**Buying from Fashionphile** shopping experiences/questions
- Thread starter MissMcCrocodile
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I was told on 9/30 - ACH initiated and to date have not received my $. I understand about staffing issues, pandemic slow down, etc but I don't appreciate being told that the "process" takes 5-7 business days to reach my bank. That is BS. My bank told me it takes 24-to max 48 hours to post if in fact the money has been released. I find it objectionable that FP not disclose that they are running slower for whatever reason and don't say my money is on the way when it isn't. This is electronic transfer not snail mail. I could get a check in the physical mail faster than this electronic payment. I value honesty and feel something is off lately with FP.
@trippinonsunshineI agree with you 100%. ACH standards require us to get our money within 48 hours after the file is sent out. That means to me that @fashionphile isn't sending the file in a timely manner. I have sold other bags during the pandemic and received my payment the day after notification, so this is relatively new. I agree something seems off -- hope they aren't having cash flow issues.
I have not yet bought or sold with Fashionphile but sorry to hear that the sellers are experiencing delays with payments. And maybe because I have been browsing their site, this article showed up on my news feed. Based on these recent posts, I thought it was interesting! I did not know that the company has been around for a while.
How Fashionphile's Sarah Davis Went From eBay Store to Leading the Multibillion-Dollar Luxury Resale Market
In 1989, she was a law student earning extra money. She now helms a thriving e-commerce platform and sells in Neiman Marcus.
BY AMRITA KHALID, STAFF WRITER@ASKHALID
Thanks to companies like the California-based Fashionphile, consumers can buy $2,000 Chanel handbags and $800 Manolo Blahnik stilettos for a fraction of the price.
Founder and president Sarah Davis was just a law school student when she launched Fashionphile as an eBay store in 1999. Since then, the brand has grown into the largest reseller of luxury fashion and accessories in the U.S. with in-person locations, selling stations in 11 states, and a thriving ecommerce platform. Retail giant Neiman Marcus bought a minority stake in the company in 2019 and has integrated the resale platform in its product offerings. There are now six Fashionphile selling studios in Neiman Marcus stores where potential sellers can have their luxury items appraised by appointment.
With more than two decades in the luxury resale market, Davis has her finger on the pulse of what has become an industry valued at $24 billion. In a Real Talk stream event on Wednesday, the founder talked to Inc.'s Brit Morse about the secret behind Fashionphile's success and lessons she learned. Here are some highlights from the conversation.
Be good to your customer, and she'll tell her friends.
What if there's a niche audience for your product? Davis said she knew that would be the case for secondhand luxury handbags, accessories, and fashion. Davis said the brand at first didn't know how to direct its marketing efforts, other than spreading general awareness. But the solution ended up being right in front of them. Word of mouth was an effective way to grow Fashionphile's customer base.
"It's an odd, kind of very narrow niche. We thought the best way to market to our customer would be to be really good to our customer, and she'll tell her friends," said Davis.
Value your relationship with your selling customers.
The online experience of selling luxury items is a key component of Fashionphile's brand, as well as competitors like The RealReal, Poshmark, and Depop. Nearly 85 percent of Fashionphile's buying and selling is done online. Fashionphile buyers can book a virtual appointment online with a seller who will appraise their item, ask for an online quote, or book a white-glove pickup.
When it comes to drawing in customers for pre-owned luxury items, Davis said that part of the equation isn't too difficult. Most high-end luxury brands steer clear of discounts and sales. After all, scarcity is the main lure.
"I joke internally that it's not that hard to sell a Gucci bag for less than retail, or a pair of Chanel flats for less than retail. Some of these items don't discount ever. You're not going to find a Chanel sale," she said.
Which is why Davis said the brand values the customers who sell on the platform, whether they come in person to Fashionphile's brick-and-mortar selling stations or sell online. The loyalty of devoted sellers makes it possible for Fashionphile to keep a wide selection of items in stock. To accommodate the varying preferences of its sellers, Fashionphile offers selling stations for those who find it an easier option than photographing and shipping the items themselves.
"What's really hard is: How do you get more authentic brands, and branded items? How do you get more pre-owned Rolexes and Van Cleef necklaces and Cartier love bracelets and Chanel flats? Which is why it's important that we have a good relationship with our customer and make it as easy as possible," she said.
Heirloom pieces are now investment pieces.
Luxury handbags and fashion were once considered heirloom pieces. People would pass down vintage Rolex watches or Chanel handbags to children and grandchildren. But thanks to the luxury resale market, consumers are no longer holding on to items for posterity. They're seeing such high-value items as investment pieces.
"If I gave my daughter my old Chanel flap, she would sell that thing so fast," said Davis. "She's going to sell my Chanel flap and buy herself a Gucci fanny pack. I mean, let's be honest, we think about things differently now."
But some luxury items aren't meant to be resold. Davis offered up the example of a Rolex watch your father gave you as a graduation present. "Don't sell that to us. Keep that," she said.
How Fashionphile's Sarah Davis Went From eBay Store to Leading the Multibillion-Dollar Luxury Resale Market
In 1989, she was a law student earning extra money. She now helms a thriving e-commerce platform and sells in Neiman Marcus.
BY AMRITA KHALID, STAFF WRITER@ASKHALID
Thanks to companies like the California-based Fashionphile, consumers can buy $2,000 Chanel handbags and $800 Manolo Blahnik stilettos for a fraction of the price.
Founder and president Sarah Davis was just a law school student when she launched Fashionphile as an eBay store in 1999. Since then, the brand has grown into the largest reseller of luxury fashion and accessories in the U.S. with in-person locations, selling stations in 11 states, and a thriving ecommerce platform. Retail giant Neiman Marcus bought a minority stake in the company in 2019 and has integrated the resale platform in its product offerings. There are now six Fashionphile selling studios in Neiman Marcus stores where potential sellers can have their luxury items appraised by appointment.
With more than two decades in the luxury resale market, Davis has her finger on the pulse of what has become an industry valued at $24 billion. In a Real Talk stream event on Wednesday, the founder talked to Inc.'s Brit Morse about the secret behind Fashionphile's success and lessons she learned. Here are some highlights from the conversation.
Be good to your customer, and she'll tell her friends.
What if there's a niche audience for your product? Davis said she knew that would be the case for secondhand luxury handbags, accessories, and fashion. Davis said the brand at first didn't know how to direct its marketing efforts, other than spreading general awareness. But the solution ended up being right in front of them. Word of mouth was an effective way to grow Fashionphile's customer base.
"It's an odd, kind of very narrow niche. We thought the best way to market to our customer would be to be really good to our customer, and she'll tell her friends," said Davis.
Value your relationship with your selling customers.
The online experience of selling luxury items is a key component of Fashionphile's brand, as well as competitors like The RealReal, Poshmark, and Depop. Nearly 85 percent of Fashionphile's buying and selling is done online. Fashionphile buyers can book a virtual appointment online with a seller who will appraise their item, ask for an online quote, or book a white-glove pickup.
When it comes to drawing in customers for pre-owned luxury items, Davis said that part of the equation isn't too difficult. Most high-end luxury brands steer clear of discounts and sales. After all, scarcity is the main lure.
"I joke internally that it's not that hard to sell a Gucci bag for less than retail, or a pair of Chanel flats for less than retail. Some of these items don't discount ever. You're not going to find a Chanel sale," she said.
Which is why Davis said the brand values the customers who sell on the platform, whether they come in person to Fashionphile's brick-and-mortar selling stations or sell online. The loyalty of devoted sellers makes it possible for Fashionphile to keep a wide selection of items in stock. To accommodate the varying preferences of its sellers, Fashionphile offers selling stations for those who find it an easier option than photographing and shipping the items themselves.
"What's really hard is: How do you get more authentic brands, and branded items? How do you get more pre-owned Rolexes and Van Cleef necklaces and Cartier love bracelets and Chanel flats? Which is why it's important that we have a good relationship with our customer and make it as easy as possible," she said.
Heirloom pieces are now investment pieces.
Luxury handbags and fashion were once considered heirloom pieces. People would pass down vintage Rolex watches or Chanel handbags to children and grandchildren. But thanks to the luxury resale market, consumers are no longer holding on to items for posterity. They're seeing such high-value items as investment pieces.
"If I gave my daughter my old Chanel flap, she would sell that thing so fast," said Davis. "She's going to sell my Chanel flap and buy herself a Gucci fanny pack. I mean, let's be honest, we think about things differently now."
But some luxury items aren't meant to be resold. Davis offered up the example of a Rolex watch your father gave you as a graduation present. "Don't sell that to us. Keep that," she said.
Hi! I have a package from fashionphile that is currently “lost” by UPS. For two days the UPS supposedly couldn’t find our house (we’ve been here accepting UPS deliveries for five years) because it isn’t marked. What?!? It’s marked! I put out new address placards to supplement the original and still UPS couldn’t see them. Supposedly. I spoke with my local UPS office and and they were to hold the package for me to pick up. I went to the office that same day (50 mile round trip) and, guess what? No package! Their suggestion? File a lost package claim. Of I’m so angry! I got a great deal on this LV. In fact the price has gone up 42% since I purchased, so no way can I rebuy when I get a refund.
I think shady UPS workers took my package knowing that it’s insured. All things point to that direction. I wonder if this is happening elsewhere? Seems to be a lot of missing fashionphile packages!
So now it’s Friday night and I can’t call fashionphile until Monday and nothing gets looked into until at least next week! I wonder what’s happening to my beautiful handbag right now?
I think shady UPS workers took my package knowing that it’s insured. All things point to that direction. I wonder if this is happening elsewhere? Seems to be a lot of missing fashionphile packages!
So now it’s Friday night and I can’t call fashionphile until Monday and nothing gets looked into until at least next week! I wonder what’s happening to my beautiful handbag right now?
I just had a bad experience with Fashionphile, after being a loyal customer for almost 10 years. I jus bought a Lady Dior and put it in the Reserve. Then (after 45 days), I made the final payment ( in full). I got an email payment confirmation from them, and in 2 mins they cancelled my payment and issued the refund minus the 10% Reserve return fee. To my confusion, I just made a payment, got the cancel from them, then got charged 10% for the cancellation which I didn't do. I tried to call them several time, since email didn't work out and nobody reply my email, I had to wait almost 1.30 hrs for the call till I gave up of waiting.
Don't want to get the bag now, I just need my money back.
Don't want to get the bag now, I just need my money back.
I love FP, the latest purchase was a YSL woc and it stated "excellent" condition, but it really looks brand new to me.
Sorry they did this you. It sounds a lot like what happened this youtuber in her video:
She had to go through a lot of hassle contacting them multiple times, but eventually FP acknowledged their error and refunded all her money. Good luck!
They seem to be quite active on Instagram, maybe post there for assistance?
I had to laugh at her expectation that perhaps Fashionphile would do something extra to make up for their error. That's not the kind of business Fashionphile is anymore. Businesses that try to give you a bonus because they made a mistake are businesses that want and need you as a customer. I feel like Fashionphile doesn't really want more customers anymore. They've become this behemoth that is slowly suffocating under its own weight. They can't keep up with business as usual and have fallen very far behind. They're a victim of their own success
You are so wise! I wish lived closer to you to be friend with you and learn more from you!
Agree, and it makes me a wee bit nervous. We all know companies don't last indefinitely and this is a smaller business in the grand scheme of things, very easily brought down if it continues growth at its current rate without drawing in/retaining a strong customer base. I worry every so often that they won't have a buyback program if they don't exist any longer... has anyone ever considered where you would sell your items if Fashionphile/Yoogis, etc. wasn't in business any longer? It's a thought I often have and has made me extremely thoughtful about purchases b/c there might be a point where I have to keep everything I buy!
Fashionphile currently has the backing of Neiman Marcus so hopefully they would survive. Yoogiscloset seems to have the same model as it's always had and seems to be doing fine as far as shipping times and checking things in. But yes I have whittled down my collection quite a bit with that in mind!
NOt sure who is listing the Hermes scarves over at Fashionphile now but they keep getting it wrong.
For example.....This 90cm. scarf retails for $435 (still on the hermes.com site) and measures 36 x 36.
Fashionphile states that it is 140cm and measures 54 x 54 (nope - wrong) - Price - $1150 crazy
I mean - I have one in my drawer here at home and would definitely let someone buy it for $1150! ....shoot even half that!
For example.....This 90cm. scarf retails for $435 (still on the hermes.com site) and measures 36 x 36.
Fashionphile states that it is 140cm and measures 54 x 54 (nope - wrong) - Price - $1150 crazy
I mean - I have one in my drawer here at home and would definitely let someone buy it for $1150! ....shoot even half that!
Not defending Fashionphile at all, b/c they get a lot wrong, lol!! But you have the scarf, their listing is right because it's for the shawl. The shawl is much larger and over 1k. I believe H does 2 sizes/styles of items often.