Lance Carson
Selling used perfume bottles can be a tricky business. If you're looking to sell a batch of used perfume bottles, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to determine the value of your bottles, as some rare or vintage bottles can fetch a pretty penny. Factors such as the age, maker, and design of the bottle can influence its value. Once you've assessed the quality of your collection, you can explore various platforms and methods for selling. Online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Mercari are popular choices, while consignment shops, auctions, and direct-to-dealer sales are also viable options. Additionally, upcycling your bottles or creating homemade perfumes can add a unique twist to your sales pitch at craft stalls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online | Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, eBay, Reddit Fragrance Swap, International Perfume Bottle Association |
| In-person | Regional auction houses, estate sales, consignment shops, craft stalls, antique malls, flea markets, collectors markets |
| Preparation | Wash bottles with soap and water or rinse with alcohol, package securely with lots of padding |
| Considerations | Batch codes, bottle design, brand, year and month of production, bottle manufacturer markings |
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What You'll Learn
Selling vintage perfume bottles at auction houses
- Choose the Right Auction House: Look for regional auction houses that specialise in antiques and have a good following. Larger auction houses that advertise widely will attract more buyers, increasing your chances of selling at a good price. Avoid local auction companies, as they may not attract the right buyers and tend to sell items in box-lots, which may not be ideal for individual vintage perfume bottles.
- Research and Timing: Research auction houses that have successfully sold vintage perfume bottles in the past. The Perfume Bottles Auction by Ken Leach, for example, has sold distinctive collections of vintage perfume bottles, including 1920s commercial and Czechoslovakian bottles. Consider the timing of auctions as well; some auction houses hold yearly auctions, so plan your sale accordingly.
- Online Auction Platforms: In addition to traditional auction houses, consider online auction platforms such as Invaluable, which is the world's leading online auction marketplace. Thousands of auction houses use Invaluable to connect with clients worldwide, and you can download their app to stay notified about upcoming auctions.
- Specialty Auctions: Keep an eye out for specialty auctions that focus on perfume bottles and vanity items. For example, the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA) holds auctions during their annual conventions. These auctions attract collectors specifically interested in perfume bottles, increasing your chances of finding the right buyer.
- Auction Considerations: Auctions can be unpredictable, as you cannot guarantee the presence of the right buyers. Before choosing an auction house, understand the potential risks and rewards. Additionally, consider the condition and rarity of your vintage perfume bottles, as these factors will influence their auction value.
- Other Selling Options: If auctions don't suit your needs, consider other selling options such as estate sales, consignment shops, direct-to-dealer sales, or selling items yourself through online platforms like eBay, Ruby Lane, or Etsy. These alternatives provide flexibility and the opportunity to reach a diverse range of buyers.
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Selling to consignment shops
Selling your batch of used perfume bottles to consignment shops is a great option, especially if you have a large collection of middle-tier items.
Firstly, it is important to understand what consignment shops are and how they work. Consignment shops are essentially second-hand stores that sell items on behalf of the original owner. They are in the business of selling, so they will often reduce prices after a certain timeframe if the item does not sell. If the item still does not sell after the price reduction, they may ask you to remove the item from the shop to make room for other consignments.
When choosing a consignment shop, it is beneficial to select one that specializes in the items you are selling. These shops will have a tested clientele who are specifically interested in perfume bottles or similar items. This increases your chances of making a sale.
It is also important to consider the commission that consignment shops will take. Their commission is typically a percentage of gross sales and can average around 35-50%. Some shops may also buy your items outright, so it is worth discussing these options with the shop owner.
To find the right consignment shop, you can search for local companies that advertise "Estate Sales" or "Consignment Shops". These shops will often have a better understanding of pricing and will be more flexible in their services.
Overall, selling your batch of used perfume bottles to consignment shops can be a convenient and successful option, especially if you do your research and choose a shop that specializes in perfume bottles or similar items.
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Selling directly to dealers
To sell directly to dealers, you can put together a flyer listing the items you have for sale at dealer prices. Be sure to ask the relevant people for permission to distribute this flyer, for example, by asking each mall owner if it would be acceptable to distribute a flyer to their antique mall dealers.
You can also find lists of dealers who are interested in purchasing perfume bottles and vanity items, such as the list of IPBA members who are dealers of perfume bottles and vanity items.
If you are a dealer or vendor, you can also look into other selling opportunities with the IPBA (International Perfume Bottle Association). However, note that the Association's staff will not be responsible for items sold, their condition, or their representation.
When selling directly to dealers, it is important to provide detailed information about the perfume bottles you are selling. This includes information about the perfume itself, such as the maker and any relevant batch codes, as well as the condition of the bottle and any unique features or designs that may be of interest to collectors.
Some dealers may specialize in particular types of perfume bottles or vanity items, so it is worth researching the dealers you plan to contact to ensure they are interested in the specific items you are looking to sell.
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Selling at a flea market
However, it's important to be aware of the potential challenges. Firstly, there is a risk of counterfeit fragrances being sold at flea markets, which can undermine the value of authentic perfumes. Buyers may be cautious about purchasing perfumes from unknown sellers due to the prevalence of fakes. To build trust with potential buyers, you can provide samples or allow them to test the perfumes before purchasing.
Another challenge is that flea markets typically attract buyers looking for a variety of items, so someone solely interested in purchasing perfume may be disappointed. To increase your chances of selling, consider offering a variety of related items, such as perfume bottles or other beauty products, alongside your batch of used perfumes.
Additionally, pricing your items competitively is crucial at a flea market. Buyers are often looking for bargains, so pricing your perfumes too high may deter potential customers. Research the market value of your perfumes and be prepared to negotiate on prices.
Lastly, the success of selling at a flea market depends on various factors, such as the location, timing, and target audience. Choose a flea market that specializes in antiques or collectibles if your batch of perfumes includes vintage or unique items. You can also promote your presence at the flea market through social media or local advertising to attract potential buyers specifically interested in perfumes.
By following these strategies, you can effectively sell your batch of used perfume bottles at a flea market, connecting with buyers who appreciate the value and uniqueness of your offerings.
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Selling empty bottles online
Selling empty perfume bottles online can be a great way to make some extra money, especially if you have rare or vintage bottles that collectors may be interested in. Here are some tips and platforms to consider:
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Mercari are popular choices for selling used perfume bottles. Etsy is known for its unique, handmade, and vintage items, and you can find buyers specifically interested in empty perfume bottles for decor or upcycling purposes. Mercari is another online marketplace that has been recommended by buyers and sellers of used perfumes.
- Social Media Platforms: Facebook Marketplace and Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling fragrances can be a good option, especially if you want to sell to local buyers. However, be cautious of potential scams and only meet in safe, public places if you choose to sell in person. Reddit's r/fragrance community also has a Fragrance Swap subreddit where you can buy, sell, or swap fragrances, but be sure to read the rules and do your due diligence to avoid scams.
- Auction Houses: For higher-end or antique perfume bottles, consider auction houses, especially regional auction houses that advertise in antiques publications and have a wider reach. Yearly auctions, such as the Perfume Bottles Auction by Ken Leach, are also an option for top-tier bottles and vanity items.
- Consignment Shops: You can approach consignment shops to sell your empty perfume bottles, but keep in mind that they may reduce prices if the items don't sell within a certain timeframe.
- Direct-to-Dealer Sales: You can also sell directly to antique mall dealers or shops that specialise in perfume bottles and vanity items, such as dealers listed by the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA). Dealers typically pay 30-50% of the retail or insurance valuation.
- Craft Stalls and Homemade Perfumes: If you're creative, you can upcycle empty perfume bottles into decorative items or even make your own homemade perfumes to sell at craft stalls or online. Websites like Sweet Pea Apothecary (Immortal Perfumes) offer guides on creating custom fragrances.
When selling empty perfume bottles, it's important to provide detailed descriptions and clear photos of the items. Look for batch codes, manufacturer's markings, and any unique features that may add value, such as embossing or filigree. Also, be aware of copyright restrictions, as some companies, like Chanel, do not allow the sale of decorated bottles with their branding.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell your used perfumes online on platforms such as Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Fragrance Swap on Reddit, and eBay.
It is recommended to securely package the bottles with lots of padding and ship them via ground to avoid leaking.
Yes, you can sell your batch bottles at a craft stall, flea market, collectors' market, or auction house.
You can increase the value of your perfume bottles by upcycling them. For example, you can make candles inside the bottles or turn them into suncatchers by stringing smaller pieces of glass alongside shells, beads, or broken jewellery.
When selling vintage perfume, it is important to include detailed descriptions and clear photos of the item. Mention the perfume company, look for batch codes, and identify the glass manufacturer's markings, as certain markings will add value to your bottle.
