Chanel Price Increase Vs Quality

[Miss Dale]

Hi everyone,

I am very curious about the quality of the Chanel items, their bags in particular. There have been several price increases, but have they maintained the quality of their items? I am hoping to buy a new medium classic in caviar. The last thread regarding their bags was done in November 2021, has anything changed? I simply do not want to be disappointed.

Also, do you trust pre-loved? If yes, which company do you buy from ?

Thank you

 

[lovieluvslux]

Don't listen to generalizations about Chanel quality - that's if you really want the bag. I am speaking of classic caviar leather. I've seen some that are wonky with structure and stitching issues, and some that are beautiful. Some leathers are going to wear more and take color transfer, or scratches, etc. It's best to inspect and reject in person.

I am mixed regarding pre-loved. If it's a unique color that is no longer available, it might be worth second hand. I find some of the second hand sites are priced more than retail.

 

[LuxLover19]

When you buy pre-loved, you still have to examine the bag for authenticity, defects, odors, discoloration, scuffs, etc. Preloved doesn't mean the quality is better unless you're referring to vintage bags. I would buy directly from the boutique if I could. The quality has gone down, yes, but it doesn't mean every bag is defective. Some of my new bags are perfect. So you just have to try and see. If you find flaws, you can exchange it. But if you buy pre-loved, sometimes it's a hassle exchanging or trying to get a refund.

 

[Swanky]

I’ve never had any quality issues in my 15+ years of collecting Chanel. Not one!

I don’t buy preloved.

 

[ccbaggirl89]

The quality has declined in comparison to vintage, but that is probably true across all brands and not just Chanel. I'd just say to keep in mind that many of the issues you hear about are often caused by the owner(s) of the bag and not Chanel quality itself. How someone uses (or abuses) their bag will have an impact on how the bag wears. Chanel was once a luxury brand that people used minimally - that's why some vintage bags look amazing, they were rarely used. Lots of buyers today want Chanel as a 'everyday bag' so you will definitely see talk about quality because the bags are being used more often and show wear points much faster.

 

[jimmyshoogirl]

Has anything changed since Nov 2021? No. Maintained? Sure, if we’re talking the last several years. I’ve been reading of people talking about Chanel’s, and other brands, quality on and off over the last 15 years lol. I, personally, haven’t had any issues with Chanel. I also mainly purchase at my local boutiques, maybe that’s why? I say if you love the bag get it and carry it proudly!

 

[880]

also see, https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/chanel-leather-quality.1041934/

Chanel Price Increase *please include location*

Hi! Friendly reminder to stay on topic. If you’re not sharing or directly discussing price increases then it’s off topic. Members subscribe to threads like this for information :flowers:

forum.purseblog.com

I’ve been collecting for many years with a long hiatus of Hermes. My most recent was so black mini chevron reissue, No issues, very happy. But I also never had issues with metallics, even striped metallic, so idk.

 

[Miss Dale]

The quality has declined in comparison to vintage, but that is probably true across all brands and not just Chanel. I'd just say to keep in mind that many of the issues you hear about are often caused by the owner(s) of the bag and not Chanel quality itself. How someone uses (or abuses) their bag will have an impact on how the bag wears. Chanel was once a luxury brand that people used minimally - that's why some vintage bags look amazing, they were rarely used. Lots of buyers today want Chanel as a 'everyday bag' so you will definitely see talk about quality because the bags are being used more often and show wear points much faster.

That is a great point. I am definitely not one to carry a Chanel bag daily. Which will ultimately minimize wear and tear. Thank you

 

[Miss Dale]

Don't listen to generalizations about Chanel quality - that's if you really want the bag. I am speaking of classic caviar leather. I've seen some that are wonky with structure and stitching issues, and some that are beautiful. Some leathers are going to wear more and take color transfer, or scratches, etc. It's best to inspect and reject in person.

I am mixed regarding pre-loved. If it's a unique color that is no longer available, it might be worth second hand. I find some of the second hand sites are priced more than retail.

You’re spot on. Thank you for reminding me about colour transfer! I love the beige with GHW, but will need to be extremely careful

 

[Chanel0524]

I have a 20year chanel profile and I can’t say that I haven’t had issues. Honestly. Prior to 2010- I’ve never had issues with quality. However, in the last several years- I have declined to purchase bags, returned several because of lopsided flaps, stitching issues.
My 21S pink iridescent lambskin flap got color transfer the first day I wore it with a medium colored shirt. I immediately sold it and purchased a caviar version of the same bag.
I have had to return two bags recently due to lopsided flaps. Both coco handles.
My pink sakura 22C small flap had hardware that began to rust! And I never even used the bag. It had tags on it when I sent it off for repair. So, yes, quality has declined, IMO. However, some of the REV classic bags in black and beige I have seen are stunning- but again- this varies on the leather for the that season. I noticed some are shiny and puffy quilts while others are flat, grainy and matte.
Chanel IS all over the place.

 

[880]

also see, https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/chanel-leather-quality.1041934/

Chanel Price Increase *please include location*

Hi! Friendly reminder to stay on topic. If you’re not sharing or directly discussing price increases then it’s off topic. Members subscribe to threads like this for information :flowers:

forum.purseblog.com

I’ve been collecting for many years with a long hiatus of Hermes. My most recent was so black mini chevron reissue, No issues, very happy. But I also never had issues with metallics, even striped metallic, so idk.

I wanted to add a few points

1. with increased prices come higher expectations

2. lamb skin is soft and lush and certainly not as durable as vintage heritage saddle leather from Hermes. It would be like comparing evening slippers to doc martens.

3. everyone’s tolerance on these issues is different so YMMV

4. I don’t use my chanel bags as everyday bags; that is what H is for. JMO

 

[Miss Dale]

I have a 20year chanel profile and I can’t say that I haven’t had issues. Honestly. Prior to 2010- I’ve never had issues with quality. However, in the last several years- I have declined to purchase bags, returned several because of lopsided flaps, stitching issues.
My 21S pink iridescent lambskin flap got color transfer the first day I wore it with a medium colored shirt. I immediately sold it and purchased a caviar version of the same bag.
I have had to return two bags recently due to lopsided flaps. Both coco handles.
My pink sakura 22C small flap had hardware that began to rust! And I never even used the bag. It had tags on it when I sent it off for repair. So, yes, quality has declined, IMO. However, some of the REV classic bags in black and beige I have seen are stunning- but again- this varies on the leather for the that season. I noticed some are shiny and puffy quilts while others are flat, grainy and matte.
Chanel IS all over the place.

Thank you so much for your input! This is exactly what concerns me, seeing as the item I have in mind is very expensive. When the bag is available, I will head to the store as another poster suggested, and examine it.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

In my experience, the issue is with QC and Chanel releasing bags to be sold that are defective. The issue is NOT (again, IMO) the quality/longevity of the bags that were purchased without quality issues. Not sure if this makes sense but I will try to explain below.

I would agree that it’s probably a good idea to check your bag before purchasing. I had one bad experience purchasing remotely - I was shipped a reissue with a huge crease across the front from storage issues. But, I’ve ordered remotely from the boutique 5 times and this was the only time I had an issue. The SA was great and shipped me a new one. That bag has held up great, no complaints.

All of my Chanel bags (my oldest is an 18 series purchased preloved several years ago so I can’t speak to quality prior to that) have held up great. I have enough bags that I don’t use most of them very frequently except my WOC. That one has taken a beating and still looks brand new.

I will add 2 other random thoughts:
- I agree with @880 that different people have a different eye/tolerance for imperfections. I am not one to inspect every microscopic centimeter of my bags so I definitely have a higher tolerance generally than most
- IMO the questions about quality have gotten out of control for Chanel. I find it interesting that people are willing to accept a slouchy Birkin or Kelly out of the box (or one with a crooked/unevenly pressed stamp, etc) and chalk it up to the bags being hand made. In my observation, people are much more forgiving of Hermes, specifically (and I’ll consent that in my example, there are surely a group of people who would prefer a slouchy bag, so maybe they are happier starting out with it that way). I agree that Chanel quality of material and craftsmanship is nowhere near that of Hermes but I feel like there is a herd mentality with both houses. “All Chanel imperfections must be criticized” versus “It’s expected to have some imperfections with Hermes because it’s handmade.”

While generally Chanel probably has more issues (because they release too many defective bags to the sales floor), and Hermes truly does make their bags by hand so their imperfections may be more “excusable,” I just think the criticism has gone too far with Chanel.

 

[coreenmd]

In my experience, the issue is with QC and Chanel releasing bags to be sold that are defective. The issue is NOT (again, IMO) the quality/longevity of the bags that were purchased without quality issues. Not sure if this makes sense but I will try to explain below.

I would agree that it’s probably a good idea to check your bag before purchasing. I had one bad experience purchasing remotely - I was shipped a reissue with a huge crease across the front from storage issues. But, I’ve ordered remotely from the boutique 5 times and this was the only time I had an issue. The SA was great and shipped me a new one. That bag has held up great, no complaints.

All of my Chanel bags (my oldest is an 18 series purchased preloved several years ago so I can’t speak to quality prior to that) have held up great. I have enough bags that I don’t use most of them very frequently except my WOC. That one has taken a beating and still looks brand new.

I will add 2 other random thoughts:
- I agree with @880 that different people have a different eye/tolerance for imperfections. I am not one to inspect every microscopic centimeter of my bags so I definitely have a higher tolerance generally than most
- IMO the questions about quality have gotten out of control for Chanel. I find it interesting that people are willing to accept a slouchy Birkin or Kelly out of the box (or one with a crooked/unevenly pressed stamp, etc) and chalk it up to the bags being hand made. In my observation, people are much more forgiving of Hermes, specifically (and I’ll consent that in my example, there are surely a group of people who would prefer a slouchy bag, so maybe they are happier starting out with it that way). I agree that Chanel quality of material and craftsmanship is nowhere near that of Hermes but I feel like there is a herd mentality with both houses. “All Chanel imperfections must be criticized” versus “It’s expected to have some imperfections with Hermes because it’s handmade.”

While generally Chanel probably has more issues (because they release too many defective bags to the sales floor), and Hermes truly does make their bags by hand so their imperfections may be more “excusable,” I just think the criticism has gone too far with Chanel.

Nice insightful post. You should be a fashion journalist.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Nice insightful post. You should be a fashion journalist.

Haha thank you! I just spend too much time thinking about bags