Shopping for pre-loved...... How do you feel about it?

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#16
I think it really depends on who you were buying the preloved item from. I recently purchased a click H Hermes bracelet from a consignment shop. The bracelet belonged to the owner's sil. I'm friends with the shop owner and I checked all the markings and really authenticated it before purchase. I got a great deal and don't regret it one bit. I would however be hesitant to purchase anything preloved from eBay
 
#17
Millicat said:
Good post and I agree with you.
I buy a mix of all ages and types and I do believe that plenty of reading and research is important, and I think i'd practice on lower priced items first because online buying of preloved and antique can be a gamble to novices at it, and it's better to cut your teeth on lower priced goods for financial and emotional reasons !
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Absolutely! My first eBay purchase years ago was a string of NA turquoise. The seller displayed the beads on a small scale student dressmakers dummy. Although intellectually I knew the size of the beads the photo was deceptive. I super scrutinize photos now, enlarge and double check everything.

So saying my b&m watch dealer got me a watch I found on eBay in another country. I was not willing to make such a major international purchase with a new seller. Watches can be particularly tricky & really require deep knowledge of brand model original parts.

My dealer was delighted to make a new connection, handled the whole transaction and even provided his usual warranty on the watch.

So there are ways to make major transactions work if you know what you want.
 
#18
I've purchased from my first Love from eBay about 4-5 yrs ago from a reputable seller for a good prices. I had them authenticated first via Tpf and I also had it authenticated via service for insurance.
 
#19
Buying pre-loved makes me feel less guilty about the human rights and environmental destruction issues with jewelry, and the animal issues with handbags. If I buy secondhand, I can also get what I like at a lower cost and keep items out of landfills. Win win win.
 
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#20
there are a TON of fakes out there, but if you're a compulsive buyer and are looking for those limited edition pieces that Cartier stopped making for example then I suggest finding a reputable dealer and check up on their inventory. They are usually stocked with a lot more than Cartier stores/boutiques, that's how I found mine.
 
#22
Economically, I think it's smart, depending on whether or not you get a good price for the value.

I, personally, haven't bought anything pre-loved so far. I want my jewelry and accessories to tell my story.
 
#23
When it comes to designer items absolutely! Some hold their value, others much less so. I knew Bvlgari tend not to so when buying my Bvlgari B.Zero bangle I looked for preowned. I got it checked in an authorised Bvlgari stockist, then appraised for insurance. The retail is £2310, I paid just under £800 with box, certificate and practically no sign of wear so well worth it. Lower priced items or something that will hold value I am more likely to buy brand new.
 
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#24
Tonimichelle said:
When it comes to designer items absolutely! Some hold their value, others much less so. I knew Bvlgari tend not to so when buying my Bvlgari B.Zero bangle I looked for preowned. I got it checked in an authorised Bvlgari stockist, then appraised for insurance. The retail is £2310, I paid just under £800 with box, certificate and practically no sign of wear so well worth it. Lower priced items or something that will hold value I am more likely to buy brand new.
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I concur
 
#26
I am definitely comfortable taking the plunge on pre-loved jewellery. You can save huge amounts of money and I find there's something really pleasing about the idea of giving an unwanted piece new life. I've bought several pieces of pre-loved jewellery, some of it vintage and some of it simply because it was designer but no longer made by the house so I had to really search high and low for it.

I've bought lots of designer items new and lots of designer items second-hand - each method has its advantage and disadvantages. If you are going to go pre-loved, just be sensible about it, do your research and be careful. If it looks too good to be true... ;)
 
#27
I have bought a few pre-loved items. They were in excellent condition with no scratches so it was worth it. They were also very expensive items of jewelry that were marked down a lot, so I couldn't pass it up. Most of them were GIA certified. One wasn't but I had already bought so much from this person that I trusted them. I took it to the jeweler and it was just as the seller said.

I think you have to be careful and know what you are buying and who you are buying it from. However, I wouldn't spend over 10k on a pre-loved item.
 
#30
i buy pre-owned luxury very often. i always have them 2-3 times authenticated from different services before buying, and could save a lot of money.
my cartier jewelry though i bought in the boutique. i'm glad i did because i did look at the preowned love ones and would have go for a size 17, and i'm so thankful that the sa in the boutique convinced me to get the 16, which i wear nonstop for a few years now and i'm very happy with.
also i love the experience in the boutique especially at cartier (champagne, lovely packaging, ...)
but other brands i buy second hand a lot, especially items that are sold out so quick like chanel, or vintage items.
 
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