Pre-Loved Luxury: How to shop smart for discount designer handbags

Introduction

Mom’s high heels and a handbag for a wobbly 4-year-old playing at being an adult – sound familiar?

A girl’s love affair with designer shoes and handbags starts early, one could say, almost instinctively. We’re enamored by the buttery leather, the polished hardware, and the iconic logos that whisper refinement.

As we get older, our appreciation for these works of art only grows deeper. We admire the expert craftsmanship, we’re seduced by perfection, and yes, even the status that comes from owning a timeless arm candy staple.

Screenshot 2024 04 01 At 10.57.22 — **Pre-Owned Loro Piana Micro Bale Navy Blue Bag from SehaBags**

But designer prices can take a big bite out of our bank accounts. That’s where pre-loved handbags save the day! Online sites like Vestiaire Collective and SehaBags offer fantastic discounts on gently used luxury bags. You can score your dream Pre-Owned Chanel Classic Black Handbag, Louis Vuitton, or Dior without draining your wallet.

In this blog, we’ll explore the wide world of pre-owned designer handbags. From authentication tips to comparing sites to rocking your new vintage find, we’ve got the inside scoop on shopping smart.

The UK market for pre-loved fashion is on the rise.

The market expansion for pre-owned fashion matches the pace of growth seen and predicted for the United Kingdom’s luxury goods market. This market is expected to experience an annual growth rate of more than 4%, and guess what? The majority share goes to luxury fashion – no surprise there!

The UK shopper also shows an affinity for and comfort with online shopping for new and second-hand items.

A 2023 Statista’s Consumer Insights survey indicated that 60% of online shoppers bought a previously owned item in the previous year. Clothing tops the list of most bought items in the second-hand fashion category, closely followed by shoes, bags, and other accessories.

The good news is that owning a luxury handbag is well within reach! If you know where to look and what to trust, you’ll find great deals on various authentic, well-cared-for handbags from some of the world’s leading fashion houses.

Elle Fanning With The Gucci Blooms Dionysus Bag — **Elle Fanning with the Gucci Blooms Dionysus Bag**

Not everyone can afford a designer hold-all like Elle Fanning. But the Gucci Dionysus Beige Ebony Canvas bag will leave a slighter dent in your wallet, while still adding all the pizzazz. The bag is from SehaBags. And this is the aim of this blog: to make you aware of other options instead of buying your designer bags new.

Why a pre-loved designer handbag? Let us count the ways …

Why is buying pre-loved becoming, like, a thing?

First up, can we talk about budget realness? Splurging on previously loved goodies lets you ball on a budget. Get your hands on those designer pieces without totally blowing all you have.

Next, vintage vibes are kind to Mama Earth. Saying “ciao!” to fast fashion’s dumpster fire of overconsumption frees landfills up for actual trash. Plus, scoring second-hand finds means gently used stuff gets a new lease on life. Bam, sustainability!

And finally, nothing helps you slay that basic-ness and flex your distinct style like one-of-a-kind thrift shop or consignment finds. When everything at the mall looks eerily identical, vintage gives you pieces packed with personality.

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle

These are the current buzzwords of our century. And rightly so when considering the environmental catastrophe we’re steering towards with overflowing landfills, exorbitant carbon levels and so much waste.

The fashion industry is similarly criticized for its ‘disposable fashion’ approach of ‘trendy today and old news tomorrow.’ Enter pre-loved clothing and accessories…

Consumers are making wiser and more sustainable decisions, resulting in a significant rise in the second-hand market – especially for luxury items that hold value and have gained cult status over the years.

Share Of Uk Shoppers Buying Secondhand Fashion

Although younger UK shoppers are spearheading the reCommerce trend, all age groups are embracing it. With reCommerce becoming commonplace, a growing number of online platforms have emerged, offering repair services or resale options for a variety of fashion items.

Where to Buy Pre-Loved Designer Handbags Online

Online consignment stores

All Premium Pre-Owned Bags Are Inspected To Ensure Top Quality — **SehaBags: All premium pre-owned bags are inspected to ensure top quality.**

Vestiaire Collective is an online consignment store that lets you sell your stuff without paying anything upfront. Basically, they give you an online shop to list your items, and when something sells, they take a cut of the proceeds. It’s a sweet deal for clearing out your closet!

SehaBags handpicks pre-loved designer handbags from across the UK and Europe to offer customers a premier buying experience. With a keen eye for quality, they thoroughly inspect each bag before listing to ensure only the finest conditioned pieces make it to their site. Their selective curation and dedication to exceptional service set SehaBags apart in the resale market.

Before you shop or sell, make sure to check out the site’s authentication process, especially for coveted designer items. Luxury handbags are some of the most counterfeited products out there! You want the real deal, not a knock-off. Both SehaBags and the Vestiaire Collective gets this.

The pros and cons of buying on consignment.

Searching for pre-loved designer bags online opens a world of affordable luxury and unique finds.

You can score authenticated high-end pieces for a fraction of retail prices. Even better, you may discover special items no longer in production. Since they can’t be easily found elsewhere, these rare bags will likely appreciate over time – making your purchase an investment!

However, selection is more limited compared to visiting a boutique. You may not spot your dream bag right away. Instead, like a treasure hunt, part of the fun is letting yourself be surprised by the ever-changing inventory. Just be sure to thoroughly vet sites and read reviews before purchasing.

As with any online retailer, there is some risk of ending up on a shady site. However, disgruntled customers won’t stay silent in the reviews! As long as you research the seller up front, shopping pre-owned online offers access to unique bags beyond what you might find on the high street, all while scoring luxury for less.

Finding deals and estimating conditions.

Unlike when you’re doing your handbag shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, you’re unable to pick it up, turn it upside down, or stroke the lining. With online shopping, you need to trust the seller.

Here are a few tips for making sure you benefit from this experience:

Shop often and with persistence and patience. Consignment stores are constantly getting new stock, not only in seasonal cycles.
Do your research to know what a reasonable price is to pay for your item.
Familiarize yourself with how to authenticate the item.
Sell some to buy some. Experience the circular economy from both sides.
A pre-loved bag might show some signs of natural aging: expect some creasing, a slight loss of structure or puffiness to the quilting of leather.
Carefully consider the condition descriptors that a store uses. And if in doubt, ask them what they mean with each term.

The Vestiaire Collective specializes in the authentication of luxury brand handbags.

On auction

Bidding in an online auction for a designer handbag is thrilling – and easier than you think.

The seller names a starting bid, buyers compete to offer higher prices, and the top bidder wins the bag when the countdown ends. It’s an affordable luxury within reach.

While eBay may come to mind for auctions, ultra-luxe houses like Sotheby’s are also expanding into handbags and accessories. Along with typical fine art and luxury auctions, Sotheby’s offers handbag sales through auction, direct buy, and private sale.

In a timed online auction, bidding plays out over a week or two instead of in a live event. This extended window gives you ample opportunity to keep pace if your initial max bid gets topped. You’ll receive notifications so you can re-up your bid if needed. SehaBags also added this exciting feature recently and selected handbags go on auction every few days. Click here to see what they have on offer.

Screenshot 2024 04 01 At 10.33.51 — **SehaBags auction listing**

When splurging on an investment-worthy bag, authentication and trust are everything. Reputable auction houses have specialists vetting items’ legitimacy based on signatures, hallmarks, materials, and other indicators. eBay also offers robust authenticity guarantees – look for their blue checkmark badge.

As the bidder, a little prep goes a long way too:

Research First. Get to know signatures, materials, sizes, prices and other details on the brands and bags you love. Knowledge is bidding power!
Set Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from the auction site and sellers so you never miss out on new listings or sales.
Understand the Rules: Carefully review payment terms, bid increments, buyer’s premiums and shipping.
Set a Budget: Know your limit and stick to it, even in the heat of bidding battle.
Compare Prices. See what similar bags fetch elsewhere to gauge value.

Following these tips will have you bidding, winning and landing your dream designer find in no time. And at a bargain price point too! The thrill of competing to take home a coveted bag at a steal makes auction shopping a fun ride.

Ebay Receives High Reviews As An Auction Platform. — **eBay receives high reviews as an auction platform.**

Independent resellers – the ins and outs

Several independent reselling online platforms have emerged providing shoppers with interesting options.

One such promoter of conscious shopping is Farfetch. Their ‘resale and refresh’ services invite consumers to sell their designer bags and earn credit for their next purchase. This circular approach helps reduce waste and gives fashion items a new lease on life.

Dare I negotiate?

Not all online stores will entertain negotiation, but there are those that have a track record of successful negotiations. Our advice: keep it pleasant, know your product and comparative prices, see if any customer reviews mention negotiations … and at least try!

The best deals.

In an age of constant and immediate gratification, it might be hard to wait for that special bag, but oh, the price drop will most often be worth the wait!
If you cannot wait for the magic of Black Friday, be on the lookout for seasonal or special occasion promotions (think Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day), or more regular themed promotions like the current TOP 3 Sale on SehaBags.

Screenshot 2024 04 01 At 10.37.54 — **TOP 3 Sale** on SehaBags changes twice a week

Tips for Smart Online Handbag Shopping

Shipshape or needing TLC?

Fortunately, buying handbags online is a bit easier than figuring out the sizing of clothing items. One bag size fits all!

However, when buying a high-end designer bag, one has the right to look for and try to avoid scuffed corners or frayed linings. Pre-worn needn’t mean worn out.

Our advice: look for sites with multiple images of the same bag and read the description and reviews from other buyers – you’ll quickly pick up whether a shop is to be trusted.

Choosing Pre-Owned Designer Handbag — **A clean bag is a dream bag.**

Yes, you are protected under consumer law.

The UK International Consumer Centre dictates that the consumers have the right to cancel a contract at any time, and for any reason, within the first 14 days. This 14-day cancellation period begins the day after the goods are delivered.

It is wise to ensure you are purchasing from a trusted seller before making any purchases. Read reviews and evaluate the online store’s delivery period, returns policy and terms and conditions, and know and stand up for your rights.

Taking proper care of your best buy

Even when your pre-owned designer tote hailed from a loving home, and leather is known to be versatile and durable, the proper treatment and cleaning of your bag is vital to keep it lustrous and looking like the good investment it is. Our best advice is to store it well, clean it regularly to avoid the buildup of residue that will later be hard to remove, and use the right cleaning materials. Also, identifying the material from which it is made will guide your care routine. Read our full blog about caring for your deluxe handbag here.

Influencers and the vintage trend

Influencers play a key role in forming trends and guiding consumers through the shopping experience. They form a bond of trust with their tribe, a community sharing values and interests. It has been no different for the emerging vintage or second-hand fashion scene.

Thrifting is still popular – let’s face it, finding that gem amongst heaps of castaways is exhilarating – but the online (and organized) showcasing of pre-loved items has made the experience even more appealing and rewarding.

We love that influencers like Charon Cooijmans, founder of @theceiling.shop says: ‘It’s not necessary to desire new things all the time.’

Doris At @Dvsluxe Is A Pre-Loved Designer Handbag Influencer. — **Doris at @dvsluxe is a pre-loved designer handbag influencer.**

Let’s recap.

ReCommerce is the new black, ladies. Online shops selling pre-loved pieces are exploding thanks to sweet discounts and environmental buzz. When a site doesn’t pay for a fancy boutique, big staff and crazy utility bills, those savings get passed to us, the shoppers.

So, whether you hit up online consignment stores, indie resellers, or specialists like SehaBags for luscious bags, you can land deals on the real deal. Skip the knock-offs and score authenticated luxury for less.

Finding your go-to site does take some homework.

Compare reviews and offerings, dig into authentication processes, and sign up for alerts so you never miss a new arrival. But that effort pays off the minute you snap up a vintage Dior bag that makes your friends jealous! In the world of pre-loved fashion, deals and steals are just clicks away.

Happy treasure hunting!