Lyla Dejesus
There are several options for selling a wedding dress in Australia. One option is to use an online marketplace dedicated to the purchase and sale of pre-owned wedding gowns, such as Weddalia, which is the number one specialised site in Australia for buying and selling wedding dresses. Another option is to sell the dress through a bridal shop, such as Little Bird Bridal, which will display and market the dress to potential buyers. It is also possible to sell a wedding dress on general online marketplaces such as Gumtree, eBay, Poshmark, and ThredUp, although these sites may have higher selling fees and commissions. It is important to note that the resale value of a wedding dress is typically much lower than the original purchase price, and it may take some time for the dress to sell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Selling price | Expect a lower price than the MSRP, even for a new dress with tags. |
| Online marketplaces | Gumtree, Poshmark, ThredUp, eBay, Still White, Pre-loved by KWH, Little Bird Bridal, Weddalia |
| Buyers | Buyers may want to try the dress on, so ensure they are a similar size to you. |
| Fees | Research the site's policies on selling fees and commissions. |
| Dress condition | The dress should be in excellent condition and professionally dry cleaned. |
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What You'll Learn
Selling your wedding dress online
Online Marketplaces
There are more than 50,000 bridal gown listings in Australia, and some sites, like Gumtree, have amassed a user base of about 15,000. While keeping the full sale price is a major perk of selling on such sites, potential buyers will likely want to try on the garment, so you should ensure they are around the same size as you. The majority of these sites just need sellers to pay once to list an item.
Specialist Sites
There are also specialist sites like Weddalia, which is the number one site in Australia for buying and selling wedding and prom dresses. Weddalia offers a free valuation of your dress in 10 seconds and claims that you will have 10 times more chances of selling your dress than on second-hand listing sites.
Specialist Boutiques
Little Bird Bridal is another option for selling your wedding dress. They take care of the hard work of selling it yourself or online, and because brides can see and try on your gown while browsing their range, it is more likely to find a buyer. Your gown needs to be less than three years old, in excellent condition, and professionally dry-cleaned. They will then fill in the relevant paperwork, and when your gown is sold, they will transfer the money directly to your account minus commission and seller fees.
Designer Marketplaces
If you have a designer wedding dress, you might consider selling it on a marketplace specific to that designer. For example, Pre-loved by KAREN WILLIS HOLMES is an online-only full-circle marketplace for brides to resell their KWH wedding dresses. Their platform provides a full-circle marketplace for selling pre-loved wedding dresses, and by selling through them, you contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Tips for Selling
It's important to do your research and be aware that you will likely only get back around 25% of what you paid for your dress. It can take a while for dresses to sell, so be prepared to wait. To increase your chances of selling, use your wedding photos to show your dress, or take photos in bright, natural light and upload in a square format.
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Pricing and expectations
There is a resale market for wedding dresses, but it is important to keep in mind that you are unlikely to recoup the full cost of your dress. "As worn once" or "new with tags but resale" will significantly impact the value of your dress. You may be able to recoup some of the costs, but it is advised not to stray from your budget on the hopes of reselling. If it is a second-hand dress, it should have a fairly steep discount.
If you are selling your wedding dress, it is important to be realistic about the price you can expect to receive. You will likely get back only about 25% of what you paid. For example, a bride was offered $600 for her $3000 dress. Another bride bought an $1800 dress, marked it for $500, and it still didn't sell.
There are online marketplaces dedicated solely to the purchase and sale of previously worn wedding gowns. In Australia, there are more than 50,000 bridal gown listings, although some of these are from stores rather than individuals. Websites such as Gumtree, Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay are commonly used to sell wedding dresses. It is important to research the policies on selling fees and commissions, as these can vary from site to site.
Some shops may make you an offer to buy the dress the same day you bring it in, while others may offer to sell it on your behalf. Most online marketplaces only require sellers to pay once to list an item. However, if you are selling your dress through a consignment shop, they will take a commission and seller fees from the final sale price.
To increase your chances of selling your dress, provide accurate photos that show the dress in bright, natural light. Most people will need to try on for size before purchasing, so it is important to allow buyers to try on the dress.
There are also online marketplaces, such as Pre-loved by KAREN WILLIS HOLMES, that are dedicated to selling pre-loved wedding dresses. These platforms provide a full-circle marketplace for selling pre-loved wedding dresses and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
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Using a specialist boutique
If you want to avoid the hassle of selling your wedding dress online or by yourself, you can consider using a specialist boutique to sell your gown on your behalf. This option is ideal if you don't have the time or energy to deal with potential buyers directly and want to leave the hard work to professionals.
One such boutique in Australia is Little Bird Bridal, which buys and sells second-hand wedding gowns. The process is straightforward: you bring your gown to the boutique, ensuring it meets their criteria of being less than three years old, in excellent condition, and professionally dry-cleaned. They will then fill out the necessary paperwork, and once your gown is sold, they will transfer the money directly to your account, minus their commission and seller fees. This option is advantageous as it increases the likelihood of finding a buyer, as brides shopping at the boutique can see and try on your gown while browsing their range.
Another benefit of using a specialist boutique is that they often have established networks and relationships within the wedding industry, which can help attract potential buyers. They may also have more success in negotiating a fair price for your gown, given their expertise and knowledge of the market. Additionally, they can handle the marketing and promotion of your dress, ensuring it is presented in the best light possible to attract buyers.
When choosing a specialist boutique to sell your wedding dress, it is important to consider their reputation and success rate in selling gowns. Research their process for selling gowns, including how they price the dresses, market them, and handle payments. It is also beneficial to read reviews or testimonials from previous sellers to gauge their level of satisfaction with the service provided.
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Taking photos of your dress
To sell your wedding dress online, you'll need to take photos that showcase the dress in its best light. Here are some tips for taking stunning photos of your dress:
Select a suitable location
Choose a location that complements your bridal dress. If you're taking photos indoors, opt for a clean, uncluttered room with plenty of natural light. If you decide to shoot outdoors, consider a garden or park with a neutral backdrop.
Prepare the dress
Ensure your dress is in pristine condition before photographing it. Hang the dress by its hanger straps on a strong and durable hanger to maintain its shape and condition.
Use good equipment
Use your best camera to capture the images, and make sure the photos are well-lit. Consider using a friend's help to model the dress or take the pictures.
Capture various shots
Take full-length shots of the front and back of the dress, as well as close-ups of any unique details or intricate work. If possible, include a size reference or measurements in the photos. You could also include a photo of yourself wearing the dress on your wedding day, showcasing it in action.
Consider a video
While photos are essential, a video can truly showcase the dress's movement and sparkle. A video can bring the dress to life and give potential buyers a better understanding of its flow and beauty.
Remember, the goal is to provide potential buyers with a clear, accurate, and attractive representation of your dress. With stunning photos and an honest representation, you'll be well on your way to finding a new owner for your cherished bridal gown.
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Pros and cons of selling
Pros of selling your wedding dress
- You can recoup some of the money you spent on the dress.
- There is a resale market for wedding dresses, with some buyers specifically seeking out pre-owned dresses.
- Online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, Gumtree, and Poshmark make it easy to sell your wedding dress to a broad audience, especially for designer or minimalist styles.
- You can sell other wedding items along with your dress.
- Local buyers can inspect the dress, try it on, and collect it in person, making the process quick and easy.
Cons of selling your wedding dress
- You will likely get back only a fraction of what you paid for the dress, especially if it has been altered.
- It can take several months to find the right buyer, especially if your dress is a less common style or size.
- Selling online may require careful packaging, postage tracking, and covering fees for national or international buyers.
- You will need to be honest and upfront about any faults with the dress, such as holes, rips, stains, or fading, which may decrease its marketability.
- Online marketplaces have varying policies on selling fees and commissions, so you will need to research and become familiar with these before listing your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Some online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress in Australia include Gumtree, Weddalia, Pre-loved by KAREN WILLIS HOLMES, and Little Bird Bridal.
It is recommended that you provide clear and bright photos of your dress, and allow potential buyers to try on the dress. It is also important to be familiar with the policies on selling fees and commissions of the online marketplace you are using.
It is unlikely that you will recoup most of your money from selling your wedding dress. You can expect to get back around 25% of what you paid, and this amount decreases if the dress has been altered. You can use Weddalia's dress valuation tool to get a free valuation of your wedding dress.
This depends on various factors, such as the condition and age of the dress, as well as the platform you are using to sell it. Some dresses may sell within a few weeks, while others may sit for a while before selling.
