Used dress - price?

chicky13

I am wondering what is reasonable to expect to pay for a used wedding dress. I found a dress that I really like that is approx. $875 at a bridal salon. I budgeted for this much but the thought of spending that much on one day bothers me (FI says I'm cheap). So I started looking to see if I can find it used. I am seeing it listed online for $600 - $795. I did see a few in the $400 range but they are not near my size. Since this is my first time shopping for a wedding dress (new or used) I am not really sure what to expect. Is only a couple hundred off for a used dress reasonable? 

zizibet

       It really depends. Check on the condition-some of them may never have been worn-a changed mind, weight gain/loss, cancelled wedding, etc. Those dresses are usually higher in price. Also, if it's a very popular style, the price may run higher, because people will pay for it. A very lightly worn dress is also worth a bit more.
         Tl:dr, it depends, but those prices aren't  unreasonable. See if they're open to offers.

QueerFemme

I wouldn't buy used/preowned unless it was at least 30-40% off.   If you can get an $875.00 dress for $600.00, yeah, I think that's a good deal. Particuarly because the salon is going to add in tax and probably a shipping charge.   So, in theory, you would get a $950ish dress for $600.00.  Good deal.  I wouldn't buy it for $795.00 though. That's not enough of a discount.

misssunshine17

You also have to think of the extra altering costs, which adds up so quickly. I agree I would spend the extra unless it was really a great deal. You could also private message the seller and offer something. When I was looking a little, it seemed like those dresses didn't sell as well as people thought they would. 

emilie250

I don't completely agree with what others have said. It may be a nice feeling to have a new dress, but if you find the model you like even for $150 less, that's some money that can go towards something else. 

At the same time, you should negotiate. If they're selling a $850 dress for $750 and it has been worn, you're in a good position to negotiate (particularly if it hasn't been dry cleaned), if it has also been altered, then you can negotiate even lower. 

[Deleted User]

I would ask if the dress has been worn & if so, was is dry cleaned. If it was, then they are trying to recoup some of that cost. I know in my area, it's over $100 to get a wedding dress cleaned. Also make sure to ask if any alterations were done & if so the measurements of the person who the dress was altered for. Make sure to include the shipping cost to the cost of the dress on ebay as it might end up putting very close to the cost of the dress new in the store.

If everything works out for size, cleaning & shipping and you'll still save money, why not go for it and save some money.