I noticed the cracking on mine after my mom used it only a few hours, gave it to me, then I wore it to the grocery store for a quick trip. I think it's likely it had cracking when my Mom bought it. I've been using it a ton lately to see if it would get worse (my SAs idea, she is letting me return if I decide to) and it looks exactly the same. It's a handy little bag that looks great with all my novelty straps so I think I will end up keeping it. I don't think it is likely that my current cracking will get any worse. I was considering exchanging it towards the new dreamer shoulder bag, but cassie looks a bit more sophisticated imo.