Caution: You are about to step into a convoluted world filled with frustration, uncertainty, counterfeits and possibly an inkling of hope. All of the following events are true and no, I’m not exaggerating one bit, thankyouverymuch.
Prologue
As part of the third world and an often-quoted country when it comes to the discussion of sweatshops and sustainability, Bangladesh (where I hail from) isn’t your average market for luxury goods. In fact, in a nation where replicas retail for tens of thousands of the local currency in the most premium stores, the notion of a luxury resale industry seems almost inconceivable.
Having contacted big names in America like Fashionphile, The RealReal, Poshmark and Yoogi’s Closet, European ones like Vestiaire Collective and Affordable Luxurys, and even UAE-based The Luxury Closet, and failed to convince either to deliver to Bangladesh, only one route seemed to remain – eBay!
But how did I ended up with the valiantly brave, yet ridiculously foolish decision of buying pre-owned in the first place? Besides my obvious love of purses, I presume that my choice was influenced by my (perhaps even more idiosyncratic) desire to initiate a luxury handbag business in Bangladesh. Crazy? I haven’t even begun.
The first step to purchasing is making an account and bidding. Not really though. The first step to buy from eBay in Bangladesh is to find an agent, because apparently purchasing simply through eBay and its associated shipping service has high chances of the items getting lost in transit. I don’t really know if the agents said that just to ensure I actually do use their service or if that’s a fact, but it did manage to intimidate me enough. But of course I didn’t contact agents first and went ahead on my own, winning a nylon Gucci Jackie at a tremendous bargain (to me) at $54! This excitement, however, turned out to be short-lived, as I learned that the seller was unable to deliver to Bangladesh during COVID-19, and additionally it wouldn’t work because we don’t have PayPal in Bangladesh.
*Hits cancel and sobs*
The next time, however, I was determined to buy, be it via an agent, if necessary. I ended up winning a beautiful yellow Balenciaga from Greece for £49! Then I figured that with the remainder of my savings, I might just be able to squeeze in another purchase and before I knew it, I had won a Michael Kors Riley too!
Now that is where all the good parts end and all the terrible parts begin, chronicled below in the form of a journal:
Day 1
Informed agent of the purchase. “Greece!” the agent exclaims, “we don’t bring stuff from there. Ask the seller to ship it to our US address.”
Day 3
Greek seller responds, “it costs hundreds of dollars to ship to the US!”
While quietly contemplating all the ways I’d seek revenge on both of them, I ask the seller, “is there any other way you could ship?”
Day 5
Greek seller: I could try via the post office, but it doesn’t open until Monday (it’s Thursday).
Me: Please do try.
Day 10
Greek: I can send, it will cost 26 euros.
I immediately inform my agent, make the entire payment in advance to him, and wait with bated breath.
Day 12
Agent: We have paid for the Michael Kors, but unfortunately we cannot bring the Greek item because the seller isn’t sending us an invoice.
Me: *frantically texting the seller* Could you please send an invoice for the US address?!
Day 17
Seller: Oh I forgot, I’ll send it right over.
Me: *Facepalm*
Day 19
Agent: We are unable to pay the Greek seller because it’s in British pounds, we have to convert our card to support dollars and pounds.
Seller: YOU HAVE ONE WEEK TO MAKE THE PAYMENT (It was a text but I imagined she was yelling at me).
Me: *Double facepalm*
Day 25
Agent sent a screenshot of the payment made. My eBay account continues to show for the next 5 days that the payment is due.
Day 30
eBay: YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BALENCIAGA ON DAY 62 AT YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS.
Me: Yay, only 32 more days to wait!
Day 32
Agent: We have changed our shipping service and this new company stores all items in their warehouse for two weeks before releasing them, even though they have flights every week. Our previous company used to ship twice a month, but delivered within the next day. However, we fought with them because we totally want to mess with you for longer.
*The last part didn’t happen but was obviously implied*
Day 40
The agent’s assistant, who was having the bulk of the conversations with me, announces that he is leaving the job for higher studies abroad – leaving me to deal with the agent himself (the Grand High Agent, I guess, like the Grand High Witch?) who turns out to be even more erratic.
Day 43
Me: Did you receive the Michael Kors bag?
Agent: Yes it should be in this shipment, I will start unpacking soon.
Day 44
Government: Lockdown for a week again!
Agent: Customs will not release anything till lockdown is over. We tried for 4 days. It’s not going to happen. We are losing so much money, it may drive our business to the ground. Please keep faith in us, if we didn’t have to face so many pitfalls you would have received your items a month ago. Sorry for all of this again.
Me: *Sobs quietly while contemplating further revenge.*
Day 48
Me: Any updates?
Day 53
Me: The lockdown has been eased, did you receive your shipment?
Day 56
eBay: Balenciaga Yellow Leather Handbag is delivered.
Me: Did you receive this?
[Digital silence from agent.]Day 60
Agent: Oh hey there, I tend to disappear from time to time (he literally said this). I love to work when I’m focused, not forcibly. Anyways, I’ll get your bags tomorrow.
Me: Uh-huh *desperately trying to feign nonchalance*
Day 62
Me: Hey, you were supposed to pick up the bags yesterday?
Agent: We have a shortage of funds, need a few more days.
Me: *More face-palming*
Day 64
Agent: We’re getting it tomorrow. You’ll receive it the day after. Also the Balenciaga is still in our US warehouse (probably).
Me: Uh-huh.
Day 65 – Day 69
The agent’s shipment of the bag from his own warehouse was delayed, then he couldn’t find a courier to deliver it to my home, and eventually, on Day 70, I got my hands on this *cough* beauty below:
And after a few days of restoration (which in itself was another veritable adventure), here I present – the Michael Kors Riley medium in black!
Still there? Honestly, you’re my new best friend now!
Epilogue
So, there you have it, my entire experience of getting just one of my bags from eBay, and as of today, I’m still waiting for the Balenciaga, which was again delayed due to the postponement of international shipments to Bangladesh caused by a series of new lockdowns. Now I understand that not all of it was the agent’s fault, or the seller’s, or Ebay’s, or the virus’ (actually you know what, all of this is totally the virus’ fault), but all of these plights have me questioning whether everyone faces the same difficulties and delays when purchasing through eBay. Ultimately, I’m left wondering whether my idea to start a business would actually work out. I’m really hoping here that eBay will address this issue because HELLO, loyal to-be-buyer here!
However, I’m still optimistic that this negative experience was a one-off because honestly, this virus has frustrated us for too long. Plus, the experience wasn’t entirely negative either because the high I experienced just from getting my hands on the MK makes me (and my incredibly patient business partner) hopeful about the Balenciaga (whenever it arrives). In hindsight though, I could have perhaps bought through any of the resale websites in the US given that I’m forced to use the agent’s US address anyway, but frankly, eBay’s deals are the sweetest!
So, is there any such ridiculous adventure you’ve had when buying pre-owned?
You are incredibly patient. I’m going to remember this next time I’m waiting for a delivery that’s been postponed a few days.
I hope you don’t have to go through the same waiting period I did, good luck!
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry… Actually, I laughed because I lack sufficient empathy to cry with second hand frustration and your writing is hilarious!
Wonderful, eye-opening article.
When I was about to receive the MK, I was literally about to cry out of hysterical laughter. That is, until I actually opened the beauty. Then I just cried.
OMG Sajid, if the whole bag reselling thing doesn’t work out for ya, you should give stand up comedy a try next! Sorry for laughing, but what a story. I thought long, convoluted messes only happened to me. Here’s hoping for smooth sailing for the Balenciaga & beyond. Best of luck.
Thank you Jacquie (are you related to Jackie O somehow because Jacquie G sounds eerily similar?)! And aren’t frustrated things in life meant to be laughed at? That way we’ll never run out of laughing material because God knows we need those so desperately now.
Lol Sajid, sorry for the wait but the way you captured your experience in this article had me in splits!
I sincerely hope Ebay addresses this issue Shwaytha.
Might be easier to send to a friend/relative in the states then ask them to bring it next time they are in Dhaka. A lot of people do that.
Indeed they do, but sadly it wouldn’t be sustainable to establish a business. Hope Ebay addresses it.
So frustrating! I am from Canada, so I don’t shop at retailers you listed below to avoid customs and duty charges. Although we do have several legitimate second hand companies here so we are lucky. Love your sense of humor!
Yes customs fees are too expensive. Here in the philippines its usually around 1/3 the price of the item. Too much. Lucky i know 2 local sellers too that sell preloved items. Most of their stocks come from singapore and they take care of all the customs and shipping fees. I only have to pay for the local shipping fee.
Yep, 35-40% for luxury in Indo.
My agent has also somehow circumnavigated the 93% customs fee we have on leather bags – otherwise they would have been beyond my affordability!
What? How can they justify charging a 93% customs fee?
To protect local leather and garment industries – so that people buy local. Amazingly, although many brands produce locally, they are banned from selling locally by the brands.
That’s just the government policy I guess? Guess that makes these agents who can bypass the customs through their “connections” all the more lucrative.
All throughout the developing world import barriers are put in place to protect domestic industries ( tax, fees, convoluted customs processing etc). Bangladesh is a big garment and other fashion item producer, so it make sense.
At one time Marc for Marc Jacobs was produced in Indo, but brands prohibits local sale. So to get one, I have to order from abroad. Same as Victoria’s Secret. It’s really somehing to order from UK, US, something that could have been made like half an hour away from where I live.
I always buy from ebay. Found plenty of good deals there bought around 6 bags already (including the chanel rainbow pouch that im so in love with). Got a louis vuitton multicolor speedy by bidding too. most sellers ship here. Shipping is expensive if by FedEx or DHL. Via post office is the cheapest option but it takes at least 5 weeks to get here (im in the Philippines we are neighbors). Im currently worried about a jacket i recently bought from Russia. Its been a month already and last tracking update was it was already dispatched to destination country (normally will show that item is received already within 4days but 2 weeks now still no update).
I hope you receive the jacket soon Gayle! I get notified for a few designer items from Russia and Ukraine but their bids quickly jump to humongous amounts!
Have you ever used the Royal Mail though? I’m eyeing something from the UK and considering an agent-less purchase perhaps.
Royal mail is slow but dependable.
How long did it take for them to deliver?
To Indonesia – depends. At least 2 weeks but 2 months is not unheard of. Royal mail, USPS works with our local govt post office, therefore slow at both ends. BUT I find quite reliable and cheap as local post office will deliver as they collect customs $ from us. (Official collection). UPS and DHL are faster but they charge you for warehousing, customs ‘processing’ etc and you can’t dispute it.
Looks like making “friends” are imperative now.
Thank you Sajid. Yes i have used royal mail plenty of times. I just recently bought a dress and a fendi monster micro baguette from ebay last month. Was shipped via royal mail. Normal delivery time to philippines is around 3-4 weeks. They just arrived yesterday. Im so excited. Royal mail is faster than usps when shipping to here. Ive bought pretty much all over europe and the USA through ebay but this jacket from russia is the worst because there is no update at all 2 weeks now.
Good luck Gayle about rhe Russian jacket, I really hope you get it soon. And thanks for the heads-up on the Royal Mail, I’m seriously considering it now.
I am going to stop complaining about shipping prices, shipping times, and just buying things period. I was laughing and rooting for the bags to make it. I appreciate your humor and humbling us. I remember when my package was delayed over a weekend for a YSL bag. How dare they not work on the weekend? I’m horrible.
Of course not Jaime, don’t beat yourself up over it. I think how frustrating the experience is depends on the estimated time of delivery vs the actual time of delivery – you were estimated to receive the bag over the weekend so it’s absolutely natural to find the delay unpleasant. I was given an estimated period of 1.5 months, so I was frustrated over the nearly 3-months delay.
You are a fantastic writer!
Thank you Lilian!
And to think I paid $20 for overnight shipping because I couldn’t wait til Monday morning lol
The crazy things we do for purses – whether it’s wait 3 months for one (and more for another) or paying extra to receive them early – are celebrations of our love for bags!
You’re such a dear soul. This literally stressed me out reading it. I was so worried you’d lost your money! It’s incredibly tragic that a bag lover like yourself must go through such obstacles. Hoping for you to have easier access to commerce in the future!
Thank you so much Vlaibl! Yes, although I had doubted very much during the waiting period whether I was being scammed, in the end it gave me a story worth writing about… And laughing about!
I think the title should be buying preloved woes. I can attest the above is true. I’m in Indonesia. I don’t do Ebay no more. Thank god for personal shoppers. We have lots of dependable ones now, zero drama. Even tho pricey (end up with 2x the price is normal) but it’s worth it for my sanity and I get it that they have hoops they have to go to. That’s why I have zero symphaties for price increase whinings – I wanna say “dude if you are whining about price increase you can’t afford it”.
Do the ones available in Indonesia deliver internationally too? I’m interested!
As far as I can tell, these personal shoppers have connection at the foreign end and at the customs end. Perhaps a relative – you know how it is in Asia. So they are very specialised geographically. One for Australia only, one Japan only, one US only, etc. I am surprised if there aren’t personal shoppers like this in Bangladesh. I know there are many in Phils, Malaysia. Before covid, I know a few who make regular trips to Europe to buy luxury based on pre orders. They were always able to get nice stuff, so their local European connections must be pretty good.
You need to make a friend at the customs office, Sajid. Then you can be a personal shopper for Bangladesh.
Thanks Elna, I’ll see if I can find a personal shopper or make friends with Customs.
wow! a test in patience. you’re going to love that Balenciaga forever when you finally get it. if anything, it goes to show there IS. a market for you to at least make the process better!!
would love your restoration story!
Thank you! Restoration adventure coming soon, hopefully with the Balenciaga too!
This diverse perspective of a male not based somewhere in the US is much needed!!! I appreciate this.
Thank you! I hope Ebay and other pre-owned sellers acknowledge this too!