thirteen Locations to Promote Empty Fragrance Bottles for Money (Sure, Individuals Purchase Them)

I’m talking anywhere from $3 to $40 per bottle, depending on the brand, size, and whether you kept the cap or box.

It’s one of those random side hustles that flies under the radar, but once you see what people are paying for simple empties from brands like Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, and even some Bath & Body Works scents, it kind of makes you look at your bathroom shelf differently.

Instead of trash, these little glass bottles can turn into quick cash, and it’s way easier than selling clothes or electronics.

It’s one of the most surprising items on our list of things you can sell to make money.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to sell empty perfume bottles for the most Income, how to identify which ones are actually valuable, and most importantly how to ship fragile glass without losing your profit to breakage.

TL;DR — Quick List of Buyers

If you just want the fast version, here’s a quick cheat sheet showing the best places to sell empty perfume bottles and what each one is good for.

How Much Are Empty Perfume Bottles Worth?

The value of an empty perfume bottle might surprise you.

It depends on the brand, size, and rarity.

I looked at a lot of completed eBay listings for empty perfume bottles.

Here is what you can expect:

• Designer mini bottles: $2–$8 each
• Full-size designer bottles (Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford): $5–$40 each
• Rare or discontinued bottles: $20–$60+ each
• Lots of 5–10 bottles: $15–$50 per lot

As you can see, even small or “used” bottles can have real resale value, especially if they’re designer or rare.

Checking completed listings like these is one of the easiest ways to gauge what you can expect when you sell your own bottles.

Best Places to Sell Empty Perfume Bottles Online

Now that you know roughly how much your bottles are worth, let’s talk about where to sell them.

Some platforms are better for collectors, others for local quick sales, and some are perfect for bulk lots.

Here are the best places to sell your empty perfume bottles for cash:

1. eBay

Obviously  eBay is still a top place for selling almost anything, and empty perfume bottles are no exception.

It’s great for designer brands, rare minis, and discontinued bottles.

You can reach buyers worldwide, and listings with detailed photos and brand information tend to sell fastest.

Payout is via PayPal.

Pro-Tip: If you have common bottles (like Britney Spears or celebrity scents), don’t sell them individually. The shipping will eat your profit. Instead, group them into a “Lot of 10” and sell them in bulk to crafters.

2. Etsy

Etsy is perfect if you have vintage or decorative bottles.

Collectors and DIY crafters often browse Etsy for unique pieces.

Listings with clear photos, measurements, and a story behind the bottle perform best.

Cashouts are via PayPal or direct bank deposit.

3. Mercari

Mercari is a simple app for selling mid-tier or everyday designer bottles.

It’s easy to list, has a built-in audience, and handles shipping labels for you.

Cashout is direct to your bank account.

For tips on getting started, check out my full Mercari app review.

4. Depop

Depop is a mobile marketplace popular with younger buyers who love quirky, vintage, or collectible items.

Designer minis and unique bottles can sell quickly here, and it’s great for creating a curated “bottle shop” vibe.

Payment is handled through the app.

5. Poshmark

Poshmark isn’t just for clothes. People also buy beauty items and collectible bottles.

Listing is straightforward, and the app pushes your products to interested buyers automatically.

Cashout is via direct deposit or PayPal.

6. Shopify or Etsy Shopfront

If you want to go full pro, you can create a small Shopify or Etsy shop specifically for collectible or decorative perfume bottles.

This works best if you have rare items or curated lots, and it can attract repeat buyers.

Sell Empty Perfume Bottles on Social Media

You can also sell your empty bottles on social media.

Here are a few ways to do it:

7. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace works well for local sales and bulk lots.

It’s especially handy if you want fast cash without shipping.

You can negotiate directly with buyers.

Payments are typically cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

8. Instagram Marketplace / DM Sales

Instagram can be surprisingly effective for selling collectibles.

Post high-quality photos of your bottles with hashtags like #perfumecollection, #vintageperfume, or #emptyprettybottles.

Buyers often DM you directly and pay via PayPal or Venmo.

9. Specialty Collectors Groups

If you think you have something truly rare (like a bottle from the 1920s or a limited edition Lalique crystal flacon), don’t just throw it on eBay.

Go to the experts!

Groups like the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA) or specialized Facebook groups for “Vintage Perfume Bottle Collectors” are where the serious Income is.

Search for groups using terms like “perfume collectors,” “vintage perfume,” or “empty perfume bottles for sale.”

You can often get a valuation or find a high-end buyer directly.

Where to Sell Empty Perfume Bottles Near Me

Shipping glass is scary. If you are nervous about your bottle breaking in the mail, you can sell your bottles locally.

But how do you find people who buy empty perfume bottles near you?

Hears’ how:

10. Local Perfume Refill Shops

Some stores buy empties to reuse or for display purposes.

Call around your local perfume shops or refill stations to see if they purchase empty bottles.

Payout is typically cash per bottle.

11. Craigslist

Craigslist is another option for local sellers, especially if you have bulk lots.

It’s a no-frills platform, so you can negotiate quickly and get cash in hand.

12. Flea Markets / Yard Sales

If you have a lot of bottles and want a fast sale, consider a yard sale or flea market booth.

Buyers here are casual shoppers looking for deals.

Prices are usually lower, but it’s quick cash and clears clutter.

13. Glass Recycling Centers

If your bottles aren’t branded or valuable, can you just recycle them for cash?

Generally, no. Most curbside recycling programs accept glass, but they don’t pay you for it.

However, if you live in one of the 10 “Bottle Bill” states (like California or Michigan), you might get a 5-10 cent redemption value, but typically these laws only apply to beverage containers, not cosmetic glass.

Check your local laws, but don’t bank on this making you rich.

How to Spot Valuable Perfume Bottles: What Collectors Are Looking For

Not all empty perfume bottles are created equal.

While a standard empty bottle might fetch a few dollars, certain traits can multiply the price by 10x or more.

Here is exactly what professional collectors and buyers are hunting for.

The Key Value Factors

• Brand Name: This is the biggest driver. Designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and Tom Ford generally sell for more, even when completely empty.
• Vintage Glass: Modern, mass-produced glass is less valuable. Collectors prize Depression glass, hand-blown crystal, or intricate Art Deco designs from the early 20th century, regardless of the label.
• Completeness: An empty bottle is worth significantly more if you still have the original box and cap. Even a simple plastic cap can boost your selling price.
• Rarity: Limited editions, discontinued seasonal scents, or bottles with unique shapes are highly sought after by both collectors and decorators.

The “Hidden Gems” to Watch Out For

There are two specific types of bottles that are often worth a surprisingly high amount:

• The “Factice” Bottle: Have you ever seen those giant, oversized perfume bottles in a department store window? Those are called “Factice” bottles. They aren’t filled with real perfume (it’s usually colored water), but because they were made for advertising display and never sold to the public, finding one can mean a big payday.
• The “Partial” Bottle: Normally, you’d think empty is best. But for vintage scents, a bottle with a few drops of the original liquid left can actually be worth more. Regulations have banned certain ingredients (like oakmoss) over time, so enthusiasts will pay a premium just to smell the original formula.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you decide which bottles to sell individually, which to bundle, and which might be better kept for personal collection or resale later when demand increases.

How to Prep Perfume Bottles Before Selling

Prepping your empty perfume bottles properly can make a big difference in how much you get for them.

Buyers pay more for bottles that look clean and collectible.

Here’s a simple checklist to get your bottles ready:

• Remove leftover liquid: Make sure the bottle is completely empty. Any remaining perfume can leak or make the bottle smell off, which turns buyers away.
• Rinse with isopropyl alcohol: Give the inside a quick rinse with rubbing alcohol to remove residue. Let it dry completely before selling.
• Remove dust and residue from the atomizer: Use a soft cloth or cotton swab to wipe down spray nozzles, caps, and bottles. Presentation matters.
• Keep original box and caps if possible: Bottles with original packaging sell for significantly more, especially for collector and designer brands.
• Photograph on a white background with natural light: Clear, bright photos help your listing stand out. Take multiple angles, including close-ups of labels and details.

Following these simple steps can increase your chances of selling quickly and getting top dollar for your empty perfume bottles.

How to Write a Listing That Sells

Once your bottles are clean and ready, the next step is creating a listing that actually grabs buyers’ attention.

A good listing isn’t just about stating the brand, it tells a story, highlights condition, and shows why your bottle is worth buying.

Sample Listing Description

Here’s an example listing description you could use:

“Selling a gently used Chanel No. 5 mini empty perfume bottle (7ml). Perfect for collectors or DIY projects. Bottle is clean, all labels intact, and comes with the original cap. Display or reuse — this classic design never goes out of style!”

Must-Have Photos

People want to see what they are buying. So make sue to take a few pictures.

• Front view of the bottle: Make sure the label is clearly visible.
• Close-up of cap and nozzle: Shows condition and attention to detail.
• Full shot with original box (if available): Buyers love seeing packaging, it increases trust and value.

Pro tip: Use natural light, a plain background (white works best), and take multiple angles. Listings with high-quality photos consistently sell faster and for higher prices.

The Expert Guide to Shipping Glass (Don’t Lose Your Profit)

There is nothing worse than selling a $50 bottle only to have it arrive in pieces.

Shipping glass is an art form, but you can master it with a few simple steps.

The “Float” Method

Your goal is to ensure the bottle never touches the side of the box. Here is the step-by-step process professional sellers use:

1. Wrap the Bottle: Tightly wrap the individual bottle in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Secure it with tape.
2. Prepare the Box: Put a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper at the bottom of a sturdy cardboard box.
3. Float the Item: Place the wrapped bottle in the center, then fill the rest of the empty space tightly with more peanuts or paper.
4. The Shake Test: Before you seal it, shake the box hard. If you hear or feel anything moving inside, add more packing material. It should be completely solid.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on Selling Empty Perfume Bottles

Most people toss empty perfume bottles without a second thought, but as you’ve seen, these little glass treasures can actually be an easy way to make cash.

With a bit of cleaning, smart listing, and the right platform, those bottles sitting on your shelf could turn into quick Income.

Designer minis, rare bottles, or even common empties in bulk all have buyers waiting. So before you throw that next bottle away, think twice,  it might just pay off!

And if you have ever sole empty perfume bottles, I’d love to hear about your experience or any tips you have about selling empty perfume bottles. Leave a comment below.

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