How to Buy Your Wedding Dress for Less Than 1/3 Retail and Sell It Back for a Profit

By savvypanache, eHow Member wedding dress

My wedding dress

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So, you don't want to spend $1000+ for a dress you will wear once? Join the club. Learn how to get your dream dress, and even to make a profit by selling it afterwards!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Patience
Time
Knowledge of EBay and Craigslist

Step1

Browse bridal magazines to decide on the type of dress you want. Jot down your favorite designers.

Step2

For the bravest among you, head to www.1koo.com I paid $178 for a Maggie Sottero copy that was done to my exact measurements. Sure, it wasn't the exact same quality, but it still looked amazing and required zero alterations. Be sure to ask for a corset back so you have the greatest size flexibility. Simpler designs turn out the best from this Chinese retailer. Just make sure you order 4 months ahead at the latest.

Step3

If you are less brave, search EBay and Craigslist for your dress. In EBay, save your searches and have the site email you results as often as every 7 days. Also check out www.netbride.com I used them for the bridesmaids dresses (authentic and brand new) without incident and got prices at least 40% off of retail.

Step4

When you're all done, use your fresh new wedding pictures to post an ad on Craigslist or EBay to sell back your gown. I posted on Craigslist and sold my gown for $200 in less than a week. (Remember, I bought it for $178)

Tips & Warnings

Always pay with a credit card or through PayPal so you have a way to recoup funds if you run in to a scammer.
Start well ahead (no later than 4 months, preferably 6-12) - as with all wedding dresses, this is a process that takes months
If ordering a knock off, don't expect couture. If you have to have designer quality at knock off price, then order through EBay and be meticulous about checking feedback and the seller's history ... otherwise, I suggest www.netbride.com

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Comments

silkfair said

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on 3/12/2009 You have a great business mind! You should definitely come and set up a shop in our growing community (http://silkfair.com) - its free for setting a store and listing items. I can personally help you with the process as well, if you would like. Anyway great article, once again.

KTMg said

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on 2/8/2009 Wow, great idea. Weddings are a big industry and so many people are brainwashed into thinking that they have to keep their dress forever. Way to Go!