Lance Carson
Selling old perfume bottles can be a great way to make money, protect ecosystems, and reduce waste. There are various ways to sell old perfume bottles, including online marketplaces such as eBay, uBid, Craigslist, and Etsy, as well as local options like craft stalls, flea markets, and estate sales. Before selling, it is important to clean the bottles and consider decorating them to increase their value. However, it is worth noting that selling decorated Chanel bottles is not allowed due to copyright restrictions. When selling vintage or antique perfume bottles, it is crucial to disclose the age, condition, and any potential issues with the perfume's freshness or scent.
Ways to sell old perfume bottles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the bottle with soap and water or alcohol | Upcycle the bottle |
| Transform the bottle into a lamp or a vase | Sell the bottle at a craft stall |
| Use the bottle as a decorative element | Sell the bottle on a popular auction website |
| Fill the bottle with coloured beads or glitter | Sell the bottle to a collector |
| Create a sculpture or totem with multiple bottles | Sell the bottle at an estate sale |
| Make your own perfume and use the bottle for storage | Sell the bottle through a consignment shop |
| Sell the bottle as part of a direct-to-dealer sale |
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What You'll Learn
Selling vintage perfume bottles on Etsy
To sell vintage perfume bottles on Etsy, you will first need to create a virtual shop where potential buyers can browse your wares. You can then create listings for your individual items, including photos and descriptions of the perfume bottles you have for sale. It is important to include as much detail as possible in your listings, such as the condition of the bottles and any unique features or history they may have. You can also offer personalized or made-to-order items, allowing buyers to add their own touch to their purchases.
When it comes to pricing your vintage perfume bottles, it is a good idea to do some research first. Browse the catalog at the International Perfume Bottle Association to get an idea of the value of your bottles. You can also look at similar listings on Etsy to get a sense of the market price for vintage perfume bottles. It is generally recommended to price your items slightly lower than similar listings to attract buyers.
In addition to selling vintage perfume bottles as-is, you can also increase their value by upcycling them into decorative items or home decor. For example, you can fill empty bottles with coloured sand, shells, or glitter, or use them as centrepieces for a wedding or party by displaying them among vases of flowers. These types of upcycled perfume bottles are also popular on Etsy, with buyers looking for unique and creative items to repurpose for their own crafts or home decor.
Finally, when it comes to shipping your vintage perfume bottles, many shops on Etsy offer free shipping for these items, so be sure to factor that into your pricing. Overall, selling vintage perfume bottles on Etsy can be a great way to reach a global audience of buyers who appreciate unique and creative goods.
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Upcycling bottles for craft stalls
Upcycling bottles is a great way to make some money at craft stalls. Perfume bottles are often too pretty to throw away, so why not give them a new lease of life?
First, you'll need to clean your bottles with soap and water or alcohol. Then, you can get creative! If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making your own perfume to put in the bottles. It's easier than you might think, and there are plenty of recipes and tutorials online. You could also fill the bottles with coloured sand, shells, beads, or small flowers.
For a simple yet effective craft, try decorating the bottles with paint, paper cut-outs, or glitter. You could even turn them into unique vases, candle holders, or oil dispensers. If you're feeling really creative, you could cut and reshape the bottles to make planters or a garden art installation.
If you don't want to sell your upcycled bottles at a craft stall, you could also try selling them online through sites like Etsy, eBay, or Craigslist. You can also sell them at antique malls, flea markets, or collectors' markets. However, be aware that some brands, like Chanel, may claim copyright if you decorate and sell their bottles.
With a bit of creativity and some hard work, you can turn your old perfume bottles into something truly special that people will love!
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Selling at auction
Selling old perfume bottles at auction can be a great way to get a good price for your items. There are a few things to keep in mind when selling at auction:
Research the Value of Your Perfume Bottles
Before putting your old perfume bottles up for auction, it's important to do your research and understand their value. This will help you set a realistic reserve price and manage your expectations for the auction. You can research the value of your perfume bottles by consulting price guides, past auction records, and specialist websites. Additionally, consider getting an appraisal from a reputable dealer or appraiser, especially if you believe your bottle may be a valuable antique.
Choose the Right Auction House
Selecting the right auction house is crucial for maximizing the selling potential of your old perfume bottles. Larger, regional auction houses that specialize in antiques and have a wide reach tend to attract more buyers, increasing the chances of your items selling for a good price. Avoid local auction companies, as they may not have the same level of expertise or reach as regional or specialized auction houses.
Prepare Your Items
Present your old perfume bottles in the best possible light by cleaning them gently and ensuring they are free of any residue or damage. Consider taking high-quality photographs from multiple angles to showcase the items' conditions and highlight any unique or distinctive features. If your perfume bottles are antiques or have notable designers, be sure to mention these details in the auction listing.
Timing and Scarcity
The timing of your auction can impact its success. Consider choosing an auction date that aligns with significant events or anniversaries related to perfume or art. Additionally, if your perfume bottle is rare or unique, this can drive up its value. Look for markings or signatures that indicate the designer or origin of the bottle, as these can be selling points.
Online vs. Offline Auctions
You can choose to sell your old perfume bottles through online or offline auctions. Online auction sites like eBay, Ruby Lane, and Etsy offer a wide reach and are generally more accessible for beginners. However, offline auctions at established auction houses can attract serious collectors and may be more suitable for high-end or antique perfume bottles.
Understand the Auction Process
Familiarize yourself with the auction process, including any fees, commissions, and payment methods involved. Auction houses typically charge a seller's commission, which can vary, so be sure to clarify these details beforehand. Additionally, understand the bidding process, whether it's an open outcry or sealed-bid auction, and any specific rules or procedures the auction house may have.
By following these steps and choosing the right auction platform, you can successfully sell your old perfume bottles and potentially attract serious collectors or enthusiasts.
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$13.99
Selling to antique malls and dealers
Direct-to-dealer sales
You can sell your old perfume bottles directly to antique dealers, especially if they are middle-tier items. Research dealers in your area who specialise in perfume bottles or vanity items. You can put together a flyer listing the items you have for sale, with photos and descriptions of their condition, and their retail or insurance valuation. Ask antique mall owners if they would be willing to distribute your flyer to dealers in the area.
Rent a showcase at an antique mall
Another option is to rent a showcase at your local antique mall. This is a good option if you want to sell your items yourself. Antique malls advertise to a wider market with flyers and notices to collectors, so you'll be reaching a larger pool of potential buyers.
Regional auction houses
Auctioning your old perfume bottles is a good option, but it's important to choose the right type of auction house. Regional auction houses are better than local ones because they advertise more widely and attract more buyers. It's also important to choose an auction house that specialises in the items you're selling, as they will have a list of clients who are specifically interested in perfume bottles and vanity items.
Get an appraisal
Before you sell, it's a good idea to get an appraisal of your bottle to understand its value. While the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA) does not offer appraisals, they have a list of reputable dealers and appraisers who can help you determine the value of your bottle.
Presentation is key
Finally, when selling to antique malls and dealers, remember that presentation is key. Ensure your perfume bottles are clean and present them in a way that showcases their beauty and uniqueness.
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Selling to collectors and crafters online
Find the Right Platform
Popular online auction sites like eBay, uBid, and Ruby Lane are great options for selling rare and ornate perfume bottles. Etsy is another excellent choice, especially if you have a large collection of bottles to offer. Etsy is a handmade and vintage marketplace that attracts buyers looking for unique bottles to repurpose or collect. To sell on Etsy, you typically need to create a virtual shop where buyers can browse your offerings.
Present Your Bottles Attractively
Clean your perfume bottles with soap and water or rinse them with alcohol to remove any residue. Consider transforming them into beautiful decorations by filling them with broken jewellery, beads, coloured sand, or shells. You can also make your own perfume and package it in the old bottles, or simply use them to store alcohol or essential oils. Present your bottles with attractive photography and detailed descriptions to increase their appeal.
Price Your Bottles Competitively
Research the value of your perfume bottles by browsing auction catalogues and websites like the International Perfume Bottle Association. Set a competitive starting price for your bottles to entice potential buyers. Keep in mind that rare and antique bottles can fetch higher prices at auctions, while you may sell more common bottles for a few pounds or dollars.
Connect with Buyers
Utilize online marketplaces like Craigslist or Freecycle to connect with local buyers. When creating postings, avoid including personal information such as your phone number or email address. Reputable marketplaces provide built-in messaging systems that protect your privacy. You can also attend online events like the IPBA Annual Convention, which features a Collector's Market where you can exhibit and sell your bottles.
By following these tips, you can successfully sell your old perfume bottles to collectors and crafters online, finding new homes for these beautiful items while also making a profit.
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Frequently asked questions
You can list your old perfume bottles on popular auction sites such as eBay or uBid. Etsy is another option, especially if you have a lot of bottles to sell. You can also give them away for free on sites like Craigslist or Freecycle.
If you are selling the bottle with the perfume inside, do not pour out the contents unless the buyer instructs you to do so. Many buyers prefer to own bottles that still contain their original scents and haven't been opened. Older perfumes are often sealed with onion skin, viscose, gelatin, wax, or metal, and these sealed bottles generally sell for a higher price. If your bottle is empty, wash it with soap and water or rinse it with alcohol before selling it.
You can sell your old perfume bottles at a craft stall, flea market, collector's market, or auction house. If you have a large collection, you can also contact an estate sale company or consignment shop to sell them on your behalf.
