so you're thinking about selling or donating your dress?
letting go of your wedding gown can be a tough decision.
it is, after all, the most important dress of your life! but we are so glad you're considering it because there are a lot of beautiful brides-to-be that are searching for a dress just like yours; one that has a unique story to tell and a love to live on. we believe in the magic of paying it forward. another bonus, you can make a few bucks back on your initial dress investment and free up that coveted closet space!
check out dress requirements to determine if your dress is eligible for alter market, select your package & fill out our dress submission form.
get dress pre-approved! after we receive your submission we will reach out via e-mail with your pre-approval and estimate of what we'd like to market your dress for, we'll also include other important info & housekeeping paperwork.
drop off your dress during one of our scheduled drop-offs for final approval and admission (or ship).
sell your dress, continue to market it online, donate your gown to Wish Upon a Wedding or pick up!
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while we are all-inclusive, we do have a few guidelines
see below for bridal dress requirements to see if alter market is a good fit for you & your gown!
Dresses are in new or near new condition (no rips, tears or stains) This doesn't eliminate vintage gowns, we love vintage! They just have to be in great condition!
Gowns must be clean & in ready to wear condition.
Original designer labels must be present (vintage gowns may get a pass here in some instances).
Q: what does consignment mean?
A: putting your dress on consignment means that when we sell the dress, you make money! so you win=we win.
Q: what is the consignment split?
A: we want to be transparent about this. unlike most consignment sites we don't have any listings fees so we maintain a 35/55 split with our consigning brides. we keep 35% of the total purchase price, you keep 55%, 10% goes to our charity partner Wish Upon a Dress!
Q: how much should I expect out of my dress?
A: generally, you should expect 40-60% of your original purchase price, depending on the age of the dress. our each gown is unique but this is a good baseline to expect.
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Q: how do we determine what price my dress will be listed for?
A: once we receive your dress submission we will take a look at current market trends and pricing for your dress based on age, designer, condition, and original purchase price. we will provide a suggested retail price in your pre-approval e-mail. this price is not set in stone however, we have you and your dresses best interest at heart and we determine prices based on what we think will get your dress sold! so keep this in mind when you're considering the final sale price!
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Q: can I just donate my dress?
A: yes! the quality will still be inspected for our donations so you fill out the same submission form, just check the donate option.
Q: I don't live in Chicago, can I still consign/donate my dress?
A: yes, of course, however shipping will be at your own expense. when you submit your application be sure to select the option that says you're not local so we can include more information on this.
Q: are you taking accessories?
A: the only accessory alter market is able to consider at this time are bridal shoes!
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Q: what happens if I don't sell my dress?
A: if your dress does not sell at our in-person event we offer an add-on service for $25. we will take photos of your gown after the show and continue advertising the gown the following month.
1. pick up your gown during the designated pick-up times.
2. donate your gown to Wish Upon a Wedding
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can't let it go?
from one sentimental pack-rat to another
we've got you covered.
we know it can be a big decision to let go of your dress. what if your firstborn child wants a piece of history to walk down the aisle with?! alter market has partnered with marang studio to give brides an opportunity to keep a little piece of their dress for safekeeping while freeing up some serious closet space. Angela (the mastermind behind marang studio) will check out your dress at intake and let you know exactly where she can sneak some fabric from your dress, keeping it intact to sell, while creating a beautiful piece of jewelry for you to take home! be sure to use code ALTER2020 to affiliate your jewelry with your consigned gown & get free shipping!
