Repairing Vintage Chanel Bag

claraclara · Jul 8th, 2008, 05:00 PM

Hi everyone,
i finally got the XL jumbo vintage bag I've always wanted....on eBay. This is my 2nd time purchasing bags on ebay and im not happy with the purchase. I usually have a preference buying new (and after this time I think i'll have to stick w/ that) but of course the XL can't be bought new anymore.

This bag was described as 82/100 but it really looks like a 65/100. The pictures didn't do justice either. Maybe it was the lighting and the way they took it didn't look like the bag was so worn! The gold color on the chain is fading, lock closure after its turned has a brown spot surrounding it, leather is scraped all along the inside area (from red to white) and the back of the bag have many scratches that are noticable (you know from black to grey). I didn't even get an authenticity card or storage bag. The only good thing is the bottom and the front of the bag.

Anyone gotten their bags reconditioned or repaired at any chanel boutique? I'd also like it cleaned as in the back pocket I could see some kinda animal hair =( which is really gross. I called chanel they said to bring in the bag and they'd have to send it in for a quote. Wondering if anyone has any ideas? I have emailed the seller telling her of my unsatisfaction and to provide a resolution or I will open a dispute with eBay. I spent a total of $1375 for the bag. How much should be clawed back to repair it to the 82/100 it was described at? The other good thing was seller did send an authentic bag.

Syma · Jul 8th, 2008, 06:28 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that, it can be so touch and go with the vintage bags. Pfrmers have given their Chanels in for repair with great success. They can replace the hardware for you but of course it wouldn't be the vintage style. The lambskin can't be cleaned but they can re-dye the bag for you which disguises the scratches and scuffs. Unfortunately this does change the feel of the lambskin. Can't you just send the bag back to the seller and get one in better condition next time??

acshih · Jul 8th, 2008, 06:46 PM

I have a vintage tote in caviar leather that I have sent in for repairs at the Chanel boutique. When I got it, the inside was really dirty, and the edges and corners were worn so that the pipings were exposed. In certain areas, the leather is so dry that it is cracking. Sent it in to the Chanel Boutique for redye, 3 months and $150 later, it is as good as new

.

Also restored a lambskin one, not at the boutique, but at LMB though. It had pen mark at the from flap, and color loss on the handle and back. The bag was at LMB for 6 weeks, and came back as good as new with minimum color deviation. The lambskin does feel a little changed, though, after the redye and waterproofing, not as soft as before. But over all, Barbara had done an amazing job. I am very happy with the results. The cost of this one is about $375.

This should give you some idea in terms asking how much to ask back from the seller, if you do want to keep the bag. Good luck.

gacats · Jul 8th, 2008, 07:50 PM

Let us know what you decide to do......
I finally got a large vintage lambskin flap & I'm beyond happy with it so I certainly understand your wanting to try to rehab this bag.

fashionlover123 · Jul 8th, 2008, 09:47 PM

hope that the seller will pay for the restoration. otherwise, can you send it back to her for a refund? I've seen some on eBay with less than that price and in great condition, and I've gotten my vintage for 1500 and looks almost like brand new. Really hope that this can be resolved

Cyndee · Jul 8th, 2008, 09:48 PM

hmmm....just my opinion, but the vintage XL's do sell for a whole lot more than what you paid for that one. Given, they are generally in better condition when they sell for more money, but all in all, you know the old saying 'you get what you pay for'.
Now, I don't know the seller and have no idea if you purchased it on eBay or not, but....yes, I agree that the seller should not have rated the bag 82/100 (what kind of rating is that anyway?!) but I think the price was fair for what you described. Currently, I believe that XL jumbos go in the $1500-$2000 range on ebay.
It might cost you a couple hundred to bring it up to your standards, but I think it would be money well spent. In the end, again my opinion only, I think that you would end up with a great bag at a great price.
It's frustrating, yes, but I'd take a step back and evaluate the big picture and go from there. It's a special bag that is getting harder and harder to locate.....and at a good price too. (trust me on this one!) The issues with the bag seem minor and easily rectified with a spa treatment.
Opening a dispute with Paypal or eBay is time consuming and draining at best. With all due respect, may I suggest focusing that time and energy on the bag so that you can start to enjoy it asap.
I hope that nobody gets me wrong, I'm not letting the seller off the hook. I truly believe that sellers have an obligation to photograph and describe their items as well as possible when buyers are spending that kind of money. But unfortunately there are many sellers out there who are not very professional and don't do a very good job of these things.

kwongkittiroch · Jul 8th, 2008, 10:22 PM

I was looking at Vintage XLs also. I think the look is so unique. It's very scary to buy off of eBay and like you, I'm not too familiar with vintage bags.

I think the seller should offer some compromise for misrepresenting the bag, IMHO.
I hope it works out for you. Best of luck.

claraclara · Jul 13th, 2008, 07:25 PM

i did get an answer from the seller. She replied indicating a $100 reimbursement. However I think its too low. If its approx $265 in the US to do a refurbishment its definately more in Canada+ 13% tax rate. I am thinking of opening a dispute with eBay. Does anyone have experience in this area indicating that the item was not exactly as described?

Thanks!

claraclara · Oct 10th, 2008, 11:54 PM

I just got back my vintage jumbo xl from the 57th street store in NYC and they told me they couldn't order the HW from paris because the double C's are too big and they don't make 'em anymore. Anyone had this experience of changing the xlarge jumbo vintage hardware? They told me since the maxi is coming out around spring i should wait and call them back in the summer to see if the HW will match. Not sure if this true and they can't get the HW no more???

maxaluna50 · Oct 11th, 2008, 02:34 AM

I took a vintage jumbo flap to the Bal Harbour store in Florida. Wherever they sent it to (it must have been Chanel), they did a fantastic job.

Francesca1234 · Oct 11th, 2008, 05:57 PM

I think you should get your money back. The bag was misrepresented. Open a dispute. $1375 is a great deal of money. And in regarding to what Vintage XL jumbos are going for ..on malleries.com as well as eBay, bags are there for over a month with no bids and several ebay sellers took their bags off recently becuase they couldn't sell them. Malleries.com had several chanels that didn't sell and they put them on ebay and they didn't sell either. The prices need to come down.

I would wait for the new one called THE MAXI coming out in '09 and file a dispute and get your money back. YOu can call your credit card and file a dispute immediately and hold back payment.

PLEASE POST THE NAME OF THE SELLER SO EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THIS FRAUD AND MAKE SURE TO GIVE HER A BAD REVIEW ON eBay. THAT USUALLY MAKES THEM TRY ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE DISPUTE. THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER BUY ON EBAY.

Julierose · Oct 11th, 2008, 10:36 PM

Wow, that is horrible! Can you post photos of your handbag so we can see what type of shape it's in?

Cyndee · Oct 11th, 2008, 10:57 PM

Ladies, this thread is from JULY!

habanerita · Oct 11th, 2008, 11:03 PM

Please be careful what you state regarding sellers and conditions of bags. None of us saw the pictures of the particular bag nor its description.
I, for one, bought an XL Vintage jumbo from an eBay Seller who is also a Malleries Seller and a TPer and got a wonderful bag in wonderful condition. Your assumptions of what Malleries.com didn't sell and got put on Ebay etc, etc., are just that.....assumptions. Stating what prices need to do, and taking definitive sides on this is a little immature. For $1375 I know as an amateur that it would be very hard for me to find an XL Jumbo in great condition, just by researching the listings and the solds. Your advice, although I am sure is well intended is incendiary and not proper.and now I find out it is an old thread too......lets put it to rest.

H

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca1234

I think you should get your money back. The bag was misrepresented. Open a dispute. $1375 is a great deal of money. And in regarding to what Vintage XL jumbos are going for ..on malleries.com as well as eBay, bags are there for over a month with no bids and several ebay sellers took their bags off recently becuase they couldn't sell them. Malleries.com had several chanels that didn't sell and they put them on ebay and they didn't sell either. The prices need to come down.

I would wait for the new one called THE MAXI coming out in '09 and file a dispute and get your money back. YOu can call your credit card and file a dispute immediately and hold back payment.

PLEASE POST THE NAME OF THE SELLER SO EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THIS FRAUD AND MAKE SURE TO GIVE HER A BAD REVIEW ON eBay. THAT USUALLY MAKES THEM TRY ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE DISPUTE. THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER BUY ON EBAY.

Jul 8th, 2008, 05:00 PM	#1
claraclara Bag-Aholic Location: Toronto, Canada	Repairing Vintage Chanel Bag Hi everyone, i finally got the XL jumbo vintage bag I've always wanted....on eBay. This is my 2nd time purchasing bags on ebay and im not happy with the purchase. I usually have a preference buying new (and after this time I think i'll have to stick w/ that) but of course the XL can't be bought new anymore. This bag was described as 82/100 but it really looks like a 65/100. The pictures didn't do justice either. Maybe it was the lighting and the way they took it didn't look like the bag was so worn! The gold color on the chain is fading, lock closure after its turned has a brown spot surrounding it, leather is scraped all along the inside area (from red to white) and the back of the bag have many scratches that are noticable (you know from black to grey). I didn't even get an authenticity card or storage bag. The only good thing is the bottom and the front of the bag. Anyone gotten their bags reconditioned or repaired at any chanel boutique? I'd also like it cleaned as in the back pocket I could see some kinda animal hair =( which is really gross. I called chanel they said to bring in the bag and they'd have to send it in for a quote. Wondering if anyone has any ideas? I have emailed the seller telling her of my unsatisfaction and to provide a resolution or I will open a dispute with eBay. I spent a total of $1375 for the bag. How much should be clawed back to repair it to the 82/100 it was described at? The other good thing was seller did send an authentic bag.

Jul 8th, 2008, 06:28 PM	#2
Syma Member Location: UK	I'm so sorry to hear that, it can be so touch and go with the vintage bags. Pfrmers have given their Chanels in for repair with great success. They can replace the hardware for you but of course it wouldn't be the vintage style. The lambskin can't be cleaned but they can re-dye the bag for you which disguises the scratches and scuffs. Unfortunately this does change the feel of the lambskin. Can't you just send the bag back to the seller and get one in better condition next time?? __________________ "It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure." Coco Chanel

Jul 8th, 2008, 06:46 PM	#3
acshih Member Location: Bag Heaven	I have a vintage tote in caviar leather that I have sent in for repairs at the Chanel boutique. When I got it, the inside was really dirty, and the edges and corners were worn so that the pipings were exposed. In certain areas, the leather is so dry that it is cracking. Sent it in to the Chanel Boutique for redye, 3 months and $150 later, it is as good as new. Also restored a lambskin one, not at the boutique, but at LMB though. It had pen mark at the from flap, and color loss on the handle and back. The bag was at LMB for 6 weeks, and came back as good as new with minimum color deviation. The lambskin does feel a little changed, though, after the redye and waterproofing, not as soft as before. But over all, Barbara had done an amazing job. I am very happy with the results. The cost of this one is about $375. This should give you some idea in terms asking how much to ask back from the seller, if you do want to keep the bag. Good luck.

Jul 8th, 2008, 07:50 PM	#4
gacats love me some bags! Location: Georgia	Let us know what you decide to do...... I finally got a large vintage lambskin flap & I'm beyond happy with it so I certainly understand your wanting to try to rehab this bag. __________________ GaCats Proud Navy Mom My 2009 wish list: Chanel Ultimate Soft medium handbag in black Louis Vuitton Panda pochette ( in the works) YSL Easy, color not determined yet.

Jul 8th, 2008, 09:47 PM	#5
fashionlover123 designer bag addict Location: USA, far north	hope that the seller will pay for the restoration. otherwise, can you send it back to her for a refund? I've seen some on eBay with less than that price and in great condition, and I've gotten my vintage for 1500 and looks almost like brand new. Really hope that this can be resolved __________________ chanel wishlist: dark silver reissue 227 bubblegum or light pink lambskin jumbo

Jul 8th, 2008, 09:48 PM	#6
Cyndee LVChanelVegasSunnies Location: I am Canadian!	hmmm....just my opinion, but the vintage XL's do sell for a whole lot more than what you paid for that one. Given, they are generally in better condition when they sell for more money, but all in all, you know the old saying 'you get what you pay for'. Now, I don't know the seller and have no idea if you purchased it on eBay or not, but....yes, I agree that the seller should not have rated the bag 82/100 (what kind of rating is that anyway?!) but I think the price was fair for what you described. Currently, I believe that XL jumbos go in the $1500-$2000 range on ebay. It might cost you a couple hundred to bring it up to your standards, but I think it would be money well spent. In the end, again my opinion only, I think that you would end up with a great bag at a great price. It's frustrating, yes, but I'd take a step back and evaluate the big picture and go from there. It's a special bag that is getting harder and harder to locate.....and at a good price too. (trust me on this one!) The issues with the bag seem minor and easily rectified with a spa treatment. Opening a dispute with Paypal or eBay is time consuming and draining at best. With all due respect, may I suggest focusing that time and energy on the bag so that you can start to enjoy it asap. I hope that nobody gets me wrong, I'm not letting the seller off the hook. I truly believe that sellers have an obligation to photograph and describe their items as well as possible when buyers are spending that kind of money. But unfortunately there are many sellers out there who are not very professional and don't do a very good job of these things. __________________ Visit us at: www.luxury.Malleries.com/ChanelTouch Your laugh for the day......http://www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Jul 8th, 2008, 10:22 PM	#7
kwongkittiroch I love my Chihuahuas	I was looking at Vintage XLs also. I think the look is so unique. It's very scary to buy off of eBay and like you, I'm not too familiar with vintage bags. I think the seller should offer some compromise for misrepresenting the bag, IMHO. I hope it works out for you. Best of luck.

Jul 13th, 2008, 07:25 PM	#8
claraclara Bag-Aholic Location: Toronto, Canada	i did get an answer from the seller. She replied indicating a $100 reimbursement. However I think its too low. If its approx $265 in the US to do a refurbishment its definately more in Canada+ 13% tax rate. I am thinking of opening a dispute with eBay. Does anyone have experience in this area indicating that the item was not exactly as described? Thanks!

Oct 10th, 2008, 11:54 PM	#9
claraclara Bag-Aholic Location: Toronto, Canada	I just got back my vintage jumbo xl from the 57th street store in NYC and they told me they couldn't order the HW from paris because the double C's are too big and they don't make 'em anymore. Anyone had this experience of changing the xlarge jumbo vintage hardware? They told me since the maxi is coming out around spring i should wait and call them back in the summer to see if the HW will match. Not sure if this true and they can't get the HW no more???

Oct 11th, 2008, 02:34 AM	#10
maxaluna50 Sashasmom	I took a vintage jumbo flap to the Bal Harbour store in Florida. Wherever they sent it to (it must have been Chanel), they did a fantastic job. __________________ “The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.” Coco Chanel

Oct 11th, 2008, 05:57 PM	#11
Francesca1234 Member	I think you should get your money back. The bag was misrepresented. Open a dispute. $1375 is a great deal of money. And in regarding to what Vintage XL jumbos are going for ..on malleries.com as well as eBay, bags are there for over a month with no bids and several ebay sellers took their bags off recently becuase they couldn't sell them. Malleries.com had several chanels that didn't sell and they put them on ebay and they didn't sell either. The prices need to come down. I would wait for the new one called THE MAXI coming out in '09 and file a dispute and get your money back. YOu can call your credit card and file a dispute immediately and hold back payment. PLEASE POST THE NAME OF THE SELLER SO EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THIS FRAUD AND MAKE SURE TO GIVE HER A BAD REVIEW ON eBay. THAT USUALLY MAKES THEM TRY ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE DISPUTE. THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER BUY ON EBAY.

Oct 11th, 2008, 10:36 PM	#12
Julierose New York City Location: New York City	Wow, that is horrible! Can you post photos of your handbag so we can see what type of shape it's in? __________________ ~Julie~ "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" ~Currently Chanel obsessed~ And I love my 3 dogs

Oct 11th, 2008, 10:57 PM	#13
Cyndee LVChanelVegasSunnies Location: I am Canadian!	Ladies, this thread is from JULY! __________________ Visit us at: www.luxury.Malleries.com/ChanelTouch Your laugh for the day......http://www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com/