PART I: 16 TIPS FOR BUYING SECOND-HAND DESIGNER HANDBAGS

 

Are you wondering how to go about buying second-hand designer handbags? I’m here to share with you everything I know.

 

 

Fashion and specifically designer houses are in a tough spot these days. Prices have gone up, and customers are left questioning whether these items are worth their price tag. Equally concerning is the quality of those goods, things are not made the way they used to be. Greed has taken over, corners are being cut, fashion houses are prioritizing profits over quality. I mean these are supposedly items you are saving up for before you go and buy them.

Creativity is also really lagging. Despite the huge selection of brands, it’s been a while since I saw a bag that was ‘new’ and I was swooning over. Designers aren’t being given the time to develop their own style and vision they were hired to bring; and the musical chairs between fashion houses is almost too funny to watch at this point – I hope we’re almost done. It is too telling that they are playing it safe. No one wants to bet on a fresh and upcoming designer.

But consumers are creative. They know what to do in times like these. This isn’t anything new, it’s been a while that vintage and second-hand designer handbags are popular and trendy, for a good reason. It’s where quality is, together with a lower price point. Sounds like a no brainer.

 

A SERIES OF POSTS ON THIS TOPIC

I decided to write a series of posts related to the topic of second-hand designer handbags, for both buying and selling. They may or may not be interrupted by other lifestyle posts in between, so stay tuned. Without further ado, Let’s dive right into all things second-hand designer handbags and where to purchase them! This is Part I!

 

BEFORE WE BEGIN: WHY BAGS?

I decided to focus on handbags in this blog post, because I love bags and I think for the most part that’s the biggest category of second-hand designer items that people look to purchase. But you can take everything I say here and apply to clothing, small leather goods, accessories, shoes, etc.

 

This blog post is all about how to buy second-hand designer handbags on the second-hand market. I hope this helps you.

 

#1 SECOND-HAND IS GRAND

I started buying second-hand designer handbags 3-4 years ago. For a very long time, I wasn’t comfortable. If you are struggling with this idea, check out some designer item reviews online whether it’s through blog posts, Instagram posts or YouTube videos. Go to consignment stores. You will see the condition in which these bags can be in. You can find some brand new or barely used pieces. You can also find items that are used and beat up. The price will reflect that. Maybe you’re not ready yet, but at some point, the lightbulb will turn on and you will get on board, I’m sure.

 

#2 GO TO THE LUXURY HOUSE FIRST

If the item is still being sold at the luxury house, go and try it on. This is an ideal situation, as most of us look for things that are vintage, sold-out or no longer made. This can be helpful in determining whether you really like this item, and it didn’t just look good on someone else or in photos. Also, have a feel for the way it’s made, its weight, the stitching, the leather…etc. This will help you identify a fake good in the future.

 

#3 VALUE OF THE ITEM

While you start to look for the item online or at consignment stores, keep track of the market value. This is going to help you recognize when something is overpriced, a great deal or too good to be true. It would also help to know what the original price of the bag was. Very often I see The Row handbags priced higher than their market value on the second-hand market, because these bags are so sought after, and always out of stock. Same for Hermes, of course. It’s also a bit alarming if something is going for a lot cheaper than the average price of the bag. It doesn’t mean that it’s always a fake bag, but it makes me pause and start looking at the photos a little closer. So, if you want a good deal, do a bit of research and keep track.

 

#4 SET UP ALERTS

This doesn’t apply to all websites out there, but as I tackle each website/ company in a future post, I will make sure to mention it if you can set up alerts. This is so helpful, especially if you’re super focused on getting that one bag or want to make sure you get first dibs on all the bags posted from a certain fashion house that you love.

 

#5 CONDITION OF THE BAG

Try to figure out the condition you are ok buying your item in. How many scratches are too many scratches on leather bag? I usually lean on the side of great condition to pristine, although these words are sometimes arbitrarily used by sellers and companies. So it’s best to look at photos and figure it out. You can have different preferences for different things. People buy beat up and used Hermes bags all the time. They really like that look and there is nothing wrong with that. In the process of deciding, look at the photos carefully and decide if the condition of the bag is one you want to carry and use.

 

#6 READ EVERYTHING POSTED

This might be too obvious, but very important. You want to look at all the photos and read everything that the seller or company has given you for two reasons. One, you want to learn about this bag as much as you can. You’re paying quite a bit of money, so you better know everything, right? Two, you never want to be in a situation where you purchased a bag and there is something you don’t like about it, but the seller had disclosed that to you. So now you’re stuck with it. Some sellers, especially on EBay post paragraphs writing about the bag, especially if they are a company. They can post their own grading system for the condition of bags. This is time well spent, read it all.

‘I decided to write a series of posts related to second-hand designer handbags, for both buying and selling.’ -Girl On the UES

 

#7 SHOPPING IN PERSON

Buying second-hand designer handbags online, no matter how many photos you see or discussions you have with the seller is a gamble. I have seen pristine photos and gotten bags that were in worse shape than advertised. Of course, there are ways to protect yourself from these types of situations, we will get to that soon. But if you have the option to see the item in store in person, that would be the way to go. Depending on where you live, you might have access to a sea of consignment stores or boutiques. Google is your friend.

 

#8 WHAT DOES IT COME WITH?

Ideally, I want it all. I want the authentication card, the dustbag, and/or box it came in. The dustbag and authentication card tell you a lot about the way the bag was cared for. People who hold on to those things, likely care for their bags more but of course it’s not always the case.

More recently, I kind of understood what matters and I have been focused more on the price and condition of the bag. It took me a few second-hand designer handbag purchases to get here. The bag is ultimately what matters. As long as the price is right, and it has been adjusted for not having the extras, I’m ok. Having the dustbag is important because it tells me that more than likely it was stored in it. Lack of dustbag also hints at the possibility that the bag had multiple owners or is super vintage.

 

#9 QUESTIONS TO ASK

Depending on the platform, you may be able to ask questions to the seller or the consignment store – we will get to those soon. But here is the list of things I look for before considering a bag. (1) What does it come with? Dustbag, cards, box/ bags, proof of purchase. (2) If not uploaded, ask to see all four corners, front, back, bottom, hardware of the bag. (3) Odor, does it have a distinct smell? (4) Ask to see the color under natural lighting, especially if this is a new shade for you. (5) Ask for more photos just for the sake of it: let me explain! If you’re suspecting that the listing was copied from another seller, ask for an extra photo.

 

#10 NO ANSWERS FROM SELLER

If a seller is not answering my questions, or worse they make me an offer knowing that I’m interested. I truly pause. This isn’t the time, to go ahead and buy the bag. If there were any other red flags, I’m out.

While the seller might just be a big company who needs time to go through each message and respond, I can understand that… But if they have listed less than a dozen items and aren’t answering my questions about more photos or proof of purchase, it makes me wonder if what they’re selling is authentic. My very first fake bag purchase was exactly this situation. The seller realized I was a motivated buyer, and instead of getting back to me, made me an offer. Me being the motivated buyer, jumped on the offer before anyone else does. All ended well, I was refunded my money, the bag was a fake and did not pass authentication.

 

#11 BUY WITHIN YOUR COUNTRY

This is a point that applies more so to online shopping on platforms where sellers from all over the world list their items. The price difference for customs and tax when you purchase outside your country vs within is huge! This isn’t a new topic that is specific to the recent tariffs, it’s always been the case. Just for comparison, I went through the process to show you. There is a bag on Vestiaire currently listed for $2497 in the US, when I add this to my basket there is $15 for shipping, and 222.94 for sales tax, no import customs and duties (obviously), totaling $2734.94. The exact same bag is listed from a seller outside the US, the price is $2472, and if I go through the check-out process, I will have to pay $35 for shipping (a little more) and $513.78 for customs and duties, totaling the bag for 3020.78. That’s a $300 extra cost to you and I think that’s an unnecessary expense that you can avoid.

 

#12 LESS POPULAR BAGS

As we speak about authenticity, I can’t skip this thought… If you are a lover of vintage, quiet luxury, and you naturally gravitate towards less popular items from certain brands, it’s more likely that what you stumble on is authentic. Bags that are very popular are the ones to have knockoffs on the market, because those bags are high in demand. No one is going to spend hours creating a real-looking fake for a bag that very few people are going to be looking for. It’s the Chanel double flap, the Hermes Birkin and Kelly, The Row Margaux or Park Tote that will have fakes floating online. Besides the style, also consider the color. The more popular colors of a bag, have the most fakes. The Celine Classic Box Bag in brown and black have the most fakes of all the other leather types and colors, because those are in high demand. As you do your search, have this in the back of your mind.

 

#13 GET YOUR OWN AUTHENTICATION

Most second-hand companies do their own authentication, whether it’s before listing or after selling. At some point they vouch for what they sell to you. This is great, but I would really recommend getting your own second authentication for some peace of mind. What I usually do after I receive my bag is go through my own online authentication. I have used Legit Grails time and time again for my Celine bags. Some companies authenticate for certain brands, they will list them on their website. The first time I submitted my request, I was shocked to find out how many photos they asked for, specifically when it came to the logo and hardware. I had to point my camera in many angles to get them the shots they wanted, I was quite impressed.

If you’re spending $1000 or more on a bag, the $25 you will spend on authentication is really nothing for you peace of mind.

 

#14 BE YOUR OWN AUTHENTICATOR

Third party authentication has its limitations sometimes especially if you are a lover of The Row and Phoebe Philo. There are no authenticators at the moment, largely due to the fact that their bags do not come with a serial number. This is where having a feel for the item at the store can be so valuable. The minute you see the item, you will spot it if it’s a fake one. So don’t let it discourage you. I have purchased second-hand bags from both brands. Have a look at the card and dust bag, if those don’t look right it’s probably a fake. Next, if you haven’t done it already go to the store and really look at the bag, the stitching, the hardware, take close-up photos if you can for comparison. When I got my Phoebe Philo Mini Cabas bag, I went to Bergdorf Goodman and had a really good look at the bag, they left me alone so I took as many photos as I could to help me compare with my bag. I zoomed in on the logo at the bottom of the bag, the stitching around the bag, how the handles were secured, handles width, the hardware in the middle, and I even went as far as smelling the leather as mine had a distinct real leather smell. Thank you, Bergdorf.

 

#15 WHAT TO DO WITH ODORS

Most vintage bags will have an odor, whether it’s the leather or some sort of scent. I am not a fan of this situation, who is? But there are a few things you can do. Before you purchase, you can make sure to ask. But in the off chance that you end up in this situation, you can put an odor absorbing baking soda in the bag, and make sure to lock it in a plastic bag and let it sit for 24-48 hours. Take it out and test it. I would really steer away from using any fragrance directly on the inside as it can really ruin the lining, suede or leather of your bag. Also fragrance doesn’t really hide bad odors, it tends to make it worse. Sometimes taking your bag out and using it can also lighten up the scent. Try those strategies and see if it works.

 

#16 SOME TLC

Some bags are ready to be worn and used. Some might need a visit to rehab. Try to see if the fashion house will offer spa services, don’t always assume that this option is the priciest, you’d be surprised. If you don’t have a go to place, do a bit of research online to find some trustworthy places to take designer handbags. Ask friends for any recommendations.

 

This blog post is all about how to buy second-hand designer handbags on the second-hand market. I hope this helps you.

 

As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. If this content interested you, you might want to follow my Instagram account @girlontheues

See you next time,

Girl on the Upper East Side

Xx

 

If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my blog post on Bags I Bought and Sold Last Year, My Wishlist for This Year, Poshmark Part I, Poshmark Part II.