^^I always appreciate others' views but I must disagree with Korzinka on this occasion.
Here's my two-penneth....
Outlets are a source of all types/levels of quality: good & not so good.
1. Outlet "Specials" can be produced in both different AND the same leathers as the full RRP bags.
Yes, eg, the Outlet special reptile Bays are different but I think its untrue & harsh to say inferior. I certainly disagree that Outlet Specials are made in an inferior way: I have found the stitching/zips/etc to be of the same quality. More rivets have come off full price Roxys than Outlet ones in my case.
My Outlet Printed VT Bays (Oak, Choc, Black) have an additional NVT leather lining to top flap that makes these versions are higher quality than the RRP. Apparently, this version was too expensive to produce and so was discontinued - so I have bags that never went into full production and hence an Outlet bag has become very rare.
As a buyer, I always consider the merits of each bag over whether it originally came from Bond St, Harrods or Bicester or MulberryMad or LHBs or Naughti Pigeon etc etc.
To consider depreciation - I think you have to look at the % of original cost that they maintain.................I would suggest that Outlet bags retain more of their value. I would say that only the wellknown Mulberry business sellers (due to their recognised trust & brand value) can command a resale price that maintains any decent % of the original cost of a full price bag.
2. Outlet "faulty" bags aka Subs
I think this all depends on the individual item - some subs are very damaged but others are perfect and maybe just a customer return. Real bargains to be had here.
3. Outlet Sample Bags
These are perfect bags that either never went into full production or have a very limited run and are, quite frankly, the Holy Grail for me. eg Oak Hayworth, Redford, Somerset Holdall.
Im sorry this sounds like a rant (didnt mean it that way), I just dont want anyone to feel bad about their choice of bag.
There are lots of girls that are fortunate to be able to spend freely on full price bags and there are others who will save up for ages to treat themselves to an Outlet bag - I share the joy in both.
A few days ago I was rather blunt in my opinion of Outlet reptile Bays (preferring old vintage) and I was really horrified that I had upset a girl who had received one as a present. Now whilst I dont like the leather, I certainly dont think it looks like a fake or looks cheap.
I know we can all have Buyers' remorse esp after a BIG spend and sometimes need some reassurance re our decision.
Harries, I really do think you have made a great choice re your Bays with Silver hw, I cannot believe that it would look anything other than top-notch Mulberry...........BUT if you have your doubts then return it and choose another that you are more confident about.
(Personally - I think you and "Audrey" are a great combination)
Love Ells xx