Do you consider resale value when buying a bag?

[Minty Tea]

I don't get that logic. I don't think I would be suckered in to buy a bag that was purchased 10 years ago and the reseller is selling a bag she/he has carried for the past 10 years and selling it for the current retail price. Why not just go into the boutique and buy a new bag that is exactly the same?

I agree with you. There are so many used bags that are over priced right now. I understand that as long as the demand for these "classic investment" bags are high, the sellers can list the price as high as they want. However, I would rather spend a bit more to get a brand new bag.

Several people have mentioned that quality is better in vintage bags but I think quality is still great. A lot of quality issues reported from brand new bags has to do with minor/hairline scratches on hardware or excess thread or whatever issues that you need a magnifying glass to see. If these same issues are on a vintage bag, they are somehow acceptable. I suspect a lot of these minor issues are due to too many people handling the bags at the store or home before returning them. It used to be that luxury items were non-refundable and the SAs were very careful with letting customers handle the items.

If we all buy bags we love then there wouldn't be so many threads asking for opinions on tpf after the purchase.

 

[BleuSaphir]

Honestly, I don't think about resale value of the bags. I buy them to enjoy it until it crumbles apart from wear and tear.

If I don't want the bag anymore because of boredom or taste change and if I can get some money off of it it by reselling it-great. But I am not going to charge it at so-and-so price because "Brand X increased it price on every product". No way I want to charge more for a buyer looking second hand. I can't live with of knowing I paid this much amount but since brand X increase it price point-therefor I can charge more what I paid to a buyer on second hand market.

 

[ladysarah]

As an additional point, I also think the whole 'resale value' thing is somewhat overrated. Only a few bags, will keep their value and still be relevant fashion wise in a few years time. I fear a lot of people who buy for resale- may be bitterly disappointed.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS consider resale value. Any time I spend money I want to do so as wisely as possible. So I consider all aspects of the purchase including resale. I like to switch up my bags every so often. I sell my bags when the thrill is gone and when I do so, I want to easily get out of a bag for just about what I bought it for. That gives me max proceeds for my next baby. So, I almost always buy on sale or like new / preowned to maximize the discount from full price. And this means I try to only buy certain brands / styles that will hold there value. Every bag (premium or designer) won't hold their value. But certain bags do a good job of holding value. Those are the ones I try to choose.

Re: your second question. I buy premium designer handbags because I like their materials, hardware and designs. So I would always buy like new preowned (or on sale) premium bags vs. contemporary bags. This doesn't mean I'd never buy a contemporary bag for my collection, I'm just very unlikely to do so at this point because there aren't any that are as compelling to me as the premium bags I'm buying / wanting now.

 

[Coconuts40]

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS consider resale value. Any time I spend money I want to do so as wisely as possible. So I consider all aspects of the purchase including resale. I like to switch up my bags every so often. I sell my bags when the thrill is gone and when I do so, I want to easily get out of a bag for just about what I bought it for. That gives me max proceeds for my next baby. So, I almost always buy on sale or like new / preowned to maximize the discount from full price. And this means I try to only buy certain brands / styles that will hold there value. Every bag (premium or designer) won't hold their value. But certain bags do a good job of holding value. Those are the ones I try to choose.

Re: your second question. I buy premium designer handbags because I like their materials, hardware and designs. So I would always buy like new preowned (or on sale) premium bags vs. contemporary bags. This doesn't mean I'd never buy a contemporary bag for my collection, I'm just very unlikely to do so at this point because there aren't any that are as compelling to me as the premium bags I'm buying / wanting now.

Thank you for providing your perspective, as I always buy a bag because I love it and will enjoy it. However, I need to ask, what bags do you purchase that provide such a high resale value? I have tried to sell a few Chanel bags and to be quite honest I have never been happy with what I received for them. Always in pristine condition and I use my less expensive bags for those days I really know I will be putting a lot of wear and tear on my bags. Do you resell privately or consignment? Thank you in advance for your valued input.

 

[Minty Tea]

As an additional point, I also think the whole 'resale value' thing is somewhat overrated. Only a few bags, will keep their value and still be relevant fashion wise in a few years time. I fear a lot of people who buy for resale- may be bitterly disappointed.

True. Chanel, Hermes, LV, Balenciaga, etc all have bags that have lost their appeal after a few years of being sought after.

Sometimes I think it's the resellers that are fueling the concept of resale value. If I was running a business, for sure I would tell the potential buyer that she can definitely recoup the cost when SHE decides to sell it in the future.

 

[lulilu]

Certain Hermes bags maintain their value. I have never lost money selling them. I guess that is why I find it easier to spend money on them rather than another brand.

I think the question is not "do you buy for resale," but do you consider whether a bag will hold some or most of its value. Big difference. I don't think many people buy for resale. But as sparkle says, tastes change, lifestyles change, needs or jobs change, and it is comforting to know when you buy an expensive bag, that you might be able to recoup a fair portion of the price if you sell it.

 

[Coconuts40]

Certain Hermes bags maintain their value. I have never lost money selling them. I guess that is why I find it easier to spend money on them rather than another brand.

I think the question is not "do you buy for resale," but do you consider whether a bag will hold some or most of its value. Big difference. I don't think many people buy for resale. But as sparkle says, tastes change, lifestyles change, needs or jobs change, and it is comforting to know when you buy an expensive bag, that you might be able to recoup a fair portion of the price if you sell it.

I do agree with you that Hermes, esp Birkin and Kelly, do still maintain their value. But I just have to wonder for how long? Many that are interested in purchasing these bags no longer have to play the dance at an Hermes boutique - the need to develop a relationship by spending thousands before being 'offered' a Birkin or Kelly, when they can now purchase a gently used bag online. My sister worked at Hermes for a long time, and although I don't own an Hermes bag, I still have the connection to purchase one at any time. However, with all these online consignment stores, its just so easily accessible that I wonder if the scale is tipping slowly with supply soon to exceed demand? I wonder.

With that said, the service at Hermes is like no other, and with the spa services available, these handbags really will last you a lifetime and for that reason, I do find the beauty in them. Personally I wouldn't buy it for the resale value.

 

[lulilu]

I do agree with you that Hermes, esp Birkin and Kelly, do still maintain their value. But I just have to wonder for how long? Many that are interested in purchasing these bags no longer have to play the dance at an Hermes boutique - the need to develop a relationship by spending thousands before being 'offered' a Birkin or Kelly, when they can now purchase a gently used bag online. My sister worked at Hermes for a long time, and although I don't own an Hermes bag, I still have the connection to purchase one at any time. However, with all these online consignment stores, its just so easily accessible that I wonder if the scale is tipping slowly with supply soon to exceed demand? I wonder.
With that said, the service at Hermes is like no other, and with the spa services available, these handbags really will last you a lifetime and for that reason, I do find the beauty in them. Personally I wouldn't buy it for the resale value.

Maybe I am being unclear. I do not buy FOR resale. As an educated buyer, I buy knowing the resale market in the event I decide at some point to sell. There is a huge difference.
Also, from my perspective, gently used H bags may seem reasonably priced, but I bet they are at least or more than the purchase price. New bags continue to sell at a big premium -- often 50% or more than retail.

 

[tinybutterfly]

No. I bought bags I wanted and really liked.

The several that didn't work out, I will sell, but I expect to take a big loss. It's ok.

Bags in my future, I'm done with premier and contemporary bags for now. I am looking for a fun, hippie dippy bag...Sak Roots or something from our local health food store. It's all good.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thank you for providing your perspective, as I always buy a bag because I love it and will enjoy it. However, I need to ask, what bags do you purchase that provide such a high resale value? I have tried to sell a few Chanel bags and to be quite honest I have never been happy with what I received for them. Always in pristine condition and I use my less expensive bags for those days I really know I will be putting a lot of wear and tear on my bags. Do you resell privately or consignment? Thank you in advance for your valued input.

Thanks for asking. And forgive the long post but I want to properly answer your question.

I think we may not be communicating clearly. Like you, I always buy a bag because I love it and will enjoy it. I wouldn't consider any bag that didn't meet that criteria. I just also add in other factors such as functionality, fit with my wardrobe, quality materials, style staying power, potential resale value, etc. I don't give a hoot about store ambiance, relationship with a salesperson, sales people giving me perks, etc.. As much as I love pretty things, I hate taking time to shop in malls, stores, etc.. So I'm all about getting the right bag for me at the lowest price possible and the least hassle.

The two things that have helped me get the majority of my money back is I tend to buy on sale or new / like new preowned and I keep my bags in pristine condition. (The latter is easy for me. I don't seem to "wear" my bags. With a little care, they easily stay looking brand new.)

Earlier in my life when I purchased majority contemporary bags, I found that Coach, MK and Kate Spade bought on sale would sell a few years later (in pristine condition) for that discounted price (give or take 10% or so). And the great thing about these brands (unlike premium designer brands) is they sell quickly! So it was easy to get out of a bag I no longer wanted.

As I've moved into owning almost exclusively premier brands, I stumbled a bit until I found the brands and styles that gave me the best mix of what I wanted which included potential resale value. I found that certain brands have HORRIBLE resale even if I buy them on sale - Versace, Valentino, Prada, Miu Miu and surprisingly Celine are culprits with pretty bags that I avoid buying unless I see them being in my closet and getting sooooo much wear that it's reasonable I take the hit. (For example, if I wear a bag 30 times, I don't like but don't fret over "losing" $300-$600 on it. I figure there should be some cost per wear.) On the other end, brands like Dior, Gucci & Chanel have given me great resale when I have purchased them at a good price. For example. I purchased a pre owned but unused pearlized gray lamb medium Chanel flap. I thought I wanted to sell it and listed it on Tradesy. I got an offer that would have represented only a $200 loss even given commissions. Luckily I came to my senses and kept the bag as it's so pretty! LOL! I buy Gucci on sale (40-50% off) and Dior pre loved (50-70% off) so it's not hard to recoup money when I want to sell. I've even had a few cases where I made a tiny bit on the sale. It doesn't happen often but it's fun when it does.

I typically sell on eBay or Tradesy to lessen the commission bite. I've also used Ann's Fabulous Finds for a couple of items. Bottom line, handbags are my passion and hobby. So it's fun for me to hunt a bargain on the bag I love. That being said, I'm not a flipper. I want my bag collection to be stable so I try to buy "forever" bags. But every now and then a bag needs to go and I like knowing I won't take a big loss when it does.

 

[Coconuts40]

Thanks for asking. And forgive the long post but I want to properly answer your question.

I think we may not be communicating clearly. Like you, I always buy a bag because I love it and will enjoy it. I wouldn't consider any bag that didn't meet that criteria. I just also add in other factors such as functionality, fit with my wardrobe, quality materials, style staying power, potential resale value, etc. I don't give a hoot about store ambiance, relationship with a salesperson, sales people giving me perks, etc.. As much as I love pretty things, I hate taking time to shop in malls, stores, etc.. So I'm all about getting the right bag for me at the lowest price possible and the least hassle.

The two things that have helped me get the majority of my money back is I tend to buy on sale or new / like new preowned and I keep my bags in pristine condition. (The latter is easy for me. I don't seem to "wear" my bags. With a little care, they easily stay looking brand new.)

Earlier in my life when I purchased majority contemporary bags, I found that Coach, MK and Kate Spade bought on sale would sell a few years later (in pristine condition) for that discounted price (give or take 10% or so). And the great thing about these brands (unlike premium designer brands) is they sell quickly! So it was easy to get out of a bag I no longer wanted.

As I've moved into owning almost exclusively premier brands, I stumbled a bit until I found the brands and styles that gave me the best mix of what I wanted which included potential resale value. I found that certain brands have HORRIBLE resale even if I buy them on sale - Versace, Valentino, Prada, Miu Miu and surprisingly Celine are culprits with pretty bags that I avoid buying unless I see them being in my closet and getting sooooo much wear that it's reasonable I take the hit. (For example, if I wear a bag 30 times, I don't like but don't fret over "losing" $300-$600 on it. I figure there should be some cost per wear.) On the other end, brands like Dior, Gucci & Chanel have given me great resale when I have purchased them at a good price. For example. I purchased a pre owned but unused pearlized gray lamb medium Chanel flap. I thought I wanted to sell it and listed it on Tradesy. I got an offer that would have represented only a $200 loss even given commissions. Luckily I came to my senses and kept the bag as it's so pretty! LOL! I buy Gucci on sale (40-50% off) and Dior pre loved (50-70% off) so it's not hard to recoup money when I want to sell. I've even had a few cases where I made a tiny bit on the sale. It doesn't happen often but it's fun when it does.

I typically sell on eBay or Tradesy to lessen the commission bite. I've also used Ann's Fabulous Finds for a couple of items. Bottom line, handbags are my passion and hobby. So it's fun for me to hunt a bargain on the bag I love. That being said, I'm not a flipper. I want my bag collection to be stable so I try to buy "forever" bags. But every now and then a bag needs to go and I like knowing I won't take a big loss when it does.

Thank you for your detailed reply. I am glad you are able to find an approach that works well for you. It sounds like you are enjoying your bags, and enjoying the resale when you are ready to move on.
You have given me something to think about!

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Sparkle said it well, that's kind of my approach. A preloved premier bag, if I ever sell, will leave me very little out of pocket if I do my homework. A contemporary brand may also hold its value if you buy on sale and if needed to sell, you can be patient for the buyer willing to buy at the price you need to sell in order not to take a loss.
I also don't see wear even on bags I've had for a decade. i tdon'tthrow them around!

However, certain brands just have horrible resale because popularity varies between brands and styles. If I step outside the mainstream then I know I won't get anything back if I one day am done with it and it is still in perfect condition.

Luckily I can gift it!

 

[ladysarah]

Maybe I am being unclear. I do not buy FOR resale. As an educated buyer, I buy knowing the resale market in the event I decide at some point to sell. There is a huge difference.
Also, from my perspective, gently used H bags may seem reasonably priced, but I bet they are at least or more than the purchase price. New bags continue to sell at a big premium -- often 50% or more than retail.

Vintage Hermes and Chanel, do fetch more than their original value. As an example, one who bought a Kelly in the 1970s would be able to sell it for significantly more than the original cost. However as it's often the case, people do try to off load 3rd and 4th hand used bags for extortionate prices.

 

[ironic568]

I think the question is not "do you buy for resale," but do you consider whether a bag will hold some or most of its value. Big difference. I don't think many people buy for resale. But as sparkle says, tastes change, lifestyles change, needs or jobs change, and it is comforting to know when you buy an expensive bag, that you might be able to recoup a fair portion of the price if you sell it.

You said it !