When I first started building my collection, the idea of buying a used handbag wasn’t something that crossed my mind. If anything, I will admit I was kind of turned off by the idea of using a bag someone else had owned, so I never looked into it. Oh, how wrong I was! Over the last few years I have bought many bags from reputable luxury shops specializing in pre-owned merchandise that I love and cherish. I have also sold a few of my beauties for others to enjoy. Below are some tips for anyone who is thinking about taking the plunge and buying a pre-owned bag.
Research is Crucial
The most important piece of advice I can impart on anyone thinking about buying from the pre-owned market is make sure you do your research! Impulse purchases are great from time to time, but I don’t recommend it when shopping for a pre-owned item. There is nothing worse than buyer’s remorse and being stuck with a no returns policy (I’ve been there, it sucks!). If you are at all considering a pre-owned purchase, make sure to read our comprehensive guide before you start shopping to get an idea of which sites you should hone in on and start your search.
Return Policies
The guide of course talks about return policies, but this one is so important that I feel the need to reiterate it. Make sure to check the company’s return policy as well as check the listing of the item you are interested in. Many sites will have a final-sale disclaimer on a listing for merchandise that is on sale or hasn’t sold within a certain time period, so double check the listing! Another word of advice is if you are unsure about the condition of the item from the photos on the listing, make sure to contact the seller and ask for additional photos before buying. Receiving an item that’s condition was not accurately described and not being able to return it isn’t fun, so don’t be shy about asking for more photos or asking questions.
Authenticity
Once you decide to pull the trigger and make a purchase, I highly recommend getting your handbag authenticated on the PurseForum. While the majority of bags from a reputable resale retailer will be authentic, it is always better to double check with one of the forums experts so that you can sleep easy at night. I recommend looking for an authenticity guaranteed page on their site prior to purchasing so that you can double check that a refund will be guaranteed if your item is found to be counterfeit.
Get Excited
Don’t be scared to shop the pre-owned market, it can open a lot of doors if you do your due diligence beforehand! Without buying pre-loved I am nearly certain I would never have been able to own a Chanel, which is now one of the most beloved bags in my closet. Know that if you are armed with the knowledge, you can score some awesome deals.
There are definitely a lot of great deals out there!
I’ve had great experiences with Fashionphile! I was agonizing over a PS1 for literally years because I really wanted one but $2k seemed like a lot for a bag from a contemporary label (and, turns out, their resale value isn’t great). I found new PS1+ in a dark navy on Fashionphile and I paid less than $800 for it after it was marked down an additional 10%. Still a lot of money but I felt better about buying it since FP authenticates and has free returns.
The bag was true to the photos and descriptions when it arrived and I used it for a few months; turns out, while I loved the look of the bag it just wasn’t right for my lifestyle and work needs. Once you take the tags off, FP buys back most of its bags within the first 6 months for something like 60% of the purchase price as long as it’s in a comparable condition, so I did that immediately for a quick cash payout. It felt more like I rented the PS1 than I bought it, which was nice because functionally it just turned out to be a poor fit for me. I’ve forced myself into a bag freeze but I probably browse Fashionphile at least every other week.
(Awkwardly, it sounds like I’m a paid shill but I promise I’m just a fan :))
I highly recommend buying pre-owned. My max budget is $1000 for any bag, and the secondhand market has put $2-$3k bags in my price range. I’ve gotten 3 premier designer bags for $575-$855, in great condition and some even with tags. It’s definitely a waiting game, though.
I always buy pre owned designer bags because the retail on them is so ridiculous! I’ve had very good luck with all of the resellers. I highly recommend them as well!
I have sold some very high end bags on The RealReal. They have tags and are nearly perfect so I always think the buyer is getting a real deal vs. what I know I paid….well worth your time checking out the various websites.
I am just beginning to collect luxury designer handbags and buying preowned has made it so much easier.
A bag I loved but couldn’t justify full retail was the Gucci Dionysus in size small. It is originally $2300 (with tax where I live if would be almost $2500) and I am so proud to have purchased it from a resale site for $1500 without any signs of wear! And because that site doesn’t have a brick and mortar store in the state I live, I avoided taxes!
Compared to when I bought my Gucci Marmont in the boutique for full retail cost – I LOVED the in store feel and lux packaging, but saving money preowned helps me get to my handbag goals much more efficiently and is WELL worth it!
I will definitely buy preowned only going forward!
Can anyone tell me the name of the bag in the picture?
It’s called the Celine Box. One of my faveorites.
Céline Medium Classic bag 🙂
Thank you!
I have the original Gucci It bag from the 1940’s mint condition. Where should I sell it and does anyone know what it is worth?