Trusted Hermes Reseller Discussion Thread

[textilegirl]

I've just noticed recently that FF has changed their condition descriptions; everything that isn't giftable/excellent seems to fall under the new catchall phrase 'show's wear'. I think they are really trying to cover themselves because the former term 'very good condition' can cause a boat load of problems. As for 'structure wear', it may depend on the style of bag, and who knows whether it's really structural (the bag is falling apart) or that's just the new term for cosmetic wear.

Also a question about Fashionphile.. I am not worried about the authenticity issues (will anyway authenticate through Bababebi) but how about the condition? I have heard that there are resellers (like apparently Ann´s?) with whom you are always happily surprised about the condition (being better than on the description), so is FP one of them? For example, if it says in the description that there is structure wear, I am wondering how bad it can be.. The bag I am eyeing on is from 2011 but I don't believe the year says it all, depending how much it has been used and how it has been stored (like the corner wear is minimal

ETA: I would add that in terms of 'final sale' you'd have an easier time with a return if the bag were deemed not authentic; with this new phrase, you'd be hard pressed to demonstrate that what you've discovered that you don't like now with the bag in hand, is so far beyond what a reasonable person would deem 'structural wear' that a refund is warranted.

Personally (and I'm waaaaayyyyy out on my own little limb on this) I wouldn't automatically reject the bag. I'd weigh the price; whether I'd be willing to fix any discovered problems and at what price, and how close the bag was to my ideal specs. To me, it's all a balancing act, and given you're looking at a 2011 bag, there are a number of things to be balanced. Good luck!

 

[Nankali]

I've just noticed recently that FF has changed their condition descriptions; everything that isn't giftable/excellent seems to fall under the new catchall phrase 'show's wear'. I think they are really trying to cover themselves because the former term 'very good condition' can cause a boat load of problems. As for 'structure wear', it may depend on the style of bag, and who knows whether it's really structural (the bag is falling apart) or that's just the new term for cosmetic wear.

Ah, very interesting! So this could be either very good or very bad for you as a buyer. Either you get a bag that falls just slightly under the giftable/excellent category and you are extremely satisfied or then it can really show significant wear being less what you expected. And you can't even complain because there is a LOT that can go under "shows wear" category.. It is all about how lucky you get. And I never win anything even from the crappiest town market lottery so with my luck this bag is probably really bad.

Anyone has recent experience from PF and with H bag that was described as "shows wear"

 

[textilegirl]

Ah, very interesting! So this could be either very good or very bad for you as a buyer. Either you get a bag that falls just slightly under the giftable/excellent category and you are extremely satisfied or then it can really show significant wear being less what you expected. And you can't even complain because there is a LOT that can go under "shows wear" category.. It is all about how lucky you get. And I never win anything even from the crappiest town market lottery so with my luck this bag is probably really bad.

Anyone has recent experience from PF and with H bag that was described as "shows wear"

Exactly! I wondered what was up with these new description terms and have been pondering it. Of course it seems to be fairly new so it's hard to say how it will shake out. I assume they're trying to minimize returns and have decided that since one of their competitors offers bags only under 'final sale' conditions FF might not experience significant push back. In some ways this may improve reliability in the resale arena. Some people are put off by AFFs pricing and condition descriptions but I've yet to hear anyone say they were disappointed in what they purchased.

 

[Nankali]

Exactly! I wondered what was up with these new description terms and have been pondering it. Of course it seems to be fairly new so it's hard to say how it will shake out. I assume they're trying to minimize returns and have decided that since one of their competitors offers bags only under 'final sale' conditions FF might not experience significant push back. In some ways this may improve reliability in the resale arena. Some people are put off by AFFs pricing and condition descriptions but I've yet to hear anyone say they were disappointed in what they purchased.

Textilegirl, am I allowed to post the item that I am interesed in on here to get your opinions about the condition relevance??

 

[Nankali]

I've just noticed recently that FF has changed their condition descriptions; everything that isn't giftable/excellent seems to fall under the new catchall phrase 'show's wear'. I think they are really trying to cover themselves because the former term 'very good condition' can cause a boat load of problems. As for 'structure wear', it may depend on the style of bag, and who knows whether it's really structural (the bag is falling apart) or that's just the new term for cosmetic wear.

ETA: I would add that in terms of 'final sale' you'd have an easier time with a return if the bag were deemed not authentic; with this new phrase, you'd be hard pressed to demonstrate that what you've discovered that you don't like now with the bag in hand, is so far beyond what a reasonable person would deem 'structural wear' that a refund is warranted.

Personally (and I'm waaaaayyyyy out on my own little limb on this) I wouldn't automatically reject the bag. I'd weigh the price; whether I'd be willing to fix any discovered problems and at what price, and how close the bag was to my ideal specs. To me, it's all a balancing act, and given you're looking at a 2011 bag, there are a number of things to be balanced. Good luck!

Thank you for the EDIT thoughts, very helpful! So you would rather take the final sale bag from Rebag (with the condition probably close to what I am looking for) and if our lovely Baba's verdict is fake, I would start fighting to get my money back (though paypal if not else) than choosing the Fashionphile's shady condition bag with probably no chance to return? Did I read you correctly?

 

[Nankali]

Ha, this is interesting. I am currently chatting with a SA from Fashionphile. She has the bag in front of her and she describes the condition as follows:
" I can confirm it is in excellent condition, there are no flaws on the exterior, no edge wear or wear on the handles. Just to add - no structure loss - polished hardware- and clean interior as well
It doesn't look worn at all. You can definitely tell this bag was well taken care of.
Close to excellent based upon it including the dustbag and the slight discoloration on the bottom of the bag. On the corners around the feet of the bag, Most likely from it being set down"
She rates the condition as 8,5/10.

In the description it says:
Exterior: Corner wear, structure wear
Handle: Edge wear
Hardware: Scratch(es), tarnished, protective plastic sticker(s) intact
Interior: Pocket(s) stretched


What are your thoughts? I think this is a interesting case especially with the new description rules you mentioned. I think it would be highly valuable for us all if we would perhaps report our experiences related to the condition of the bags we buy from them. Would be easier to read "between the lines" in the future.

 

[Veritybelle]

Ha, this is interesting. I am currently chatting with a SA from Fashionphile. She has the bag in front of her and she describes the condition as follows:
" I can confirm it is in excellent condition, there are no flaws on the exterior, no edge wear or wear on the handles. Just to add - no structure loss - polished hardware- and clean interior as well
It doesn't look worn at all. You can definitely tell this bag was well taken care of.
Close to excellent based upon it including the dustbag and the slight discoloration on the bottom of the bag. On the corners around the feet of the bag, Most likely from it being set down"
She rates the condition as 8,5/10.

In the description it says:
Exterior: Corner wear, structure wear
Handle: Edge wear
Hardware: Scratch(es), tarnished, protective plastic sticker(s) intact
Interior: Pocket(s) stretched


What are your thoughts? I think this is a interesting case especially with the new description rules you mentioned. I think it would be highly valuable for us all if we would perhaps report our experiences related to the condition of the bags we buy from them. Would be easier to read "between the lines" in the future.

My sense is that the condition description is about as detailed as it typically is with FP and I agree with @textilegirl about the likely/speculated reasons for the move away from "Very Good" as a condition category.

Personally I wouldn't ever be "reading between the lines." It's always important to do your due diligence on an individual bag, and take whatever steps you feel are necessary to satisfy yourself that you are getting what you are willing to pay for.

ETA I guess what I'm saying is that the change of category label shouldn't change your approach to assessing the condition of the bag. Whatever the label, you need to be satisfied. The new category puts you clearly on notice that there is some degree of wear and avoids the issue FP has presumably been running into where FP's idea of "very good condition" is not the same as an individual purchaser's idea of "very good condition." Sure, it's in FP's interests to do that to limit its risk of making a misrepresentation, but at least this way there is no value judgment in the description.

 

[textilegirl]

Thank you for the EDIT thoughts, very helpful! So you would rather take the final sale bag from Rebag (with the condition probably close to what I am looking for) and if our lovely Baba's verdict is fake, I would start fighting to get my money back (though paypal if not else) than choosing the Fashionphile's shady condition bag with probably no chance to return? Did I read you correctly?

Honestly, I can’t say, and not because I’m being disingenuous. It’s just so hard to make the call for someone else. What’s tough is that this FF situation is brand new, so we don’t really know what it means. If your absolutely only issue with the final sale bag is authenticity, everything else is either absolutely perfect or something you can live with maybe it’s a ‘go’ but it’s really not for my to say.

For example, I don’t like Rebag; I have no reason that I can articulate, I’ve never had an experience one way or the other. It’s totally irrational. But there it is, so that might sway my decision. But the fundamental principles still apply for me; I’m all about the bag in front of me, and the decision is always influenced by how badly I want it, how hard it is to find, what I can live with condition-wise and other such considerations like how willing I am to be without how much money and for how long if I have to fight the paramount issue of authenticity. Again, it’s a risk analysis, and generally, I wouldn’t put more money on the table than im willing to have bababebi back up, another personal decision. Hope this all makes sense and that it helps somewhat. Of course, it’s JMO.

 

[Gigllee]

When you make an offer to Ann’s, they do not reduce their commission, they offer the lower price to the consignor (or just decide for the consignor, if that person has said the price is flexible - speaking as a somewhat-frequent consignor with them). Their fees are not on the low side, pretty average, so most likely the consigner has the same thought process that you have (in reverse); they don’t want to take a big loss on it, and they’re not super anxious about selling it quickly. In my experience, Ann’s is very pleasant to work with as a consigner, they are very responsive, but on the other hand I have learned over time that the quotes they give me are not likely to result in a sale anytime soon, if ever. When they give me an initial quote, I always think about what price I think the item would actually sell for, and then I asked them what my take-home amount would be if we priced it at that number. Generally, it only makes sense with very premium items that I purchased at retail price and have no use for (so the value is low for me to just keep it). If I purchased it at market rate myself, or if I would still use it occasionally, then I usually can’t justify the loss. However, I can see how a lot of consigners would assume that the quoted price is realistic, and/or they are OK with waiting a few years for a sale, as it will happen eventually in most cases. I am guessing the consigner is just not ready to let it go at the price they would receive for a realistic selling price for the bag. Some sites mandate pricing for aggressive sales, but Ann’s is not like that at all, they prioritize making the consigner feel respected and prioritized.

This comment needs to be pinned. Ann quotes unrealistic prices that only positions her to profit and positions the Consignor to barely escape a loss, if at all. Bags sit too long with Ann only for her to tell Consignors that their bags are not attracting buyers AT THE PRICE "SHE" PICKED. She also gets irritated when Consignors are not desperate to sell at ridiculous discounts because the discounts barely affects her profit while it causes a big loss to Consignors. We stopped using Ann 2 years ago when we figured out that she was highballing Consignors to initially secure a large profit for herself, knowing that bags will never sell at the quotes she throws out. My brother in-law also found out from an insider that Ann continues to list sold items to delay paying Consignors on time. He has proof. When he asked them to ship him his LV Luggage and that he is no longer interested in selling since there hasn't been a buyer, Ann coincidentally had a check for him on the count that it's been on layaway but their website hasn't been updated. Your stuff may have sold, your check is just purposely delayed. The only way to find out might be to ask Ann to return your consignment and watch her mail you a check. Ann needs to stop her bait and switch pricing tactics. She started off great but has gotten greedy obviously. I saw a $6,000 jewelry on sale for $2,450 on Ann. This only means Ann sandbagged the price of this jewelry at $6,000.00 to begin with knowing it's barely worth half. It's been a couple of years since we sent her anything after we figured out her predatory pricing tactics. Be careful out there guys. Don't get whammed at the store getting rare pieces and get whammed by resellers. #DoubleWhammy

 

[Dreaming of H]

Gosh I've sold VCA and H with Ann's in the past. It's been a few years. I thought her quotes were fair via the market research I had already done and the items were sold at the prices quoted. I was also paid promptly. I guess everyone's experiences can differ!

 

[nicole0612]

Gosh I've sold VCA and H with Ann's in the past. It's been a few years. I thought her quotes were fair via the market research I had already done and the items were sold at the prices quoted. I was also paid promptly. I guess everyone's experiences can differ!

I’m happy working with her also, I think as long as we are educated buyers and sellers/consignors, perhaps comparing the +/- of a few options, it all works out well in the end.

 

[Goldenbelle]

Even with VC you can get a good deal and good experience, if you do your homework and only buy in the financial area that you’re comfortable with very maybe getting a hit. I’ve made some not so good experiences and some stellar. Would however only buy with authentication afterwards and, personally, I only buy on the vintage side if I buy and not the most expensive bags (for Hermes, though, still a lot of money…) and only if I feel very, very comfortable after reviewing the pictures. And with credit card.

 

[r luvs h]

For anyone purchasing Hermès on Ebay, it looks as if Ebay will be changing their payment options to no longer accept Amex*. This change will be effective as of 17 August 2024. I'm guessing EBay was fed up with Amex taking complaints from customers about fraudulent sellers and counterfeit items. Rather unfortunate play by Ebay, in my opinion.

Statement from Amex (5 June 2024):
"We are disappointed that eBay made the decision to stop accepting American Express Cards as of August 17th, 2024. By doing so, they will limit customers’ payment choices and take away the service, security, and rewards that customers value when paying with American Express. Our research tells us that in the US the cost of acceptance for American Express is comparable to what eBay pays for similar cards on other networks. We find eBay’s decision to drop American Express as a payment choice for consumers to be inconsistent with their stated desire to increase competition at the point of sale... American Express Card Members can continue to use their Cards with millions of merchants around the world."

*I'm unsure if this will affect Amex payment via PayPal.

 

[fat$]

Newbie here! I’m trying to buy an exotic leather birkin in Hong Kong from a trusted reseller but they said they can’t sell exotic leather bags to anyone in USA. Has this happened to anyone else before?

 

[880]

Would love to get opinions about Rebag! And especially, would you buy a Hermes bag from them?

They don't offer sufficient amount of pics to send to Bababebi. And they say that they won't take the item out from the warehouse to take extra pictures. Plus, this item is a final sale item so basically impossable to return. I asked from the rep what I should do if I authenticate through third party and would get statement of fake bag. She said that I can contact them with the statement for further investigation... But the thing is that if they still refused to refund and take the bag back, there wouldn't be dang thing I could do!

Any advice or opnions would be highly appreciated!

Not from rebag
Not from TRR
Not from any instagram or facebook
Not from vestiarre
Not from an individual on eBay

No bank wire ever

JMO. . .there is plenty of info on this thread

@fat$ , I haven’t bought an exotic recently, but the prohibition, I thought was California. . .

ETA: re condition. I only buy an item that either H spa and/or a talented third party professional can restore to a level that I am happy with. This restoration is a gamble and can cost quite a bit. I don’t mind sun tanning or darkened handles on box or swift leather, but I don’t go near cracking; structural damage to shoulder pads or other essential areas; or poor hide condition.