Buyer Info & FAQs

Congratulations on your engagement! To find your perfect gown, just follow the easy instructions below. And if you don't find what you're looking for today, be sure to check back often. Our selection of designer gowns and accessories is always changing.

The Gowns page lets you browse through our current gowns and view a picture, price, designer, and size. When you see a gown you like, click on "View" for detailed information and additional pictures. You can search for a gown more specifically by sorting via size, designer, price or date posted, and if you find the gown you want just inquire with Seller using the "Inquire Now" button.

Questions?   Email us with questions about a specific gown. Be sure to include the gowns reference number in the subject line.
You can contact us any time with questions about your purchase at info@bellancora.com.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the Sellers return policy carefully before purchasing a gown. Return policies are set by individual Sellers. Terms vary.

Send us your feedback and photos
We want to hear your thoughts and comments about our service, and we'd love to have photos of you in your new dress for our online album. Please email us your comments and pictures at info@bellancora.com.



Answers

What size dress should I buy?

Gowns can usually be altered down three sizes or up one size. For example, if you're a size 4, sizes 2-10 can be altered to fit you. If you're a size 10, sizes 8-16 will work. Every wedding gown even one that's already your size should be altered to fit you perfectly. If in doubt, ask your tailor if the dress you want can be altered to fit you.

What does street size mean?

Wedding gowns sizes are different from standard dress sizes (street size). For example, a size 10 wedding gown is usually a street size 6 or 8. Sizes also vary from one designer to the next. We instruct Sellers to list their gowns according to street size rather than the size on the label. This makes it easier for you to find gowns that will fit.

What if the gown has small marks on it?

Most worn once gowns have minor marks along the hemline, but don't worry; usually these marks will not be visible once you are wearing the gown, and if you have the gown hemmed at all, the marks should be completely invisible. Otherwise, small marks are usually hidden by the bustle, the bouquet, your hair, and so on, or they may be unnoticeable when you are wearing the dress. As long as the marks are slight, they shouldn't be a problem, but be sure to ask for specific details from the Seller.

What questions should I ask the Seller?

You should get most of the pertinent information in the listing, but some Sellers are not as detailed as others. We suggest asking for very detailed information about what kind of shape the dress is in, any small pulls or marks, are they noticeable, ask why they are selling the gown, how it has been stored, details on how it was altered, ask for additional photos - close-ups and other angles, etc.

How do I pay for my gown?

You will arrange payment with the Seller. bell'ancora is only a listing service, we do not get involved with your personal transaction. Most transactions should be quite smooth, but please make sure to do your due diligence before sending money to someone (eg. get their home and work phone numbers and email addresses, contact them at work during the day, Google them, consider a COD arrangement, use an escrow account, etc.). Just be smart.

How should I have the gown shipped?

We advise our Sellers and Buyers to use insurance and tracking. We also advise asking the Seller to bag our double bag the dress, just in case the box is left in the rain or the carrier spills something on it.

What if I don't like my gown once I've received it? Or what if I just change my mind?

We hope you will be thrilled with your purchase, but there are certainly times when it just doesn't work out. You may be able to return the gown but it will depend on the return policy of the individual Seller. Please be sure to read the return policy for each gown very carefully before making a purchase as the return policies are set by the individual Sellers, not by bell'ancora, and they may vary. If your Sellers policy allows for returns please follow their instructions and you should be refunded accordingly. Some Sellers specify return fees to discourage frivolous purchases. Such fees should be minimal. Again, read the Sellers return policy carefully.

Do you sell or share personal information?

Absolutely not. We guard our customers' personal information carefully, and we do not sell or share email addresses or any other private information for any reason whatsoever. The information we ask from you is for our use only, to respond to any inquiries you may have and to ensure prompt, high quality service.



Seller Info and FAQs

You paid a small fortune for your designer wedding gown, and now it's just sitting in a closet. Why not recoup some of your money and make another bride's day, by selling your gown at bell'ancora?

We list gowns in excellent condition

bell'ancora strives to provide our Buyers with an outstanding selection of fashionable designer gowns. Keeping in mind that newer gowns sell much better than older ones, we do not recommend listing gowns that are more than four years old.

How to sell your gown

Listing your gown on our site is easy. Just click on "My Account," create an account, fill out the "Gown Listing Form", upload the required digital photos, and pay for your listing through Google Checkout. Once the transaction is completed, you will be returned to your account where you will see your new listing in a few moments. You will be contacted directly by potential Buyers and can arrange the transaction at that time.

Pressing your gown is unnecessary - it will become wrinkled during shipping and alterations anyway. However, we do recommend having your gown professionally cleaned before listing it for sale.

Once you sell your gown please go into your account and delete the listing - we don't want any future brides falling in love with it only to find it has been sold. Thanks!



Answers

Why is bell'ancora a better way to sell my wedding gown than eBay or other Web sites?

bell'ancora is easy and quick, cheaper than many other Web sites out there, and you can list your gown for six months, unlike other classified advertising and auction sites, including eBay, where listings expire and you have to pay again to re-list your item. We also specifically target our advertising so your gown should sell quickly!

What does "street size” mean?

Wedding gowns sizes are different from standard dress sizes ("street size"). For example, a size 10 wedding gown is usually a "street size" 6 or 8. Sizes also vary from one designer to the next. We ask you to list your gown according to its "street size" rather than the size on the label. This makes it easier for the right Buyer to find your gown.

How should I pack the gown?

Since every gown is different – skirt size, presence of intricate beading, large bows, etc. – we leave this to your best judgment. However, we do recommend packing it in a plastic outer layer (maybe even two bags – in case the carrier leaves the package in the rain or something spills on it) and then in a box, for optimum protection. You may fold the gown. Wrinkles are inevitable, and the Buyer will have it pressed after alterations anyway, but be very careful with the gown – you know how important it was to you.

How should I ship the gown? What should I charge for shipping?

The shipping method is up to you. We do recommend tracking, insurance, and signature required upon delivery. Be sure to research these costs and factor them into the shipping charges you list on your Seller Form. Prices vary, and you should check with your shipper, but the following approximate costs are useful as general guidelines:

U.S. Mail *
$1.90 - signature delivery confirmation
$11.75 - insurance on $1,000
$22.25 - insurance on $2,000
$32.75 - insurance on $3,000
$14.80 - Priority Mail (2 days) for a 7lb. package from San Francisco to Chicago or New York.
* If you insure the package there is no need for tracking.

UPS **
$2.25 - signature delivery confirmation
$5.00 - insurance on $1,000
$10.00 - insurance on $2,000
$15.00 - insurance on $3,000
$10.40 - UPS Ground (5 days) for a 7lb. package from San Francisco to New York.
$26.78 - UPS 3-Day Select (3 days) for a 7lb. package from San Francisco to New York.
** Tracking is free.

How much does it cost to list my gown with bell'ancora?

We have a set listing fee - we do not take a commission or have any hidden fees. Please see our "Sell a Gown" page for the current listing fee.

Do you sell or share personal information?

Absolutely not. We guard our customers' personal information carefully, and we do not sell or share email addresses or any other private information for any reason whatsoever. The information we ask from you is for our use only, to ensure prompt, high quality service.