I recently got a large flap from Saks. It came with tag attached. But, there are scratches on the turn knob and the bag look used. They send me a second bag, the second bag has tag attached, chain wrapped, cloth between flap and bag...
Department store can put a tag on easily. Therefore, it can be a used bag with or without the tag. As long as the bag is in perfect condition, don't worry about the tag. Due to experience, I don't trust Saks very much.
I agree! This holds true for most department stores as it's very easy to put a tag on a bag. I just received my jumbo from Saks without a tag, however I believe it's brand new as it just came from their shipment. Since my SA already knew I would purchase the bag, I don't believe he needed to add the tag on. I inspected the bag and everything confirmed that the bag was new!
Either way, the most important thing is if your bag has any issues (and it seems it does). Reach out to your SA and try to get an exchange as the issue no longer seems to be about the tag!