breathable garment bag to maintain its quality.
Provide Detailed Information
When creating your listing, provide as much detailed information as possible. Include the designer, size, style, silhouette, fabric, and condition of the dress. Also, keep all original tags, receipts, and certificates of authenticity to increase buyer confidence. Take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any unique details, and consider including a video to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle.
Choose the Right Platform
You can sell your dress through online marketplaces, local consignment shops, or social media platforms. Each option has its advantages. Online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops may provide a quicker sale. Consider using multiple sites to increase your chances of finding the right buyer.
Tell the Story of Your Dress
Buyers often appreciate a personal touch when shopping for a used wedding dress. Share the story of your dress, including any special memories or unique details that make it one-of-a-kind. This can help potential buyers connect with your dress and envision themselves continuing its story.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to getting the best price for your used wedding dress and giving it a new lease of life with another bride.
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$139.99
Where to sell a used wedding dress
There are several options available for selling a used wedding dress. Firstly, you could opt for an online marketplace specifically for used wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite. Stillwhite offers a wide range of used wedding dresses from various designers and allows sellers to create listings for a one-off fee, with no additional commission charged. This means sellers can keep all of their sales revenue. Another similar platform is Nearly Newlywed, which charges a $25 listing fee and a 20% commission fee for standard listings, and a 30% commission fee for premium listings. Nearly Newlywed handles all buyer interactions and shipping, saving sellers time and stress.
Another option is to sell your dress through a consignment shop. When selling to a consignment shop, it is important to understand the shop's specific policies, such as whether they request exclusivity with your gown or have set rates. It is worth considering multiple sites, especially if you need to sell your dress quickly, as online marketplaces often provide faster sales than consignment shops.
Additionally, you could explore selling your dress on general second-hand clothing websites such as Poshmark, Mercari, or eBay. These platforms may offer a wider reach of potential buyers, but it is important to note that selling a wedding dress on these sites may take more time and effort.
Before selling your wedding dress, it is recommended to ensure it is in the best condition possible. Professional wedding dress cleaning can enhance its appeal and resale value. It is also beneficial to provide detailed and accurate measurements, descriptions, and photos (or even videos) of your gown to attract potential buyers.
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The pros and cons of selling a wedding dress
Pros
- You can make back a significant portion of the dress's original cost. According to Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop, brides can expect to make back up to "60 or even 70% of the retail price".
- It's environmentally friendly. By selling your dress, you're ensuring it gets a second life and doesn't end up in a landfill.
- You can free up valuable closet space.
- You can use the money you make to buy something else you'll actually wear again.
Cons
- You may have an emotional attachment to your dress and want to hold on to it as a memento of your wedding day.
- Preparing a dress for resale can be time-consuming and costly. It's recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and repaired immediately after your wedding, which can be expensive. You'll also need to take high-quality photos of the dress and create listings on various websites, which takes time.
- Depending on the website or consignment shop you use, you may have to pay fees or give up a portion of your profits in the form of commission.
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Frequently asked questions
You can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price when selling your bridal gown. However, you should also consider the condition of the dress, the designer, and current trends. If your dress is in good condition, you can ask for a higher price.
The quality of the material and the current condition of the dress will help determine how much you should ask for. You should also consider what else you are including with the dress, such as accessories, as this can increase the price.
You can sell your dress online or in a local shop. Online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops may provide a quicker sale. You can also sell your dress to a consignment shop, but be sure to understand their specific policies first.
The bridal industry has seasons, so timing can impact your success. List your wedding gown during peak planning seasons, typically January to March, and capitalise on post-holiday engagements by listing right after major holidays. Avoid oversaturated markets during the off-season.
