Quality getting worse.. Probably no more chanel :(

[Gabs007]

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.

My mom is a huge Chanel fan, bags and clothes, the very classic ones in both, she was having a total moan at me yesterday on the phone, she purchased a tweet jacket and after wearing it twice noticed that stitches in the lining are coming undone, she was outraged, brought it back to the shop and also got the "Well it comes with wear" so she pointed out that she bought it between Xmas and New Year, hardly time to wear it to excess and they are repairing it for her now. She said she could possibly do it herself but for what she paid for it, not a chance in hell and then said the same about the newer bags, that while she waited she looked at a few, didn't care much for the design or feel for them, she said to her they just felt flimsy and wrong.
For mom to say so, it has to be a serious quality issue, because she always tried to persuade me to go Chanel, always quoting quality and style. I have to admit I like some of the styles, but in general, they design for a completely different type of woman, and personally I just can't quite justify their prices for something that doesn't suit me 100%.

 

[skatergal90]

Hi guys, I noticed some "glue" or dried glue my tweed bag that attracted some dust and became black or something. I'm not sure if this is normal. I asked the Chanel SA and they said it was normal adhesive for bags with sequins but I'm not so sure. Do any of your tweed bags have a little bit of glue like that? It may not be glue... Do let me know what you think it is or if it's normal! Bag was bought 2 months ago.

 

[mk1919]

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.

Dear all,
I have my replacement today, a lambskin mini square with silver hardware! I am quite happy with what turned out. I wrote 2 emails to customer service with proof of manufacture defects. Leather surgeon is very helpful and kind enough to give me their expertise opinion on this bag. Chanel customer service gave me the appointment to choose from the 2020 collection. I was offered 2 bags on my wishlist, a mini rectangular and a mini square. Unfortunately, the mini rectangular has a flaw on the leather strap, a thin piece of triangular leather was not attached to the leather. I bring home the mini and I am very happy. Be sure that you check everything meticularously. Ask the SA give you time alone with your new bag.

 

[Mousy]

Dear all,
I have my replacement today, a lambskin mini square with silver hardware! I am quite happy with what turned out. I wrote 2 emails to customer service with proof of manufacture defects. Leather surgeon is very helpful and kind enough to give me their expertise opinion on this bag. Chanel customer service gave me the appointment to choose from the 2020 collection. I was offered 2 bags on my wishlist, a mini rectangular and a mini square. Unfortunately, the mini rectangular has a flaw on the leather strap, a thin piece of triangular leather was not attached to the leather. I bring home the mini and I am very happy. Be sure that you check everything meticularously. Ask the SA give you time alone with your new bag.

Congratulations on your new bag! It’s a beautiful classic.

 

[Mousy]

Hi guys, I noticed some "glue" or dried glue my tweed bag that attracted some dust and became black or something. I'm not sure if this is normal. I asked the Chanel SA and they said it was normal adhesive for bags with sequins but I'm not so sure. Do any of your tweed bags have a little bit of glue like that? It may not be glue... Do let me know what you think it is or if it's normal! Bag was bought 2 months ago.

You have a beautiful bag! I could be wrong, but I don’t think that’s normal. I don’t want to overstate asking Leather Surgeons, but I think they could let you know if they could get the excess glue off the fabric and clean those areas. It’s too bad if you have to do the legwork and spend the money when it should be Chanel taking care of the bag for you (since it’s new), but if you like the bag and no replacement is available, ask a professional that has a history of working with Chanel.

 

[skatergal90]

You have a beautiful bag! I could be wrong, but I don’t think that’s normal. I don’t want to overstate asking Leather Surgeons, but I think they could let you know if they could get the excess glue off the fabric and clean those areas. It’s too bad if you have to do the legwork and spend the money when it should be Chanel taking care of the bag for you (since it’s new), but if you like the bag and no replacement is available, ask a professional that has a history of working with Chanel.

That's a good idea. Thanks for suggesting it

 

[mk1919]

Dear all,
I have my replacement today, a lambskin mini square with silver hardware! I am quite happy with what turned out. I wrote 2 emails to customer service with proof of manufacture defects. Leather surgeon is very helpful and kind enough to give me their expertise opinion on this bag. Chanel customer service gave me the appointment to choose from the 2020 collection. I was offered 2 bags on my wishlist, a mini rectangular and a mini square. Unfortunately, the mini rectangular has a flaw on the leather strap, a thin piece of triangular leather was not attached to the leather. I bring home the mini and I am very happy. Be sure that you check everything meticularously. Ask the SA give you time alone with your new bag.

BTW, the two lambskin leather bags looked so different. The square I took home is smoother shinier, and the rectangular is a bit matt and softer. You won't tell the differences unless you have both in your hands. I was so lucky to have options.

 

[lishukha]

I cant believe I’m writing in this post... I took my 7 year old with me to the Chicago Chanel store to get my dream boy bag last Monday (it was a 10 hour road trip round trip for us!). I made sure to inspect the bag, found some minor stuff I was ok with (like thread sticking out on the strap, one minor scuff spot on the bottom corner), and also asked for other boy bags they had in stock to compare, and really fell in love with the first one my SA brought out for me.

Today I found a hole in the top left corner of the inside front part of the bag. My heart dropped when I saw that. I kept trying to convince myself that it’s a part that no one can see, I should be able to live with it; but all I could do all day was staring at this spot!!


I texted my SA to see if I can exchange the bag at all. My only concern is that I will not be able to make another 10 hour road trip any time soon (I technically could but just can’t emotionally do another one again so soon), so the exchange will likely need to be done via mail, which means I won’t be able to inspect the next purse in details myself... also when I was in the store last week, the other two boy bags they had in stock felt very “used” and seemed like they had been display units for a while already... would I be able to request my SA to order a brand new one for me specifically?

Thanks in advance for any feedback / input you may have!

 

[Kuschelnudde]

At that price point, you ‚should‘ not feel okay with it or get over it. I understand that it takes away the magic from your purchase though. I feel very sorry for you.

I’m surprised to read that you were okay with so many flaws to begin with. You seem to have a higher tolerance for stuff like this so if this hole makes you feel bad (totally understandable), then it’s really bad. Please call your SA and see what they can do.

is it really a hole though? It looks a bit like... glue?!

best of luck! Keep us posted!

 

[lishukha]

At that price point, you ‚should‘ not feel okay with it or get over it. I understand that it takes away the magic from your purchase though. I feel very sorry for you.

I’m surprised to read that you were okay with so many flaws to begin with. You seem to have a higher tolerance for stuff like this so if this hole makes you feel bad (totally understandable), then it’s really bad. Please call your SA and see what they can do.

is it really a hole though? It looks a bit like... glue?!

best of luck! Keep us posted!

Thanks!! I wish it was glue, there is glue residue near the corner (which I’m also ok with), but the corner has a literal hole that almost looks like either a small chunk of leather came off while the bag was made, or they didn’t have enough in the corner to make a fold so they left it open.

I’m still waiting for my SA to get back with me. I’ve shown it to my family and friends they all said you can hardly see it but I just can’t unsee it anymore now that I know it’s there this really just took the joy of the bag away from me unfortunately...

 

[JoeyLouis]

I still haven’t used my small 19b white cf, but I was looking at it the other day and noticed white wash over the caviar. I think maybe it was scraped or paint scuffed off, so they put some white out like stuff on it to cover. Kinda ugly, but not that noticeable (I OBv missed it while inspecting).

 

[Mousy]

I cant believe I’m writing in this post... I took my 7 year old with me to the Chicago Chanel store to get my dream boy bag last Monday (it was a 10 hour road trip round trip for us!). I made sure to inspect the bag, found some minor stuff I was ok with (like thread sticking out on the strap, one minor scuff spot on the bottom corner), and also asked for other boy bags they had in stock to compare, and really fell in love with the first one my SA brought out for me.

Today I found a hole in the top left corner of the inside front part of the bag. My heart dropped when I saw that. I kept trying to convince myself that it’s a part that no one can see, I should be able to live with it; but all I could do all day was staring at this spot!!
View attachment 4650618View attachment 4650619

I texted my SA to see if I can exchange the bag at all. My only concern is that I will not be able to make another 10 hour road trip any time soon (I technically could but just can’t emotionally do another one again so soon), so the exchange will likely need to be done via mail, which means I won’t be able to inspect the next purse in details myself... also when I was in the store last week, the other two boy bags they had in stock felt very “used” and seemed like they had been display units for a while already... would I be able to request my SA to order a brand new one for me specifically?

Thanks in advance for any feedback / input you may have!

Thanks!! I wish it was glue, there is glue residue near the corner (which I’m also ok with), but the corner has a literal hole that almost looks like either a small chunk of leather came off while the bag was made, or they didn’t have enough in the corner to make a fold so they left it open.

I’m still waiting for my SA to get back with me. I’ve shown it to my family and friends they all said you can hardly see it but I just can’t unsee it anymore now that I know it’s there this really just took the joy of the bag away from me unfortunately...

Oh my goodness! That’s a hole. You nailed it when you stated what probably caused it. They didn’t have leather to tuck the corner.
Any bag sent to you should have every square inch photographed first and you should be able to send it back if it doesn’t meet your standards.
I wouldn’t except this bag. Wow!

 

[Mousy]

I still haven’t used my small 19b white cf, but I was looking at it the other day and noticed white wash over the caviar. I think maybe it was scraped or paint scuffed off, so they put some white out like stuff on it to cover. Kinda ugly, but not that noticeable (I OBv missed it while inspecting).

I had a Chanel sent to me that looked like this. I sent it back- they ended up selling it anyway. Your bag probably got rubbed in shipping and the store did their version of a patch job.

 

[JoeyLouis]

I had a Chanel sent to me that looked like this. I sent it back- they ended up selling it anyway. Your bag probably got rubbed in shipping and the store did their version of a patch job.

I bought it from a department store and she unpacked it in front of me and I inspected it. Wahh! I guess this is how I can identify that it’s mine? Kind of annoyed about that kind of quality. Too late to return, I’m afraid. This white is a matte white, so I think I will at least avoid matte colors if I can’t avoid small caviar.

 

[ChanelCelineLaurentLover]

I still haven’t used my small 19b white cf, but I was looking at it the other day and noticed white wash over the caviar. I think maybe it was scraped or paint scuffed off, so they put some white out like stuff on it to cover. Kinda ugly, but not that noticeable (I OBv missed it while inspecting).

I had a similar issue with a caviar bag...they told me (after it being sent off for months) that it was defective and that part of the leather didn’t go through the machine that imprints the leather to make it “caviar” and nothing could be done except to exchange for something else.