Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many options available for selling a used wedding dress. Popular resale sites include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia, eBay, and Vestiare Collective. Local consignment stores and bridal resale shops are also an option for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of creating an online listing. It's important to ensure that the dress is in good condition and properly stored, and to include high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions in the listing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online resale sites | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia, eBay, The Loop, Vestiare Collective, Kleinfeld |
| Local stores | Local consignment stores, local bridal resale shops |
| Fees | Stillwhite: $25 or $35 premium listing fee; Borrowing Magnolia: $25, with $10-$40 upgrades; eBay: 15% commission for items under $2000, 9% for pricier items; Vestiare Collective: 3% payment processing fee; Nearly Newlywed: small one-off fee |
| Ease of sale | Stillwhite: no commission, typical transaction fees for PayPal; Nearly Newlywed: handles all buyer interactions and shipping; Borrowing Magnolia: connects buyers and sellers, has a messaging platform |
| Photos | Stillwhite: video is better than photos; Borrowing Magnolia: recommends multiple angles, close-ups, and photos of the bride wearing the dress |
| Condition | Dresses in great condition, under two years old can sell for 50-70% of the original price; professionally cleaned dresses sell twice as quickly |
| Other | Stillwhite: has a mobile app; Borrowing Magnolia: has a safe, online messaging system; Nearly Newlywed: authenticates dresses to ensure they're not counterfeit |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Poshmark
Nearly Newlywed is another online marketplace that has been in the business of connecting dress buyers and sellers since 2004. They specialize in connecting brides with new, sample, and used designer wedding dresses, accessories, and bridal party gowns.
Poshmark is an online marketplace where you can sell used wedding dresses of various brands, including David's Bridal, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Torrid. The platform allows you to list your items with photos, a description, and a price. Buyers can then purchase the item directly through the platform.
When selling on any of these platforms, be sure to read their guidelines and policies carefully to ensure a smooth transaction. Additionally, it is always a good idea to provide detailed and clear photos of your dress, as well as an accurate and attractive description. You may also want to consider including any accessories or additional items that can be bundled with the dress to make it a more appealing purchase.
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Consignment shops, including The RealReal and Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
Consignment shops
Consignment shops are a great option for selling used wedding dresses. They take care of the selling process for you, and you can earn a percentage of the selling price. Here are some popular options:
The RealReal
The RealReal is a luxury consignment online store that sells authenticated bridal wear. They accept a variety of brands and offer several ways to sell, including shipping, at-home pickup, and curbside drop-off at any of their retail locations. The RealReal has a rigorous authentication process overseen by experts, ensuring that all items are genuine.
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal is a pre-owned wedding dress shop located in Hammonton, New Jersey, serving both New Jersey and Philadelphia. They offer a wide range of once-worn and never-worn pre-owned bridal gowns from top designers, including Ti Adora, Allure Bridal, Martina Liana, Essense of Australia, and more. The average cost of a wedding dress sold at Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal is less than $2,000, making it an affordable option for designer bridal gowns. They carry all sizes, including plus-size wedding dresses, and their professional stylists are dedicated to helping you find your perfect pre-owned wedding dress.
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Facebook Marketplace
To get the most out of Facebook Marketplace, it is recommended that you include lots of photos of the dress from different angles, and even photos of yourself wearing the dress on your wedding day. This can help potential buyers see how the dress looks on a real person and how it photographs. If you can, include your measurements from the time you wore the dress, such as waist, bust, height, and weight. You can also add a personal anecdote to your listing, such as how the dress made you feel, whether it was comfortable and easy to move in, and any other details that will help potential buyers picture themselves wearing the dress.
When setting a price, it is a good idea to look at calculators online that can estimate the value of your wedding dress based on factors such as brand, condition, size, and style. As a general rule of thumb, a used wedding dress in great condition and under two years old can usually sell for 50% of the retail price, and you can get closer to 60% if it is a designer brand.
Keep in mind that selling your dress on Facebook Marketplace may take longer than other platforms, but there are no fees to create a listing. To increase your chances of a quick sale, consider cross-listing your dress on other platforms as well, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, or Poshmark. These platforms are specifically designed for buying and selling wedding dresses and have a wide reach, but they may charge a listing fee.
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Specialist bridal stores, like Gillian Million
If you're looking to sell your used wedding dress, one option is to consider a specialist bridal store, such as Gillian Million. Gillian Million is a well-known bridal designer, renowned for her unique blend of contemporary and timeless styles. Her designs often showcase intricate detailing and luxurious fabrics, attracting brides who seek elegance with a modern twist.
Selling your wedding dress through a specialist bridal store like Gillian Million has several advantages. Firstly, they cater to a specific clientele seeking high-end, designer wedding gowns. This targeted audience can increase your chances of finding a buyer who appreciates the unique features of your dress and is willing to pay a premium for it.
Additionally, specialist bridal stores have established reputations and networks within the industry. They may have a list of prospective buyers looking for specific styles or designers, which can expedite the selling process. These stores also often have physical locations, allowing buyers to try on the dress, which can increase the likelihood of a sale.
When selling through a specialist bridal store, it's essential to consider their commission structure. Some stores may offer a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price. Be sure to discuss these details beforehand to ensure you're comfortable with the arrangement.
To get started, you can contact the store directly and inquire about their selling process. They may request photos or schedule an appointment to view the dress in person. It is worth noting that specialist bridal stores may have specific criteria for the dresses they accept, so it is beneficial to provide as much detail as possible about the condition, designer, and any unique features of your dress.
Selling your used wedding dress through a specialist bridal store like Gillian Million can be a great option if you're looking for a targeted audience and a potentially quicker turnaround time.
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Tradesy, which takes a 20% commission
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, it's worth considering Tradesy, which takes a 20% commission. Tradesy is an online clothing resale marketplace that allows brides and bridesmaids to sell their dresses. It is considered the world's largest wedding marketplace, where brides can buy and sell pre-owned designer wedding dresses, including styles from Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.
Tradesy offers a flexible return policy, providing refunds on a case-by-case basis if a buyer receives a wedding item that was misrepresented in its listing. This has resulted in a low 4% return rate and high customer satisfaction, with buyers feeling safer shopping on Tradesy than on other marketplaces.
To sell on Tradesy, you will need to create your own listing with photos of your wedding dress. There are no upfront selling fees, but you will owe a 19.8% commission fee on items sold for more than $50. Once your item sells, you can print a prepaid label and ship it using your own materials. If the buyer returns the item due to an issue that is not your fault, Tradesy will handle it, and you will still get to keep your earnings.
While Tradesy is a popular option, it is not the only website for selling wedding dresses. Other sites include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Poshmark, and Mercari. Each platform has its own advantages and fee structures, so it is worth researching which one best suits your needs. For example, Stillwhite does not charge any commission fees, while Poshmark takes a 20% commission. Nearly Newlywed, on the other hand, offers a hassle-free selling process but at a higher commission rate.
In addition to online platforms, you can also consider consigning your wedding dress in person at a local consignment store. This option may be more convenient as you won't have to deal with creating your own listing, and you can expect a quicker turnaround. However, you will typically receive only a percentage of the sale price, with the store taking the rest as a commission.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several online marketplaces for used wedding dresses, including Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia, eBay, Vestiare Collective, and Kleinfeld.
Some sites, like Borrowing Magnolia, charge a listing fee. Stillwhite and eBay charge a small fee for premium listings. Nearly Newlywed handles all buyer interactions and shipping for a small one-off fee. Vestiare Collective charges a 3% payment processing fee.
According to Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop, brides can expect to make up to "60 or even 70% of the retail price". However, this depends on the dress's condition and popularity.
It's important to take high-quality photographs of the dress from multiple angles, including close-ups and photos of you wearing the dress. Include detailed descriptions, such as sizing and any signs of wear. Before selling, consider having your dress professionally cleaned and stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If you don't want to deal with the hassle of listing your dress online, you can turn to local bridal resale shops or consignment stores that buy wedding dresses. You can also sell directly to a bridal salon that specializes in consignment wedding dresses.
