2009-04-20 13:50:11 by SMARTBRIDE
How to Sell Your Wedding Dress
So you're ready to sell your dress! We realize it's more exciting to imagine all the things you're going to buy with the money you recoup, but trust us, it's important to get the details right when posting your dress. The more quality information you provide, the faster you'll sell your dress, and the higher the price you can charge.
Let's get started. Here are our 7 Tips for how to sell your dress fast for more:
1) Post it Within 1 Year of Your Wedding
The best way to sell your dress quickly, and for the most money, is to post it as soon after your wedding as possible.
Used Dresses continue to hold their resale value for about 2-3 years after they are purchased and worn (depending on the style) and sell for the most money within the first year, no question. Of course, we don't want to dissuade you from posting your dresses from weddings more three years ago because there is always a market - especially for traditional or timeless styles. However, you should know that the longer you wait, the less a buyer will be willing to pay.
2) Provide GREAT Pictures
Buyers will want to see:
- Full length picture of the front of your dress
- Full length picture of the back of your dress
- Up close picture of any detailing, beading or patterning on your dress
- Up close picture of any damage or stains on the dress.
Less than stellar pictures or posting no pictures will actually hurt your chances of selling. We see so many dresses posted for sale on-line without pictures or with pictures of the dress on a hanger. Both terrible choices, in our opinion. On SmartBride Boutique, a buyer can elect to search only listings with pictures.
The most useful pictures to a buyer are the ones with you in the dress. This allows buyers to see the shape and style. In fact, the best pictures were probably taken on your wedding day when you spent serious time and effort to look your best. If you don't have pictures back from your photographer yet, ask a friend or family member for their digital pictures. And yes, of course you can blur or crop your face if you don't want it on the internet.
You may also want to include a picture of the dress or link to a picture from the dress manufacturer. This is a good idea, but in no way a substitute for pictures of your actual dress.
3) Be Specific in the Details
Brides will be scanning many listings in their search for a wedding dress and the more information you can give, the faster your dress will sell. Think back to the questions you asked when buying the dress in the first place. Be very specific about colour, brand and model number. Many times brides to be will try the dress on in a store first, and then look for it on-line. If the manufacturer of your dress has a website, be sure to include any information they give such as measurements and materials – you can also include a link to the page.
Write any details such as manufacturer style name or # in your listing. This ensures when a potential buyer googles the make and model, your listing will come up.
4) List Any Alterations
Perhaps the most important detail of a used dress is its current condition.
First, be really specific about any alterations that were made to the dress. The dress may be a size 10, but if it was altered to fit someone more like a size 8 – your size 10 buyers will be disappointed. Try to list any and all alterations made and specify whether they are reversible. I.e. Hems can sometimes be let down, while creating darts through the waistline may not be reversible if material was cut out of the dress to produce a smooth seam.
It is also helpful to list your measurements at the time of the wedding. If you can’t remember these details, you can always ask your seamstress. I'm sure they would be happy to help, especially if offer to refer the next owner back to them for fitting.
Second, warn potential buyers of any damage to the dress such as stains, tears or runs up front. Not being honest will waste both your time and potential buyer's time. Don’t let someone make the time to try on the dress, and show up to find out that it isn't what they thought.
5) Get it Cleaned
Honestly, even if you aren’t selling your dress, it should be cleaned right away to prevent any stains from setting in. *Tip* Don't bother paying to have it boxed - it's expensive and a potential buyer will have to remove it to try it on anyway. A clean dress communicates to the buyer that you have cared for and loved your dress.
6) Price it Right
Start at 50% off the retail cost and adjust for any minor damages to the dress, and the age of the dress. Dresses more than 2-3 years old or have not been cleaned should be discounted. Dresses that were never worn, or are new with tags may sell for more than 50% of the original price.
7) Be prepared to Sell your Dress
Before you post, make sure you're ready. First, compile all the information about your dress, select the best pictures and craft an informative posting. Then, be sure that once you post your dress that you and your home are ready to show the dress to potential buyers. You need to do three simple things:
- Make the time to meet buyers – try to be available on evenings and weekends if possible.
- Create a place for buyers to try on the dress - preferably in a private space/room and near a full length mirror.
- Be prepared to negotiate the price and know your own limits/boundaries so you can make on the spot decisions.
What if my dress doesn't sell right away?
If your dress has not sold in 3-4 months you may want to review these tips again. Are you using high quality pictures? Have you provided all the necessary information for a buyer to make the time to try it on? Is the price too high?
Remember when posting with SmartBride Boutique, it is completely free to post. And you can change or update your posting at any time. Feel free to post all of your accessories and decor items at the same time. You may also wish to make a note of what other items you are selling in your posts.
Best of luck selling your dress!
The Team at SmartBride Boutique
