As a person who grew up shopping at thrift stores and flea markets, I enjoy digging into boxes to uncover discounted bags for a good bargain. While some people are not a fan of buying used items, I subscribe to the saying that goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Not only do you get to save money, but you also contribute to sustainable fashion.
While shopping for pre-loved luxury bags does come with its fair share of risks like getting scammed, the process is not that daunting. Below is a guide that explains how to purchase one, things to note before sealing the deal, and tips to take care of your new baby.
Unlike brand new bags that you get from boutique stores, pre-loved luxury bags refer to those previously owned by others. These bags ‒ new, classics, and vintage pieces ‒ are marked relatively cheaper compared to those on the shelves depending on factors like their condition and rarity.
That said, pre-loved designer bags are excellent for those who have a tight budget, and wouldn’t mind giving a new lease of life to off-season designs.
Buying your first luxury bag is no doubt a major moment in life, and as a word of advice, it is alright to take time to find the right bag ‒ it took me months to decide on one. With factors such as the brand, investment value, and condition of the bag to consider, purchasing a pre-loved luxury bag is not as easy as some may think.
If you’ve already researched online, you’d know that there are hundreds of luxury brands ‒ from high-end brands such as Hermes and Bottega Veneta to consumer-friendly ones such as Kate Spade and Coach.
As a way to narrow down your choices, consider looking for a brand that you identify the most with.
For example, some people prefer to own a Hermès bag because they appreciate the craftsmanship that the brand offers. Dior stands out from others thanks to their feminine models such as Dior Lady. Young consumers may also find themselves drawn to youthful designs from brands like Chloé and Longchamp.
We get it ‒ it is easy to fall in love at first sight with the luxury bag that you see others carry. But, instead of hopping onto the bandwagon, it is important to consider if you’d see yourself carrying the same bag a decade down the road.
Rather than going for trendy bags which may last for a season or two, you might want to look out for classic pieces that match easily with your everyday outfit.
When it comes to the state of the bag, many consignment shops rank them according to their condition and visibility of usage.
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For instance, an unused Chanel Boy Bag with only its wrapping removed would normally be classified under grade S or A+ depending on the shop. These grades indicate that the items have never been used, and customers can view them as brand new.
On the other hand, a 10-year-old Dior Saddle Bag with scratches and minor lining wear might be ranked B or deemed as a fair condition instead.
It might come as a surprise to some, but there are people who collect luxury bags as an investment. With brands like Hermès and Chanel limiting the quantity of bags each customer can buy, there is no denying that the values of such bags would only increase over time.
As such, you might want to think about if you’re buying the bag purely for yourself or if you’re planning to reap profit by reselling it a few years down the road.
Ever since the world went digital, we can do almost everything online ‒ the same goes for shopping for pre-loved luxury bags. With options ranging from overseas online consignment shops to our local marketplace aka Carousell, chances are, you’ll find a platform that suits you the most.
Instagram may be a place to watch informative reels and funny animal videos, but it is also a platform for interested folks to buy pre-loved luxury bags.
Most of the time, these Instagram shops upload several listings in a day ‒ each with photos of a luxury bag taken from different angles alongside its used condition. However, these listings tend to sell out quickly so it boils down to how fast you contact the seller via DM.
Despite hearing horror stories of dealings on Carousell, you can actually find legit and good steals on the platform. Most sellers are also willing to provide additional photos of their pre-loved bags as long as you ask for them. Sometimes, they are even open to negotiation if you offer to meet up at a location that is more convenient for them.
Prior to offering a deal, make sure to always clarify if it is possible to check the bag in person when you meet up for a transaction.
You don’t have to limit yourself to browsing pre-loved luxury bags in Singapore ‒ there are plenty of overseas online shops that offer international shipping.
The best part about shopping from these sites is that you get to select from a wider variety of luxury bags that can’t be found in Singapore. However, there is also a downside to this avenue of shopping ‒ it is hard to confirm the condition and authenticity of the item since the sellers are based overseas.
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There’s nothing safer than shopping at registered consignment stores where you can take a close look at the bags that have caught your eye. Since a staff member would normally assist you, take the chance to ask any questions before you decide to add it to your luxury bag collection.
Apart from this list of shops in Singapore that sell pre-loved luxury bags, you can also consider heading overseas like Japan which hosts a branded charity sale Shitchi Charity Fair, twice a year in June and November. There, you can expect over 100,000 branded bags at 30% to 90% off their retail price.
It’s easy to go gaga over the variety of pre-loved luxury bags available in the market, but remind yourself that there is more to selecting a design. You also have to be cautious about the growing number of super fakes ‒ replicas that might even confuse the professionals.
While this might sound scary for those new to the pre-loved industry, rest assured that as long as you shop from reputable stores, and are equipped with basic knowledge to identify a fake from a real one, you’re good to go.
The first step may sound silly to some, but it is useful to know what the logo of a brand looks like. For example, SAINT LAURENT is known for their bold, white letterings, but a well-researched customer would also know that there is no gap between alphabets ‘N’ and ‘T’ of the logo. Ignorant customers might fall for this trick, so it is always beneficial to do your research.
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However, identifying authentic vintage bags might be more complex since brands change their logos and craftsmanship over time.
For the unacquainted, Burberry changes their logo from time to time. Prior to the 1990s, they were actually called Burberrys, and since 2018, they have adopted a modern font that features capital letterings instead. This means rather than thinking that you got a fake Burberry bag, you have a vintage Burberry in your hands.
Fun fact: most luxury bags come with a unique serial number branded on or behind a leather tag in the bag.
This way, it makes it easier for customers and professionals to check the authenticity of the item. Not to mention, every bag also comes with an authentication card. If a seller refuses to show proof of the serial number or the authentication card, they’re being sus and it’s best to walk away.
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As a rule of thumb, always understand the refund policy before cashing out for your new pre-loved luxury bag. The reason? You might only notice defects or minute scratches that are unacceptable after you receive the item.
If you happen to deal with a seller on Carousell, also remember to be cautious when checking the product, and never pay upfront.
Rest assured that even if you didn’t receive an authentication card when you purchased a pre-loved luxury bag, reputable consignment shops are able to ensure authenticity thanks to apps like Entrupy.
Entrupy is an automated authentication service put together via AI. It taps on the algorithm collected from a database of more than 100,000 real and fake bags that allow the user to authenticate a luxury bag.
Thanks to such services, the authentication process reduces human errors and ensures customers that they are paying for the real good.
Also, if you happen to lose the authentication card and plan to sell your luxury bag in the future, you can always approach a registered consignment shop that offers entrupy services.
So, you bought home a pre-loved luxury bag and can’t wait to bring it out. But to ensure that the bag lasts for a long time, especially if it is vintage, consider giving it an extra coat of leather protection. The additional “shield” prevents raindrops, food stains, and accidental spills from seeping into the bag.
However, note that not every leather protector works on all luxury bags ‒ it depends on the type of leather the bag was made of. The best way is to head down to your local hardware store and consult their staff.
If you prefer to entrust it to the hands of a professional, opt for services like Bags Butler and Honest Crafters which offer a wide range of luxury bag care options. They are certified and trained to restore colour, repair broken lining, and even fix minor tears in the bag handle. Chances are, your bag would return to you looking as good as new.
Since each service comes with a different price tag, we recommend looking at the reviews, and compare with other brands to better plan your budget.
Luxury bags made from leather can get mouldy easily due to the humid weather in Singapore. That said, remember to always store your bags in a cool condition, avoiding direct sunlight.
As troublesome as it is, airing your bags once in a while is also important ‒ it helps to remove odour that might have accumulated over time.
There’s no denying that shopping should always be a fun experience, so don’t let the process of finding a pre-loved luxury bag stresses you out.
While it is important to note several points before investing in one, remember to also take time to think about the reason behind actually spending on a pre-loved bag. After all, you should only buy a bag when you feel ready, and not due to societal pressure.
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