There’s something extra special about purchasing your first designer bag. I worked hard and saved up for my dream bag, a Givenchy Antigona, about 3 years ago. It was just one of those cool, “I finally made it” moments. Before I purchased the bag, I knew exactly what I wanted – the size, color, and in what price range I was willing to pay. I was never interested in buying my Givenchy at full price. With SO many amazing retailers that specialize in secondhand bags, I knew I could find the bag I wanted for a fraction of the price. Since then, I have always purchased my bags pre-owned and I’ll never go back!
That being said, even a bag that’s purchased secondhand is still an investment. If you’re interested in buying a pre-owned bag, there are a few things you should know before adding something new to your collection! Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way.
#1 Do your research to get the most bang for your buck
There are a lot of popular resellers out there, but depending on your personal shopping preferences, you may feel more comfortable with one over another.
Popular Resellers:
- Fashionphile – I’m VERY partial to FP because my experiences (both selling and buying) with them have all been 10 out of 10. Their selection is large and updated almost every day. They also have physical locations in Cali and NYC!
- The RealReal – This is a very popular website for luxury consignment. You’re required to create an account before accessing the website (only takes a few minutes) but you get a $25 store credit automatically!
- eBay – Believe it or not, eBay is becoming a very popular source for buying and selling pre-loved bags thanks to eBay Authenticate. Experts authenticate, list and sell the bag while the buyer has ease of mind that the bag they’re purchasing is the real deal.
- Vestiaire Collective – I really love this website because you know exactly where your bag is coming from, and it’s nice to have that kind of transparency. The bags are listed by VC but the bag is sold and shipped through the seller. As an added bonus, you can purchase bags from “Expert Sellers” (the equivalent of an Airbnb Super Host) so you know you’re going to have a great buying experience.
- Tradesy – This is more of a traditional buyer to seller experience where you can communicate directly with the seller to ask questions.
Check every website for the bag you want. Compare quality and price, and THEN make your decision. You may find the same bag on 3 websites, but one is the best quality for the price above the other options. I know this sounds tedious, but if you already know what bag you’re looking for, putting in the time and doing a little research will ensure that you’re making a smart purchase!
#2 Make sure it’s authentic and from a credible seller
Many sellers post an explanation of their authenticity process on their website. Others will clearly communicate some kind of guaranteed authenticity message that basically says “everything we sell is authentic or your money back.” Before you start browsing, look for these first. In my opinion, if one of the two aren’t easy to find (either on the homepage or in the header or footer navigation), I wouldn’t bother. When you’re investing in a bag, especially one that’s secondhand and may not come with the original box and/or tags, it’s VERY important to know that the bag is authentic and that the seller isn’t going to take advantage of you.
#3 Choose retailers that are transparent about quality
One of the things I really love about Fashionphile is their quality scale: Good, Very Good, Excellent and New. FP experts inspect each bag to assign quality before it’s posted to their website. I always go for the bags listed as Excellent Quality because I know that means that the bag will look brand new, but I’m buying it for a fraction of the original price.
Most sellers have some kind of quality scale, or at the very least, an explanation of any external and internal wear. Many sellers will post detailed photos of any imperfections on bag, so you’re not left wondering what the bag will really look like once it arrives in the mail. Here’s a tip, most sellers will provide you with more detailed photos if you want them, you just have to ask. If the seller seems hesitant to provide you with better photos, that’s a sign that the seller isn’t credible or that the bag isn’t authentic.
#4 The perks matter!
Many sellers know that beyond the experience of purchasing a bag, including special perks will keep buyers coming back for more… so take advantage of them! Some give special discounts to buyers who sign up for their e-newsletter. Others have layaway programs, buyback guarantees, promotional offers, or special discounts for people who buy AND sell. Look for those and use them because that could mean that you get an even better deal on a bag!
#5 Read the fine print on the return policy and always keep track of your records
You’ve chosen your bag, you’re ready to make your purchase… but FIRST! Don’t forget to read the return policy! Many sellers are very specific when it comes to returns because this isn’t a traditional shopping experience. They’re going to make it a little harder for you to return your pre-owned bag, with good reason. Some may have a strict no return policy. Others may have the “once you cut the tags off it’s yours forever” policy. Some may allow you to return the bag, but you only get store credit in return, or potentially a fraction of what you originally paid. So, make sure you’re familiar and comfortable with the return policy before completing your purchase.
After you’ve purchased the bag, keep track of your receipts, tags, boxes, and any other important documents or pieces of information from your purchase, especially those concerning authenticity. If you’re ever interested in selling your bag, having that info readily available will be really important!
I hope these tips make your shopping experience a little more stress free and fun! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!
xo Jenna
