Are we being unfair to Chanel re prices?

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Dear Chanel,

Our long love affair is over. I am done. I am exhausted. I am broken. Although I will always love you, I must move on. I really tried my hardest to stay, to hold on as long as I could. These last few years have been turbulent ones to say the least, and even so, I tried my hardest to accept all the changes you presented me and stay as long as I could. My loyalty never wavered. Even this month, just a few weeks ago, we shared yet another memory, only to be let down yet again. I didn’t know this would be it. Although this break up was no surprise, we all saw it coming, I am still saddened and in shock how it all went down, that it all happened so fast. I really tried to hold on. I am disappointed, disheartened, broken, and let down. I honestly loved you to the core… truly, madly, deeply. But really, this is it, I quit. I must quit you for me. I am doing it for me. But I promise I will always cherish you, all the memories we shared, the years of genuine love, affection, and loyalty, the 20 tokens of love I leave with. I will not be malicious and bad talk you but will walk away with my head up high. I know this is for the best, that we may find others who can give us what we truly deserve. I wish you luck. You will always have a place in my heart, even from the sidelines.

Bernie
 
Lol. This was suppose to be funny, but I guess not. Please excuse my bad humor. I honestly love Chanel and will be holding on to my collection, my 20 bags, and not sell them to fund other bags. I honestly feel lucky to have what I have. Sadly, I only own 3 classic flaps and could have used more and would have loved to have more reissues. I just think the price increases have been ridiculous. I bought my jumbos for $4900 and $5500 and swore never to get another when the prices for the medium rose to $6800. But, I caved and bought one at $8800. I told myself once the minis reach $5000 that was it. Although, I am not priced out per say, I just feel it is a bit extravagant, personally for myself, I have enough. I tend to be a bit practical, and try to justify everything. Plus, I don’t rotate my bag collection as much as I should. I would just rather spend the money for other things like home improvement, more vacations etc. I am at Chanel purse peace.
 
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In light of the recent price increase I wanted to revive this discussion.


I believe Chanel is taking a risky approach, and their brand image may be overvalued. In fact, I would argue that purchasing a new boutique Chanel bag is comparable to buying a brand-new car.
As the popular saying goes, the moment you drive a new car off the lot, its value depreciates significantly. Similarly, if you were to buy a new boutique Chanel medium flap bag at full price and later attempt to sell it, you would not be able to recoup the same amount you paid initially (unless it happens to be one of the elusive “IT bags”).
In other words, while Chanel bags may be highly sought-after and luxurious, they are not necessarily a wise investment in terms of long-term value retention.
 
In light of the recent price increase I wanted to revive this discussion.


I believe Chanel is taking a risky approach, and their brand image may be overvalued. In fact, I would argue that purchasing a new boutique Chanel bag is comparable to buying a brand-new car.
As the popular saying goes, the moment you drive a new car off the lot, its value depreciates significantly. Similarly, if you were to buy a new boutique Chanel medium flap bag at full price and later attempt to sell it, you would not be able to recoup the same amount you paid initially (unless it happens to be one of the elusive “IT bags”).
In other words, while Chanel bags may be highly sought-after and luxurious, they are not necessarily a wise investment in terms of long-term value retention.
Hmm. Great points! So interesting.

Unless they’re going to seriously limit availability, like Hermes does with Birkins and Kellys, then perhaps a new store bought Classic Flap would potentially sell for a premium on the resale market. I can definitely imagine that happening down the road.

Also, I was thinking about the new car analogy - I always buy new cars because, well, there’s nothing like a new car, and you’re not inheriting other peoples’ problems. But it’s true that it devalues the minute it’s driven out of the dealer. With a store bought bag, there’s no concern about authenticity or other wear and tear problems, so that’s an advantage.

Personally, I hope Chanel limits availability of their Classic Flaps so that all the money that all of us here on PF have spent over the years will turn out to be a sound investment after all. Here’s hoping!!
 
Hmm. Great points! So interesting.

Unless they’re going to seriously limit availability, like Hermes does with Birkins and Kellys, then perhaps a new store bought Classic Flap would potentially sell for a premium on the resale market. I can definitely imagine that happening down the road.

Also, I was thinking about the new car analogy - I always buy new cars because, well, there’s nothing like a new car, and you’re not inheriting other peoples’ problems. But it’s true that it devalues the minute it’s driven out of the dealer. With a store bought bag, there’s no concern about authenticity or other wear and tear problems, so that’s an advantage.

Personally, I hope Chanel limits availability of their Classic Flaps so that all the money that all of us here on PF have spent over the years will turn out to be a sound investment after all. Here’s hoping!!

I think Chanel has already tried to limit the availability of Classic flaps. I know there is usually a limit on how many an account can buy per month. And I know they don't always have them on display (you have to ask to be shown one). They usually won't ship Classic flaps either. I've also read that some believe you have to form a relationship with a SA to buy one (though I have not experienced this). It'll be interesting to see what else Chanel comes up with, because I do think they will try to make them more scarce!
 
Like @Swanky, I look at cost per wear, whether it’s clothing or accessories. And there’s personal style/aesthetic and the value you assign to it.

Don’t buy because you’re looking at it as an investment. Bags are not investments, but Chanel bags do retain value. At the end of the day, luxury is for enjoyment.

A coworker remarked to me that she’d rather go on a safari than buy a luxury bag. Of course it was subtle judgment. You carry your memories of your safari just like I carry my bag. Same difference. It’s a luxury.
 
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I wish there was more awareness in community about the resale process and following expenses so people can make an informed decision. This lady attempted to put her Chanel bags on sale just for fancies to learn more about the pricing. Long story short, resale platforms take a cut of several thousands dollars, so one would have to keep their bags through significant price increase to even break even, set aside making money on their bags. That was quite eye-opening to me because I used to think that strong resale market is absolute necessity to back up the high retail prices, but now I feel like this whole “investment” thing is mostly pushed by resellers who benefits from it.

I occasionally get quotes for a NWT classic flap I’ve owned since 2009ish. I could get back what I paid then, but I wouldn’t make a profit. If you use a third party, you’re typically not making money on flipping bags. That’s why all the investment talk irks me so badly.
 
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