Stupid WWYD about selling dress - cleaning?

[Deleted]

So I listed a bridesmaid's dress on ebay last night, and to my surprise it sold today. I had intended to have it cleaned before sending it, but I was skeptical it would sell at all, let alone within 12 hours. I have not cleaned it yet and now I have to send it within 3 business days.

Does anyone know how quickly a dress can usually be cleaned? And about how much it typically costs? I am in a training seminar all day tomorrow and then it is the weekend and I'm out of town, so this is really bad timing for doing research. Google isn't really helping me.

If it sounds like it will take a long time, I may just febreeze it and spot clean it and send it It will likely be a wrinkled mess and need to be dealt with when it arrives, yes? Maybe I can give a small refund to cover the cost of cleaning?

PS: I'm a terrible ebay seller.

[heygrey]

How dirty is it? As a buyer, I'd clean upon receiving it, so your effort would be wasted.

I'd opt for spot cleaning, if its not too bad.

[Deleted]

Did you say it was cleaned? Maybe I'm a bad person, but if it doesn't look dirty I'd probably send it anyway and assume that the person who bought it will get it cleaned. I would always assume that something that I bought used needed to be cleaned.

I'd maybe steam or iron it though.

[Deleted]

It doesn't look dirty at all, but I danced all night at the wedding so I have to assume it could use a cleaning. I don't think it stinks or anything but I have a cold so....lol.

Maybe I'll try and drop it off tomorrow and pick it up Monday. Monday would be the 3rd business day. Any guesses how much cleaning costs? I have a rule against buying clothes that need dry cleaning under normal circumstances so I have never taken anything to the cleaners!

[heygrey]

I paid $19 for a dress to be dry cleaned. I'm told that's typical here, but idk about Iowa.

[Deleted]

Oct 11, 2012 21:52:45 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

It doesn't look dirty at all, but I danced all night at the wedding so I have to assume it could use a cleaning. I don't think it stinks or anything but I have a cold so....lol.

Maybe I'll try and drop it off tomorrow and pick it up Monday. Monday would be the 3rd business day. Any guesses how much cleaning costs? I have a rule against buying clothes that need dry cleaning under normal circumstances so I have never taken anything to the cleaners!

It totally depends on the dress and cost of living. I'd just send it, honestly. The buyer will very likely clean it anyway. If I was your buyer and I got your dress in an undrycleaned state, that's exactly what I would expect, and I would clean it either way. You are not a bad seller if you don't do so.

[Deleted]

If you didn't say it was cleaned, I wouldn't worry about it.

[kaylie]

What condition did you select on Ebay? Some of of them indicate that items designated as being in that condition are considered "cleaned"? I don't use Ebay that often, but I wouldn't risk a negative rating for it.

[Pilsy]

Does is have any embellishments on it? If so, it's going to be pricey.

Febreeze (from a safe distance if the material might show a water stain!) and send, my friend.

All kidding aside, if you did not explicitly say you had it cleaned, I can't imagine any buyer assuming you did. As the buyer, I would have it cleaned. And if she asks, then go the route of refunding that amount.

Can I be the jerk who asks how much you got for it? I'd love to unload a couple dresses!

[newgirl1]

I would probably get some Dryel and toss it in the dryer at home. That will make it smell more fresh. Depending on the fabric, Fabreze could leave spots.

[aurora]

If I bought a used dress on Ebay, I would clean it myself before wearing it even if the seller said she had cleaned it, so I think you're fine. Heck, I clean my new clothes before wearing them most of the time (not dry clean, but everything that is machine washable).

[dragonfly08]

I agree...unless it's visibly dirty, I wouldn't bother. As a buyer I know I'd clean it myself anyway just to feel comfortable. If it's a little less than fresh some Febreze or Dryel ought to be enough, and maybe pack it with a nice smelling dryer sheet or sachet so it arrives smelling pretty (but nothing *too* strong!).

ETA - this assumes you didn't advertise it as being cleaned. In that case, yeah you need to do it. If it can't be back in time, maybe email the buyer and offer to either send it ASAP after cleaning even if it's a day or two late, or give a credit for sending it immediately without.

[Deleted]

Oct 12, 2012 6:39:48 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Does is have any embellishments on it? If so, it's going to be pricey.

Febreeze (from a safe distance if the material might show a water stain!) and send, my friend.

All kidding aside, if you did not explicitly say you had it cleaned, I can't imagine any buyer assuming you did. As the buyer, I would have it cleaned. And if she asks, then go the route of refunding that amount.

Can I be the jerk who asks how much you got for it? I'd love to unload a couple dresses!

I listed it for $60 with free shipping. I think I under priced it - I didn't realize it was recently discontinued and the buyer indicated she needed it for a "replacement" bridesmaid and can't buy it in the store. I probably could have gotten a higher price for it in that case! Other colors of the same dress are $99 new so I was afraid $60 would be too much originally!

I listed my other recent bridesmaid dress for $75 with free shipping, hasn't sold yet but it hasn't even been 48 hours. It is $149 new.