How can I make sure the new LV I buy is new and unused?

[isabellam]

All of the threads about people buying and using bags for a few days, then deciding that the bag doesn't work for them, then returning it to the store, whereupon the store (maybe) spiffs the bag back up and sells it again to a new customer has got me thinking.

I have been (and still am!) saving for my very first LV. I am bypassing buying used/barely used/pristine-new/NWOT bags in favor of buying a brand-spanking new bag from the boutique. I want a new bag.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can be sure that the bag the SA hands me is indeed brand new? Is there some packaging that they only put on at the factory, that if it is still on the bag, assures me that 'my' bag is indeed brand new?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[tauketula]

All of my bags were purchased through Eluxury. When I received them, they had plastic on the handles and covering the hardware. There was no mistaking that they were new. Now, Elux no longer sells LV so maybe someone will chime in about what to look for in the boutique. I know what you mean abut wanting your bag to be "new" if that's what you're paying for. Good Luck. :)

[lilmountaingirl]

You have yo order it directly from the warehouse. That's the only way to make sure you're the only person who has touched it.

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I have returned items to LV before and they spend a couple of minutes inspecting the bags. They will not accept a return unless it is in excellent saleable condition. They do not take back "used bags".

When you are planning to buy, go to the store and inspect the item. If you love it and it loooks great, get it!!

[cruznit1436]

You can make sure the SA gets you a brand new one from the back or drawer when you go to a boutique..ask them for a "new" one..

[lilmountaingirl]

To add, my store has a 65% turnover rate. Meaning 65% of their bags (more common for the more popular styles) have left the store and came back at least once. I've exchanged items a few times but never took the items out of the bag. However, not once has an SA (at 3 separate locations) ever inspected my exchange although maybe it's because I'm a very good customer. So if you want to be sure you're the only one who's touched it, you need to order it from the warehouse. Hopefully you'll be 100% satisfied and it won't have any defects, because that bag will no longer be brand new for the next customer.

[eurogirrl]

you'll never really know that it has not been 'handled' by others in the store, prior to your buying it...
just make sure to inspect the piece with the SA, before they pack it all up, to make sure it's satisfactory...
(most SA's make sure you do this.. and if not, ask...)
as for returns.. at my neighborhood boutique, the SA brings the item inside to the Manager for approval... and i guess that is supposedly 'enough' assurance for future buyers...

[Mimster]

Unless you ordered it directly from warehouse then considered the bag in the store as new but "touched". Even if the SA brings one from the back with all the plastic coverings, it may still have made it's way to someone's house and back into the store.

I understand your need to have an untouched bag/item as I have a friend who is like this. He wouldn't even buy clothes hanging off the rack on the floor. It has to be brought from the back. Makes going shopping with him very hard.

[lvuittonaddict]

ask for a bag with the protector things still on it.

[Lv-nowwhat]

Ask for a totally new one.

[Sassy Sue]

When I got my Galliera PM from the boutique, they initially offered the one from display, but, from the lighting, it already had very light patina. I asked for one from the back. It came with the typical clear blue plastic on the hardware (for protection), and also to note - the boutiques are no longer supposed to present items to customers with plastic wrapping on the handles.

[yoshimune8]

if thats your criteria, you are never going to buy an LV...there is no way to absolutely guarantee that you are getting an unused bag...unless you are sitting right next to the artisan that is making it dude...just buy the bag you love and enjoy it...

[mario.af]

Even if it has the wrapping plastic on the handles doesn't mean it has "never been touched", sometimes they sell the bags with the plastic still on, it has happened to me, and I returned it (with the plastic still on the handles)
Just fully inspect the bag and enjoy it.

[Gimmethebag]

I disagree with sentiments that it is impossible to get a new bag. Louis Vuitton is mass-produced and so unless you're looking at purchasing a LE, I don't see why it would be difficult for them to fulfill your request for a new bag. I agree that part of the boutique experience is new goods and leaving the store with your bag boxed with ribbon, at least for your first bag.

I would ask to see a brand new bag from their stock and I would request that they leave all stickers on for your inspection and for while they box it. Some tPfers have complained about inspecting one bag in store and realizing a different one was actually sold to them when they got home. The SAs will wrap your bag in the back, so asking for the original packing materials to be included will at least ensure that your bag has never been used.

I don't mind if a bag has been in its dust bag in someone's house for a day before returned/exchanged but I have a hard time rationalizing paying full price for a bag that someone has carried out and used. If I didn't care that the bag was used 1-2 times, I would buy second hand and at least save on sales tax. I think it's a reasonable request... if SAs are willing to bend the return policy, then they should be willing to go that extra mile to make sure you are 100% confident with your purchase.

[kristie]

Originally Posted by lilmountaingirl

You have yo order it directly from the warehouse. That's the only way to make sure you're the only person who has touched it.

Just FYI, when you call 866 and order a bag, it will come from the warehouse unless it is out of stock, then they order it through a local boutique.

However, the warehouse has tons of returns too.

I am SO TIRED of LV taking in store returns and not looking at them carefully.

I was looking at a Mahina L a few weeks ago in the boutique and the hardware was scratched up and the feet were worn down to silver instead of gold in the center of them

I pointed this out to the SA, who acted like a total b^&*$h and said, "This came fresh from "the back" no one has ever touched it or used it." Ummmmm yeah....so how did it get scratched and worn feet????