Earlier this month, I asked you all a question. A question that some of you have inevitably asked yourself at one point or another, and the post was insightful, helpful, and thought-provoking.
The Debate
I wanted to know if you guys thought it was ok, under certain circumstances, to dip into your savings account to purchase a handbag. The results were highly mixed, with some of you saying you’ve done it or are thinking about it and some you offering up a cold, hard no. Truthfully, the more thought I gave it, the more I didn’t like the idea of it, especially not the entire cost of a bag.
Instead, I started thinking about things in my closet that I don’t use and could potentially sell. I started off small, clearing out some accessories and a pair of designer sneakers I wore only 5 times, but that had begun to hurt my sensitive feet. I listed a few items on my Poshmark, but unfortunately, the items won’t yield a profit of more than a couple hundred dollars, which, when you’re talking about bags, is like talking about pennies!
I then started looking at my bag collection, which I have streamlined over the last few years for the most part. There are only two bags that I would think about selling. One is a Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30, which is a bit too large for me now. It has my initials hot stamped in gold, which would severely cut down on any profits (if your initials are KS, hit me up!). The second has potential and I’m contemplating selling through Poshmark or Fashionphile. It is my Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull GM.
The Question at Hand
I purchased the bag before my senior year of college to use as a school bag (quite a fancy one at that). I saved up to make the purchase after interning full-time all summer long. It was a little treat to myself after working hard all summer when the rest of my friends were enjoying their last summer before graduating and entering the real world. I used the bag for my last two semesters, and then it promptly made its way into storage at the top of my closet, only coming out for road trips or to be used as a carry-on for air travel.
These days, we as a society are traveling less and less, myself included, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I used my Neverfull. It’s not really large enough for a long-weekend road trip, and air travel has been non-existent in my life. Besides, for the number of times I travel a year, is it *really* necessary to have a $1,000+ tote? Sure the bag is a classic, and it’s incredibly functional, no doubt about that (it really is neverfull), and if my funds were unlimited, maybe, but at this time, it might make more sense to put the cash towards a more everyday bag I’ll use and love.
What would you do?
I would never sell anything through Poshmark. Recent very bad experience with seller changing mind and dumping ink into the bag to be able to return it. Despite pictures Poshmark sided with the buyer and my bag was returned to me ruined. I have cut all ties with Poshmark over this and would warn others to be wary.
I’ve sold many bags in the past, but simply because they no longer fit me as an individual, not because I barely use it.
I have bags I’ll only wear once or twice a year, but I couldn’t care less whether I’m getting the use out of it or not. I just know that I’ll regret selling a bag my heart still loves.
Outside of special occasion bags, I would let it go if I’m not using it and it doesn’t hold any sentimental value.
Do you LIKE it? If you like it but don’t use it often, I say keep it. It’s a useful shape and a classic style and there will be times that you will use it again. We’re all in a weird place right now with out wardrobes and collections, I’ve cleaned out a lot of stuff this past year but only things that I genuinely DON’T LIKE. Do you have another bag that serves a similar function that you would prefer to carry to the neverfull? If you look at it and think ugh, I’m kind of over this then you should sell it.
I would sell it. I sold mine for the same reason and I have not regret it. I am struggling right now with should I sell my Louis Vuitton graceful because I haven’t used it since last summer.
Once I hit my 40s, I entirely gave up on the idea of holding on to something for the eventuality of using it again in the future. Channeling a bit of the venerable (yet mildly annoying) Marie Kondo, I have been selling a bunch of stuff that just didn’t serve its purpose anymore.
I say sell unused bags and put the money into ETFs. Think long term!
Ironically, after looking at my unused designer bags, I came to the same conclusion. I’ll sell & benefit from long term investments. Also, Marie Kondo influenced me because at least once a month I make a trip to a donation site. I know someone can benefit from my donations.
I have a few storage tubs filled with bags that I take out a few times a year just to give them a bit of love. Even though they aren’t used as much as my bags that I keep in my regular rotation, I still like to hold on to them for sentimental value. Many of them are bags from when I first started my collection so it is nice to use a bag of yesteryear every now and them. The others comprise of high end designers that simply do not sell well on the resale market (I’m looking at you, Tod’s!) so selling would not do me much good. I still love them all though!
It depends on the reason. Was it 2020 so barely any bag got used? Is it a special occasion clutch and I’m not attending enough dinner parties? Or, the one that would make me get rid of it: does it no longer fit my style (or never did)?
If an appropriate occasion comes up and I still never/rarely reach for the bag, then it should go. I hate unused stuff. But despite using it less than once a year, you’ll take my A McQ clutch from my dead hands for example! ?