Let's Talk About the Price of Bags Across the Board, Are they Crazy or am I?

[chicsylvie]

This was a fascinating thread to read through, and ageee that luxury bags can be a kind of vortex—and not just purses from the Big Three, since even cheaper bags from other designers run between $US 1-2k.

My bag collection is tiny—a black LV Lock Me II BB, a silver 3.1 Philip Lim clutch, and a black leather Le Pliage. A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a purple Chloé Pixie for the fun and colour factor, and because I’m afraid to damage the LV. When I ordered my Chloé bag from Barney’s, I didn’t inspect it as closely as I should have. When I showed it the bag to my mother, and unwrapped the brass handles, I noticed that they had tiny chips/scratches near the base. Granted, these wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone else, but for a purse that cost over $1600, I find this unacceptable. If they scratch that easily now, what will they look like in a year? Frankly, the experience has made me reconsider purchasing any designer bag, and using the money instead toward a lower end Rolex meant for daily wear that’s caught my eye.

 

[papertiger]

This was a fascinating thread to read through, and ageee that luxury bags can be a kind of vortex—and not just purses from the Big Three, since even cheaper bags from other designers run between $US 1-2k.

My bag collection is tiny—a black LV Lock Me II BB, a silver 3.1 Philip Lim clutch, and a black leather Le Pliage. A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a purple Chloé Pixie for the fun and colour factor, and because I’m afraid to damage the LV. When I ordered my Chloé bag from Barney’s, I didn’t inspect it as closely as I should have. When I showed it the bag to my mother, and unwrapped the brass handles, I noticed that they had tiny chips/scratches near the base. Granted, these wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone else, but for a purse that cost over $1600, I find this unacceptable. If they scratch that easily now, what will they look like in a year? Frankly, the experience has made me reconsider purchasing any designer bag, and using the money instead toward a lower end Rolex meant for daily wear that’s caught my eye.

That's a shame, I can assure you my ancient Large Bay has solid brass fittings and is still going strong. That's what I used to like about Chloe.

 

[papertiger]

It makes me wonder if all these new brands out of California using Italian leathers are utilizing these manufacturers?

The terminology is all important.

1. Using Italian leathers just means the leather is Italian but the bag can be made anywhere.

2. Unless a designer have their own factories in Italy it's very possible to work within EU law and make different components of the bag (m)any place(s) and assemble it in Italy just for its 'Made in Italy' label.

3. If a Chinese company own and run a factory in Italy and staff it entirely with Chinese workers it can also be labeled 'Made in Italy'. This is the type of factory that was outlined in the article about the practice. The only reason for buying a factory in Italy and bringing in migrant workers is for that label (mostly illegally working and illegally (low) paid wages with no one at all paying any kid of tax) .

 

[can_do_mom]

I agree with everything said here. And it’s not just luxury handbags, it’s across clothes and shoes as well. I just feel like the brand and/or their stakeholders, are taking us the consumers for fools. If I find a fair brand, I tend to stick to it. Right now it’s Everlane. Unfortunately they only offer intermittent international shipping.
I’m watching documentaries like “the minimalists” and never thought that this would be discussed on my beloved tpf

I love Everlane. I'm a sucker for their shoes. Great products and great prices. I just bought their denim for the first time and the fit was perfect, price exceptional! I also threw a leather backpack on my order, less than $250, the quality is great and I don't have to baby it.

 

[can_do_mom]

This article is very eye opening.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/...designer-bags-in-tuscany?mbid=social_facebook

Made in Italy, indeed. Fascinating read.

 

[papertiger]

Great to see we're influencing mainstream topics of conversation! Well done guys!

https://www.purseblog.com/real-talk/handbag-prices-out-of-control/

 

[obscurity7]

Great to see we're influencing mainstream topics of conversation! Well done guys!

https://www.purseblog.com/real-talk/handbag-prices-out-of-control/

I had the same feeling when I read that post! Like, hey, they must've run across one of the dozen threads we had about pricing and indie brands and general discontent.

 

[supergrofatty]

It seems that quite a lot of nervousity is on in the production of bags of these big overpriced brands. They have had for many years components/parts made in cheap labor countries such as Vietnam/Madagascar/Thailand , that are then shipped to Europe to be assembled.
But what would you and i think if you pass by one of these factories when on holiday, does one still want to pay those crazy prices ?

 

[Shelby33]

I have never bought premiere but I just picked up a MK collection bag for 20.00 at Savers. Saks has it up for 795.00. I don't think I would pay over 200.00 for this bag. It is very nice, calfskin, nicely made, I can't find anything wrong with it. But, it is not worth 800.00. If this is what's going on with contemporary brands I can only imagine what is happening with the premier bag market.
I've been seeing some very nice bespoke bags from Massecassi with thick, beautiful leather, beautiful stitching, great designs and I bet they are probably much nicer than this MK bag and go for maybe 400 to 500.00.
I don't understand how MK can justify these prices but I suppose if people keep buying them they will keep selling them.

 

[Shelby33]

It seems that quite a lot of nervousity is on in the production of bags of these big overpriced brands. They have had for many years components/parts made in cheap labor countries such as Vietnam/Madagascar/Thailand , that are then shipped to Europe to be assembled.
But what would you and i think if you pass by one of these factories when on holiday, does one still want to pay those crazy prices ?

I don't really care where the bag is made if it has very good workmanship. I have bags that are not made in the US or Italy and by now, at over 10 years of age, the stitching is still perfect, no loose stitching, not falling apart, and these bags don't sit in my closet. They get quite a bit of use. I don't think a 'made in china' tag signals a crappy bag. I suppose it all depends on the factory and some are better then others.

 

[tymanning]

[emoji85][emoji218]

 

[papertiger]

I don't really care where the bag is made if it has very good workmanship. I have bags that are not made in the US or Italy and by now, at over 10 years of age, the stitching is still perfect, no loose stitching, not falling apart, and these bags don't sit in my closet. They get quite a bit of use. I don't think a 'made in china' tag signals a crappy bag. I suppose it all depends on the factory and some are better then others.

It seems that quite a lot of nervousity is on in the production of bags of these big overpriced brands. They have had for many years components/parts made in cheap labor countries such as Vietnam/Madagascar/Thailand , that are then shipped to Europe to be assembled.
But what would you and i think if you pass by one of these factories when on holiday, does one still want to pay those crazy prices ?

Agreeing with both of you.

If a bag is made cheaply but well because the wages are overall lower in that manufacturing country ad that saving is passed onto the consumer that's one thing,

BUT

If a brand has many parts of a bag made in countries where labour is cheap and then merely assembles them in Europe or the USA just so it can legally meet the min requirements to be labeled 'Made in the EU/USA' and commands a price commensurate with a product that is made beginning to end in the EU/USA (and costed appropriately) that is a different story IMO. That heft price is actually part of the deception. They've found holes in the law, and it is a deceptive practice, however lawful that deceit because many people like to think they are helping the local (or certain) economy and support working conditions that are at least governable by their own standards of propriety.

Of course how far can you go? Bags can be made of completely imported leather or skins, metal etc and still be made totally in another country. There is a huge amount of labour involved in farming, the tanning process, smelting etc.

At the end of the day it's about having enough info to make an informed choice.

 

[Shelby33]

Agreeing with both of you.

If a bag is made cheaply but well because the wages are overall lower in that manufacturing country ad that saving is passed onto the consumer that's one thing,

BUT

If a brand has many parts of a bag made in countries where labour is cheap and then merely assembles them in Europe or the USA just so it can legally meet the min requirements to be labeled 'Made in the EU/USA' and commands a price commensurate with a product that is made beginning to end in the EU/USA (and costed appropriately) that is a different story IMO. That heft price is actually part of the deception. They've found holes in the law, and it is a deceptive practice, however lawful that deceit because many people like to think they are helping the local (or certain) economy and support working conditions that are at least governable by their own standards of propriety.

Of course how far can you go? Bags can be made of completely imported leather or skins, metal etc and still be made totally in another country. There is a huge amount of labour involved in farming, the tanning process, smelting etc.

At the end of the day it's about having enough info to make an informed choice.

Yes, I agree, it's not right to have it made here there and everywhere, then finish it in Italy or France, and jack up the price because the bag says 'Made in Italy' to lead the consumer into spending more money because they think they're getting a superior product. They should be passing the savings to the consumer if they are spending less on manufacturing. It's misleading and greedy.

 

[rocketbean]

Yes, I agree, it's not right to have it made here there and everywhere, then finish it in Italy or France, and jack up the price because the bag says 'Made in Italy' to lead the consumer into spending more money because they think they're getting a superior product. They should be passing the savings to the consumer if they are spending less on manufacturing. It's misleading and greedy.

I think it’s a mistake to assume pricing is based on cost. Otherwise you wouldn’t pay $5 for a cup of Starbucks, not to mention an iPhone which is fully made and assembled in China.

Pricing strategy reflects largely the image the brand is trying to make and where the brand wants to hit on the supply/demand curve. Not every brand wants to hit equilibrium.

You can probably get an MBA just studying pricing strategy.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I worked out that with inflation I *think* the 2.55 Chanel should be worth around $2.5k now if they were keeping pricing constant. Yet we all know what it is actually priced at.
If I was a billionaire I probably wouldn't care and I would buy whatever I liked. Sadly I'm not a billionaire and while being blessed financially more than many and technically able to afford premier handbags reguarly I cant justify the prices. Not when I have kids and a future. 6k handbags are not featuring on the priority scale, neither are 3k handbags. In all honesty the prices anger me. I think they are taking the proverbial. Who do they think we are?? Stupid? They give an influencer a designer handbag on Instagram and suddenly that justifys the ridiculous price increases?
Common sense is completely out the window. I would probably pay 1 to 2k for a bag and I would like that to be a very special bag but 5/6k plus?? No thanks. The lower scale is ridiculous as well. Mk bags for $300 - $400 made in china, churned out by the millions. The saving grace for the contemporary designers is that with sale prices the bags are obtainable without taking out a mortgage. Are they worth it? Are any of the bags worth the asking prices? No but at least you can have fun with contemporary designers, buy into the seasonal fashions and not faint if your child emptys a juice box over it.
For me now I like the idea of finding the up and coming premier designers of tomorrow. The privately owned boutique bag designers still making bags by hand with quality materials. It's much more exciting to invest in those companies and have a potential future 'IT' bag and if you never hear of the company again you still have a beautiful bag for a fraction of the cost.