Packing your wedding dress away properly is essential, too. “Store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and in a breathable garment bag or acid-free box to prevent discoloration and maintain the shape,” Palmer adds.
Use Good-Quality Photographs
As is the case when reselling anything online, it’s important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. You can use photos from the gown’s original listing to showcase how it looked brand new. However, Richmond advises, “Make sure to include one photo of you wearing the item and show clear photos of the front and back, and of the condition—for example, if it is showing any signs of wear on the hem.”
Give as Much Information as Possible
In a similar vein, the more information you can give potential buyers, the better. “Make sure to include the sizing—this will help the potential customer know immediately if it is the right size,” Richmond continues. “Sometimes, if a customer has to keep digging for answers, they will give up.” If you had any alterations to your dress to reduce the hem, take in a bust, or add a lining, be sure to include those details as well.
List Your Dress Across Multiple Platforms
Given bridal resale tends to be slower than the usual market (there are only so many brides-to-be out there at a given time!), it pays to have your dress listed across multiple platforms online. Each platform has its own customer demographics in addition to rules around commission, verification, and shipping. It’s best to do a bit of research to find which one will work best for you.
Still White
One of the most popular wedding dress resale sites is Still White. You can list your dress for either a $25 fee or $35 premium fee, then either ship or deliver the gown to a direct customer in person if it sells.
eBay
Stick with a classic by reselling your wedding dress on auction at eBay. The site charges a 15% commission of the total cost if you sell anything under $2000 and 9% for anything pricier.
Vestiare Collective
Vestiare Collective is an online consignment site that allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your own prices. The only cost to the seller is a 3% payment processing fee if you sell from a list of 4000 brands. The company also offers a more involved concierge service for a higher fee.
Kleinfeld Again
Kleinfeld, the famous bridal salon of Say Yes to the Dress fame, has a service that allows brides to list their dresses (that don’t have to be bought at their store) for resale. Their subscription-based format that charges per month or at a flat rate allows you to list your dress on their site without paying any commission if the dress is listed above $1000.
The Real Real
If you want a full concierge consignment experience, consider selling your gown on The RealReal. While commission rates can be steep, it is a pretty seamless white-glove experience on the seller side.
Get Expert Help
It might be beneficial to use a specialist service, which will do the hard work for you in return for a commission. McPherson-Yoon turned to Teddington-based bridal store Gillian Million, which came highly recommended by friends. “It was very reassuring to have the sale handled by an experienced third party,” she says. “I did originally list the dress online, [but it] didn’t generate much serious interest.”
Selling Your Dress at a Local Consignment Shop
Consignment shops are also a great option if you’re looking to sell your wedding dress. It’s a good idea to look for ones in your area with a fashion focus, as they will be more likely to take your gown and attract customers who are on the bridal search. If your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may be able to sell it or consign with a vintage store, too.
Donate Your Wedding Dress
If you want to part ways with your wedding dress simply to ensure it gets a second life, it might be worth donating it. Brides for a Cause donates a portion of the profits of reselling your dress to women-focused charities, while organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army also accept dress donations.
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