Ever purged your collection in pursuit of one bag? How did it go?

[Loquita]

Don't worry; it sounds like you know how to scale back. Is it possible that your magic number may be more than five? Do you have bags that you bought that you don't really love--ones that you can still return or sell? How are you feeling about what you own right now?

Great questions!!! What do you think, fashion_mom?

And thithi, the Day is still on my mind. I love that style and know that it works for me...I am just gun-shy about Bals after a bad experience with a new Bal that I bought last year.

But I think it was a fluke! For some reason though a lot of Chloe styles are attracting me at the moment.

(Many of them are out of production though - except for the Paraty - so they are tough to find!!!) Leave it to me...

 

[Loquita]

Popping back in here, are you ladies selling on bonanzle or ebay?

My bonanzle item still hasn't sold yet, is it normal for it to be this slow? I've decided to do a sort of to do a "clean up" each year... without fail. I need to be ruthless and purge bags which I do not use.... in order to buy a couple of classics which I'll use all the time.

BC, I actually sell on both, depending on the item. Big-ticket items tend to sell better for me on ick-bay, since I think that buyers feel like they have more of a safety net on ick-bay (which isn't necessarily true, but that's the illusion). I have noticed that fellow PFers will buy from fellow PFers if it's a big ticker item on the Bonz, though - it just may take a while longer for them to find it. Have you considered adding your items to Google? (It's free). Check out the "How to increase sales" section of the Bonz and it tells you how to do that - it's easy and quick.

I currently have a bag simultaneously on the Bonz and *bay, because I would like to sell it sooner rather than later. I always price things higher on e-bay, though. Simultaneous posting is something that I do pretty often, but you just need to make sure you stay on top of the situation in case it sells on one site before the other. Good luck - and don't lose hope!!!

 

[Loquita]

I know what you mean about MJ's. I love the older stuff, what bugs me about his bags is that the sales on them really hurts the resale value. I feel it just kind of cheapens them, yet they are so well made, probably better than a lot of other brands. At least the MJ line is.

Honestly, if you want that outremer day, save up and get it instead of settling for another Nikki. I love the nikki, but had I known just how comfy and wonderful the days were, I'd have saved up for them and skipped the nikki.

here's hoping we can all find new homes for our babies!

Good point - now I understand why the MJ bags are selling so cheaply, despite the high quality. I was curious about this...the same thing has happened to RM in my opinion, although I of course wouldn't put RM in the same league in terms of quality at all. I can't believe I'm typing this, but too many sales are bad for all of us!

 

[Babydoll Chanel]

BC, I actually sell on both, depending on the item. Big-ticket items tend to sell better for me on ick-bay, since I think that buyers feel like they have more of a safety net on ick-bay (which isn't necessarily true, but that's the illusion). I have noticed that fellow PFers will buy from fellow PFers if it's a big ticker item on the Bonz, though - it just may take a while longer for them to find it. Have you considered adding your items to Google? (It's free). Check out the "How to increase sales" section of the Bonz and it tells you how to do that - it's easy and quick.

I currently have a bag simultaneously on the Bonz and *bay, because I would like to sell it sooner rather than later. I always price things higher on e-bay, though. Simultaneous posting is something that I do pretty often, but you just need to make sure you stay on top of the situation in case it sells on one site before the other. Good luck - and don't lose hope!!!

Ick-bay Yes, the ridiculous fees are what are preventing me selling there, I usually sell smaller less expensive items on ebay instead. I have done the google thing on bonanzle, even added the words 'valentines day' to my item, lol. To no avail.

I am still going to keep it there though, if it doesn't sell this year, it might sell in 2011

 

[thedseer]

Popping back in here, are you ladies selling on bonanzle or ebay?

My bonanzle item still hasn't sold yet, is it normal for it to be this slow? I've decided to do a sort of to do a "clean up" each year... without fail. I need to be ruthless and purge bags which I do not use.... in order to buy a couple of classics which I'll use all the time.

i had another really low offer, but no sales yet. i'm not feeling desperate, so i'm being patient. it is hard though!

 

[thedseer]

I think 7 bags is really great number. It gives you enough variety so you don't get bored but it isn't overwhelming. I also think I'm getting better at buying for my lifestyle. I may have more casual bags but I only have a couple of dressier styles for work functions because my lifestyle is mostly casual. I feel like my everyday life is more varied so sometimes I need a small crossbody, sometimes a larger one, sometimes a hobo, sometimes a hobo with a zipper. And most of my bags are pretty inexpensive, banger bags.

thanks! i'll probably add two more to that number this year, but only once i'm finished selling my bags on the chopping block. everyone has a different magic number...i *think* mine is 7-10. and everyone has different styles/brands/sizes/colors that work better for their lifestyle. sometimes it just takes some time to figure out what these are!

 

[jc0812]

Hi Ladies! Can I join in?

Lo, I've read through this entire thread and am feeling so inspired now to rethink my whole collection. Thank you so much for starting this. I love TPF but have thought of leaving it completely in order to avoid the temptation. I think sometimes we get caught up in all the excitement of purchasing, without really thinking of the other side of things. Now that I see that there are other ladies out there who are in the same position as I am, I feel so comforted!

I am in the process of purging as much of my collection as possible. I haven't come up with a solid goal yet, but so far I've been thinking about narrowing my collection down to 10-15. I own mid-range bags (RM, HH, Treesje, etc.) and don't have a desire to get just a few higher-end bags because I like to switch bags a lot and have lots of options. Currently, I have 40+ bags, so going down to 10-15 seems so daunting. I don't even know where to begin, but have been taking baby steps. So far, I'm selling those that don't get used much for one reason or another. Beyond that, I don't know what to do.

I have to admit that this all started because of DH. We had a heart-to-heart and he felt really uncomfortable with the amount of money that I'd spent over the past year. He wants me to be happy and to continue to buy bags, but just at a much slower pace. When I looked at my collection, I had to agree with him. I don't even know how I ended up with 40+ bags.

Anyways, thanks again everyone for your inspirational words. I'll continue to visit here for more support and encouragement!

 

[alatrop]

I don't even know how I ended up with 40+ bags.

It's so easy to get caught up in the fun of buying! At least you have identified that you have too many (for you) and your surplus bags will go to new homes.


I got swept up in the buying craze, and although I never had more than about 10 bags at one time, that was definitely way over my limit and too much for me to be spending. We all have our "oops" moments.

 

[alatrop]

I sold off a huge chunk of Coach bags (and a few others, I think) to fund a Damier Azur Speedy and it didn't work out for me. The Speedy was just too bare bones compared to what I was used to; I LOVE Coach's linings and I really missed having multiple pockets and a bit of shape to the bag.

In the end, it led me back to the fact that Coach really is "my" brand, so I don't regret it too much.

 

[fashion_mom1]

Don't worry; it sounds like you know how to scale back. Is it possible that your magic number may be more than five? Do you have bags that you bought that you don't really love--ones that you can still return or sell? How are you feeling about what you own right now?

Good points. I picked the ones out that I am not head over heels in love with. I listed them today.

 

[Loquita]

I sold off a huge chunk of Coach bags (and a few others, I think) to fund a Damier Azur Speedy and it didn't work out for me. The Speedy was just too bare bones compared to what I was used to; I LOVE Coach's linings and I really missed having multiple pockets and a bit of shape to the bag.

In the end, it led me back to the fact that Coach really is "my" brand, so I don't regret it too much.

alatrop, that's a fantastic way to look at the whole process of getting a Speedy and deciding that it wasn't for you - I admire your ability to reframe the situation as a learning experience, because that's exactly what it was.

I wish I learned as quickly as you do!

 

[novella]

Wow, I just read through all 53 pages and all you ladies inspired me! I have purged some bags from my collection, but then I buy new ones to take their place! It's like a neverending cycle for me and I'm sure that's the same for many of you ladies as well.

I currently have about 11 bags right now. (Unfortunately that number does not include the bags that are on the chopping block.) Most of my bags are from mid-range designers, mostly HH & RM. Although I'm pretty picky with what I add to my collection, I often act on impulse... especially if the bag is HTF or rare. Then I'm too afraid to use it, which is silly because a purse is meant to be used and not to be a museum piece!

I learned the hard way to buy what you love and not to take substitutes. I've settled too many times in the past. Now I have the unused bags and the fear of low resale values as a result.

Case in point, I really want a Marc Jacobs Icy Petrol Stam, but those pop up once in a blue moon. So I bought an Icy Taupe Stam instead. While the Icy Taupe Stam is incredibly beautiful, I have yet to use it and I just decided to let it go. It's not a deal or a score if it's not 100% what you were looking for KWIM?

I definitely get caught up in the buying craze. Now that I think about it, I have no regrets when I look back at the bags that I've sold/returned in the last few years.

I started purging my collection in December and I already sold off 7 bags from my collection so far! I have more to go. However, I keep changing my mind regarding what I should keep/sell, mostly because of their rarity and I want to break even. I'm not in dire straits so I think that I can be patient.

I probably won't purge my entire collection. However, I think I'm going to focus on the bags in the chopping block first and go from there. So more selling on feeBay and Bon is in order for me.

 

[Loquita]

Hi Ladies! Can I join in?

Lo, I've read through this entire thread and am feeling so inspired now to rethink my whole collection. Thank you so much for starting this. I love TPF but have thought of leaving it completely in order to avoid the temptation. I think sometimes we get caught up in all the excitement of purchasing, without really thinking of the other side of things. Now that I see that there are other ladies out there who are in the same position as I am, I feel so comforted!

I am in the process of purging as much of my collection as possible. I haven't come up with a solid goal yet, but so far I've been thinking about narrowing my collection down to 10-15. I own mid-range bags (RM, HH, Treesje, etc.) and don't have a desire to get just a few higher-end bags because I like to switch bags a lot and have lots of options. Currently, I have 40+ bags, so going down to 10-15 seems so daunting. I don't even know where to begin, but have been taking baby steps. So far, I'm selling those that don't get used much for one reason or another. Beyond that, I don't know what to do.

I have to admit that this all started because of DH. We had a heart-to-heart and he felt really uncomfortable with the amount of money that I'd spent over the past year. He wants me to be happy and to continue to buy bags, but just at a much slower pace. When I looked at my collection, I had to agree with him. I don't even know how I ended up with 40+ bags.

Anyways, thanks again everyone for your inspirational words. I'll continue to visit here for more support and encouragement!

Hey jc - and WELCOME!!!

Come join the crowd!! There is no judging around here, trust me - I get the distinct feeling that most of us in this thread have been there and done that - and we all just want to help each other be able to healthfully enjoy tPF and a reasonable handbag collection (keeping in mind that what constitutes "reasonable" varies from person to person, of course).

You absolutely can reduce your collection down to 10-15 if that's what you want to do, no question about it. If I can sell it off, anyone can!!!

Seriously.

And talking to DH was a fantastic first step. I applaud you for it - I have a very hard time discussing money issues with my SO as well, so I can appreciate how tough that must have been.

 

[Loquita]

Ick-bay Yes, the ridiculous fees are what are preventing me selling there, I usually sell smaller less expensive items on ebay instead. I have done the google thing on bonanzle, even added the words 'valentines day' to my item, lol. To no avail.

I am still going to keep it there though, if it doesn't sell this year, it might sell in 2011

"Ick-bay" is the code word I use for *bay in contexts when I am not allowed to openly curse.

We all need to keep on going...thedseer and BC, your items WILL sell eventually - and so will mine!!! It's just a question of time.

 

[jc0812]

alatrop, I think I definitely had an "oops" moment the second half of 2009. With all the great sales, I just went crazy and didn't think through my purchases carefully. You have a really positive attitude about it all and I think I should adopt that philosophy. I have to remind myself that another great bag is always just around the corner.

Lo, thanks for the warm welcome! I also really appreciate the encouragement. It's so nice to hear such positive words from ladies who have definitely been there before, some who have been there multiple times already! It was incredibly difficult talking to DH about it. He actually brought it up first and I was mortified but had to agree with him in the end. I mean, I was so delusional that I thought I could hide oh, 30-40 bags from him? I have to admit that he was extremely patient with me and I'm very thankful for that.

Oh, and ladies, your bags WILL sell. I've had stuff sit on Bonz for months and then sell. It seems like it will never sell but someday it will!