Birkin trade

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#31
I wouldn't do this, for so many reasons.

A Birkin is thousands of dollars - even if it's a trusted reseller, I wouldn't let the bag out of my hands unless I received funds in exchange for it prior to that.

And I definitely will not trade a brand new Birkin for a used one.

If you simply just want to recoup your loss, just sell the Birkin to the reseller. If you don't think you can purchase another by this year, mark your selling price up 10-20% to cover the price increase for next year. That way, if your dream bag only comes in next year, you will have the funds ready for it.

Black with GHW isn't difficult to find. I've been offered black with GHW numerous times when I was looking for PHW!
 
#32
restricter said:
Another thing you can do is something that some people do when selling on eBay. Attach a security tag or a little combination travel lock (like the kind used on suitcases) and only provide the combination when your bag is returned or the one you're swapping for arrives.

It's a way of preventing the old "switcheroo."
Click to expand...

such a clever little trick! thanks for sharing! :D
 
#33
after reading through several threads, i would simply return the bag your DH bought to the store where he bought it and ask them to call you when your spec comes in.

most likely, they will not take the bag back NOW for credit but will simply exchange it when your spec comes in.

please bear in mind, that this is also to cover you against price increase since as long as you are exchanging like for like in Hermes store, even after price increase, they will do the exchange, so it doesn't matter how long the new one will take.

as for reseller, it depends how much you want the GHW. it appears that you are willing to pay brand new price for a used bag. but if u can get your spec from H, why not do that?
 
#34
Personally, I would likely not trade a new birkin for an old one. I say that knowing I do love ardennes leather--and knowing it has not been made for years. The difference in age will be significant.

We should all remember that any time we ask a reseller to sell a bag for us, they take the bag without sending money. You get the selling price minus what is often about a 20% commission for the reseller. You are always in a position of sending a bag in, and having some faith that all will go well once the bag is in the seller's possession.

In this case, the op is a first-time birkin owner without a known history. The reseller is likely someone with a long track record. The reseller is possibly as nervous about the transaction as the current owner, and exercising fair caution. If you were the reseller, you would want to examine any bag from someone unknown for authenticity and condition, no matter what, before sending out either a bag or money.

There are two issues here. One is the trust part--and I think it is reasonable for an established reseller to want to examine the bag before taking any more action--or risk.

The other issue is whether it is fair and/or reasonable to swap out a very new bag for one from another time period. Even figuring that you would lose 20% or so to a reseller, you have to ask if the different worth of the bags is greater than that 20%. I would likely want to go another route.
 
#36
I personally would not trade a new bag for a used one, unless the used bag was a very special leather and color that would be comparable in price on the resale market.

Most resellers take items on consignment - meaning you do not get paid until they sell the bag. There are some extremely trustworthy resellers that I have no problem doing this with. You have to really know your reseller though and be able to trust them.

Many people think they can sell a bag through a reseller and recoup their original cost. In this market, that simply is not always true. You have to remember that the reseller will take a cut of the sale. Some do it as a percentage (20-30% is very common), and some take a flat fee. I prefer the flat fee myself. You probably will take a loss with ebay fees, shipping, consignment fees, etc. It all adds up. I have never recouped the original cost on any bag that I have decided to let go even if it was a brand new bag that had never been used.
 
#37
Some additional information to add. PLEASE DON'T TALK ABOUT PRICING YOUR BAG FOR SALE .... The commission for the bag would be 20% but of course that is assuming that the bag sells at that price. As Ranag mentioned this is uncertain in this market.

I am unsure as to when I would get paid. I think Periogord is correct and I would not get paid until the bag is sold.

It seems the consensus is not to trade, but I have not found a new or like new bag for this amount that is black with GHW. XXXXXXXX

JUST A REMINDER ... SELLING/ADVERTISING YOUR INTENT TO SELL IS NOT PERMITTED ON PF....!!
 
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#41
chanelinspired said:
This is why I love this forum. Smart ladies.

Yes, both me and the reseller are in the US. I was thinking about insurance already...don't know what the limits are. Will check Fedex right now.

I am intrigued by this security tag or lock option. I'm not sure how to do it. Where would I buy it? How would I secure it?
Click to expand...

Without getting into the merits of the transaction, you can get the little combination locks at K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target (over in the luggage section) for about $5. They also sell them wherever luggage is sold.

I found out about this practice through the wise people over in the eBay thread. If you do a search, you can find more information.
 
#43
Sorry I'm late to this party. All good information here. It's accurate that you can change hardware but H will never change the color from what's already on the bag. They will always match the stamp. Hardware is typically changed because it's in bad shape and someone will just want to freshen up a bag. My gut feeling is if someone wants to trade a bag with you it's to put them ahead of the eight ball. Your purse is obviously worth more to them than the one they are sending you. They are in the business to make money. You are emotionally wanting a specific item and they know it and are playing into that.

I know sometimes we get impatient with wanting immediate gratification but the purse you really want will show up brand spanking new. There are many trusted resellers who can put good money back in your pocket. Take that money and stash it in a safe place so you'll have it handy when you find what you really want, not what someone else has convinced you what you should settle for right now.

:reading:
 
#44
It is unlikey that a reputable reseller would scam you, you are only as good as your last sale and all that, so yes - I would not think twice if there is one willing to take you brand new bag for a used one. Used birkins are very difficult to sell, but then again, so is black with silver.
 
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