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.
