Louis Vuitton Epi - why doesn't it always hold its value?

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montana_patina

montana_patina

Member
Jan 15, 2014
921
83
#1
Okay, I've noticed that one can buy authentic preloved LV Epi speedys, almas, keepalls in great condition for many hundreds less than retail, even if they're only a few years old. For instance, I had a beautiful ivory epi speedy 30 from 2008 that I was offered just a few hundred for, and I noticed that similar items were selling for that price on auction sites. Epi items don't seem to hold their value, despite being very durable leather. Canvas or other Louis Vuitton items seem to sell closer to retail, comparatively. Anyone know why this might be true?
 
#2
montana_patina said:
Okay, I've noticed that one can buy authentic preloved LV Epi speedys, almas, keepalls in great condition for many hundreds less than retail, even if they're only a few years old. For instance, I had a beautiful ivory epi speedy 30 from 2008 that I was offered just a few hundred for, and I noticed that similar items were selling for that price on auction sites. Epi items don't seem to hold their value, despite being very durable leather. Canvas or other Louis Vuitton items seem to sell closer to retail, comparatively. Anyone know why this might be true?
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I think it might be because there is a lower demand for these items (some people, if not most, buy LV for the status symbol, and EPI leather isn't as widely known as say MC or Monogram)
 
#4
Even if many people say "I buy pre-loved because I prefer older styles etc", it's pretty clear that a majority of people buy pre-loved because they can't afford (or don't want to pay) retail prices for a Louis Vuitton handbag. And there is nothing wrong with that. I recently bought a pochette Orsay for $325 on Yoogi's... it looks brand new... just because I did not want to shell 800 euros for it!!!

Anyway, I think a lot of people begin their LV journey with the monogram line. That's the most iconic - so that becomes the most desirable on the second-hand market.

Enjoy your Epi bags - I love them too!
 
#5
Hi there! About epi leather... I am a little bit dissapointed. 3 months ago I bought a beautiful zippy coin purse in epi fuchsia but it got two really small "peelings" close to the zipper. Today I went to the store and asked for warranty or send it to get fix but the SA told me it was impossible to repair!! I honestly think they can apply a kind of layer of something to cover it and avoid this to continue... What do you think? Am I asking too much?
 
#6
fabuleux said:
Even if many people say "I buy pre-loved because I prefer older styles etc", it's pretty clear that a majority of people buy pre-loved because they can't afford (or don't want to pay) retail prices for a Louis Vuitton handbag. And there is nothing wrong with that. I recently bought a pochette Orsay for $325 on Yoogi's... it looks brand new... just because I did not want to shell 800 euros for it!!!

Anyway, I think a lot of people begin their LV journey with the monogram line. That's the most iconic - so that becomes the most desirable on the second-hand market.

Enjoy your Epi bags - I love them too!
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You're right - the journey begins with Monogram (my first was predictably a vintage MC Speedy 25) and simply evolves from there! New buyers are unlikely to be familiar with the Epi, but they've all seen the Monogram 1000x over. Makes sense to me.
 
#7
I simply think there isn't much interest in this leather line. It not exciting like the Vernis and Empreinte line or the monogram canvas. Canvas in general actually.
 
#11
elsiepink said:
Hi there! About epi leather... I am a little bit dissapointed. 3 months ago I bought a beautiful zippy coin purse in epi fuchsia but it got two really small "peelings" close to the zipper. Today I went to the store and asked for warranty or send it to get fix but the SA told me it was impossible to repair!! I honestly think they can apply a kind of layer of something to cover it and avoid this to continue... What do you think? Am I asking too much?
Click to expand...

I just have to ask are you sure you didn't damage it some how by mistake? I have 3 epi bags that are 15 to 17 years old and they are in excellent condition!! I mean excellent! I see that epi leather is amazing and durable. Or ask another SA if this is some kind of defect because that should not be happening on its own?!
 
#14
A lot of it has to do with the subtlety of Epi leather. Many people buying LV want the status symbol of the bag-- IE Monogram, with the logo all over the place-- so they would rather buy preloved mono than Epi as it's not as glaringly LV to the untrained eye. Sad, too, because many of the leather pieces are truly beautiful.
 
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