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Step 1
Determine whether you'd prefer to sell the dresses online or in a store. If you don't want to have to go through all the steps to open your own business, you can simply sell them on an online auction or classified ad website (see Resources below) or at a local consignment store.
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Step 2
Get a business license and take all other steps necessary to starting your own business, if pertinent to your chosen mode of sales.
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Step 3
Place classified ads in various online and print publications offering to purchase used bridesmaid dresses.
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Step 4
Ask the dress owners whether the dresses have ever been altered. This important information can make a big difference in the fit of the dress, regardless of what the size on the tag is.
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Step 5
Determine your pricing. It will be different for each dress. Find out what the original cost of the dress was and offer between 30% and 50%, depending on the current condition of the dress. Remember that in order to make a profit, your original purchase price needs to be lower than the price you can sell the dress for. In addition to this, you should look online and at consignment stores for similar used dresses to compare pricing.
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Step 6
Accept only dresses that are in good condition. You may want to reduce your offer amount if you will need to clean or iron the dress.
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Step 7
Determine what kind of payment method you will accept, if you're selling online.
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Step 8
Take digital photographs of the dresses, if you're selling online. Take the photos against a white background in natural light. If the dress has special detailing, like beading or lace, take close-up photographs of it.
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Step 9
Set up your online website, classified ads or auctions. Be sure to include all pertinent information about the dress including the size, color, brand, hem length and alteration details. Upload photos as prompted.
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Step 10
Get in contact with the consignment store buyer, if you choose to sell your dresses this way. The buyer will either purchase the dresses outright or give you the sales amount, after the store's fee, once the dresses have sold.
