There is no better feeling than scoring a designer piece you love, for less. Welcome to the world of second-hand luxury shopping.
You don’t have to scour vintage store shelves or charity shops to find the best used authentic designer bags, purses, and accessories. With trusted luxury resellers online utilizing certified authentication processes you can be confident with your gently used purchases.
Pre-owned purses are one of the best investments you can make, and we’re here to tell you why. Here are seven upsides to shopping second-hand for luxury bags.
1. The Best Brands at Accessible Prices
Part of the allure of a designer bag is wrapped up in the status that comes along with toting around a recognized luxury label. That Gucci, Prada, or Chanel branding signals that you have impeccable, timeless style and quality taste. Pre-loved luxury bags can bring you that status at a more accessible price. For fashionistas on a budget, pre-owned is the way to go.
2. Excellent Investments
Designer bags also make amazing investment pieces for the future. Luxury purses that are well cared for can keep or even increase their value over time. When choosing your next bag, consider the resale value it will hold down the line. In a few year’s time, as fashion trends change, you may be typing “where to sell luxury bags near me” into your search bar.
3. One-of-a-Kind Finds
When shopping for pre-owned purses, there is always the chance you’ll find one-of-a-kind, limited edition, or vintage pieces. Limited items from past seasons can pop up on lucky search results, offering you the chance to own a piece that no one else you know will have.
Shopping second-hand is also an easier way to replace your favorite bags that may need to be retired. When designers stop making and selling specific styles in their own stores, there’s a chance you’ll still be able to find them with pre-owned resellers.
4. Eco-Friendly Options
With fast fashion posing ever increasing environmental problems, shopping second hand helps to keep waste out of landfills and gives new-life to deserving, and lovable, designer bags. What’s more, luxury brands create pieces using only high-quality leather and materials, ensuring a longer lifespan for every piece. Supporting brands that opt for lasting quality vs. fast fashion that gives you a couple wears than wears out is a great environmental investment. Plus, you’ll look fantastic in a quality authentic luxury bag. If you ask us, that’s a win, win!
5. Easier To Start or Grow a Collection
If you have always wanted to be a designer bag collector, shopping for pre-owned Chanel bags and other second hand luxury purses is an excellent way to start or grow your collection in an affordable way. With pre-loved luxury shopping, you’ll be able to get more bags into your closet quicker and more affordably than when buying new.
If you’re someone who likes to change up your style often, you’ll need more handbags in your collection to match with all of your different looks. Being able to grow your handbag collection quicker is also the easiest way to stay updated on the latest fashion trends. Though, a classic designer bag will always be in style, no matter the trend.
6. Quality Craftsmanship
Luxury handbag designers use the best quality materials and craftsmanship. There is a reason why those with a passion for fashion stick to the best designer brands. You know that when you buy a Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Hermes purse you are investing in long-lasting quality that with proper care can last for generations to come.
Buying second-hand designer brands does not mean you have to compromise on quality or authenticity. Purchasing from a reputable reseller with their own authentication process, like The Purse Ladies, will ensure that your next bag is a certified authentic designer piece.
7. Easier To Relax When Carrying
The other great thing about purchasing used designer pieces? Being less nervous to bring them out in public. A luxury bag is precious, and that first spill or scratch can be heartbreaking. When you carry pre-loved handbags it’s easier to relax with it at brunch or on a date than with a brand-new purse.
And if life happens, and your favorite bag gets a scuff or broken clasp? It’s actually easier to get authentic designer bags repaired. High-quality handbags may be fixed by a trusted cobbler or sent to the designer to zhuzh up any wear and tear. And with a brand like Louis Vuitton for example, that vachetta leather trim looks so much richer when it has a chance to patina to a honey tone.
Second-hand handbag shopping doesn’t diminish a bag’s quality but may cut down on the cost. When searching for vintage designer bags for sale on second-hand reseller websites or in person, you'll find plenty of well-loved, well-cared for pieces that will carry and look good as new.