For those with a passion for purses, you might be surprised at how much value is hidden in your closet. When the purse shelf gets a little too crowded, or you realize a bag just isn't your style anymore, selling used designer bags to a trusted reseller can put cash back into your pocket, or go towards your new purse budget.
1. Deciding Which Bag To Sell
If you’ve already decided on the handbag that you’re ready to let go of, you can skip this step. If you haven’t, we may be able to help you figure out which bag to sell.
Pull out all of your purses and handbags and lay them out so you have a good look at the collection. Next, put aside the bags that you wear often. These would be your everyday purses, work bags, and anything you’ve likely worn in the past six months.
What you are left with are most likely back-burner bags. These are the ones you use only occasionally, with specific outfits, or, if you’re being honest with yourself, never at all. Perhaps the colors are not easy to match. Maybe you picked up a purse following a popular fad. You may find one far too small or way too big and cumbersome to carry.
From here, ask yourself a few questions. Do any of these bags hold a sentimental value? If you sold each bag, do you feel you would regret it? Once you’ve decided on a bag or bags you could part with, you’re ready for the next step.
2. Prepping Your Handbag for Resale
Prepping to sell a pre-owned designer purse is a bit like getting the bag ready for a first date. You will want to make sure it is looking its best, so take the time to give it a little TLC.
Dust off the exterior, spot clean any dirty areas, check for any tears and signs of wear. Make sure to use proper care methods for the material of your bag. If you want to ensure a leather handbag is in tip-top shape, take it to a leather cleaning specialist. Small scratches and minor flaws in a luxury item won’t often affect the price dramatically, but larger tears, discolored sections, or stains can significantly drive down the value of a purse. Taking time to give extra care to a handbag before you sell it can help ensure you get the best offer possible.
It is also important to gather up and care for any accessories that your bag originally came with. Dust bags, charms, and authentication documents increase the likelihood of a great sale. Proof of luxury goods and authentication certificates can ward off scammers and attract higher value buyers.
3. Know Its Worth
Now that you’ve chosen the bag you want to sell and have a good understanding of the condition it’s in, it’s time to do some research on the brand, model, and current price points. Most designer brands such as Hermes, Chanel, Dior, or Goyard hold their value well, meaning that a second hand Dior bag, or a used Chanel purse for sale will fetch prices not far off from the original value. The better equipped you are with knowledge of your bag, the more confident you can be in selling.
4. Choose the Best Reseller
Yet again, it’s best to do some thorough research. With so many options on selling pre-loved handbags, take the time to find the best resale match for you. Listing your bag on eBay may help you fetch a high price, but you run the risk of buyers backing out on a sale at the last minute, scammer hassles, and interacting with difficult buyers.
Third-party resellers can be a great way to avoid the hassle of selling a luxury piece alone, but choosing the right reseller is essential. Finding someone you can trust will bring peace of mind in the process and faith that you’ve received a fair price.
The Purse Ladies offers in-house authentication and quote specialists to provide you with the best offer possible, and a check up-front! We provide an easy and trusted path to selling your used luxury goods.