How to Sell Old Cosplays

Like many cosplayers, I sell my old, retired cosplays to new homes. Here are some tips and trick how to do just that, and also some pointers for what to expect.

Wash your cosplay. If you’re selling a used costume, that means someone has worn it. No one wants a stinky con-sweaty costume. Pre-washing a costume increases it value and selling chance. Having a costume be durable and machine-washable is also a good selling point when it comes to writing your ad.
Pick a place to post. Some cosplay sites have forums specifically dedicated to selling cosplays, such as the cosplay .com marketplace. You can also post on personal sites, like facebook.
Write your ad. Be sure to include pictures of the costume, exactly which parts of the outfit are for sale, the size, and your price (be sure to mention whether or not the price includes shipping). Here is where you can sell yourself. Why should someone buy this cosplay over another? Use this section to write about what is so great about your costume. Point out special techniques used, awards won, fancy fabrics and materials used, comfort, size adjustability, washing instructions, etc.
Be honest. If there is a flaw or tear in the costume, make sure to mention it so there is no misunderstanding with the customer later on.
Make sure you actually have the costume. Pre-sale on a costume you are commissioning from someone else and don’t even have yet? Just, NO.
Develop a policy. Don’t want to do trades, holds, or refunds? Make sure to mention this in the ad.
Decide payments. Personally, I recommend using paypal because it provides a record of transactions.
Haters gonna hate. Not everyone may agree with the price you post. Their comments are often food for thought; however you are not obligated to respond. If they think the price is too high, they can spend their money elsewhere.
That being said, there really isn’t much profit in selling cosplays. Don’t expect some quick big bucks from selling off your old costumes.
Things take time. Odds are your costume is not going to sell right away. I have had costumes sit on the “for sale” forums for six months before they were sold.
Not everyone wants to buy. It is fairly common for people to message asking something about a costume only to disappear and never be heard from again. Be polite and courteous to potential buyers, but don’t get your hopes up too quickly.
Wait for full payment. Just because a buyer says “consider it sold” doesn’t mean that’s the case. Things happen: people have something come up, have to wait for payday, etc. And that’s okay. Just don’t ship the cosplay until you have received all of the payment.
Ship with tracking. A tracking number is beneficial for both you and the buyer. It lets you know when a package has been delivered and it give the buyer proof that that item has shipped. Not all buyers will let you know when they have received a package, so for your own peace of mind this is a must.

I don't mind selling my old costumes, I'd prefer they be used instead of gathering dust in my closet. (Photo by MindFall Media)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to learn more about cosplay sewing? Check out my e-book: (currently available in Kindle format, though can be read on other devices through the free Kindle app).