Does spending more automatically make it better?

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snsaundersva

snsaundersva

Member
Aug 5, 2013
179
8
#1
I've had to ask myself this question as I was cleaning out my collection today. I have several bags that are listed here as "contemporary" designers. MK, Coach, Dooney and Ralph Lauren to name a few. I got them all on sale or at the factory and they are really nice bags. Good quality, great leather, and can take quite a beating. But I've noticed the attitude toward some of these brands as being "lower grade" or not as good as Dior, LV, Bal or some others. So my question is, what makes them lower? Is it strictly because of who's name is on it or is there another reason? Because I've held both and LV and an MK in my hands and I tell you, I "feel" the quality in the MK more than I do the LV. So you fellow purse lovers, tell me, what makes them "better" :confused1: ? I really have to know this before I go trading all mine in to get that 1 "better" purse.
 
#2
If you love a bag and it's functional for you, I don't think it matters what brand it is.

I know some brands are considered "better", and I know part of the reason for price difference is that some brands aren't assembled in sweatshops. Some of the parts are (zippers etc), but the assembling is usually done for livable wages.

Marketing has a huge impact on prices though. Lots of really great quality, small company brands that won't set you back thousands for an italian leather, handmade bag.

so buy what you love and are going to use no matter if the bag costs $20, $200 or $2000.
 
#3
snsaundersva said:
I've had to ask myself this question as I was cleaning out my collection today. I have several bags that are listed here as "contemporary" designers. MK, Coach, Dooney and Ralph Lauren to name a few. I got them all on sale or at the factory and they are really nice bags. Good quality, great leather, and can take quite a beating. But I've noticed the attitude toward some of these brands as being "lower grade" or not as good as Dior, LV, Bal or some others. So my question is, what makes them lower? Is it strictly because of who's name is on it or is there another reason? Because I've held both and LV and an MK in my hands and I tell you, I "feel" the quality in the MK more than I do the LV. So you fellow purse lovers, tell me, what makes them "better" :confused1: ? I really have to know this before I go trading all mine in to get that 1 "better" purse.
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If you feel the quality of the MK more than the LV, why would you think about selling the lower priced bags?
For me personally I admit to having a bit of bag snobbery but it's not that I have to have the most expensive bag. More that I don't want something really cheap or low quality by PF standards. So I've been influenced here for sure but I have a lower limit that I will pay compared to some others. I probably feel a bit better about a bag I've paid $3-500 for that retails for over $1200 than one that retails for $3-500 full price. But I wont' pay over $1,000 for a bag. I haven't found a bag that I'm convinced I'll never tire of.
Part of what makes the $1K plus bag can be obvious - like a leather lined bag. But sometimes it can be in a name too. I don't think any of the bags I have (or have had) that retailed for that were poor quality but there have been complaints I've seen her that some of the more expensive bags aren't great quality anymore - for example some Prada are made in China now.

Not sure if that answers your question.
 
#4
Binkysmom said:
If you love a bag and it's functional for you, I don't think it matters what brand it is.

I know some brands are considered "better", and I know part of the reason for price difference is that some brands aren't assembled in sweatshops. Some of the parts are (zippers etc), but the assembling is usually done for livable wages.

Marketing has a huge impact on prices though. Lots of really great quality, small company brands that won't set you back thousands for an italian leather, handmade bag.

so buy what you love and are going to use no matter if the bag costs $20, $200 or $2000.
Click to expand...

Yes the way items are branded and marketed has an enormous effect in how much they cost, we certainly don't just pay for quality. But regarding sweat shops, would you not rather pay a little more for what you buy, so that the people who make your things can make a decent living?
 
#5
I can't stand cheap plastic looking handbags. It depends on the style.
I prefer good quality french made items. I only buy LV and Chanel now. When I was younger I bought cheaper designer bags. They always broke after a few months and I hated running into other people carrying the same bag everywhere.
I prefer to spend more and get a well made bag that will last for many years.
 
#6
sdkitty said:
If you feel the quality of the MK more than the LV, why would you think about selling the lower priced bags?
For me personally I admit to having a bit of bag snobbery but it's not that I have to have the most expensive bag. More that I don't want something really cheap or low quality by PF standards. So I've been influenced here for sure but I have a lower limit that I will pay compared to some others. I probably feel a bit better about a bag I've paid $3-500 for that retails for over $1200 than one that retails for $3-500 full price. But I wont' pay over $1,000 for a bag. I haven't found a bag that I'm convinced I'll never tire of.
Part of what makes the $1K plus bag can be obvious - like a leather lined bag. But sometimes it can be in a name too. I don't think any of the bags I have (or have had) that retailed for that were poor quality but there have been complaints I've seen her that some of the more expensive bags aren't great quality anymore - for example some Prada are made in China now.

Not sure if that answers your question.
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Well that's the thing, I'm trying to see what the purpose would be. None of the bags I have have any issues. All are nice heavy leather, quality canvas...and look great. But I can say I didn't pay more than $300 (after coupons and sales). What is the allure in admitting to spending 4 figures on a bag, and calling it "better" for that reason? I'm just wondering.
 
#7
snsaundersva said:
what makes them lower? Is it strictly because of who's name is on it or is there another reason? Because I've held both and LV and an MK in my hands and I tell you, I "feel" the quality in the MK more than I do the LV. So you fellow purse lovers, tell me, what makes them "better" :confused1: .
Click to expand...

Materials
Durability
Conditions--both environmental and sociological--under which they were made
Customer service post-sale

If you can find good quality in all of these features, then its cost will reflect it.
 
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#8
I don't believe there is any amount of quality or "good craftsmanship" that can be put into a mass produced designer bag that truly makes it worth thousands upon thousands of dollars. At the end of the day- it is what it is...leather, canvas, hardware, whatever it may be. Certainly, when people pay for a premier designer item they are paying for a the status that comes with the name, whether they admit it or not. Now, that being said I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with that- to many, that luxurious experience of owning something so iconic and prestigious makes it worth the higher price tag. Of course, it's not just about the item itself- the boutique experience, customer service, and working conditions of those producing the bags all play a part in the price as well. If you find that contemporary designer bags are working for you, (and certainly there are many out there with quality that is comparable to premier designers...often times they require less 'babying' and maintenance) then I see no reason to get rid of them! Enjoy them
 
#9
Binkysmom said:
If you love a bag and it's functional for you, I don't think it matters what brand it is.

I know some brands are considered "better", and I know part of the reason for price difference is that some brands aren't assembled in sweatshops. Some of the parts are (zippers etc), but the assembling is usually done for livable wages.

Marketing has a huge impact on prices though. Lots of really great quality, small company brands that won't set you back thousands for an italian leather, handmade bag.

so buy what you love and are going to use no matter if the bag costs $20, $200 or $2000.
Click to expand...

I think this poster nailed it! More expensive bags are NOT necessarily better! They put the owner in a more superior frame of mind. I bought Gucci leather bags that are unrecognizable to the average person and, I must admit, the leather is superior to any I've seen but I am paying the price with back aches because the leather is so thick and indestructible. The brands you mention are making fine quality bags. (Kors tends to mimic premier designers though.) At this point, what matters is if you want to feel like you're in a certain league. But, keep in mind, that along with that "aura" is the wardrobe. I agree with the last thing Binkysmom said.
 
#10
I wear and carry both premier and contemporary, but find I gravitate towards my premier bags more often. It's the subtle things for me that contribute to quality: a leather, silk, or linen lining, symmetrical stitching, proper kerning on any logo, and metal zippers in addition to the caliber of the exterior material. Granted, contemporary brands can have these traits and premier lines can lack them, but I tend to be more willing to overlook something like a lining if the bag is less expensive when purchasing. I just wind up choosing a purse with these features more often than not when getting ready to head out the door.
 
#11
Having made the jump from contemporary to designer, I assure you the quality difference does not match the price difference. I will readily admit to buying the style and name. It's been worth it to me for reasons that are perhaps outwardly shallow and inconsequential. But I'm also looking at Beggars Pouch, which are usa handmade and leather lined for 150. I wouldn't sell bags you enjoy to fund something you are unsure about. You sound happy with what you have; don't let internet insecurity get to you.
 
#12
If you don't see a point to spending more, that's fine.

If you do see a point to spending more, that's fine.

I see no "better" or "worse"--no "automatically"-- in such choices.
Only individuality & personal values.
 
#14
leechiyong said:
I wear and carry both premier and contemporary, but find I gravitate towards my premier bags more often. It's the subtle things for me that contribute to quality: a leather, silk, or linen lining, symmetrical stitching, proper kerning on any logo, and metal zippers in addition to the caliber of the exterior material. Granted, contemporary brands can have these traits and premier lines can lack them, but I tend to be more willing to overlook something like a lining if the bag is less expensive when purchasing. I just wind up choosing a purse with these features more often than not when getting ready to head out the door.
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OT - are you a graphic designer by any chance? :-)
 
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