George Boyle
There are several options available for selling a wedding dress. Sites like Craigslist and eBay are a possibility, but there are also dedicated sites for selling preowned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Sell My Wedding Dress. These sites offer various features to help sellers, including secure payment options, enhanced photos, and guidance through the listing process. It is recommended to be transparent about the condition of the dress, providing detailed descriptions and photos of any blemishes, as well as including personal stories about why you chose the dress and your favourite features.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online marketplace | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Sell My Wedding Dress, eBay, Craigslist, Tradesy |
| No commission fees | Stillwhite, Sell My Wedding Dress |
| Fraud monitoring | Stillwhite |
| Private messaging | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed |
| Local consignment shops | Craigslist |
| Donate | Emma & Eve Foundation |
| Full disclosure | Nearly Newlywed |
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What You'll Learn
Selling a preserved wedding dress online
There are several online platforms that allow users to sell their wedding dresses. Nearly Newlywed, for example, allows users to create a listing for their wedding dress, which they describe as being similar to an advertisement. They recommend that users include as much detail as possible, such as why they chose the dress, what their favourite features are, and what it was like to wear. They also recommend that users be transparent about the condition of the dress, including any missing buttons or broken zippers, as this will prevent buyers from trying to barter the price down or returning the item. Nearly Newlywed also provides a wedding dress value calculator to help users determine the price of their dress.
Another platform for selling wedding dresses is Stillwhite, which describes itself as the world's largest pre-owned wedding dress marketplace. Stillwhite charges a one-time fee of $20 to list a dress, with no commission on the sale, and allows users to upload up to four photos.
Other websites that can be used to sell wedding dresses include Sell My Wedding Dress, which offers basic and premium listing options, and Tradesy, which is an online marketplace for designer clothing and accessories. Additionally, websites like Craigslist and eBay can be used, although these may not be the best options for selling wedding dresses specifically.
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Selling a preserved wedding dress in person
Selling a wedding dress in person is a great option if you're not concerned about making a commission or are less digitally savvy. Here are some options for selling your preserved wedding dress in person:
Local consignment shops
Local wedding dress consignment shops are a great option for selling your dress in person. You can also try local thrift stores or vintage boutiques, especially those that specialise in wedding dresses or vintage clothing.
Online marketplaces with in-person delivery
Some online marketplaces, such as Stillwhite, allow you to list your dress online and then deliver it directly to a customer in person if it sells. This way, you can benefit from the large online audience while still selling your dress in person.
Classifieds
Classifieds websites like Craigslist allow you to sell a wide range of items, including wedding dresses. You can specify in your listing that you would like to meet with the buyer in person so they can try the dress on.
Social media
Facebook and other social media platforms can be useful for selling items locally. You can join local buy-and-sell groups or marketplace pages to reach potential buyers in your area.
Tips for selling in person
When selling your wedding dress in person, it's important to be honest about any flaws or stains on the dress. Document these as accurately as possible and include photos of yourself wearing the dress so buyers can see how it looks on a real person. If possible, remember your measurements from when you wore the dress to provide to potential buyers.
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Creating an effective listing for your preserved wedding dress
Know the Platforms
Before creating your listing, it's a good idea to research the various platforms available for selling wedding dresses. Each platform has its own customer base, rules, and fees. Popular options include online marketplaces such as Still White, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Vestiare Collective, each with its own advantages and commission structures.
Describe Your Dress with Detail and Honesty
Think of your listing as an advertisement that showcases the unique features of your gown. Describe what made you fall in love with it, whether it's the intricate beading, the elegant silhouette, or the luxurious fabric. Be sure to mention any special features, like hidden pockets or a dramatic train. However, it's also important to be honest about any flaws or signs of wear. Disclose any stains, tears, or alterations that have been made to the dress. This builds trust with potential buyers and ensures they know exactly what they're getting.
Provide Clear and Attractive Photos
High-quality photographs are crucial for selling your wedding dress. Aim for bright lighting and clear images that showcase the dress from different angles, including the front and back. Consider including a photo of yourself wearing the dress, as it helps potential buyers visualize how it looks on a real person. If possible, use photos from your wedding day or modelling shots that highlight the dress's movement and sparkle. Ensure the photos are well-cropped and allow buyers to zoom in to appreciate the intricate details.
Include Relevant Information and Accessories
Provide detailed information about the dress's sizing, including bust, waist, and hip measurements. If you have accessories like a veil, hairpiece, or slip that complement the dress, mention them in the listing and add separate photos. However, consider listing accessories separately to avoid inflating the price of the dress and deterring potential buyers who may not want them.
Set a Competitive Price
Research similar listings to understand the market value of your dress. Consider factors such as the original price, the condition of the dress, and any alterations made. If your dress is in high demand or hard to find, you can set a higher asking price. On the other hand, if there are similar dresses available at lower prices, you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Remember, creating an effective listing is about presenting your dress in the best light while also providing accurate and transparent information. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding a new owner for your preserved wedding dress!
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Pricing your preserved wedding dress
The age of your wedding dress also impacts its resale value. Dresses purchased within the last 2-3 years usually sell for higher prices, while gowns older than 5 years might need to be priced lower unless they are timeless or vintage styles. Well-known luxury bridal brands often retain their value and can command higher resale prices. The designer, silhouette, style, size, and any special features or customizations should be mentioned in your listing. If your dress has a unique story or emotional appeal, sharing this information can sometimes justify a higher price for the right buyer.
You can also check online marketplaces and local consignment shops to get an idea of the prices for similar dresses in your area. Understanding the current market for pre-owned wedding gowns is essential for competitive pricing. Remember that pricing your wedding dress correctly will increase your chances of a quick sale.
Additionally, consider the costs associated with selling your wedding dress, such as cleaning and preservation. Wedding dress cleaning and preservation can cost $200 or more, and prices can vary depending on the fabric type, design, and level of soiling. Some platforms may also charge transaction fees for payments received through PayPal or similar services. When choosing a platform to sell your wedding dress, look for one that does not charge commission or monthly fees to maximize your profits.
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Selling a preserved wedding dress on consignment
If you're looking to sell your preserved wedding dress, selling it on consignment is a great option. Wedding dress consignment is when a business acts as a consignee on behalf of a bridal gown owner and agrees to take possession of the dress, display it, and market it. The consignee then pays the consignor a previously agreed-upon percentage of the final purchase price.
There are many consignment shops that specifically deal with wedding dresses, such as Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal in New Jersey, which serves brides-to-be in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Another option is Great Couture Fashion in Orlando, Florida, which also offers wedding dress accessories and complements in their boutique.
If you're looking for a local consignment shop, you can browse The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a bridal salon near you that specializes in consignment wedding dresses. You can also consider online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, which makes it easy to sell your dress by handling all buyer interactions and shipping.
Before selling your wedding dress, it's important to ensure that it is in the best condition possible. A professional wedding dress cleaning can help your dress sell twice as quickly as one that hasn't been cleaned.
When selling your preserved wedding dress on consignment, it's important to keep in mind that you may only receive a certain percentage of the sale price, and there is no guarantee that the dress will be resold within the allotted time. However, consignment is a great way to recoup some of your investment while getting your beautiful gown into the right hands.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several websites that allow you to sell your wedding dress, including:
- Stillwhite
- Nearly Newlywed
- Sell My Wedding Dress
- Tradesy
You can also sell your dress on sites like Craigslist and eBay, though these are not specialised in wedding dresses.
You should include as much information as possible in your listing, including:
- The designer and style name/number
- Any alterations and how the dress fits
- Measurements such as bust, hips, height and weight
- Details of any blemishes or missing buttons
- Photos of the dress, and ideally a video as well
- A description of what made you fall in love with the dress
Some sites, such as Stillwhite, charge a one-off fee for listing your dress, which is typically around $20. Other sites, such as Sell My Wedding Dress, offer a basic listing for around $19.99 and a premium listing for $29.99 or more.
