MAB handles

[sprite44]

Hi ladies,

I finally received my MAB purchased on ebay, and am in a bit of a dilemma.

The actual main body of the bag is in good condition, and it is an absolutely gorgeous colour (Emerald).

However, the plastic tubing in the top handles is broken/disconnected in three places, making these unusable, as the whole weight of the bag would rest upon only the thin leather covering.

Additionally, the bag has a horrible smell - I can't quite place it, but it definitely doesn't smell of nice leather. The bag was described as in Very good condition.

I've contacted the ebay seller about it, and am waiting to hear what they say before proceeding further.

I'm in two minds; either a) return the bag and demand full refund/cost of return (international shipping) or b) think about asking for a significant discount and take the bag to a specialist for restoration (after all, this bag has the potential to be beautiful).

What do you think I should do? Has anyone had any experience of getting handles replaced, or bags restored/de-odourised?

 

[KaseyHK]

oh, darn the floppy handles!
i received a number of bags with this issue too but not serious as to what you described.

i heard some members brought their bags to leather repair companies for repair and restoration. i'd prefer doing it myself. and luckily i have successfully fixed my bags by inserting a small piece of cardboard paper into the tube through the hole and space between two layers of leather of the handles. there's a trick that you need to bend the tube a little bit to let the paper slide underneath so that it acts like an extension. you said the tube is like broken into 3 parts and i'm afraid it's more tricky.

if the handles really bother you, i'd suggest you return it for a refund. however, as you're located outside the US, the return shipping cost is so high that i wouldn't recommend this option.

i'm not sure how much it takes to fix the handles in your place. it's worth a try if it doesn't cost much. if it's very costly, you may try my method and see the results.

sorry, i'm not much of help here

 

[sdkitty]

If you bought a bag described as excellent condition and you got a damaged bag, you can demand a refund. Do all communications via Ebay messaging so Ebay can see it. If the seller doesn't voluntarily refund your money, you can open a case and you will win. But you will have to pay to ship it back to the seller. If the color is special and you love it and the price was good, you could ask for a price adjustment. I don't think Ebay can force the seller to do this but they may agree to it (esp if it's that or a refund).

 

[msd_bags]

If return/refund is a hassle and if you got it for a good price anyway, then you may want to bring it to a bag repair shop for handle replacement. I know some members (those not from the US) had the handles replaced and were pleased, but of course you will have to spend again.

As to the smell, try to air out the bag for a few days. I had experiences of sellers not declaring smell on leather bags, but after airing for a few days (there was one I had to air out for maybe 2 weeks) the smell disappeared or become bearable and the wonderful leather smell came back again. Hope this helps.

 

[sprite44]

Thank you so much ladies!

KaseyKH - your advice about the 'floppy handles' issue: I wasn't aware of this before, but having looked at previous threads, this is exactly what has happened. Which is a relief to be honest, and it's good to know that it's a common and easily fixable issue with the older bags. I think I'm going to take it to a leather repair specialist. In the meantime (yesterday evening), I had a go at your cardboard trick and struggled a little with the one handle I tried. I'm going to have another go later.

msd_bags: I did get it for a *very* good price, all in all. They've also offered me a partial discount on account of the issues. I don't think the discount would be enough normally, but the final price is a steal at US $45!! I think the bag is definitely worth spending a little more money on to get her looking happy again. You're right though, the Emerald colour is beautiful!

After scouring the tpf for posts/advice on getting rid of smells, I've left the bag overnight in a box, with a bowl of bicarbonate of soda, and also another bowl of coffee grounds. I think I'm going to keep doing this for another few days and (when it's not raining) air the bag out too.

I'll keep you updated and post a picture when she's looking happier

 

[msd_bags]

RM's Emerald is not just beautiful in color, its leather is also wonderful!! $45 is indeed a steal! A bit better than how much I paid for my Cloud Grey MAM.

Yes please do show pics later.

 

[msd_bags]

RM's Emerald is not just beautiful in color, its leather is also wonderful!! $45 is indeed a steal! A bit better than how much I paid for my Cloud Grey MAM.

Yes please do show pics later.

 

[sdkitty]

Thank you so much ladies!

KaseyKH - your advice about the 'floppy handles' issue: I wasn't aware of this before, but having looked at previous threads, this is exactly what has happened. Which is a relief to be honest, and it's good to know that it's a common and easily fixable issue with the older bags. I think I'm going to take it to a leather repair specialist. In the meantime (yesterday evening), I had a go at your cardboard trick and struggled a little with the one handle I tried. I'm going to have another go later.

msd_bags: I did get it for a *very* good price, all in all. They've also offered me a partial discount on account of the issues. I don't think the discount would be enough normally, but the final price is a steal at US $45!! I think the bag is definitely worth spending a little more money on to get her looking happy again. You're right though, the Emerald colour is beautiful!

After scouring the tpf for posts/advice on getting rid of smells, I've left the bag overnight in a box, with a bowl of bicarbonate of soda, and also another bowl of coffee grounds. I think I'm going to keep doing this for another few days and (when it's not raining) air the bag out too.

I'll keep you updated and post a picture when she's looking happier

that is a steal
at that price and if the bag is in good condition other than handles, you can afford to put some money into repairing it and still be way ahead