Should I Run a Sample Sale or Liquidate My Bridal Gowns?

When it’s time to clear inventory, bridal store owners often weigh two options: host a sample sale or sell in bulk to a liquidation buyer. Both paths have pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your timeline, resources, and goals.

Sample sales can draw new budget conscious brides and offer higher prices per gown—but they also take time, staff, marketing budget, and space. And when the event is over, you may still have dozens of unsold gowns to deal with. On the other hand, liquidating your dresses in bulk provides upfront payment, requires no event planning, and removes large quantities at once.

If you're short on time or need to clear inventory fast—say, before a move or a new collection arrives—liquidation is often the better route. If you want to turn your clearance into a brand-building event and don’t mind the effort, a sample sale could work. Either way, the key is to make a decision and act before those gowns lose more value.

If liquidating your bridal gowns is the right move for your business, we’d love to help! Contact us today to sell your dresses in 3 easy steps.