Empty Perfume Bottles: Worth Selling?

can i sell empty perfume bottles

Empty perfume bottles are often too pretty to throw away, and many people are looking to buy them for various purposes. You can sell your empty perfume bottles to individual buyers or companies, and there are many online platforms that can help you connect with potential buyers. You can also upcycle your old perfume bottles and sell them as decorations or ornaments. Before selling, it is important to clean the bottles with soap and water or alcohol. Rare or vintage perfume bottles can sell for high prices, but common selling prices range from £2 to £8.

Characteristics Values
Can you sell them? Yes
Where to sell Online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Tradewheel.com, or specialty perfume supply stores
Who will buy them? People who DIY or make their own perfume, collectors, crafters
Price Common selling prices lie between £2 and £8, but rare or vintage bottles can sell for up to $100 or even hundreds of pounds
Preparation Wash with soap and water or rinse with alcohol
What to do with them Upcycle into decorations, ornaments, candles, suncatchers, or fill with DIY perfume, room spray, or reed diffusers
Legal considerations You cannot sell decorated Chanel bottles, even if you take the labels off, due to copyright

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Where to sell empty perfume bottles: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Craigslist, and auction sites

There are several options for selling empty perfume bottles, including online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist, and auction sites. Each platform has its advantages and considerations to keep in mind.

Amazon, eBay, and Etsy:

Selling on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy can provide a vast reach to potential buyers worldwide. These platforms offer convenience and a built-in customer base, making it easier to connect with interested collectors or enthusiasts. It is worth noting that each platform has its own guidelines and fee structures, so be sure to familiarize yourself with their policies before listing your items.

Facebook and Craigslist:

Using social media platforms like Facebook or Craigslist can be a more localized approach to selling your empty perfume bottles. Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling items in your area can be a great way to connect with nearby collectors. Similarly, Craigslist allows you to post items for sale within your community, although it may not have the same targeted reach as specialized collector groups on Facebook.

Auction sites:

Auction sites, such as Live Auctioneers, offer another avenue for selling empty perfume bottles. Live Auctioneers provides a directory of over 5,000 auction houses, allowing you to find suitable auction houses near you or those specializing in perfume bottles and vanity items. Additionally, regional auction houses that advertise in antiques publications and have a wider reach can increase your chances of attracting the right buyers for higher-end bottles. Yearly auctions, such as the Perfume Bottles Auction by Ken Leach, are also an option for selling top-end bottles and vanity items.

When selling empty perfume bottles, it is essential to consider the condition, rarity, and potential value of your bottles. Higher-quality antiques may fetch better prices at regional auction houses, while local auctions might be more suitable for middle-tier items. Online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook groups cater to a wide range of buyers and can be excellent choices for selling middle- to lower-end items. Ultimately, the platform you choose depends on the type of bottles you have and your preferences for convenience and reach.

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How to prepare empty perfume bottles for sale: Wash with soap, water, or alcohol

Empty perfume bottles can be sold, and there are several ways to prepare them for sale. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash and prepare empty perfume bottles for sale using soap, water, or alcohol:

Step 1: Empty the Bottle

Firstly, remove the cap or lid of the perfume bottle and drain out any excess perfume. Spray or pump out the remaining perfume into a sink or a washcloth and rinse it down the drain. You can also spray it into the air to give your space a pleasant scent. Make sure to get out every drop so that there is no perfume residue left in the bottle.

Step 2: Rinse with Alcohol or Water

After emptying the bottle, you can choose to rinse it with alcohol to clean and sterilize it. This is a quick and effective way to prepare the bottle for sale. Alternatively, you can fill the bottle with warm water and gently shake it to ensure that all parts of the bottle come into contact with the water. Drain this water out and repeat the process if necessary.

Step 3: Wash with Soap and Water

Create a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water in the perfume bottle or an external spray bottle. Pump or shake the bottle to combine the soap and water, and then pump the soapy mixture through the perfume atomizer or spray it into the bottle. This will help to remove any remaining oil or perfume residue.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have washed the bottle with soap, ensure that you thoroughly rinse it with warm water to remove any soap residue. Pump or spray the water through the atomizer or into the bottle, and then spray the last few pumps onto your wrist to check if you can still smell any soap or perfume. If so, repeat the washing process. Finally, allow the bottle to air dry completely before replacing the lid or cap.

Additional Tips:

  • Be cautious when handling small parts, such as the lid or cap, to avoid breakage.
  • Avoid placing the perfume bottle in a dishwasher as it may crack or break.
  • If your perfume bottle has a removable lid, you can pour the soapy water directly into the bottle and shake gently to clean.
  • For stubborn residue, try using a small brush to scrub the bottle and reach all the nooks and crannies.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and prepare empty perfume bottles for sale, making them attractive to potential buyers.

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Who buys empty perfume bottles: DIY crafters, collectors, and manufacturers

Empty perfume bottles can be sold to DIY crafters, collectors, and manufacturers.

DIY Crafters

Empty perfume bottles can be sold to DIY crafters who are looking for unique and decorative items to use in their projects. These bottles can be upcycled into various products, such as decorations, ornaments, or even new containers for homemade perfume or other liquids. With a bit of creativity and some simple materials like broken jewellery, beads, coloured sand, or shells, empty perfume bottles can be transformed into beautiful and marketable creations.

Collectors

Collectors may also be interested in purchasing empty perfume bottles, especially if they are rare, vintage, or antique. Some collectors seek out the most aesthetically pleasing glass bottles to add to their collections. These bottles can often sell for prices ranging from £2 to £8, while more extravagant or unique pieces can fetch much higher prices, sometimes even reaching hundreds of pounds.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers, particularly those in the perfume or cosmetics industry, may also purchase empty perfume bottles in bulk for their packaging needs. These bottles can be used to contain new perfumes or other liquid products. Additionally, some companies may buy empty bottles for research and development purposes, such as testing new designs or formulas.

It is important to note that when selling empty perfume bottles, certain brands, like Chanel, may have restrictions due to copyright claims. However, many other perfume companies do not mind the resale and decoration of their bottles.

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How much can you sell empty perfume bottles for: Common prices range from £2 to £8, but rare bottles can sell for up to $100 or even hundreds of pounds

Empty perfume bottles can be sold for various prices, depending on their rarity and the method of sale. Common prices range from £2 to £8, but rare bottles can sell for up to hundreds of pounds.

Selling empty perfume bottles can be a great way to make some extra pocket money. One option is to sell the bottles as they are, without any alterations. This method typically fetches a lower price, but it is a straightforward and simple way to get rid of old bottles. Another option is to upcycle the bottles into decorative items or ornaments, which can then be sold for a higher price. Upcycling can involve filling the bottles with items such as beads, sand, shells, or glitter, or using them as candle holders or vases. It can also involve painting the bottles or adding decorations such as lace, rhinestones, or feathers.

It is important to note that, while most perfume companies do not mind, it is illegal to sell decorated Chanel bottles due to copyright issues, even if the labels are removed.

To get the best price for your empty perfume bottles, it is recommended to clean them thoroughly before selling. This can be done using soap and water, alcohol, or white vinegar. Additionally, rare, old, or iconic perfume bottles may be more valuable to collectors. Some retailers also offer discounts on new perfume purchases in exchange for returning empty bottles.

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There are many ways to sell empty perfume bottles, from upcycling them into decorative items to selling them as they are to crafters and collectors. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid potential issues when selling these items.

Firstly, it is important to note that decorated Chanel bottles cannot be sold due to copyright issues. Chanel will claim copyright on these bottles, even if the labels are removed. This is a unique situation, as most perfume companies do not mind people using and selling decorated bottles as long as they are not filled with the original perfume. Therefore, to avoid legal issues, it is best to steer clear of selling decorated Chanel bottles.

When selling other empty perfume bottles, it is essential to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried before offering them to buyers. Soap and water or alcohol can be used for cleaning, and disassembling the bottles can ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and ready for their new purpose. It is also a good idea to research the type of glass your local recycling plant accepts if you plan to recycle or upcycle the bottles yourself.

Additionally, when selling empty perfume bottles online, it is important to follow the guidelines of the platform you are using. For example, platforms like Etsy specialize in handmade, vintage, and unique items, so understanding the focus of each platform can help you reach the right buyers. Overall, by being mindful of copyright issues, ensuring proper cleaning and preparation, and choosing the right selling platforms, you can successfully navigate the process of selling empty perfume bottles while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can sell empty perfume bottles.

You can sell your empty perfume bottles on online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, or Etsy.

Before selling your empty perfume bottles, you can upcycle them by filling them with a DIY perfume, room spray, or aromatherapy spray. You can also transform them into beautiful decorations and ornaments by filling them with broken jewellery, odd beads, coloured sand, or shells.

Common selling prices for empty perfume bottles lie between £2 and £8, but more extravagant pieces can sell for hundreds of pounds. Rare or ornate bottles can often sell for prices up to $100.

Yes, it is important to note that you cannot sell decorated Chanel bottles, even if you remove the labels, due to copyright issues.

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