should i buy a pre-loved bag?

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#46
Hrmm...this one is tricky.

If you are questioning whether or not you should buy pre-loved, I would say buy new. That way you don't have to worry about authenticity and flaws that come with buying secondhand.

Pre-loved is not for everyone. I've read/heard about some people talking down on those who buy secondhand (some comments which I find really mean and condescending), but I've loved every item I've bought secondhand. And I try not to buy anything that is too beat up or dirty; that is where I draw the line. I've refurbished a couple items, but it's mainly small stuff that I don't plan on selling.

As for myself, I've bought both new and used; the only thing I would never buy used is a wallet but that's only because I like to keep wallets for long periods of time. I still have my LV zippy I bought almost 10 years ago, and I'm glad I bought it brand new. But with the other items...after going through so many purses and SLGs over the years it really doesn't make a difference to me. It all ends up being used by me, anyway. I've noticed on ebay that some used items look better than my used items that I bought brand new for myself!

Again, just my take. If you are really questioning whether to buy secondhand or brand new...I'd say brand new. Then after that you can consider buying preowned later down the line.
 
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#47
Buying used sounds like a good idea, but I've never kept anything that I've bought secondhand. I use it for a few months, get bored, and resell. That has never happened with any of my retail purchases.
 
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#48
I bought my first pre owned item. A black reissue 226. Honestly it feels nothing special like the new caviar I bought at store. I guess if it is completely in a like new condition then it's worth it but even a little used and still cost over 3k didn't feel that good to me personally .
 
#50
This is indeed a tricky question. I am someone who loves to find a deal. It is part of the joy of shopping for me so when I can find a preloved item that is in great condition then it makes me feel good. I once purchased a mono speedy 25 that was in like brand new condition for $425 from the real real. The vachetta did not even have the first coat of patina and it still had all the tags inside the pocket and that was fun for me. However with expensive bags, purchasing new is also fun.

Overall I try to think about how much will I save vs the joy of the experience of purchasing brand new. If I can find a bag that is in really good - excellent condition at a cost savings of 50% or greater than it is worth it for me to purchase preloved and that makes me happy. However, as the bags become more expensive say > $1000, than with spending that much money I would value the experience of going into the boutique over the saving, since most of the time the savings will only be a couple hundred dollars less than a brand new bag.Plus you will have the security and warranty with purchasing the new bag and if you are spending more than 1,000 than for most that would be a must.

Finding discontinued bags or special edition bags is a whole other topic.

I would say start out small and try both new and preloved and see what works best for you.

All the best!!!
 
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