As I've mentioned before, I love a designer bag. But since my budget is in the couple hundred, not the couple thousand, I look for gently used pieces at an amazing deal. You can find great styles from contemporary designers (Tory Burch, Coach, etc) and luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc) for a fraction of the original retail price. I've rounded up my top tips for buying second hand with confidence.
#1 - Authenticity
Some sites are legit and have an expert ensuring each item is authentic: The RealReal, ReBag, Fashionphile, etc. I personally have found great pieces on The Real Real for a steal!
If you're going the Poshmark or Mercari route, which are consumer-based platforms, check the photos thoroughly. I've found the zoom quality is better on my iphone than on a computer so you can check every square inch.
Ensure the serial number, hologram sticker, etc. is visible and accurate (google for reference). Look up the bag on the designer's website to compare side-by-side. Check hardware, zippers, seams and stitching. Designer bags are perfectly made so if something looks off, it's probably a dupe.
#2 - Use The Filters
Use the filters to your advantage: if you're looking for a deal under $500, set your budget and stay within that range. Same with quality - I typically only look at "excellent" and "very good" and stay away from "fair" since I know I won't be happy with the condition.
I'm fine with gently used bags so long as there aren't major flaws - loose stitching, exposed piping, tears, stains, etc. A few tiny scratches on the hardware isn't a deal-breaker for me, but fully tarnished metal is. Find your own personal line in the sand and stick to it.
#3 - Stay True to Your Style & Needs
So you found a killer deal and are about to click "add to cart" - WAIT! Make sure it's exactly what you want and you will get years of wear out of it.
Is it the right size for your needs?
Don't get a teeny tiny purse just because of the deal if you really need a bag for work that is big enough to fit your laptop.
Is it a practical color?
If you only wear neutrals, but found a bright yellow Gucci for $600 = pass! You likely won't use it that often. When in doubt, stick to the classic neutrals - black, brown, taupe, cream, etc.
#4 - Negotiate Nicely
There's no wiggle room on sites like The RealReal - although if you heart an item and add it to your obsessions, you can track when there is a price drop!
If you're combing through Mercari and Poshmark for your dream bag, there is an "offer" function. Similarly, you can "like" a posting and save it. Sometimes the seller will offer you a deal with discounted shipping. If it's *the one* pounce because those offers go to all of the people that liked that item.
If you want to negotiate directly with the sellers, don't low-ball. I've sold a few items on these sites and it's kind of insulting when someone offers $50 for a $500 bag! The platform makes a commission on the sale so the seller's earnings are less than the purchase price. Be fair and reasonable. I think a good range is 10-20% below the listing price. The buyer and seller can counteroffer as well, so keep in mind that you may go back and forth to find a middle ground each party agrees upon.
#5 - Keep Tags, Authenticity Cards, Dust Bags, etc
However you acquire a designer bag, whether directly from the brand or second-hand, keep all of the important documents. Store the box, price tags, authenticity cards, dust bag, etc. so you have them if you ever want to re-sell in the future.
#6 - Proper Storage
Some people keep their purses tucked away in their respective dust bags, but I prefer to display them in my closet. Before storing a bag on my shelves, I empty it completely (no loose receipts, etc) and stuff it with either tissue paper or plastic air-filled bags to hold its shape. If there is a removable long shoulder strap, I take it off and roll it up to store inside so the strap does not get bent and misshapen.
