Experience with dresses from Ebay?

static_fingertips

This is my 2nd wedding (first for fiance), and I am looking at wedding dresses under $500, preferably closer to the $300 range. I know it seems sketchy to buy from ebay, especially if they are coming from China, but these two I've been eyeing are both from users with very positive reviews, have return policies (buyer pays shipping though), and are not claiming to be any kind of designer brand. Any advice? Here are the two dresses:http://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-New-White-Ivory-Bridal-Gown-Wedding-Dress-Custom-Size-6-8-10-12-14-16-/111808277945
and
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-New-Chiffon-Wedding-Dress-Bridal-Gowns-Custom-Size-4-6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-/252081258088 

**Edit:
I started browsing for dresses in US only, and found this same one apparently coming from Texas. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-White-Ivory-Wedding-Dress-Bridal-Gown-Custom-Size-2-4-6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-/181930038336?hash=item2a5be01440:g:H88AAOSw4UtWRAf4
Also, I tried doing a Google image for both dresses and saw them come up on other sites selling from China. Definitely looks pretty risky as they are most likely using stock photos.

MesmrEwe

For a $300 budget or less, I'd go ahead and walk/website into David's especially when they've got a clearance going on and some of the dresses on their website go as low as $39 even though they're absolutely stunning.  If you're going with one of the overseas options, which, be forewarned, you'll get eaten up for on here, go all-in and use one of the more "reputable" sites (JJ's House, Light in the Box for example)... But really - exhaust your options like David's, Nordstrom's, JCP, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, DEB, etc. first as these options do have return policies (and alterations staff) as well but the knock-off places really don't even if they say/claim they do. 

lovesclimbing

I have never purchased a wedding dress from eBay, however, my mom, my sister and I have each bought formal gowns from there, with my mom having bought several.

We have had good experiences. We have also been very careful. Just like wedding gowns, there's a ton of knock-off formal gowns on there. We have looked carefully, looking for people selling the dress personally and nothing out of the country. My sister wound up buying a gown, brand new, from a personal seller that had tags still on it that said $180. She paid $30. The shipping was more than the cost of the dress.

CMGragain

Ebay does not sell ANYTHING.  Ebay is a site that posts from sellers who may, or may not be ethical.  I buy lots of things from Ebay, but not anything terribly expensive or important, like a wedding dress.

static_fingertips

I don't have a David's Bridal nearby, but I think you're right. I will try looking at their online gowns and also try to find some Macy's/Nordstroms. I don't know if the ones near me sell wedding stuff, but I'll see what I can find. Thanks for the advice!

msuprincess04

Check out Craigslist and Preownedweddingdresses.com Both are good sites for inexpensive used dresses. Plus, you have the opportunity to speak with the seller and both may afford you the opportunity to try it on before committing the money.

lembaslover

I got my wedding dress online at this store http://www.jaksflowergirldresses.com/wedding_gown_index.htm. It was less than $500. I called the store and asked how she got her prices so low and it's because she custom makes all the dresses and therefore doesn't need inventory and since she designs them herself she doesn't pay designer fees. I loved my dress so much that I picked a dress from her for my bridesmaids! I was drawn to her because I wanted forest green in my dress and she makes dresses in any color.

I definitely took a risk ordering my dress online but I wouldn't have gotten the dress I loved if I hadn't. My advice either use a site/seller that has been personally recommended or be willing/able to purchase another dress from like David's bridal if it doesn't come out as you expected. I talked to my then FI and told him the price of the dress online that I loved and my second choice at DB and he said go ahead order the online dress if it's awful then I could get my second choice still.

Pinksatin91016

I bought my dress from eBay for $300. It is a pre-owned wedding dress that hadn't been worn, just purchased at a sample sale several years back. It is everything I wanted and envisioned. The quality and construction is impeccable. It's just cheap because it isn't new and the seller had no use for it. It wasn't from a company in Hong Kong making counterfeits or anything. If you find the right dress and like the price, go for it!

CMGragain

A couple of my personal rules for buying from eBay:

1.  Never buy anything from a seller in China.
2.  Never buy anything from a seller in Malaysia.
3.  Never buy anything from a seller in the Philippines.

I have had good experience with sellers from Japan, but Japanese women are usually very, very tiny, and they do not usually wear anything close to an American size.

Always check the sellers feedback carefully.  Any feedback less than 99.5% positive is not acceptable.  Read the entire listing, not just the top of the page.  What is the return policy, if any?  Know your bridal size, which is different from your street size.
When an ad says "custom made", it is a front for a Chinese knock off factory.  They have discovered Etsy, too!  If it doesn't have the designer name in the ad, don't buy it.  OP, this is exactly what you have found in the ads you posted!  You won't get that dress - just a cheap Chinese knock off.
Be aware that dry cleaning will cost you more than $100, even if it isn't very stained.

David's Bridal ships, and most of their dresses, except for final clearance, can be returned if they aren't right.  Here are 8 pages of gowns under $400. 

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_wedding-dresses-gowns-$200-$39999

This one is similar:http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_taffeta-wedding-dress-with-illusion-lace-neckline-wg3529_wedding-dresses-gowns-$200-$39999

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_tank-tulle-a-line-wedding-dress-with-lace-details-kp3676_wedding-dresses-gowns-$200-$39999

EmSanph

I am selling this dress, I don't know if you are interested in this style but it is unworn and I will no longer be needing it. https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/281950004121