Is there something about purchasing new that would make you completely avoid purchasing preloved?

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#16
For me, financial considerations play a big part in my choice to buy a handbag from Ebay, an outlet or consignment sites. Why pay full price when you can lay in wait for a sale. I hate to pay full price for anything because I feel retail is a game....the "value" of an item is simply how much retailers can possibly charge for their commodity. Are these luxury items really worth the price? I think not. You're paying for prestige, brand history, service (hopefully), glamour, etc. I do love all these things but practicality rules me for certain brands that I know I can acquire at a better price. And like another poster said earlier, there may be items you love but simply can't afford brand new. And, sometimes you may prefer an older or vintage style. If you have patience and a good eye, and do your research, preloved can be a sensible option. And for those of us with price sensitive husbands, saying we got our bags at a discount staves off the drama. "Wow, another new bag? Is that Gucci? Oh, this old thing? Why, I picked this up at the outlet!" :giggle: Usually this will ward off more questions from my DH or he'll say I'm a clever shopper.
 
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#17
No. I’ve purchased bags that were preloved. If I have no doubt about the authenticity, it’s in great shape and the price is realistic I’m ok with preloved. Most of what I’ve bought preloved was discontinued. For whatever reason I missed the boat when it was in stores or it just didn’t do it for me at the time. When I buy new it’s almost always online.
 
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#18
Yes I buy everything new, and the only one bag I bought preloved I had to get rid of it within less than a month!
I don't care about the experience in a store but authenticity is a big factor, and a lot of the items I like are limited Ed which there isn't a big second hand market in my country, most people still stick with black, neutrals and the common designs.

Note if I'm in the US I may consider buying from sites like fashionphile
 
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#20
Interesting question and some really interesting answers with unexpected reasoning behind.

Another FG lover, I haven't bought a bag from Gucci since 2015. The last was Pre-fall 2015 (Small Interlocking chain, designed under FG, sold under AM as CD). I really loved a tapestry/leather trim shopper under AM but it was a bit too big and very heavy.

I'm not seeing the same care in designs or manufacture increasingly anymore and I bl**dy hate 'suede-like' micro-fibre lining in bags. It attracts dirt, looks grubby quickly and it's not like suede at all. That's the stuff counterfeiters used to put in bad fakes! Happily, I like more of the shoes and some jewellery so I still buy new Gucci.

I would buy a pristine, pre-loved Gucci if it was rare, exceptional and there was no other way of getting it. Most of the pieces that interest me are pre-1980s.

JIMHO but I understand people want to save money buying from a third party at a discount but honestly, if you look at the AT thread you will see these are no bargains, most are fakes. For literally a couple of hundred more (sometimes even less) you can buy new from Gucci (with all the bows and trimmings)
 
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#23
papertiger said:
Interesting question and some really interesting answers with unexpected reasoning behind.

Another FG lover, I haven't bought a bag from Gucci since 2015. The last was Pre-fall 2015 (Small Interlocking chain, designed under FG, sold under AM as CD). I really loved a tapestry/leather trim shopper under AM but it was a bit too big and very heavy.

I'm not seeing the same care in designs or manufacture increasingly anymore and I bl**dy hate 'suede-like' micro-fibre lining in bags. It attracts dirt, looks grubby quickly and it's not like suede at all. That's the stuff counterfeiters used to put in bad fakes! Happily, I like more of the shoes and some jewellery so I still buy new Gucci.

I would buy a pristine, pre-loved Gucci if it was rare, exceptional and there was no other way of getting it. Most of the pieces that interest me are pre-1980s.

JIMHO but I understand people want to save money buying from a third party at a discount but honestly, if you look at the AT thread you will see these are no bargains, most are fakes. For literally a couple of hundred more (sometimes even less) you can buy new from Gucci (with all the bows and trimmings)
Click to expand...

agreed, especially concerning authenticity. I'm so scared I'm relegated to buy pre-owned FG bags until AM comes out with more bags I like . it's such a disturbing place to be. :-(
 
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#24
@Successful&Me
Yes, when you realize when you can put a little work in and get the same product for less, paying retail leaves you with a bitter taste. I vividly remember rooting through the sale table with my sister at Gucci on Rodeo Dr. (of all places) in the late 80's, so I acquired a taste for luxury at a discount early on. And I used that little bag all through college and wore it out.
 
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#25
This thread is about buying new v buying preloved and not about buying at discount v full retail. Gucci has discount stores practically worldwide, buying from a G outlet is buying the bag new as is buying from an official G sample sale.

Let's get back to topic please, TYiA
 
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#26
Maybe it’s because my first designer bag was preloved (it was a vintage LV Pochette), I don’t really care about the new/boutique experience...? I only resort to new if retail is cheaper than the secondhand market (which is especially true with some brands like Chanel, Goyard, and Hermès), the cost difference between preloved vs. new is small, or if the item I want is no longer in production. I’m also more likely to buy new if the company is small/unpopular and or family owned and not part of a conglomerate. Note: mainly talking handbags. I can’t stand to buy preowned SLGs, scarves, or shoes, but I digress.

Otherwise, I think the new experience is overrated; all I care about is the item and if it’s in good condition without defects. I hate when sales associates try to upsell me or make me look at things I’m not interested in or don’t need. Yes, they act friendly and personable, but really they just want their commission. Either that or I’m just too cynical. LOL.

Preowned is cut and dry; I look at the pics and read the description. If I want it, I buy it and that’s it. Plus I save money, which I always love. :lol: I mean, I’d probably care more about buying new if I wanted to build a relationship with the brand and be recognized as a good client, but things like that were never important to me. I’m too selfish with my money and I like too many brands to stay loyal to just one or two.

Also right now Gucci doesn’t make anything that I really love. All my new purchases for the past year and a half were outlet or sale items. I haven’t found a good reason to buy direct from boutique these days...
 
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#27
I prefer buying new over preloved only because of authenticity. The purchases are also logged into the system so there is always a reference. However some items become unavailable and I have had no option but to purchase through consignment.
I think it's based on varying factors and personal preferences but either new or preloved are both great ways!
 
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#28
The experience of getting a new bag (for me it involves visiting it in store, seeing it in person, stalking the bag on IG, etc etc LOL) is just often too special to give up! Especially when they wrap it and put it in a box! (Side note, is this a Boston thing or have any of you noticed how some boutiques are more reluctant to give out bag boxes any more?)

I purchased a velvet Gucci purse from the boutique inside Saks recently, and with some fabrics they really just don't hold up well when they're pre-loved. With all of the embellishments and details on the newer Gucci styles, it just feels better getting a new one since I won't have to worry about matted velvet, lost beads/crystals, etc. Just my thoughts! I wouldn't hesitate to buy pre-loved Celine or LV though because I know those bags hold up well.
 
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