Katrina Rosales
There is a market for selling old perfume, but it may be difficult to scale beyond friends and family. Some people are wary of buying used perfume from strangers, as it is a very personal item, and there is a risk of buying fake perfume. However, some people do buy and sell used perfume online, and there are several tips for doing so successfully. For example, it is important to be upfront about the condition of the perfume and to provide clear photos and descriptions. It is also worth noting that some platforms, such as eBay and Vinted, only allow new cosmetics, and selling used perfume on these sites could result in a ban. Other platforms, such as Etsy, allow the sale of vintage perfume bottles, but these must be at least 20 years old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Selling old perfume | It is possible to sell old perfume, but there are some challenges and restrictions. |
| Where to sell | Etsy, eBay, Vinted, local Facebook or WhatsApp groups, and direct to friends and family. |
| Presentation | Old perfumes are more valuable if they are sealed. If not, take photos that don't make it obvious the perfume is used. |
| Scams | Be aware of scams, such as buyers claiming the item arrived damaged and sending back a broken bottle. |
| Shipping | Only ground shipping is permitted for fragrances due to their high alcohol content. |
| Restrictions | Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. No more than four items in a parcel. Must be in original retail packaging and strong outer packaging to prevent breakage. |
| Marketing | Be upfront about the condition. Mention that you cannot guarantee the contents. |
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What You'll Learn
Selling old perfume online
However, there are some ways to get around this. One way is to sell used bottles at a very low price so they are bought quickly, or to take pictures that do not show the perfume has been used and add a description saying the buyer must contact you before buying so you can tell them it is not new. You could also mention that you refuse international shipping, as only ground shipping is permitted for fragrances due to their high alcohol content.
If you are selling vintage or antique perfume bottles that are 20 years or older, you can list them on Etsy. Etsy shops are free to open, and the site is not loaded with complicated and expensive fees and policies. Etsy's basic fee structure includes a $0.20 listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee, and a 3% payment processing fee, plus $0.25 per transaction if the buyer uses Etsy Payments or PayPal.
Another option is to sell through social media, which can be a good idea if you have a big following. Ecwid, for example, can help you sell your products across major social networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, and even integrates with certain apps to let you sell directly through them.
When selling old perfume, it is important to be honest about the condition of the product. Older perfumes generally sell better if they are sealed, but if the bottle is 7-10 years old or older, the buyer should be informed as the perfume will likely no longer be fresh. You can also compare the bottle to vintage advertisements in old magazines to get an idea of its age.
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Selling old perfume in-person
If you're looking to sell old perfume in person, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to assess the condition of the perfume and the bottle. Sealed bottles tend to sell for higher prices, and older perfumes may have seals made of onion skin, viscose, gelatin, metal cords, or silk threads. Even if the perfume is only partially full, it can still be sold, but it's important to let buyers know the percentage of perfume remaining in the bottle. Additionally, perfumes that are 7-10 years old or older may no longer be fresh, so it's crucial to disclose the age of the perfume to potential buyers.
When selling old perfume, it's essential to be transparent about the storage conditions. Perfumes stored in cool, dark places are more likely to retain their freshness. However, if the perfume has turned or developed sour top notes, it's important to disclose this information to buyers.
One option for selling old perfume in person is through local Facebook or WhatsApp groups. This allows buyers to collect the item directly from you, avoiding potential issues with shipping restrictions on perfumes. You can also try selling to friends and family, although some people may be hesitant to purchase used perfume from strangers.
If you're looking to sell vintage or antique perfume bottles that are 20 years or older, Etsy is an option. Etsy offers fixed prices and has lower fees and less complicated policies compared to sites like eBay. However, keep in mind that selling vintage perfume may be more challenging, as some buyers prefer sealed bottles and may be hesitant to purchase older perfumes that are no longer fresh.
Another option for selling old perfume in person is through platforms like Ecwid, which integrates with social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. This allows you to showcase your products to a wider audience and potentially reach more interested buyers.
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Selling old perfume via post
There are several things to consider when selling old perfume by post. Firstly, it is important to establish the age of the perfume. Perfumes over three to ten years old can start to lose their freshness and may develop an unpleasant odour. If your perfume is sealed, but appears to have some missing, this is likely due to evaporation. Older perfumes may also be sealed with materials such as onion skin, viscose, gelatin, or tiny metal cords. It is important to disclose the age of the perfume to potential buyers, as well as the percentage of perfume remaining in the bottle.
When it comes to choosing a platform to sell your old perfume, there are a few options. Etsy is a popular choice for selling vintage items, including perfume bottles over 20 years old. Etsy shops can be opened for free, and the platform offers a simple fee structure for listings, transactions, and payment processing. Alternatively, you can sell old perfume on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or local Facebook and WhatsApp groups. However, it is important to note that eBay and Vinted have restrictions on selling used cosmetics, and you may need to be discreet about the condition of your perfume to avoid getting caught by moderators.
When posting old perfume, there are specific guidelines to follow. For example, Royal Mail has restrictions on posting perfume, including a volume limit of 150ml per item and a maximum of four items per parcel. The perfume must also be in its original retail packaging and adequately cushioned to prevent breakage.
To increase the chances of a successful sale, it is recommended to be upfront about the condition of the perfume. Provide clear photos and descriptions, and disclose any relevant information such as the age, percentage of perfume remaining, and storage conditions. It is also important to mention that you cannot guarantee the contents of the bottle, as perfumes can change over time.
Lastly, when selling old perfume, it is important to consider the potential risks. There is a risk of scams, as some buyers may try to return broken bottles or claim that their package arrived damaged. It is also important to be cautious when selling to strangers, as there is a possibility of selling fake perfumes that may contain dangerous substances. Trust and transparency are crucial when selling old perfume to ensure a positive experience for both the buyer and the seller.
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Selling old perfume on Etsy
If you're looking to sell old perfume on Etsy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Etsy allows the sale of handmade, homemade, or indie perfumes. If you're creating your own perfume, it's important to record the formula, including the materials used and their quantities, as this information is crucial for reproducing the perfume and unlocking its commercial potential.
When it comes to selling old perfume on Etsy, it's worth noting that some buyers express distrust of vintage perfumes sold on the platform. However, there are also buyers who have successfully purchased vintage fragrances on Etsy, with only a few negative experiences. To build trust with buyers, it's essential to provide detailed and accurate descriptions of the perfume and its condition, along with clear and honest photos.
To increase your chances of selling old perfume on Etsy, consider the following tips:
- Study Etsy's handbook to understand how the platform ranks stores in its search utility. This can help you optimize your listings and improve their visibility.
- Attractive merchandise, pricing, and customer service are key factors in the success of your Etsy store.
- While having a variety of items in your store is advantageous, it's not a requirement. Even with a single perfume offering, you can still give Etsy a try and attract buyers.
- Pay attention to keywords in your listings, as they play a crucial role in how your store is ranked and discovered by buyers.
- Ensure that your perfume does not contain any prohibited ingredients or hazardous materials, as outlined in Etsy's Prohibited Items Policy.
By following these guidelines and focusing on providing a positive buyer experience, you can successfully sell old perfume on Etsy and build a thriving business.
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Selling old perfume: presentation tips
Selling old perfume can be tricky, as it is a very personal item for buyers, and there are safety concerns around fake fragrances. However, there are several online platforms where you can sell vintage perfumes, such as Etsy, eBay, and Vinted. To increase your chances of a successful sale, here are some presentation tips to keep in mind:
Photographs
Take clear photographs of the perfume bottle and any accompanying items, such as the original box or papers. A plain white background is best for showcase the true colour of the glass, juice, and any other important details. If the perfume is sealed, mention this in the listing and provide an estimate of how much perfume is left in the bottle. Be honest about any signs of damage, such as leakage or evaporation, as these can affect the value of the bottle.
Description
Use descriptive adjectives that evoke sensations and relate the scent to recognisable scents, such as citrus notes or lavender. If the perfume is over three years old, mention that it may have lost some of its freshness and could smell differently than expected. Include information about how the perfume was stored, as this can impact the fragrance over time. Be transparent about any potential issues with the perfume, such as sour top notes.
Packaging and Shipping
If the perfume is sealed, do not open it. Instead, mention in the listing if there appears to be some perfume missing due to evaporation. Retain any cellophane or outer wrapping, especially if there are labels or stickers that provide additional information. Insure the package and consider double-boxing it to protect the item during shipping.
Platform Considerations
When using platforms like eBay and Vinted, be aware that selling visibly used perfume may result in moderator intervention. Consider pricing the item low to encourage a quick sale, or be discreet about the item's condition in your photos and description, encouraging buyers to contact you privately before purchasing. On Etsy, you can sell vintage perfume bottles that are 20 years or older at a fixed price, without the auction format of eBay.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell old perfume on websites such as Etsy, eBay, Vinted, and Fragrantica Club. However, eBay and Vinted only allow new and sealed cosmetics, and you may be banned from the website if you are caught selling used perfume. Etsy allows the sale of vintage perfume bottles that are 20 years or older.
It is important to be honest about the condition of the perfume and its contents. Perfumes over three to ten years old may start to lose their freshness, smell like alcohol, or develop an unpleasant odour. It is also worth noting that the way the fragrance was stored can affect how it smells.
The pricing of old perfume depends on various factors. If the perfume is sealed, it may sell for a higher price. Generally, it is recommended to sell popular perfumes individually and group together less popular perfumes with those that are in demand.
