There was a time when I was flat out against buying a preloved designer handbag. I couldn’t get pass the part of not experiencing that fancy feeling I’d get when I’m shopping in one of my favorite designer stores. You know the Champagne sipping and lounging on a beautiful couch type of feeling, while the associate wraps your item (s) in gorgeous packaging. I also thought that I’d never find a preloved bag that was up to par with the asking price. But then I decided to stop assuming the worst, and do some research to see what’s out there. Besides, some of my favorite bloggers have posted the most fabulous finds, and have shared quite a bit about the process of securing their dream preloved bags.
One of the designer bags of my dreams was and still is a Chanel, and as you can see I scored. Yaaay!! When I went on my search for my first preloved Chanel, my intention was to find a black caviar double flap. Since my goal is to have more than one Chanel, I also was open to buying another color that I absolutely love to start my collection. Then what happened next was nothing short of the Chanel Gods shinning down on me.
This green patent leather double flap Chanel, thats basically a new bag found me. If you know me, you know that outside of black, I love all shades of green. I’ve also been obsessed with all things patent leather ever since I was about five years old. I’m so happy to declare I am now officially a part of the Chanel gang. If your desire is to secure the preloved bag of your dreams, start by following these 3 tips below.
1. Be realistic about what you’re willing to spend, then set your budget. Have a clear idea of the retail cost of the exact bag that you’re in search of. This will help you determine how much you’re willing to invest in the purchase of the bag. It’s also a good idea to find out if the bag and or the brand has a high resale value. Bags that have a high resale value such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes are always a great choice when considering your first preloved purchase. These brands are considered the holy trinity of luxury bag brands, and if kept in excellent condition, they practically resell themselves. I also suggest having at least two colors, or general hues in mind that you’d love to have. This makes the chances of finding your dream bag even more attainable in the shortest time frame.
2. Do your research and find reputable sellers with A plus ratings and reviews. Look for online and brick and mortar businesses that have been in the preloved industry long enough to have a track record. When shopping for your preloved bag always check the sellers authenticating process, and also their return policy. I cannot stress this enough. If a seller has a no return policy, that’s definitely a red flag, and is a sign that their business and goods are probably questionable.
3. Once you locate your dream bag, that’s when the real work begins. Read the description very carefully, and also inspect the photos meticulously. You’ll have to decide what, if any defects you can accept and live with happily. Preloved luxury bags usually have a rating applied by the seller from new or never used to well loved, which basically means quite a few marks or scuffs. The better the condition, the more the bag will cost, naturally. Most importantly, take your time and don’t settle for a bag that you don’t absolutely adore. At the right time, your dream bag will find you.
PC: @wildnyc
I hope you all enjoyed this post.
Until our next stylish encounter, as always loves..stay inspired.
xoxo
OMG!! It was my dream to have a Chanel handbag for my 50th birthday and then it did not happen…yet
I’d definitely go for a second-hand one, like you and Stephanie. And let me tell you, your find is a absolutely super, in green, my favourite colour!! Congratulations, this bag is definitely the star of the show.
I have already shortlisted a little shop in Paris where they only sell vintage handbags and hope to buy mine there.