Deborah Chan
Selling a wedding dress can be a challenging task. There are several factors to consider, such as the condition of the dress, the timing of the sale, and the demand for the particular style and size. One option is to sell the dress online through websites like eBay, Vinted, Gumtree, or specialty second-hand wedding dress stores. Another option is to consign the dress to a local wedding shop or consignment store, which can handle the sale on your behalf but may take a cut of the selling price. It's important to take high-quality photos of the dress to showcase its features and present it attractively to potential buyers. Additionally, pricing the dress competitively can increase the chances of a quicker sale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to sell | It may take a long time to sell a wedding dress |
| Price | You may not make much of the original cost back |
| Photography | Good photos are important for a quick sale |
| Platforms | eBay, Vinted, Gumtree, Facebook, Poshmark, wedding consignment shops, specialty second-hand wedding dress stores, wedding fairs, wedding shops, online marketplaces |
| Scams | Be aware of scammers on some platforms |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces: eBay, Poshmark, Stillwhite, and more
There are several online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress. Here are some popular options:
EBay
EBay is a well-known online marketplace that offers a wide range of items, including wedding dresses. One advantage of selling on eBay is that you can list up to 250 items per month for free. However, eBay charges a selling fee of 13.25% for most categories, and there is a minimum commission rate of 10%. You can set a fixed price or choose an auction-style sale on eBay.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a website and app that allows users to buy and sell clothing and accessories, including wedding dresses. The listing process is simple and free, requiring only a few photos and a product description. Poshmark offers custom filters and has a large selection of wedding dresses. For sales under $15, Poshmark charges a flat commission rate of $2.95, while for sales of $15 or more, the company takes a 20% commission. Buyers cover shipping costs, and Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label.
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is a website that specializes in buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses. It offers an easy-to-use platform for both sellers and buyers, with a wide range of dresses from various designers. There is a one-time listing fee, ranging from $19.95 to $35, but no commission on sales. You can upload photos and set your selling price. Stillwhite provides secure payment processing and allows you to keep your contact details private.
Other Marketplaces
In addition to eBay, Poshmark, and Stillwhite, there are several other online marketplaces worth considering:
- Nearly Newlywed: A popular option for bridal consignment due to its strict policies, including an application process and dress inspection. There is a 25% commission rate and a $25 listing fee.
- Once Wed: An online marketplace for secondhand wedding dresses, offering free listings with a $19.95 fee per dress and no commission. Transactions are handled through a third-party service like Escrow.
- Tradesy: An online marketplace for designer clothing and accessories, including wedding dresses. It offers free listings with a 9% commission rate and a full-refund policy if a dress is misrepresented.
- PreOwned Wedding Dresses: A website that connects buyers and sellers of new, sample, and used wedding dresses and bridal party gowns. There is a one-time listing fee of $25, but no commission fees, and they claim that the average dress sells within 70 days.
- Facebook Marketplace: A free platform to list your wedding dress, but you'll need to communicate directly with buyers and handle shipping or local pickup.
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Local consignment shops
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, one option is to consign it at a local bridal shop. This can save you the time and effort of selling your dress online, where you'll have to take care of tasks like taking and editing photos and videos, posting them on various sites and platforms, writing captions, and arranging meet-ups with potential buyers.
Consignment shops, especially those with a fashion focus, are more likely to take your gown and attract customers who are looking for a wedding dress. If your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may also be able to sell it to a vintage store.
Some consignment shops to consider include Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, which serves brides-to-be in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area, and Gillian Million, a Teddington-based bridal store recommended by Vogue. Another option is Loved Twice Bridal in Los Angeles, which houses, lists, markets, and advises on its curated collection of second-hand wedding gowns and accessories.
When consigning your wedding dress, you'll typically receive a percentage of the sale price. For example, Blue Sky Bridal offers to resell your wedding dress for you, with the promise of payment for 50% of the final price. They also provide honest advice on how much your dress is likely to sell for, taking into account factors like the year, designer, style, retail price, and condition.
It's important to note that consignment shops may have specific criteria for the dresses they accept, and you may need to fill out an inquiry form before consigning your dress. Additionally, you may be responsible for shipping costs when sending your dress to the consignment shop.
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Social media: Facebook Marketplace, Instagram
Facebook Marketplace and Instagram are both great platforms to sell your wedding dress. Facebook Marketplace is a local option, so you won't have to worry about shipping your dress. It's free to list your dress, and you can include lots of photos, a detailed description, and a competitive price. You may have to negotiate on the final price, and it may take a while to sell your dress.
To sell your wedding dress on Facebook Marketplace, you can also list it on Facebook wedding dress groups. It is recommended to include a size chart from the designer for reference and as many photos as possible, including close-ups of the underarms, straps, hem, front, and back, and any callouts of imperfections. If your dress has been altered, include this information in the listing. You can also specify whether or not you are allowing the buyer to try on the dress. If you do, you can suggest meeting at a department store or somewhere with a dressing room.
Instagram is a highly visual platform, so it's important to have high-quality, aesthetically pleasing photos of your wedding dress. You can use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of your dress being seen by potential buyers. You can also use Instagram's direct messaging feature to communicate with potential buyers and answer any questions they may have.
In addition to Facebook Marketplace and Instagram, there are other online marketplaces specifically for wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Once Wed. These sites can help connect you with buyers who are specifically looking for second-hand wedding dresses.
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Timing: sell during peak planning seasons
The best time to sell a wedding dress is within 2.5 years of its original purchase. Gowns that are less than three years old have the highest resale value. This is when it is most likely to be in salons, advertised in bridal campaigns, and pinned by brides-to-be eager to find their perfect dress.
Peak wedding season varies depending on location. In some areas, it falls between June and September, while in others, it may be between September and November. Winter is typically considered the off-season for weddings, with January and February being the least popular months to get married.
However, October is also mentioned as a great month to sell your wedding dress. This is because, with the wedding season drawing to a close, many newly engaged couples start their dress shopping process.
If you want to sell your wedding dress, it's important to list it as soon as possible. The value of a wedding dress decreases with time, and it may take a while to find a buyer. Additionally, consider dry cleaning your dress to increase its value and present it in its best condition.
To attract buyers, include clear and detailed photos of your dress from multiple angles, along with a thorough description of the fit, fabric, and any alterations made. It's also essential to set a reasonable price, keeping in mind that you may only get back around 25% of the original price.
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Presentation: photos, videos, and descriptions
When it comes to selling a wedding dress, presentation is key. You want your dress to stand out from the thousands of others available online and attract potential buyers. Here are some tips to help you achieve this through photos, videos, and descriptions:
Photos
Taking professional-looking photos of your wedding dress can be intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make your dress look its best. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Use a good camera: While you can use your smartphone to take amazing photos, a DSLR camera with manual mode capabilities will give you more professional-looking results and capture the colour and details of the dress more accurately.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential. Natural light is perfect for a soft, even look. If shooting indoors, use additional lighting like a flash gun or umbrella. If possible, position the dress near a bright window to take advantage of natural light. You can also use a tripod and set up lights to create the desired lighting effect.
- Backdrop: Use a white sheet or foam board as a backdrop to make the dress stand out and bring out its best features.
- Iron and clean the dress: Ensure the dress is free of wrinkles and stains before photographing. If there are any tears or unfixable issues, document them in your listing and be upfront with buyers.
- Plan your shot: Consider the mood and message you want to convey. Think about the environment, location, and lighting to achieve the desired effect. For example, do you want the dress to look glamorous or casual?
- Props: Add props to convey a story or context to your photos. Accessories like clip stands, mannequins, or hangers can also help achieve the perfect shot.
- Angles and distances: Shoot from different angles and distances to showcase the dress from various perspectives.
- Showcase details: If your dress has intricate details, consider using a ring light or diffuser to highlight them.
- Tags and care instructions: Take photos of the tags, wash/care instructions, and any imperfections to provide potential buyers with detailed information.
Videos
Videos can be a great way to showcase the dress in motion and give buyers a better idea of how it looks and moves. You can use similar techniques as for photos, ensuring good lighting and clear backdrops. Consider having a model wear the dress and showcase it from different angles.
Descriptions
An effective description is crucial to attracting buyers and making your listing stand out. Here are some tips for writing a compelling description:
- Highlight key features: Mention the designer, style, fabric, and any special details like beading, lace, or embroidery. Research your dress style online to find descriptions directly from the designer or manufacturer.
- Unique features: Potential buyers want to know what makes the dress special. If it has any unique or rare features, be sure to mention them.
- Your experience: Share how you felt wearing the dress on your special day or why you chose it. This adds a personal touch and can make the dress more appealing to buyers.
- Clarity and conciseness: Keep your description clear and concise. Provide all the essential information in a straightforward manner so buyers can quickly understand what you are offering.
Remember, the goal of your presentation is to showcase the dress in the best light and provide potential buyers with detailed and accurate information. By following these tips, you can create a compelling listing that attracts interest and increases your chances of a successful sale.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell your wedding dress on websites such as eBay, Vinted, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. There are also websites dedicated to the buying and selling of wedding dresses, such as Still White, Nearly Newlywed, and Preowned Wedding Dresses. You can also try selling your dress at a specialty second-hand wedding dress store, wedding shop, or wedding fair.
The price of your wedding dress will depend on factors such as the original price, the style, the condition, and the demand for the dress. If the dress is highly sought-after, you may be able to sell it for a higher price. However, if it has been discontinued or is no longer in style, you may have to offer it at a discount.
When pricing your wedding dress, consider the original price, the condition of the dress, and the demand for it. You can also look at similar dresses online or in stores to get an idea of the price range. It's important to be realistic about the price and remember that you may not make back the full amount you originally paid.
To sell your wedding dress quickly, consider taking high-quality photos of the dress in good lighting and providing detailed information about the dress, including measurements, fabric, and any alterations. You can also try selling the dress at a discount or through a consignment shop that specializes in wedding dresses.
