It depends, I purchased my epi speedy for 500.00 a tremendous savings if it were new. But ...I wasn’t able to find an artsy that was new enough without paying someone else retail, so in that case I bought new and fwiw the boutique experience stunk, the SA was a big snob. When I purchased my clemence wallet new I went to a different boutique (couldn’t find a preloved wallet I found acceptable) and the experience was wonderful!
Buying new or pre-owned?
- Thread starter OBXGirl
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I think the desire to own a preowned piece vs. new depends alot on ones budget and the availability of the item.
We are all in love with Louis Vuitton otherwise we would not be on these forums.
We are all in love with Louis Vuitton otherwise we would not be on these forums.
I just noticed your comment. When I responded to this post, I did not realize that it was only relating to LV bags. However, I did purchase a preowned Proenza Schouler bag after getting it authenicated for 75% less than its new retail value. It had a missing lock. I contacted PS and they agree to replace the lock for $85. The bag was in like new condition and after repair it is very nearly perfect. If you read the PS forum you will see pictures of this bag.
Your post was less than gracious.
I like purchasing preowned LV, so far I've bought 2. I'm more open to buying used items in DE because the signs of usage are not as apparent. Bags that are lined in a lot of vachetta and Damier Azur, I would prefer to buy new.
I prefer new even though I am can not spend tons of money on bags - I did buy a used Balenciaga and had to sell it because I could never get used to the fact that it was used - I think - what was in this bag? Was this bag on a bathroom floor? Who carried this bag? Is there bad juju attached to this bag? Silly - I know - maybe I am a germaphobe
ITA!
I was out with a friend recently and she put her brand new capucines on the floor of a public bathroom in a bar ♀️
I’ve considered buying used but the thought of not knowing where it’s been or what been in it is unsettling
Just an FYI. In my earlier life I was an infection control RN specialist in a hospital. I spent 17 years working to prevent infections, isolating patients who needed it, etc.
Yes, the floor is not very clean. BUT your hands and other peoples' hands are what spread disease. So when you open a public door and then handle your bag, you are putting whatever is on your hands onto the leather. If you wash your hands before eating, etc., you will be fine. That is why healthcare workers must wash their hands between patients. Kitchen dish towels that are not washed frequently have been found to be highly contaminated. I could write pages, but let me just say that putting a bag on the floor may get IT dirty, but it would not be the dirtiest place you could put it down. Hope this brings a little peace of mind to you, lol.
Hahaha I’m not a crazy freak about germs but I’d still rather buy a fresh new bag than a used on.
And as far as the floor, if any door handle was as sticky and gross (with only goodness knows what) as the bar bathroom floor was, I’d never open a door again!
Well - then I would think - what did this person do with their hands and then touch the handles of the bag and have their sweat soak into the vachetta - I think I want my own hand oils in the vachetta - not someone elses - I just never put my bag on the floor to avoid all the fecal matter and stuff on floors - just like when I come home everyone takes off their shoes - I know you cannot avoid everything but I try.
I bought my first pre-owned bag years ago, a beautiful Gucci canvas bag that had the GG logo in pink. I carried that bag EVERYWHERE, it made me feel so fancy. Then it got waterlogged because I was careless with it and left it by a cooler at a party on the ground. I since tried to clean it, that made it a little better but the canvas will never be the same again. So it sat in the closet for YEARS, untouched. I forgot about lux for a long time and carried the typical Coach and Michael Kors which I always purchased brand new. This year, I quit smoking cigarettes and thought I deserved something nice for that, so I begin looking into LV because their canvas bags are a different material and hold up better than the Gucci canvas. I am not wealthy by any means, but I’ve always appreciated the finer things for their durability and craftsmanship. I found out about online authentication and began my pre-owned search for the perfect bag. I started small, with a Pochette from 1998. I now think I overspent on that one, because I was so scared of buying a fake, I went for a higher price tag. I paid $360 for the Pochette. Since then, I have learned quite a bit. I ALWAYS ask for more photos, specifically of heat stamp, date code, hardware. I typically search for items under $250. Don’t be afraid to be extra with the questions. If the seller seems annoyed when you ask for more photos or specific questions, DON’T BUY IT. Chances are they are aware they are selling a fake or they are just honestly not sure if it is real or not. You have to sift through a LOT of fakes and very damaged pieces to find a good deal, but I have had success with the Mercari app. I purchased an authentic old model Petit Noe from 1996 for $210. The seller even included the old broken drawstring, and the box and receipt for the replacement drawstring that she purchased from Saks. She stated the bag was in poor, poor condition. I got the bag, and maybe her idea of poor condition is different than mine, but I think the bag still has YEARS of life left in her. I will eventually have the top lining of the Vachetta trim replaced through LV, but it is still functional and durable enough for me. My next purchase was for a 1989 Speedy 25. I also paid only $210 for that bag as well. So I have 3 authentic pre-loved bags in my collection, and they cost me less than one brand new bag. Yes, they are old, but they have character. They were built to last, so I’m bringing it new life. As for other people’s germs, I thoroughly cleaned my bags as best as I could and I just purchased a felt organizer to go in each bag so my items aren’t swimming around in whatever was in there over the years. It really doesn’t bother me too much. I also know that if I bought brand new that I would be fearful and beat myself up over the tiniest stain or watermark, which is bound to happen, especially as clumsy and careless as I am. So I’m all for pre-owned at a steal. Just be cautious, ask questions and if you have the slightest inkling that it’s fake...don’t make the purchase. All in all, it’s a personal decision. Some people get a rush from saving and knowing you worked hard to buy a brand new item, and that is totally fine! Some people just do not want anything used, and I understand a purse is certainly a very personal item. I just know that I am careless, I love a good thrifted item, and money goes to other more important things in my household. This is why I buy pre-loved. Sorry for the book!
OMG! This. I'm more afraid of the bad juju attached to the bag. That's why I only buy new and IF I ever do get a used one, it's probably from family.
Do you ever want to buy a brand new bag just to justify the time the SAs have spent on you? 
I have a couple of LV items, including bags, but apart from a cardholder they were all pre-loved. I live in Norway and there is only one LV store here - I've been there several times now trying on bags and checking SLGs (no local website, so you can't check prices etc online) and I feel so guilty that I don't actually buy in the store, because the SAs seem to recognize me now
I don't want them to think I'm a time waster 
I have a couple of LV items, including bags, but apart from a cardholder they were all pre-loved. I live in Norway and there is only one LV store here - I've been there several times now trying on bags and checking SLGs (no local website, so you can't check prices etc online) and I feel so guilty that I don't actually buy in the store, because the SAs seem to recognize me now
I don't want them to think I'm a time waster 
I absolutely don’t agree with this. There’s so many time wasters out there and I don’t like to waste my time. While I don’t mind serious questions, I put all relevant pictures on a listing. If that’s not enough for a potential buyer then they can move on.
