**Selling/consigning** with Fashionphile

[SWlife]

Sometimes days can go by and I haven't been on tpf, it could just be a case of them not knowing this thread is up here.
One of my really good customers started having trouble paying his bills. Turned out his office manager embezzled over $600,000 from him, nearly drove him to bankruptcy.
We don't know the truth of anyone else's situation. And it's unfair to make decisions without giving anyone a chance to defend themselves.

 

[haven]

All I know is that they bounced a check to me. I honestly don't care about why it happened. They sold my stuff, got the money, and should have sent the money to me without all the hassle. Plain and simple.

To their credit now, they are taking care of the situation. I am assuming that this was an isolated incident & will not happen to other sellers.

 

[Addictista]

ITA!!! I hope it all works out for you.

 

[MengLV]

I recently deal with those two companys. For my experiences:

1. Fashionphile: I bought two bags from them. Both of the bags are in good conditions. The first one returned it due to the size which I think it was too small for me. No problem with the transaction, I did request a refund issue email but did not get answer from them, so I checked my credit company to confirm the refund. The second bag I bought it is still on the way for refund, since I have a baby on the way, can not use the Speedy anymore, I decided go for a shoulder bag. They will receive it today, hope everthing will go smooth for the return process. You guys really make me nervous....

2. Yoogi's Closet: I recently Consigment bags & jewelry with this company. I have to say their customer service is outstanding. Always answer the email in the same day, sometimes few hours. I got checks in 3 days after they sold my handbags. I also bought handbags from them, very happy with the condition. For some reason I did return a bag, the refund was very fast. I will deal with this company again for sure.

Hope this is help for someone.

 

[fashionphile]

I need to vent. I put several LV bags on consignment with Fashionphile. I am supposed to get checks issued on the 1st & 15th of every month if I sell a bag.

I have received one check on time. All other checks I have had to call & have gotten some B.S. answer from them about why the check was not issued. Finally this last check was the last straw.

They sent me a check issued more than 5 days late (after I called) for bags that were sold more than 2 weeks prior. I should have been paid at the beginning of June & not near the end of the month.

I just got an email from them saying that the check was going to bounce. Over $1000 check from Fashiophile was going to bounce. So I called. They did not want to reissue the check b/c they were afraid of double payment - even though they knew that the check was going to bounce. Just in case somehow it goes through, they wanted me to wait two more weeks for payment. I demanded that they put a stop payment on the check that was going to bounce & issue me a new one - which they said they would do.

Fashiophile may be a good place to find LV deals or limited LV, but they are a bunch of pricks when the deal with the sellers. I still cannot believe that they sent me a check that was no good. Don't buy from them.

(Sorry, I am going to go through this thread and address more of your questions and problems... but will do it one at a time, since I'm a little late to the party, and don't want to bore you all with an enormous post in response.)

Haven,

I am really sorry about this. We didn't know if checks were going to bounce or not- (or which would, if they did). We just thought it would be less of a stress to let you know what was going on.

As we've grown, we've had to make some major changes along the way. One of those is that we have hired a professional Financial Services firm to help us manage our accounting, taxes, payroll etc. During the transition from myself, Ben and my husband trying to manage everything on Quickbooks & Excel spreadsheets... and our getting professional help, we had some problems with accounts closing, new ones opening, money transferring- along with buyout & consignment checks going out- and payments coming in.

We realized that we had more going out of one account than we'd left in it... so Ben thought (and I agreed) that it would be a good idea to get the word out, in hopes that we could stop anyone from potentially bouncing a check. I know it was lame... we really didn't see a way around it at the time.

I don't know what else to say other than that I really am sorry that this whole thing happened- it was a very stressful week or so. Clearly bouncing checks just isn't cool at all- embarrassing, and a real nightmare. I apologize for you getting your payment late, and that you had to deal with all of the back and forth. I'm assuming that you have all of your money now- but if you have any problems, please email me at XXXXX.

Sarah

 

[fashionphile]

I hope it gets all sorted out without any more rubber checks....its wierd just a few days ago i inquired about the wrapped pochette which to me could be considered a decent sale (1495) and I posted in authenticate thread and they said to ask for a pic of the heat stamp and I had emailed them requesting this and theres NO REPLY...does not seem like they want much sales....well last nite i came across a new listing and thought it was a great deal tried to go through with the order and seems like item is now "on hold" whatever that means....I tried emailing them to ask for status and then tried calling them and only got an answering machine....

I do not blame you for being so po at them....recently I went thru yoogis and although I didnt get top dollar for my bag the exchange was very prompt and without any troubles.

deem0nessa,

Thanks for letting me know. You should have gotten that picture back- in fact the listing should have had a picture of the heat stamp included in the original (that shouldn't be something that you'd have to ask for- it is normally a part of the standard pictures that we take). It's very frustrating to read that a good, potential buyer was out there- who did not get taken care of properly by us.

We are making steps in the right direction with our customer service, but are not where I want to be for sure. You should always get a live person on the phone between 9-5pm Pacific Time. Our CS phone rep has multiple lines, so it really should only come up with a machine if you are calling when another person is calling. We are working on getting Live Chat up and going, which should help with this too...

Thanks for bringing it up. Like I said- we've got a ways to go, but the feedback we get from you all is a great guide for us- to tell what really needs work and what we need to do to improve our business.

EDITED: to say, sorry that you canceled your sale. I understand, but sorry we couldn't help you through it. Please let me know if it doesn't go through XXXX

Sarah

 

[fashionphile]

I personally don't think Fashionphile is really that great in terms of prices on used designer bags. I went to their website to check out their bbag collections and they're only a few hundred dollars off the brand new one. For that measly few hundred dollars, I rather put my trust in the retailer stores where I can get a brand spanking new one with no flaws at full price.

ShopGirl647,

You're right in one respect... some of the bags that we list do sell for just a few hundred dollars less than retail- or less (or even over retail- if that's what the market dictates for that particular piece- ie: limited edition, waitlisted, press pieces, discontinued). Our consignors rely on the fact that we'll stay up on where the market is- as we price these pieces, so they can realize the best value on their handbag investment.

But as you pointed out, it's also smart to stay up on what retail prices are- so that even if the market dictates a higher resale price, you can make the best decision for yourself. Many people would rather pay the extra few hundred for a new bag. Then again, lot of people would also rather save the few hundred for a used bag that has little wear. It's a matter of personal preference.

The truth is that we also sell many, many bags that go for way lower than retail- like 25-75% (or more) off retail. This is even true of Louis Vuitton... for example, Taiga & Epi bags that I think are just gorgeous, but just aren't popular styles and sell for a real steal. They just don't sell well anywhere... so you can nab a real bargain (and I'm not saying just from us... but on the resale market in general) if you keep an eye out for these particular pieces.

Hey, I'm just happy that you gave us a chance and took a look around!

 

[maria_tm1978]

They are selling this Coach bag:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/fa...nt Madison SABRINA Tote Bag Purse Camel 12948

The price seemed outrageous for a used Coach bag so I went to the Coach website and found this:
http://www.coach.com/online/handbag...alogId=10051&cid=PSGo0207&bannerCode=PSGo0207

It seems like the large patent sabrina is $698 brand new.

 

[fashionphile]

I can't believe they would conduct business that way! I am so sorry to hear what happened to you and I know everything will work out. Don't let them get away with treating you like that! I have heard some shady things about them and now after this I will never buy or sell anything there either!

kburns2000,

So sad to hear that. Of course, I respect your decision- but I just wanted to say that I can promise everyone on this thread this:

As some of you already know- I've been doing this for a long time. I ran Fashionphile by myself for years, and then pulled in my family and friends along the way. We have a beautiful office and showroom on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills- right off the Rodeo Drive/ Wilshire corner- and directly behind the Rodeo Louis Vuitton boutique. It's a total blast. We love what we do- and we aren't going anywhere. We are not some fly by night operation that is going to try to scam you and take off or not deal with your issues. On the contrary... as I know I've said before in these forums, the best thing we could possibly do for our business is to conduct ourselves in such a way (honest, thorough descriptions, helpful & quick communication, incredible authentic bags, quick and easy payment & shipping, fast consignment process & payout) that only wonderful reports make it back to tPF! This standard has been vital in our improvement efforts.

If we make a mistake- we will make it right. We always have.

I don't want to say, "you know where we are"- but you do know where we are, and we're not trying to hide from anyone.

XXXXX

So, feel free to drop by, or send an email, or drop us a line at anytime. If you'd like to get me directly, email XXXXXor feel free to PM me here at tPF as well (those messages go straight to me, and I'll respond promptly!)

tPF is an amazing resource for buyers, and I recognize the value in people coming here to vent/ share etc. in their efforts to create a safe environment for others. So I'm not trying to quash any of your motivation to post here- just do want to reassure those who may be wondering our side of the story.

Sarah







[B][COLOR="Red"]Hello! Please read tPF rules on what is allowed and what is not allowed to be posted. Thank you![/COLOR][/B]
http://forum.purseblog.com/general-discussion/announcement-the-purse-forum-rules-and-guidelines.html

 

[Chablis]

I totallly respect the honesty in your answers and that you took the time, Sarah, to address everyone's concerns. I have not yet used your business but I would definitely do so confidently and proudly in the future. Thank you so much for clearing up this unfortunate misunderstanding.

 

[fashionphile]

They are selling this Coach bag:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/fa...nt Madison SABRINA Tote Bag Purse Camel 12948

The price seemed outrageous for a used Coach bag so I went to the Coach website and found this:
http://www.coach.com/online/handbag...alogId=10051&cid=PSGo0207&bannerCode=PSGo0207

It seems like the large patent sabrina is $698 brand new.

Maria,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We use a Marketplace research tool to help us determine the price of the bag (since as I said before, we can't just use retail price, as we can't rely on that alone for pricing). A Lizard, Op Art or Patent Oil Slick Sabrina would totally skew those results. We try to take those out of the equation, but appreciate your "head's up" if we've got a pricing discrepancy.

I just adjusted the price in line with what the large patent Sabrina's gone for on eBay & off.

Thanks again,

Sarah

 

[BFVauctionsOHMY]

I've had one problem w/ FP. They forgot to send me a BIG check once. But then I called & they said we will send it right out!? I'm not sure why I had to call to get my check sent?

I really must say though all of my other experiences selling w/ FP have been flawless.

I do appreciate their services & will continue to use them. I do realize mistakes, etc. happen... So it makes sense to keep track of things yourself also & not to just trust you will receive everything that is entitled to you.

 

[fashionphile]

I like FP

although they are very slow on answering emails and the $ they offer to buy the product direct from you is a complete rip off! I understand its a business and all but $750 for a $2100 bag is a slap in my FACE!

Hey Matt, thanks so much and seriously, I like you, too

We always advise- that if you go the consignment route, you're guaranteed 70%. That's the safest way to go. You can set a floor- a reserve, or we share the risk of it going less. With a buyout- we research the last 90 day history (or even farther back if it's a rare piece)... determine a probable resale price and then calculate a bit more than 30% off that price as a buyout amount. We do more than 30% because the bag could go for less than we'd calculated- and because we're putting the money upfront.

We've got clients who just want quick cash- and they're happy with a buyout. But we've got many who hold out for consignment, banking on the idea that they'll get more.

That said, after hearing feedback from our consignment clients, we now pay all eBay & PayPal fees. We're trying to figure out other cost cutters that won't effect the quailty and frequency of our offerings, but end up with more money to our consignors.

Sarah

 

[fashionphile]

kburns2000,

So sad to hear that. Of course, I respect your decision- but I just wanted to say that I can promise everyone on this thread this:

As some of you already know- I've been doing this for a long time. I ran Fashionphile by myself for years, and then pulled in my family and friends along the way. We have a beautiful office and showroom on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills- right off the Rodeo Drive/ Wilshire corner- and directly behind the Rodeo Louis Vuitton boutique. It's a total blast. We love what we do- and we aren't going anywhere. We are not some fly by night operation that is going to try to scam you and take off or not deal with your issues. On the contrary... as I know I've said before in these forums, the best thing we could possibly do for our business is to conduct ourselves in such a way (honest, thorough descriptions, helpful & quick communication, incredible authentic bags, quick and easy payment & shipping, fast consignment process & payout) that only wonderful reports make it back to tPF! This standard has been vital in our improvement efforts.

If we make a mistake- we will make it right. We always have.

I don't want to say, "you know where we are"- but you do know where we are, and we're not trying to hide from anyone.

XXXXX

So, feel free to drop by, or send an email, or drop us a line at anytime. If you'd like to get me directly, email XXXXXor feel free to PM me here at tPF as well (those messages go straight to me, and I'll respond promptly!)

tPF is an amazing resource for buyers, and I recognize the value in people coming here to vent/ share etc. in their efforts to create a safe environment for others. So I'm not trying to quash any of your motivation to post here- just do want to reassure those who may be wondering our side of the story.

Sarah







[B][COLOR=Red]Hello! Please read tPF rules on what is allowed and what is not allowed to be posted. Thank you![/COLOR][/B]
http://forum.purseblog.com/general-discussion/announcement-the-purse-forum-rules-and-guidelines.html[/QUOTE]

EDTIED: Yikes! Sorry! Good to know. Just trying to be transparent with all our contact info for those who were having trouble contacting. Suffice it to say, it's all out there- please contact us if you have a problem, and tPFers- again, I'm happy to answer your PMs.

 

[BAGBABY23]

Hey Matt, thanks so much and seriously, I like you, too

We always advise- that if you go the consignment route, you're guaranteed 70%. That's the safest way to go. You can set a floor- a reserve, or we share the risk of it going less. With a buyout- we research the last 90 day history (or even farther back if it's a rare piece)... determine a probable resale price and then calculate a bit more than 30% off that price as a buyout amount. We do more than 30% because the bag could go for less than we'd calculated- and because we're putting the money upfront.

We've got clients who just want quick cash- and they're happy with a buyout. But we've got many who hold out for consignment, banking on the idea that they'll get more.

That said, after hearing feedback from our consignment clients, we now pay all eBay & PayPal fees. We're trying to figure out other cost cutters that won't effect the quailty and frequency of our offerings, but end up with more money to our consignors.

Sarah

Since when have you started paying the ebay and paypal fees? Will you refund those fees that you have charged previously? I have sold a lot with you last year and this year you even have just sent me a check a month ago with the ebay and paypal fees deducted out of my check. Please explain. Also there is a website called yogiscloset and they even pay for the shipping of the bags to get to them as well as not charging any ebay or paypal fees. Are you willing to do this as well?