Prices?

[lovebags2]

Hi Ladies,

I thought this might be an interesting thread to create. I was just looking at Lexie's pics and while reading her review she said something that "hit" home with me regarding retail prices (not just with BE).

I'd love to hear everyone's opinions on do you consider your BE worth the price?

I"m going to be honest. I don't think most handbags are worth over 500. Okay, make that 400. I agree with Lexie in her review there just isn't even a "wow" factor in most bags. When you pay over x amount of dollars you really should have high expectations, no?

That's why I love my pewter. At least I feel that leather gets noticed (more of the wow factor) and looks a little on the pricier side at least. It's one of my only BE's that draws compliments and I happen to LIKE that about it. It gets noticed and I feel GREAT when wearing it SO I can justify the price easier or at least try. hehe
It looks "luxurious" which is a good thing!

To me BE = incredible customer service. But, is that service really worth paying over 800 for a bag?

I'm not going to answer that one.

But, I'd love to hear other's input. Do YOU think it's worth the price? And if so, which bag?

I have to say from a seller's perspective Ebay prices might be scary in terms of resale but from a buyer's I think it's just wonderful. The economy is dictating what a BE (or any bag) is worth and I happen to agree.

That said, Jackie is doing a wonderful job in her customer service (the best I've ever seen in a handbag designer) and of course you wouldn't receive that in your transacton on Ebay.

But, what's that service really worth?
Just a thought today while I"m still in my pajama's and drinking my coffee!

[Jenova]

Can we put currencies to the figures please or we will get muddled?

If $800 is currently approx £490, the only bags that I have paid that much for in the past have been Balenciaga or Chloe and I frequently got those for less. I do not buy from those brands now that their prices have risen.

I think that I may have paid something in that region for my Dark Grey TMA (which is a big bag) and my Lilac LM Midi bespoke (to get an extra zip pocket) but I was not very happy doing it.

These days I am much better at shopping via sales/outlets/reputable secondhand dealers/leather artists and my bags are costing me between $250/£150 and $570/£350. This is buying me well designed and constructed long lasting bags made from quality leather and with strong classy stylish hardware. Some of them are individual bespoke pieces.

I am not willing to go beyond that price point when I do not need to.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by Jenova

Can we put currencies to the figures please or we will get muddled? If $800 is currently approx £490, the only bags that I have paid that much for in the past have been Balenciaga or Chloe and I frequently got those for less. I do not buy from those brands now that their prices have risen. These days I am much better at shopping via sales/outlets/reputable secondhand dealers/leather artists and my bags are costing me between $250/£150 and $570/£350. This is buying me well designed and constructed long lasting bags made from quality leather and with strong classy stylish hardware. Some of them are individual bespoke pieces. I am not willing to go beyond that price point when I do not need to.

Oh yes let's place currencies to the figures Jenova. I'm sorry I didn't do that for starters but I'm not great at the exact conversion. I'll leave that up to you. Deal?

I like how you shop Jenova!

[lovebags2]

I have to add that I LOVE Jackie's sales. The only issue there is getting that one bag you really want.

But, on the BE sales NOW those prices I feel are fine.

[Jenova]

It would help if the timing of the BE sales were announced a bit earlier. They tend to occur suddenly and later than those of other brands. I am sure that BE loses sales because potential customers have already spent out.

[iluvhandbags]

I don't think that BE bags are worth the price tag that they carry and have decided to stop buying the brand. They are nice bags, but for what they cost you can get Balenciaga, Prada, Chloe, etc. on sale or for a tad more new. I know that everyone is nuts about BE craftmanship/leather, but honestly my Rebecca Minkoff and Treesje bags have nicer leather and look more expensive and I could buy them new on sale or with a discount code for less then $350.

[lovebags2]

[QUOTE=iluvhandbags;11775938]I don't think that BE bags are worth the price tag that they carry and have decided to stop buying the brand. They are nice bags, but for what they cost you can get Balenciaga, Prada, Chloe, etc. on sale or for a tad more new. I know that everyone is nuts about BE craftmanship/leather, but honestly my Rebecca Minkoff and Treesje bags have nicer leather and look more expensive and I could buy them new on sale or with a discount code for less then $350.[/

I think finding a good quality handbag that looks expensive under 350 is the way to go! I just purchased a Coach Parker for right around that pricepoint and couldn't be happier. Plus, I think it does look more expensive then bags I've paid double if not triple. See that? It just goes to show you don't always get what you pay for.

Well, I think that on most days. Once in a while a little splurge is fine too IF it's a really special bag that you think can be justified based on various factors (how it makes you feel, compliments you receive etc...). For instance, I really am enjoying my pewter BE's at the moment as well as my weekender set and can rationalize the price easier.

P.S. I do think it's the customer service that's the main appeal with BE! Of course my Parker is lovely as is my RM blue stonewash Nikki(both these bags are a wonderful quality and look expensive) but you don't receive that personal attention BE prides themselves on. Don't get me wrong. I really do love that service but it's just is it worth the price in today's economy? I can see good points for both sides on this question.....

[chica1]

Great thread, Lovebags! Since some design houses are starting to re-evaluate their prices because of the economic downtown, I was thinking about starting a thread like this in the main forum to discuss the overall industry.

I think everyone can agree that taste is subjective and customer service and quality are essential to most buyers. I've posted about my experiences with BE so I don't believe that her bags are worth the cost but I can certainly appreciate the fact that many do. Some design houses have reduced their prices because of the economic downtown but BE's prices have risen. I have no idea how she can maintain a business with prices that are starting to rival Prada, but I think it may be because of the personal touch that BE offers. I typically receive really good service at most boutiques, but interaction with the company head is not something that I experience often, but its also not really important to me. If I believe I'm receiving a beautiful, quality bag at a competitive price, that's all that matters to me.

Prada has reduced the prices on their bags because of pressure from their venders (according to rumors on TPF). Whatever the reason, I will continue to be a loyal customer because in my eyes, they make some of the most beautiful and innovative bags. I'm sure there are many that believe that I pay too much for my handbags but I'm completely satisfied with my purchases. If you are happy with your purchases with BE, then that is all that matters!

[RaeBelle]

I've never spent $800 on a bag, Belen Echandia or otherwise. But the prices don't bother me one bit. There are 3 Belen Echandia styles I adore and I'm having a heck of a heck of a time picking which will be my next bag. I going to select the bag based upon the style that finally calls to me the loudest, not their prices. And it will almost definitely be a personal bespoke.

I've had Rebecca Minkoff bags, sold them all and will never again buy a bag from that brand. I've never been unhappier than when I had those bags.

The style and the leathers used in the Belen Echandia bags really make it worth the price for me. Add in the fabulous customer service, and I won't even blink at the price.

[Jenny1963]

I agree with iluvhandbags and lovebags that I also do NOT think they're worth the price, as I've posted previously.
I used to buy BEs at their full price, but, the fact that that I can and have bought Balenciaga bags at the same prices or less, which are MUCH more beautiful (albeit more fragile.) The customer service IS exceptional at BE, but I , for one, do not have the money to pay so much extra for customer service.

[Cornflower Blue]

chica1

I think you have it in a nutshell and I agree with a lot of what you say. This time last year a LM Midi was £345 (I think, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) and now it is £425 - that's a heck of an increase imo, and it doesn't really sit well with me. I'm glad I got two of them last year!

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by Jenny1963

I agree with iluvhandbags and lovebags that I also do NOT think they're worth the price, as I've posted previously. I used to buy BEs at their full price, but, the fact that that I can and have bought Balenciaga bags at the same prices or less, which are MUCH more beautiful (albeit more fragile.) The customer service IS exceptional at BE, but I , for one, do not have the money to pay so much extra for customer service.

I have found this to be a myth. I have got well used second and even third hand chevre (pre 08) Bals with only minor signs of corner rubbing.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by chica1

Great thread, Lovebags! Since some design houses are starting to re-evaluate their prices because of the economic downtown, I was thinking about starting a thread like this in the main forum to discuss the overall industry. I think everyone can agree that taste is subjective and customer service and quality are essential to most buyers. I've posted about my experiences with BE so I don't believe that her bags are worth the cost but I can certainly appreciate the fact that many do. Some design houses have reduced their prices because of the economic downtown but BE's prices have risen. I have no idea how she can maintain a business with prices that are starting to rival Prada, but I think it may be because of the personal touch that BE offers. I typically receive really good service at most boutiques, but interaction with the company head is not something that I experience often, but its also not really important to me. If I believe I'm receiving a beautiful, quality bag at a competitive price, that's all that matters to me. Prada has reduced the prices on their bags because of pressure from their venders (according to rumors on TPF). Whatever the reason, I will continue to be a loyal customer because in my eyes, they make some of the most beautiful and innovative bags. I'm sure there are many that believe that I pay too much for my handbags but I'm completely satisfied with my purchases. If you are happy with your purchases with BE, then that is all that matters!

You know I"ve been wondering about BE and if and when they will lower prices considering the condition of our economy. I was delighted when I noticed Coach did just that recently. I"m assuming more will have to do just that or else their business will no longer thrive. Instead, your right the prices with BE seem to be going in the wrong direction. I remember awhile back Jackie mentioned that she will be increasing her prices even further but so far has been able to at least keep them under "control". I think she realizes there isn't much room left for her to increase without losing many loyal customer's.

I will say that spending over 800 on any bag is certainly getting into the world of Prada, LV, and other very high end designers. I wonder how BE can place themselves in their range myself?

I think that many are quite frankly smitten with receiving personal emails from a designer that they are willing to pay the extra for this one to one attention. Yes, I happen to like it too but it comes down to how much does one love those emails?

That said, some of the bags are quite lovely indeed. I think everyone here knows by now I do LOVE the BE handbags and the CS. I'm only contemplating of whether it's worth the price tag? That's the question of the day.

Thanks everyone for your interesting feedback!

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by Cornflower Blue

chica1 I think you have it in a nutshell and I agree with a lot of what you say. This time last year a LM Midi was £345 (I think, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) and now it is £425 - that's a heck of an increase imo, and it doesn't really sit well with me. I'm glad I got two of them last year!

Hm.... I just wrote that I thought Jackie was doing a good job at keeping her prices stable. But, I didn't even realize this was the case with your bag and/or prices. Sorry to hear this.

[*suzi*]

Personally, I owned RM before BE and didn't really like the bag. I often wonder if I didn't give it a chance, and have considered trying again since the brand has such a following. However, I am sure I didn't like the leather as much as BE. Personally, I think the BE couture price points have risen a little too high for me to get a bag exactly the way I want it. For instance, I adore my Grey Love Me Mid but can't duplicate it again for anywhere near the price I had purchased it six months ago.

I really do not like to go over $700 for my bags and tend to only buy them on sale for this reason. I have to say that I was starting to think I wouldn't be able to get a BE that I loved again until I received my tan WTM Midi, and then I fell in love with BE all over again. This bag is every bit as gorgeous and well made as my other designer bags. So, in the past few weeks I have purchased two Miu Miu bags and two BE bags. I did end up paying a little more for my Miu Miu bags than BE, but I find that they are all equally gorgeous. Every bag I purchased was on sale because I have a really difficult time paying retail for anything.