Unworn Bridesmaid Dresses: Where To Resell And Recover Costs

If you have an unworn bridesmaid dress that you want to sell, there are several options available to you. You could try selling it on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, or a site dedicated to wedding attire, such as Stillwhite or Nearly Newlywed. It's worth noting that some sites charge a listing fee, while others take a commission from the sale. If you're looking to sell your dress locally, you could try consignment shops or thrift stores. Another option is to donate your dress to a local charity that provides dresses for brides or teens going to prom.

Selling on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell your unworn bridesmaid dress. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Getting Started

First, make sure you have an active Facebook account. Then, click on the FB Marketplace tab on the left-hand side of your Facebook news feed. From there, you can start creating your listing by adding a product photo, title, price, and description.

Product Photo

When it comes to the product photo, make sure you upload a quality snap. A decent picture is paramount, especially if you're selling a clothing item like a dress. Take multiple photos from different angles and in good lighting to show buyers exactly what they're getting.

For the title and description, be sure to include all relevant details, such as the size, colour, brand, and any other specifications. Be honest and include any flaws or alterations that have been made to the dress. The more information you provide, the more likely you are to attract interested buyers.

Pricing

Do some research on Facebook Marketplace and other sites to get an idea of how much your dress is worth. Keep in mind that even if the dress is unworn, it is still considered "used," so you will likely have to sell it at a discount. Price it right, and leave room for haggling. You can also start at a slightly higher price to allow buyers to feel like they're getting a bargain after haggling.

Communication and Safety

Facebook Marketplace allows buyers to make offers or send messages directly from your listing. Always check a buyer's profile before agreeing to a sale. If something seems dodgy, trust your gut and walk away. When it comes to payment and collection, always ask to be paid in cash to avoid scams, and arrange to meet in a busy public place to ensure your safety.

Local Facebook Groups

In addition to Facebook Marketplace, you can also try selling your dress through local Facebook groups. Search for groups in your area by including your location and words like "selling," "sale," or "buy." Join these groups and follow their rules for posting items for sale. This can be a great way to connect with local buyers who are interested in your dress.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to successfully selling your unworn bridesmaid dress on Facebook Marketplace and reaching a wide audience of potential buyers. Good luck!

Selling on specialist sites like Still White or Nearly Newlywed

If you're looking to sell an unworn bridesmaid dress, one option is to use a specialist site such as Still White or Nearly Newlywed (formerly known as POWD). These sites provide a platform for brides and bridesmaids to buy and sell pre-owned dresses, often at a fraction of the cost of a new dress.

Still White

Still White is an online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell pre-owned wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. It offers a wide range of designer options and allows users to connect with sellers and chat safely. Still White also provides a secure payment platform and contributes a percentage of its revenue to carbon removal initiatives. The site has a large global reach, with over 87,771 wedding gowns available for sale.

Nearly Newlywed

Nearly Newlywed (formerly known as POWD) is another online marketplace for pre-owned wedding and bridesmaid dresses. The site connects dress buyers and sellers, helping them save money. It offers purchase protection and provides a secure messaging platform for users. Nearly Newlywed also manages payments and ensures that both parties are satisfied. The site has been connecting brides since 2004 and has a wide range of new, sample, and used dresses available.

When selling on specialist sites like Still White or Nearly Newlywed, it's important to provide detailed and accurate descriptions of your dress, including size, colour, and any alterations that have been made. Additionally, high-quality photos that clearly show the dress from various angles can enhance your listing and attract potential buyers.

These specialist sites offer a convenient and targeted platform for selling unworn bridesmaid dresses. By utilising their services, you can reach a wider audience of buyers specifically interested in pre-owned wedding attire, increasing your chances of making a successful sale.

Selling on general second-hand sites like eBay or Poshmark

There are several general second-hand sites that you can use to sell your unworn bridesmaid dress. Here are some tips and guidelines for selling on eBay or Poshmark:

EBay:

• Getting started: Sign up as an eBay seller by providing your identity, checking account or debit card details, and business details if applicable. You can also download the eBay app to get started.
• Creating listings: Craft detailed descriptions and take attractive, clear photos of your dress to create compelling listings. Look for similar bridesmaid dresses on eBay to get an idea of pricing.
• Shipping: eBay offers various shipping options, including eBay Labels, which allow you to save time and money. You can also use third-party sites like Pirate Ship to buy postage. Invest in a postal scale and measuring tape to accurately weigh and size your package.
• Fees: eBay charges insertion fees when you create a listing and final value fees when your item sells. There may be additional fees for optional features or services.
• Payment: Buyers can choose from a range of payment methods, and eBay manages the end-to-end payment process. You will receive your funds directly into your checking account or debit card.
• Returns: eBay has specific policies regarding returns, which are generally allowed if an item is not as described or arrives damaged.
• Seller performance: eBay has performance metrics and requirements to ensure buyers have a positive experience. Positive feedback from buyers is important, and you can also leave feedback for buyers.

Poshmark:

• Getting started: Download the Poshmark app and create an account to get started.
• Listing process: Snap a photo of your dress, set a price, and list it on the app. You can share your listings with your followers and other Poshmark users to gain more exposure.
• Shipping: Poshmark provides a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label, and you just need to print it, package your dress, and ship it via USPS. Buyers pay a flat rate for shipping.
• Fees: Poshmark takes a 20% fee from each sale, which covers customer support, return shipping costs, and other benefits for sellers.
• Payment: Poshmark manages payments, and you can cash out as soon as the order is complete.
• Community: Poshmark has a vibrant community of over 80 million users, and it specializes in fashion, making it a great platform to reach potential buyers specifically looking for clothing items.
• Tips for success: Share your listings regularly to keep them fresh and visible. Take advantage of Poshmark's user-friendly interface and shipping process. Remember that gently used items in good condition are more likely to sell.

By following these guidelines and optimizing your listings, you can increase your chances of successfully selling your unworn bridesmaid dress on eBay or Poshmark.

Donating to a local charity organisation

Finding a Charity Organisation

Start by researching local charity organisations in your area that accept bridesmaid dress donations. You can look for thrift stores, charities, community centres, or other nonprofit organisations. Some national organisations with multiple locations that accept dress donations include The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Adorned in Grace. You can also check out local charity stores, which often sell bridesmaid dresses for a higher price than everyday wear.

Preparing Your Dress for Donation

Before donating, ensure your dress is in good condition and free of any rips or tears. It's also important to have your dress cleaned or dry-cleaned before donating to ensure it's in its best and freshest state for the new owner. If you're planning to donate to a local charity, you can ask them about their specific donation guidelines and process.

Tax Benefits

Don't forget that donating your dress can also provide tax benefits! When filing your taxes, you can claim your charitable contributions as itemized deductions. In the United States, the IRS recognises charitable contributions to qualified organisations, such as nonprofits.

Making the Donation

Once your dress is ready, you can either drop it off at the charity organisation or mail it to them, depending on their preferences and your convenience. If mailing, be sure to package your dress carefully and include relevant information such as the brand, size, and any alterations made to the dress.

Remember, your act of kindness can make a significant difference. By donating your unworn bridesmaid dress, you're not only gaining more space but also bringing joy to someone else's special day.

Selling on PreOwned Wedding Dresses

PreOwned Wedding Dresses is a great place to sell your unworn bridesmaid dress. It is a trusted site that has been connecting brides since 2004. The process is simple: you list your dress, accessories, and bridal party dresses, and they handle the rest.

When creating your listing, it is important to include detailed information about the dress, such as the designer, style, and any alterations that have been made. Be sure to include clear, good-quality pictures of the dress being worn, as this will make your listing more successful. You should also provide measurements, information on the condition of the dress, and any relevant information about shipping and insurance.

There is a one-time listing fee per dress, and you keep 80% of the gross sale price. PreOwned Wedding Dresses provides secure payment processing and dedicated seller support throughout the process. They also offer a full seller protection program and handle shipping and insurance, so you can rest assured that your item is in safe hands.

With over 40,000 dresses rehomed since 2004, PreOwned Wedding Dresses is a great option for anyone looking to sell an unworn bridesmaid dress.

Frequently asked questions