10 frequently asked vintage (and pre-loved) questions regarding repair.
Gucci are usually able to repair/restore vintage bags so long as they think an outcome can be achieved to the high standard that Gucci deem befitting to any Gucci product.
1.Where shall I take it?
1. Take/send to your nearest Gucci Customer Services. Be specific but realistic about what you want done to the bag.
2. Will it cost?
2. Some people have been charged an appraisal fee but others like myself have been informed of the estimate for repair/cleaning upon inspection.
3. How long will it take?
3. The bag/item may take months and months to get back, so be prepared to wait. Gucci may have to find the right type or colour of leather. Gucci will call you when it's ready or if for any reason they could not carry out the work after all.
4. Can Gucci do something that was not on the original design like change the type of leather of the strap?
4. NO. Gucci will stay true to the original design aesthetic. If you ask for something different your item will come back untouched.
5. Can Gucci restore labels and tags?
5. No. If someone tampered with a label added a stamped sale sign or punched a hole Gucci will not change it.
6.Will Gucci put a new leather/canvas strap on my belt as I only have a buckle?
6. No. Gucci need the leather strap to id the model number, date designed and leather type.
7. My bag/item was badly repaired by a non-Gucci repairer, will Gucci still take it?
7. No. Gucci will not touch a Gucci product that has at sometime been repaired somewhere else.
8. Will Gucci clean the inside of my bag?
8. No Gucci will only clean the outside of bags.
9. Can Gucci repair the inside of my canvas bag - it's flaking and the colour is comming off on everything in my bag.
9. No. This is a common problem in GAL bags and some canvas and leather trimmed 1980s vintage travel bags Gucci can do nothing about this, best to line the bag with protective acid-free tissue paper or tale or scrub/brush as much flakey top stuff off as poss to prevent further damage.
10. Can Gucci replace or hardware?
10. In some cases yes in others no. Usually no. It depends on the model of the item. They will never put a different piece of hardware that would do the 'job' but looks different to the original, however similar the new piece. If it a case of a standard piece like a popper, they may be able so change it.