Hi everyone. I've admired Louis Vuitton bags for years. Recently, I've been looking at eBay and a couple of Facebook pages for pre-owned and found some nice bags. I did buy a Cite GM on eBay. It's in great shape, however, a bit too big (I was so excited I did not look closely at the description). Now- I'm looking at Almas, but- the prices on pre-owned! Almost as much as new. So- worth it to purchase pre-owned and save a couple hundred dollars, or- go to the store and get a new one? I'm leaning toward new, as I've also seen people complaining about fakes. We have a store in Denver. TIA!
New vs. pre-owned vintage: Which one?
- Thread starter ronnie20
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If the difference is marginal, then buying new is the way to go. Which exact Alma? What size and material are you looking for?
I think I want an Alma BB Damier. However, I've not seen it up close. I'm actually now paying attention to measurements (after my eBay experience) and what people say about it online. It seems like the size that would work for me. New- it's $1,760. I've seen pre-owned on a couple of Facebook pages at $1,399. So- just about $400 more or so with tax for new. What's concerning is that on those same Facebook pages- I've seen posts outing fake sellers. So- a little hesitant now to jump into that pool.
I would definitely buy new if it's only a few hundred dollars difference. But, with that being said, I would be VERY cautious and hesitant to buy a preowned LV anything from FB marketplace, and on eBay, just buy the seller. Meaning look at their store or their feedback to make sure they've sold some LV in the past. Have you checked on Fashionphile or Yoogi's Closet? They're reputable resellers and have great LV's that are preowned and in great condition. But sometimes their prices are a little hefty, but it's something to check out. I've sold and purchased from both many times, so I know they're good quality bags. Authenticity on those sites is never an issue.
I have looked at several resale sites. Prices seem a little steep for pre-owned, but as someone else said- the canvas seems to keep it's value.
I agree. Older canvas bags are much better quality and the canvas is heavier/thicker. I have a Speedy and a Noe from 1998, and they're excellent quality.
I would get a new Alma at the store and enjoy the full experience, packaging, etc. 
I agree it’s a real treat to open that package from LV.I would get a new Alma at the store and enjoy the full experience, packaging, etc.
I’ve bought a lot of preowned lv but only from reputable sites like fashion file, realreal, yoogies. A lot of the time you will find them close to new pricing especially for the classic bags like Alma. In that case buying new is best 😊
I would buy new, and avoid buying off FB or eBay; especially if you’re newish to the brand. Soooo many fakes out there. It’s worth the few hundred dollars to know 100% it’s authentic.
I would be inclined to say that the quality is generally better in older pieces than what they’re currently selling at LV. I’ve had some fantastic vintage buys. If the price difference was minimal between pre-owned and new, however, I’d be looking for it to be in pristine condition.
That's what I'm thinking!I would get a new Alma at the store and enjoy the full experience, packaging, etc.
I was on a cruise and they had a What Goes Around Comes Around boutique. I found a gorgeous Saleya PM in DA on night 1 of the 13 day cruise. I visited that bag for 5 days. On night 5 my husband went to the boutique and bought the bag for me. I cried my eyes out when he brought it back to our room and I opened the bag! She is absolutely perfect. They even included an LV dust bag along with the WGACA dust bag! That said vachetta and I do not get along. SO, while I desperately wanted DA, I wanted it preowned. I was told that this bag had been used once or twice on a runway model. It’s in perfect condition!!! And I used it and didn’t worry about it! BUTTTTT Then my husband went and bought me 2 brand new Gracefuls for my birthday, one in DE and one in DA. I’ve been using the DE since he gave them to me and I was saving the DA for spring/summer. I am honestly afraid of the vachetta being brand new! So I say, if something is calling your name and it’s preowned go for it! Especially vachetta because you don’t have to worry about it, it’s already patina’d! Remember, there’s a story behind every bag! 💼 ❤️