11 Best Places To Sell Empty Perfume Bottles for Cash

Could you sell your empty perfume bottles? I know it may sound absurd. The truth is that you can actually sell your empty perfume bottles for cash.

What do you do with your empty perfume bottles? Like most people, you probably toss your empty perfume bottles without thinking twice.

I used to do the same until I discovered an entire marketplace of collectors, crafters, and perfume refillers who actually buy empty perfume bottles.

It’s one of those side hustles that people often overlook or don’t consider worthwhile. Once you find out what people are paying for simple empties from brands like Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, and even some Bath & Body Works scents, you can’t ignore it.

Instead of throwing these empty perfume bottles, you can make some extra money by selling them. In this article, I’ll show you where to sell empty perfume bottles for the most money.

Who Buys Empty Perfume Bottles?

Wondering who is interested in buying empty perfume bottles? While it might seem like trash, empty perfume bottles—especially designer, vintage, or rare ones—have surprisingly active buyers in the market.

Buyers typically fall into one of four categories:

1. Collectors

Some people love to collect high-end or older bottles. They are looking for:

• Vintage/Antique Bottles: Bottles from the early 20th century or older can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• “Factice” Bottles: These are non-spraying display bottles used in department stores. They are highly sought for home decor.
• Limited Editions: Bottles from brands like Guerlain, Chanel, or Dior that were part of a special run or have unique artistry.

2. Crafters and Upcyclers

Artists and DIY enthusiasts buy empty bottles to turn them into something else:

• Home Decor: Artists repurposed empty perfume bottles into bud vases, reed diffusers, or even small lamps/chandeliers.
• Vanity Displays: Beautiful empty perfume bottles can be used for styling your bathroom vanity without the high cost of the actual fragrance.

3. Decanters & Small Businesses

Decanters (small travel-sized samples of expensive perfumes) often buy high-quality empty glass bottles to use for their business.

While they buy new wholesale bottles, they may buy luxury empties to offer a “premium” sample experience.

How Much Are Empty Perfume Bottles Worth?

The value of empty perfume bottles ranges from a few dollars for modern “trash” to over $100,000 for museum-quality antiques.

It depends on the brand, size, and rarity.

Here is a breakdown of what determines the price and what is currently trending in the collector’s market.

What Makes a Bottle Valuable?

Here are some factors that determine the value of your empty perfume bottles:

• The Material: Heavy crystal fetched the highest value compared to a glass bottle. Look for “Baccarat” or “Lalique” etched on the bottom.
• The Stopper: If it is glass (not plastic) and fits perfectly, it’s likely an older or higher-quality piece.
• The Box: The original “presentation box” can double or triple the value of a vintage bottle.
• Condition: Tiny chips in the glass can drop the value by 50-70%.

Where To Sell Empty Perfume Bottles

Now you know who buys empty perfume bottles and how much they are worth. It’s time to talk about the best places to sell empty perfume bottles.

Some places are better for collectors and others for local quick sales.

Here are some of the best places to sell empty perfume bottles for cash.

1. eBay

eBay is one of the best places to sell antiques and collectibles. You’ll be surprised to know that selling empty perfume bottles on eBay is an active niche market.

You can sell high-end designer empties or vintage glass “flacons” to collectors, DIY crafters, and people who want to display luxury bottles on their vanity without the full-bottle price tag.

One of the biggest benefits of eBay is that you can reach to millions of buyers worldwide. It means the selling potential is higher.

eBay prohibits selling used cosmetics. If you list empty bottles in Health & Beauty > Fragrances, they will almost certainly be flagged as “Used Cosmetics.”

2. Etsy

Etsy is another marketplace for selling empty perfume bottles. However, it’s not a general marketplace like eBay; every item must be handmade, vintage (at least 20 years old), or a craft supply.

Still, selling empty perfume bottles on Etsy is a popular niche, but success depends on how you categorize them.

If your empty perfume bottles fall under vintage collectibles, craft supplies, or handmade, you can sell them on Etsy.

3. Mercari

Mercari is a simple selling app where you can sell your empty perfume bottles for cash. It has a built-in audience and handles shipping labels for you.

Like eBay, it bans “used cosmetics,” and sometimes its AI flags partially used perfumes or “empty” bottles as used cosmetics.

The solution is to list them under Collectibles > Hobbies > Glass or Beauty > Fragrance, and clearly state in the Title and First Sentence of the description that the bottle is 100% empty.

4. Poshmark

Poshmark is known for buying and selling clothes. It’s also popular for beauty and collectible items.

While perfume is technically a prohibited item on Poshmark because it contains alcohol, empty bottles are allowed.

The selling process is straightforward—create a listing and share it with your followers. You can use Poshmark’s label to ship and cash out as soon as the order is complete.

Sell Empty Perfume Bottles on Social Media

Social media can be a great option to sell empty perfume bottles. As you might know, social media platforms have a huge number of users. You can reach to millions of buyers easily.

Here are some of the best social media platforms to sell empty perfume bottles.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is the best platform for local sales and bulk lots. It’s a great option if you want fast cash without shipping hassle.

You can directly communicate with potential buyers. You can list your empty perfume bottle for free.

6. Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. It can be surprisingly effective for selling collectibles.

You can post high-quality photos of your empty perfume bottles with hashtags like #perfumecollection, #vintageperfume, or #emptybottles.

Potential buyers can DM you directly. You can communicate with the buyers and negotiate the price.

7. Specialty Collector Groups

If you believe you have a rare perfume bottle, don’t use a general marketplace like eBay to sell it. Instead, go to experts who can tell you the exact value of your item.

The International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA) is the world’s foremost organization dedicated to the education, promotion, and preservation of perfume bottles and related vanity items. You can use this platform to obtain the right information, enabling you to identify, insure, sell, or simply appreciate your bottle.

You can sell your vintage perfume bottles on Facebook groups dedicated to collectors. Search for groups using terms like “perfume collectors,” “vintage perfume,” or “empty perfume bottles for sale.”

Where to Sell Empty Perfume Bottles Near Me

If you want fast money or don’t want the shipping hassle, you can sell your empty perfume bottles locally.

8. Local Perfume Refill Shops

Perfume refill shops buy empties to reuse or for display purposes. You can call around local shops to see if they purchase empty bottles.

9. Craigslist

Craigslist is a classified ad site where you can sell used stuff locally, including empty perfume bottles. It’s a great choice if you have bulk lots.

10. Flea Markets

You can set up a booth at flea markets if you have a lot of bottles and want a fast sale. Empty perfume bottles can sell as collectibles, decor, or craft supplies. Buyers are casual shoppers looking for deals.

11. Yard Sales

You can set up a yard sale in your backyard to sell empty bottles along with other stuff to your neighbors. You can promote your yard sale on social media platforms like Facebook to attract local buyers.

How to Prepare Empty Perfume Bottles Before Selling

Preparing empty perfume bottles for sale is essential to fetch the highest possible price. You need to display your items properly for collectors, DIY crafters, and “decant” enthusiasts.

Your preparation will vary depending on whether you are selling to a collector (who wants the bottle’s original look) or a crafter (who wants a clean vessel).

1. Deep Cleaning the Interior

If the buyer intends to refill the bottle, it must be completely scent-free.

• The Rice & Soap Trick: Fill the bottle about 1/4 full with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Add a teaspoon of uncooked rice. Then shake the bottle vigorously; the rice acts as a gentle abrasive to scrub the glass without scratching it.

• Vinegar for Mineral Deposits: If there is “cloudiness” or hard water spots inside, fill the bottle with white vinegar. Then let it sit for an hour before rinsing.

• The Final Rinse: Use distilled water to prevent new mineral spots from forming as it dries.

2. Removing Lingering Odors

Simple washing often isn’t enough to remove lingering odors caused by perfume oils.

• The Alcohol Soak: Fill the bottle with 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. It is a solvent that breaks down the essential oils responsible for the scent. Let it sit for 24 hours.

• Baking Soda: For stubborn scents, a mixture of baking soda and water can help neutralize odors. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly.

3. Cleaning the Atomizer (Sprayer)

The pump usually holds the scent for a long time.

• Flush the System: You can use rubbing alcohol to remove the old scent. Fill a small container with rubbing alcohol and “spray” it through the atomizer until the mist no longer smells like the original perfume.

• Exterior Polish: Use a microfiber cloth dipped in a bit of alcohol to polish the metal or plastic nozzle and the “collar” of the bottle.

4. Handling Labels and Aesthetics

This step depends on whether you’re selling to collectors or crafters.

• For Collectors: Don’t remove the labels, as collectors want the original branding intact. Clean around them carefully with a dry or slightly damp Q-tip.

• For Crafters/DIY: If the bottle is being sold as a generic decorative piece, you can remove the labels. For that, soak the exterior in warm soapy water or use a residue remover like Goo Gone.

5. Listing for Sale

Your product presentation matters to get the best price on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Mercari.

• Photography: You need to take high-quality photos of your product. Shoot against a plain, neutral background (such as white or light grey). Use natural lighting to show its clarity.

• Description: Be honest with your bottle information. Clearly state:
  • Brand and Scent Name
  • Bottle Size (e.g., 50ml, 100ml)
  • Condition: Note any chips in the glass, scratches on the cap, or whether the sprayer still functions properly.

6. Safe Shipping

As you know, glass bottles are fragile and can be “decapitated” if the heavy cap hits the neck during transit.

• The “Double-Wrap”: First, wrap the bottle in tissue paper (to protect the label/glass) and then at least 3 layers of bubble wrap.

• The Shake Test: Once packed in a box with crumpled paper, shake it. If you feel movement, add more padding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions about selling empty perfume bottles for cash.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it’s possible to sell empty perfume bottles. With the right approach, you can turn your junk into cash.

Not all empty perfume bottles are of equal value. You can fetch the highest money for collectibles or vintage bottles. On the other hand, ordinary bottles are worth a few dollars.

What do you think about selling empty perfume bottles? Let me know in the comments.

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