Quality getting worse.. Probably no more chanel :(

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

I adore a chevron bag!
Those aren’t dents, those are small ripples from stitching the leather at too much of an angle in one area. In my attempts to sew, I became familiar with this subtle gathering of material because it wasn’t perfectly flat when I sewed it.
I’m sorry your bag has leather issues. It looks like it’s under the flap and resembles finger pressure points on the fluffy quilting. Thank goodness, it looks like it’s not that noticeable unless pointed out.

Thank you so much for your reply. Chanel agreed to have an exchange. However, all they have are not in my wishlist. Should I keep this one? Please give me some advises. Would you keep it?
 
Thank you so much for your reply. Chanel agreed to have an exchange. However, all they have are not in my wishlist. Should I keep this one? Please give me some advises. Would you keep it?

Personally I would return it if possible. I’d rather go vintage for better quality

I was unsure of what I would do until I read what English 1221 wrote.

I don’t know what would bother you over time. I know myself. If I were to run into a brick wall with my handbag and damage it, I would cry but know damaging it was the risk I took when I bought any bag. But if I spent thousands of dollars and my bag came to me with a bothersome flaw, I don’t know if I’m the type to say “Oh well.” Some people are that way.

One good thing is that the ripple is under the flap and it’s probably only noticeable to you, so that may give you a little solace. I would keep it if my love for the bag was bigger than my disappointment seeing the ripple- over time I probably wouldn’t notice the ripple.

I wonder if I got rid of a bag with a flaw like your bag has, if would I tell myself I made an impulsive move and want to kick myself? I don’t know. I might tell myself it’s cosmetic so the bag’s integrity isn’t compromised (no popped stitch or frayed leather) and Chanel is just going to put it back on the shelf and sell it.

You could go vintage. A pre-loved bag might be better and about the same price. If you don’t mind doing that, pre-loved is a good idea.

I guess it comes down to the thought, no bag is perfect. If we look hard enough and long enough, all bags have a flaw. I think returning a bag depends on the flaw and how much it bothers us, or if the flaw lessens the lifespan of the bag.

I'm sorry- I’m probably no help. I don’t think you have an easy decision.
If you decide to keep it, enjoy it. Rock it! It’s a gorgeous style bag!
If you decide to return it, I hope you find a beautiful replacement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gabs007 and jpezmom
If it‘s still in the return window, always return or exchange. These things are just too expensive, we aren‘t talking about 4You bags.

I know how it sucks to go back to the store and be open about your frustration but at the same time this is nothing compared to always thinking ‘oh I wish I‘d gone back‘. Not for the asking price. Glad you took it back.
 
  • Like
Reactions: snowing may
I was unsure of what I would do until I read what English 1221 wrote.

I don’t know what would bother you over time. I know myself. If I were to run into a brick wall with my handbag and damage it, I would cry but know damaging it was the risk I took when I bought any bag. But if I spent thousands of dollars and my bag came to me with a bothersome flaw, I don’t know if I’m the type to say “Oh well.” Some people are that way.

One good thing is that the ripple is under the flap and it’s probably only noticeable to you, so that may give you a little solace. I would keep it if my love for the bag was bigger than my disappointment seeing the ripple- over time I probably wouldn’t notice the ripple.

I wonder if I got rid of a bag with a flaw like your bag has, if would I tell myself I made an impulsive move and want to kick myself? I don’t know. I might tell myself it’s cosmetic so the bag’s integrity isn’t compromised (no popped stitch or frayed leather) and Chanel is just going to put it back on the shelf and sell it.

You could go vintage. A pre-loved bag might be better and about the same price. If you don’t mind doing that, pre-loved is a good idea.

I guess it comes down to the thought, no bag is perfect. If we look hard enough and long enough, all bags have a flaw. I think returning a bag depends on the flaw and how much it bothers us, or if the flaw lessens the lifespan of the bag.

I'm sorry- I’m probably no help. I don’t think you have an easy decision.
If you decide to keep it, enjoy it. Rock it! It’s a gorgeous style bag!
If you decide to return it, I hope you find a beautiful replacement.

The craftsmanship of vintage bags is otherworldly. The combination of the 24k gold hardware against the rich black lambskin puts me in awe every time I take mine out of the dust bag.
 
I had such a sobering experience today with Chanel. I bought a bag in the beginning of December and wore it once then noticed a stitch was coming undone from the leather chain. It was frayed and poked out. It wasn’t a huge deal but unsightly and considering I wore it once I didn’t think it warrant a flaw in a brand new bag so I brought it in to see what they could do. First they tried to fix it in store but couldn’t so they sent it out to the local craftsman. But a week later I was told he couldn’t repair it so it would need to go to Paris and take 2-3 months. Since I only used it for one day I was a pretty bummed and ask if there was anything else they could do. They seemed to find another solution and said it’ll take a couple weeks after the holidays I could have my bag. Well today I went in as it was ready and omg the shock. They craftsman ended up repairing a completely different part of the strap and butchering it while leaving the loose thread untouched. I was shocked and so disappointed. They offered to exchange it but the other bag in same style also had loose threads! So they said the only other option was to send to Paris and have them replace the strap which could take a couple months but they will ask for a rush. I’m so bummed. I hope they can fix it with better care and that they don’t prolong the repair as I see other have.
For me I felt sick spending so much money to have a brand new faulty item. If it was a year old I wouldn’t do anything just clip the damn thread. But since we are paying customers I think we deserve to be happy about what we are buying. Otherwise we shouldn’t buy it.
If the repair comes back less then perfect I will have to ask for a refund.
 

Attachments

  • 177D042E-23B9-4D64-8670-7CA3E8FDD798.jpeg
    177D042E-23B9-4D64-8670-7CA3E8FDD798.jpeg
    99.9 KB · Views: 734
  • 343DEC14-3F35-4D66-9512-0DE0801595D2.jpeg
    343DEC14-3F35-4D66-9512-0DE0801595D2.jpeg
    128.3 KB · Views: 731
  • Like
Reactions: PetiteAsian
woah!!! My 5 year old could repair better than that! Yikes!! What were they thinking!



I had such a sobering experience today with Chanel. I bought a bag in the beginning of December and wore it once then noticed a stitch was coming undone from the leather chain. It was frayed and poked out. It wasn’t a huge deal but unsightly and considering I wore it once I didn’t think it warrant a flaw in a brand new bag so I brought it in to see what they could do. First they tried to fix it in store but couldn’t so they sent it out to the local craftsman. But a week later I was told he couldn’t repair it so it would need to go to Paris and take 2-3 months. Since I only used it for one day I was a pretty bummed and ask if there was anything else they could do. They seemed to find another solution and said it’ll take a couple weeks after the holidays I could have my bag. Well today I went in as it was ready and omg the shock. They craftsman ended up repairing a completely different part of the strap and butchering it while leaving the loose thread untouched. I was shocked and so disappointed. They offered to exchange it but the other bag in same style also had loose threads! So they said the only other option was to send to Paris and have them replace the strap which could take a couple months but they will ask for a rush. I’m so bummed. I hope they can fix it with better care and that they don’t prolong the repair as I see other have.
For me I felt sick spending so much money to have a brand new faulty item. If it was a year old I wouldn’t do anything just clip the damn thread. But since we are paying customers I think we deserve to be happy about what we are buying. Otherwise we shouldn’t buy it.
If the repair comes back less then perfect I will have to ask for a refund.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mousy and Hikitten
I was unsure of what I would do until I read what English 1221 wrote.

I don’t know what would bother you over time. I know myself. If I were to run into a brick wall with my handbag and damage it, I would cry but know damaging it was the risk I took when I bought any bag. But if I spent thousands of dollars and my bag came to me with a bothersome flaw, I don’t know if I’m the type to say “Oh well.” Some people are that way.

One good thing is that the ripple is under the flap and it’s probably only noticeable to you, so that may give you a little solace. I would keep it if my love for the bag was bigger than my disappointment seeing the ripple- over time I probably wouldn’t notice the ripple.

I wonder if I got rid of a bag with a flaw like your bag has, if would I tell myself I made an impulsive move and want to kick myself? I don’t know. I might tell myself it’s cosmetic so the bag’s integrity isn’t compromised (no popped stitch or frayed leather) and Chanel is just going to put it back on the shelf and sell it.

You could go vintage. A pre-loved bag might be better and about the same price. If you don’t mind doing that, pre-loved is a good idea.

I guess it comes down to the thought, no bag is perfect. If we look hard enough and long enough, all bags have a flaw. I think returning a bag depends on the flaw and how much it bothers us, or if the flaw lessens the lifespan of the bag.

I'm sorry- I’m probably no help. I don’t think you have an easy decision.
If you decide to keep it, enjoy it. Rock it! It’s a gorgeous style bag!
If you decide to return it, I hope you find a beautiful replacement.
Thank you for your moral support. I have been doubting myself for being too fussy and picky over a bag. As you said, " I might tell myself it’s cosmetic so the bag’s integrity isn’t compromised and Chanel is just going to put it back on the shelf and sell it." I bet as soon as I return the bag, someone gonna snap it in a heart beat.
I have contacted the customer service they suggested sending it in for inspection. I can foresee they are going to say the bag is hand-made, the ripple is normal, blah blah.
The return policy really sucks in Asia. NO returns, only exchange in 7 days. Not even store credits waiting for another CoCo. Nevertheless, I have to give chanel credit for being very responsive. Thank you, Sourisbrune.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mousy
I had such a sobering experience today with Chanel. I bought a bag in the beginning of December and wore it once then noticed a stitch was coming undone from the leather chain. It was frayed and poked out. It wasn’t a huge deal but unsightly and considering I wore it once I didn’t think it warrant a flaw in a brand new bag so I brought it in to see what they could do. First they tried to fix it in store but couldn’t so they sent it out to the local craftsman. But a week later I was told he couldn’t repair it so it would need to go to Paris and take 2-3 months. Since I only used it for one day I was a pretty bummed and ask if there was anything else they could do. They seemed to find another solution and said it’ll take a couple weeks after the holidays I could have my bag. Well today I went in as it was ready and omg the shock. They craftsman ended up repairing a completely different part of the strap and butchering it while leaving the loose thread untouched. I was shocked and so disappointed. They offered to exchange it but the other bag in same style also had loose threads! So they said the only other option was to send to Paris and have them replace the strap which could take a couple months but they will ask for a rush. I’m so bummed. I hope they can fix it with better care and that they don’t prolong the repair as I see other have.
For me I felt sick spending so much money to have a brand new faulty item. If it was a year old I wouldn’t do anything just clip the damn thread. But since we are paying customers I think we deserve to be happy about what we are buying. Otherwise we shouldn’t buy it.
If the repair comes back less then perfect I will have to ask for a refund.
yikes that is brutal. Why dont you ask for a refund now? This is a horrible job!
 
I purchased a tote that started fraying and dethreading after only two months of light use. I brought it in for assessment. It took nearly 6 weeks for the local repair - it came back and not only were those loose threads not removed/addressed but somehow there were more than when I sent it in. I requested a store credit - not a refund - it was denied due to “normal wear and tear”. It was escalated and after weeks of, I’ll keep checking, it was clear to me that while no one was going to say yes, no one was going to say no. I had to let it go. I sold the bag and tbh I’m not sure I’ll ever buy another Chanel for a long time. I’m happy with many other designers. I’ve been a designer bag buyer for many years and I am very understanding that bags aren’t perfect and wear and tear happens. This was not normal wear and tear to me on items that are thousands of dollars. For the price... I’m delighted to give other designers my money. I know Chanel won’t be hurting over my decision but for new folks, be very aware that if you buy an item, enjoy with love and know that if something goes wrong, you may just have to live with it. ETA: I’ve purchased many Chanel bags over the years so I am very familiar with the brand and their products. :)
 
yikes that is brutal. Why dont you ask for a refund now? This is a horrible job!

Refunds are not allowed so I’m letting them try to fix it and if it’s not fixable then I can get a refund for a faulty product. I’m willing to exchange for something too but I’m too starting to have a sour taste for any newly made Chanel bags. I bought a boy bag two years ago and that bag is perfection and high quality. But I know they are less and less so nowadays.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mousy
I purchased a tote that started fraying and dethreading after only two months of light use. I brought it in for assessment. It took nearly 6 weeks for the local repair - it came back and not only were those loose threads not removed/addressed but somehow there were more than when I sent it in. I requested a store credit - not a refund - it was denied due to “normal wear and tear”. It was escalated and after weeks of, I’ll keep checking, it was clear to me that while no one was going to say yes, no one was going to say no. I had to let it go. I sold the bag and tbh I’m not sure I’ll ever buy another Chanel for a long time. I’m happy with many other designers. I’ve been a designer bag buyer for many years and I am very understanding that bags aren’t perfect and wear and tear happens. This was not normal wear and tear to me on items that are thousands of dollars. For the price... I’m delighted to give other designers my money. I know Chanel won’t be hurting over my decision but for new folks, be very aware that if you buy an item, enjoy with love and know that if something goes wrong, you may just have to live with it. ETA: I’ve purchased many Chanel bags over the years so I am very familiar with the brand and their products. :smile:

That’s so disappointing. I’m hoping it won’t happen to me as I have the same issue.
I have Chanel bags that are 10-15 years old and they all have normal wear and tear but not a single loose thread. I’m fine with bags not looking brand new but not a bag that falls apart. My kids have bags from H&M that don’t have thread issues ☹️
But you are so right. I’m starting to move to Hermes and have been very happy with my old Celine bags.
 
That’s so disappointing. I’m hoping it won’t happen to me as I have the same issue.
I have Chanel bags that are 10-15 years old and they all have normal wear and tear but not a single loose thread. I’m fine with bags not looking brand new but not a bag that falls apart. My kids have bags from H&M that don’t have thread issues ☹️
But you are so right. I’m starting to move to Hermes and have been very happy with my old Celine bags.

My experiences at H, Dior, BV, and LV speak volumes over what Chanel has been offering. My SA is wonderful but if this is the way the brand itself has headed, as much as I adore her.... I love to vary my purchases anyway and if I feel Chanel, I’ll go preloved/vintage happily. I just felt generally like —- I am not someone who uses a magnifying glass on threads etc, even my SA was like, if SHE brought something back, there’s prob a problem. I know she felt for me. But there was nothing to be done. I rarely post (read psychotically lol), but I felt like this was one worth weighing in on. And I really, really thought a lot about it before I did because I do know bags are meant to be used and loved ☺️ Love big, wear big - you can’t take them with you when you go. But just be aware, Chanel’s tolerance for fixes is currently low...
 
Refunds are not allowed so I’m letting them try to fix it and if it’s not fixable then I can get a refund for a faulty product. I’m willing to exchange for something too but I’m too starting to have a sour taste for any newly made Chanel bags. I bought a boy bag two years ago and that bag is perfection and high quality. But I know they are less and less so nowadays.

I realize experiences like ours are not the norm. There are many near perfect bags out there, in many luxury brands. Because of my experience, the after service care has become important to me. I think the super fakes (being returned in lieu of the real bags) and quality issues are going to cause companies to end customer friendly policies.

I’m forcing myself to fall out of love with Chanel (except one last bag, I think). Though we have excellent return policies in the US (but up to the discretion of the managers), I believe the quality control is getting worse, and the motivation of some sales associates’ is withering, to make customers happy/returning customers.

My friend started working for Chanel a year ago. Yesterday I popped into the store to see the new goodies. The items felt different. Lighter. Almost dry. My old 2.55 and single flap Jumbo felt supple and solid by comparison. I couldn’t even unzip the zipper on a waist bag I saw. It was too stiff.

My friend told me the big sellers are the classics (traditional flaps, including top handles) and there is a long waitlist for the new medium Gabrielle. The trendy seasonal bags aren’t flying off the shelves as quickly as they used to. A lot are being sent to Fashionphile to sell.

I guess I’m longing for the days of excellent quality, service, exclusivity (given the price) and beautiful designs. In a few years, those days might be long gone for Chanel. LV is starting to improve, and there are a couple of other less expensive brands that I have my eyes on. Sad, so sad.
 
Top