I own bags from both
Coach and Michael Kors. I have purchased my Coach bags only from Coach stores but, I have bought most of my Michael Kors bags from stores other than the MK store. We are fortunate enough to live in an area with access to both stores.
Now, quality wise I haven't had an issue with either brand. So, quality wise, in my opinion, they are both great. We are near an outlet with both brands also so, I visited both stores. The MK outlet had Astors (which I own 3 of) and the leather was not as soft and the bag itself was much lighter than my Astors, leading me to believe they used a lesser quality of components for the outlets. So, I passed. At the Coach outlet they had the same thing. I asked the associates and they told me Coach actually produces a line made specifically for the outlets (although they also told me they do also receive some of the full price store bags as well~ so, you have to know what you're looking for). Most of the (outlet) bags were NOT up to par with the bags (again, my opinion) from the full priced Coach stores. But, there are always excetptions. I just am not planning a trip anytime soon
Now, customer service...........There is a clear winner and it is Coach. The sales associates are very friendly and they really stand behind their bags for the life of the bag. The only negative I've found (and it wasn't even my situation) is a good friend of mine sent her bag for repair and Coach deemed it was unrepairable and instead of offering a choice to either return the bag to her or have Coach keep the bag and send her a coupon, they did the latter. She recieved a 40% coupon for her next purchase but, didn't get her bag back or the choice to keep the bag. The problem wasn't even that big so, she said she would have preferred to have her bag back as is. So, I feel that Coach should give the option to the owner of the bag BEFORE it is sent in for repairs. Also, you must pay the $20 shipping fees but, a small price if they are able to fix the bag. Maybe they offer a choice now, so if anyone has a different experience please let me know. Like I said, I've never had to have a bag repaired at either store.
I have only purchased boots and a bag from the actual Michael Kors store (the rest of the bags were from places like Macy's,
Nordstrom~nice assoc. there and a better return/exchange policy too) and at the MK store I have had very nice sales associates as well. However, that being said the reason I prefer the dept. stores over the MK store is as mentioned by another person, is that anything on sale is a final sale. They offer a 1 year warranty on their bags and then after that you're on your own. I have bags that have sat for 3 years in my closet with the tags on so, a 1 year warranty isn't great to me. I feel like MK should up their warranty to be on the same level as Coach but, we'll have to see if that ever happens.
I will continue to purchase from both lines (and any other line) as long as I like the bags. Good luck to you and have fun w/ which ever bags you choose!
I can't put anything in the bag because it will just fall through to the bottom of the purse. I purchased the bag from Off 5th and i'm not even sure whom i need to take this issue to because this bag is useless right now!
