Prices?

[elizat]

Originally Posted by gga

The thing is, these are just bags, not life-changing experiences. People are allowed to like a brand without elevating it to godlike status and trying to cheerlead everyone around them into liking it too. People are also allowed to change their taste and move on without vilifying the brand they used to like. It's just bags; it's okay to change your taste and move on. Reasons don't always have to be analyzed deeply. This subject comes up with some frequency on the Hermes subforum. Every time prices go up, some contingency always starts bellowing. But ultimately, prices are what they are. You're okay with them? Great, buy the item. They annoy or offend you? Vote by closing your wallet or finding another brand.

I agree. I have done this with other brands- sometimes you just outgrow a brand too. I have owned a few BE bags, a couple direct from BE and others from auctions/other sales elsewhere. Some of them I was underwhelmed with for the retail price and others, I think are in line with the retail price point in the world of handbags,with everything being inflated, really.

With the recent prices on BEC though, I won't be using the feature and with the price increases, I would wait for a sale on the website. The last sale though did not have any leather/bag combinations I was interested in. More notice of sales would be good, to allow planning (although they seem to be in June and December, I think).

I don't like to go above $700 period and would only do that for BV, which is *the* bag brand for me. I don't like to pay retail though ever, as an aside.

[lovebags2]

Ladies,

Thanks again for all your input. I"m glad I started this thread as it's been quite interesting! Feel free to keep this discussion alive.

I don't think there's been any one right or wrong perspective offered tonight. I agree with the one comment about bags not being a life altering experience.

That said, wearing a pretty handbag obviously IS important in our daily lives otherwise none of us would ever spend close to 1K on a BE. That would be unheard of IF it wasn't of some significance, yes?

I've enjoyed hearing different perspectives tonight!

xo

[merika]

Originally Posted by lovebags2

Ladies, Thanks again for all your input. I"m glad I started this thread as it's been quite interesting! Feel free to keep this discussion alive. I don't think there's been any one right or wrong perspective offered tonight. I agree with the one comment about bags not being a life altering experience. That said, wearing a pretty handbag obviously IS important in our daily lives otherwise none of us would ever spend close to 1K on a BE. That would be unheard of IF it wasn't of some significance, yes? I've enjoyed hearing different perspectives tonight! xo

I guess money, as well as the perceived value of a bag is relative. While 1K maybe a lot of money to spend on a bag for a person of a certain income, for others 1K might just be chump change and a bag purchased for that price be something to use at the beach or as a market tote or grocery bag...

[peppy]

Originally Posted by TropicalGal

Very interesting thread. I think we have to remember that Belen Echandia bags are MADE BY HAND IN ITALY. The brand we should be comparing with is not RM or Balenciaga, but Hermes, which is handmade in France. Ladies save up to buy Hermes, for months and years, and they buy one at a time. You also don't get to see your bag...you have to choose your leather and lining and then sit back and wait...a year even (!) to get the bag. And we're talking bags that cost $10,000 and up.

hmmm.... I don't think a comparison with Hermes is appropriate (price point wise). I believe you're comparing with Hermes birkins and kellys. These H bags are handmade, ie. hand sewn, every single thread, there is not one machine-sewn thread on a birkin or kelly. BE bags are not handsewn as far as I'm aware. That is a BIG difference IMHO. .....actually even Hermes small leather goods eg. a wallet or coin purse, they're all hand sewn....

I think (and I'm not sure here, just venturing a guess ) that saying BE hand makes their bags, probably means that the leather is hand-cut? Perhaps bigger brands like Balenciaga cuts their leather by machines since they're mass producing sooo many bags a year. But I would think that once a leather is cut, everything else has to be done by hand, except for the stitching (either machine sewn or hand sewn). Hermes is truly the only one, as far as I know, that hand makes a bag from start to finish.

Also, BE's leather colors are gorgeous, but I find that the quality of leather used is probably not on par with that used by Hermes. I have to say though that BE offers some amazing colors which Hermes doesn't, and Hermes doesn't have anything even close to the crash leathers!

It's also somewhat disconcerting to know that in the past some BE bags have turned up with different textured/colored panels, on a bespoke bag I believe? Well, Balenciaga has done that and is still doing that, but those are not bespoke bags. With bespoke bags, I expect (rightly or wrongly) more attention to be given to the bag, esp since the atlier knows it's a bespoke and is tailor-making it and also that bespoke bags are not returnable. I have found slightly tarnished gold hardware on my new bespoke bag, which mildly irked me and made me realise that BE bespoke bags means (to me) "expect imperfections still and then you won't be disappointed".

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by merika

I guess money, as well as the perceived value of a bag is relative. While 1K maybe a lot of money to spend on a bag for a person of a certain income, for others 1K might just be chump change and a bag purchased for that price be something to use at the beach or as a market tote or grocery bag...

Good Point! Even though I"m fortunate I still consider 1K a lot of money to spend on a handbag by "my" definition. Your very right that it might be peanuts to another. LOl

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Paragraph deleted Sorry Lovebags - I think we should keep discussions in a pm private - thanks


IF you were to walk into a Coach store and/or boutique chances are the SA will spend approximately 10 minutes on assisting. However, with BE you can receive much more then that amount of time and they do it with grace! This I agree with. What I feel it's worth in terms of a monetary value well that's another story. But, Jackie already knows my position on her pricing and we can respectfully agree to disagree.

I"m not questioning whether I think BE is a wonderful company. I really do!

[merika]

Originally Posted by lovebags2

Good Point! Even though I"m in a fortunate situation in life I still consider 1K a lot of money to spend on a handbag by "my" definition. Your very right that it might be peanuts to another. LOL XXXXX Private discussion IF you were to walk into a Coach store and/or boutique chances are the SA will spend approximately 10 minutes on assisting. However, with BE you can receive much more then that amount of time and they do it with grace! This I agree with. What I feel it's worth in terms of a monetary value well that's another story. I"m not questioning whether I think BE is a wonderful company. I really do!

N/A since PM discussion was deleted IMO it's the consumer who decides if the bags are overpriced, underpriced or priced just right and whether the customer service is worth the price, and Jackie's books will reflect the consumers' thoughts at the end of the fiscal year.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by merika

XXXXXXXX Discussion involving PMIMO it's the consumer who decides if the bags are overpriced, underpriced or priced just right and whether the customer service is worth the price, and Jackie's books will reflect the consumers' thoughts at the end of the fiscal year.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Being married to a CPA has taught me this is accounting 101!!!!!!

[Contessa]

Originally Posted by gga

The thing is, these are just bags, not life-changing experiences. People are allowed to like a brand without elevating it to godlike status and trying to cheerlead everyone around them into liking it too. People are also allowed to change their taste and move on without vilifying the brand they used to like. It's just bags; it's okay to change your taste and move on. Reasons don't always have to be analyzed deeply. This subject comes up with some frequency on the Hermes subforum. Every time prices go up, some contingency always starts bellowing. But ultimately, prices are what they are. You're okay with them? Great, buy the item. They annoy or offend you? Vote by closing your wallet or finding another brand.

Excellent points Gga and Merika. Excellent taste with Henry Cuir btw.

I purchase what I LIKE. I could give a a less if I receive compliments on a bag or not. I think it would be utterly ridiculous to purchase bags based solely on # of compliments received. I buy for myself......NOT others.

Thing is, I'm a sucker for all things handmade. Mass production bores me. And at the end of the day, I think that BE is great value for the money.

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by sgreg

Weird enough, even though I really appreciate the customer service BE offers, I am one of those people who ideally prefers customer service to be as impersonal as possible. I don't like emailing customer service, and I will avoid calling them (often getting someone else to call on my behalf). So for me, BE's customer service is not a benefit whatsoever.

Good CS for me is to get the correct high quality goods sent to me in perfect condition and well packed as fast as possible and to inform me of any potential delays before I have to enquire. If there is a problem, I want this to occur rarely and to be sorted out to my satisfaction immediately. It is only if there is a problem about supply or I am obliged to complain that I require personalised treatment.

[mayajuliana]

Originally Posted by gga

The thing is, these are just bags, not life-changing experiences. People are allowed to like a brand without elevating it to godlike status and trying to cheerlead everyone around them into liking it too. People are also allowed to change their taste and move on without vilifying the brand they used to like. It's just bags; it's okay to change your taste and move on. Reasons don't always have to be analyzed deeply. This subject comes up with some frequency on the Hermes subforum. Every time prices go up, some contingency always starts bellowing. But ultimately, prices are what they are. You're okay with them? Great, buy the item. They annoy or offend you? Vote by closing your wallet or finding another brand.

gga, I think you hit it on the nail here. Couldn't have said it better.

From the perspective of someone who generally buys it all...I own multiple Chanel, Bal, and Prada bags, as well as have at least one of a few other high end brands...I buy BE not because I think it has "better" attributes than other bags, but because I like it. I too do not find the "wow" factor in BE bags, but I don't in other bags either. Actually any of them. A lot of them are pretty and I would like to own them/use them, but no "wow".

Like Contessa, I like what I like, and I will buy and wear what I like. The only time I care about what people think when carrying a particular brand, shamefully enough, is when I shop at the namesake boutique or NM so that I can get better service. I am 30 years old, look 10+ years younger (at least, according to DH haha) and so I usually get the nasty looks and crappy service from women who I can only assume to believe that I don't "deserve" to buy or have high end bags. I couldn't imagine any other reason they would treat me so badly, as I know I am well behaved, courteous, and respectful of them, others, and the store's stuff. At work, I get a lot of crap for spending so much money "not practically", so I don't look to validation from my co-workers. Very few people comment me on my bags, but I think it's because it's the (I hate to say it) non fashionable crowd, be it BE, Chanel, or just plain good style. Oh well.

But I will say that I do like Jackie personally and I like what she and BE represents. They align with my personal beliefs and therefore it makes it easier for me to justify the price point, even when I paid almost full price for two bags just right before my DH lost his job due to the economy (he is employed now, if you are wondering!!). I certainly don't feel the same way about Ms. Prada and I still buy her bags. It's a different reasoning for me, but still based on my liking of the style of bag. Although, I must say Karl Lagerfeld makes very profound statements that make me head turn LOL!

I wonder if this conversation would have taken place if the US/global economy didn't tank. Certainly there were lost customers prior to the economic problems due to QC issues...but why all of a sudden it's not a good value? I watched a lot of you buy bags at a dizzying rate over the last year and this pricing discussion was not brought up by anyone until now. Wouldn't a good portion of the BE forum regulars have enough "data" (being owning enough BE bags) to provide for a more objective review about price point vs. value? It just seems like we are discussing apples and oranges here.

So the question is, did BE's value go down as far as it is not an "over and beyond, "wow" factor deserving product (and it was before), or are we being more mindful about our discretionary spending and just being more selective about what constitutes "bang for our buck"?

[lovebags2]

Suzi, that's fine that you deleted some of my explaination from Jackie. I"m sure she will explain her costs at some point herself. I just was trying to explain things from her side a little more to bring her perspective into the discussion. No worries!

As for compliments. Like Contessa I don't buy my bags based on compliments or or else I wouldn't be buying BE obviously. I don't want my handbag to scream that it's a designer bag yet.....

It's nice to still retain that "wow" factor and receive a compliment on your handbag on occasion at least IMHO.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by mayajuliana

gga, I think you hit it on the nail here. Couldn't have said it better. From the perspective of someone who generally buys it all...I own multiple Chanel, Bal, and Prada bags, as well as have at least one of a few other high end brands...I buy BE not because I think it has "better" attributes than other bags, but because I like it. I too do not find the "wow" factor in BE bags, but I don't in other bags either. Actually any of them. A lot of them are pretty and I would like to own them/use them, but no "wow". Like Contessa, I like what I like, and I will buy and wear what I like. The only time I care about what people think when carrying a particular brand, shamefully enough, is when I shop at the namesake boutique or NM so that I can get better service. I am 30 years old, look 10+ years younger (at least, according to DH haha) and so I usually get the nasty looks and crappy service from women who I can only assume to believe that I don't "deserve" to buy or have high end bags. I couldn't imagine any other reason they would treat me so badly, as I know I am well behaved, courteous, and respectful of them, others, and the store's stuff. At work, I get a lot of crap for spending so much money "not practically", so I don't look to validation from my co-workers. Very few people comment me on my bags, but I think it's because it's the (I hate to say it) non fashionable crowd, be it BE, Chanel, or just plain good style. Oh well. But I will say that I do like Jackie personally and I like what she and BE represents. They align with my personal beliefs and therefore it makes it easier for me to justify the price point, even when I paid almost full price for two bags just right before my DH lost his job due to the economy (he is employed now, if you are wondering!!). I certainly don't feel the same way about Ms. Prada and I still buy her bags. It's a different reasoning for me, but still based on my liking of the style of bag. Although, I must say Karl Lagerfeld makes very profound statements that make me head turn LOL! I wonder if this conversation would have taken place if the US/global economy didn't tank. Certainly there were lost customers prior to the economic problems due to QC issues...but why all of a sudden it's not a good value? I watched a lot of you buy bags at a dizzying rate over the last year and this pricing discussion was not brought up by anyone until now. Wouldn't a good portion of the BE forum regulars have enough "data" (being owning enough BE bags) to provide for a more objective review about price point vs. value? It just seems like we are discussing apples and oranges here. So the question is, did BE's value go down as far as it is not an "over and beyond, "wow" factor deserving product (and it was before), or are we being more mindful about our discretionary spending and just being more selective about what constitutes "bang for our buck"?

You just asked a couple very good questions!

[*suzi*]

Lovebags - I deleted your post because Jackie came to you because you have been a very loyal BE customer who has spoken to her often and she was probably personally talking to YOU not everyone on the forum.

I don't think this thread warrants a response from her since GGA hit the nail on the head by saying people will vote using their wallets. We all know the reasons we purchase BE bags and we know what type of service we will get. There is no explanation needed and it would almost sound silly imo.

[lindacris]

Interesting thread. I've enjoyed reading it all.

My BE buying has slowed significantly recently. I am back into Gucci and other designers.
Yes, the price increase has had something to do with it. I don't believe it is justified at this time. I have also sold two LMM's recently and although they sold quickly, I sold them cheap. That said, BE is nothing like RM but I think I might be more interested in BE if I occasionally saw them in stores.

And to the comment about compliments on your BE, I don't think I've ever received any but that is ok. I see these bags as everyday bags not my special ones.

[lilac0485]

I purchase BEs because I like to support small businesses and own things that are unique. For me I am willing to pay BE's prices on to a certain level, but many of the styles I like are plainer, thus cheaper. My buying has slowed because I am running out of closet space and after building up a purse wardrobe over the last couple years, I don't really need anything right now. (still deciding on the perfect Hold Me though). I also rarely buy BEs without a discount or incentive. I think my ostrich Clutch Me was the only one I bought full price.