Vestiaire Collective experiences?

[Gabs007]

Lol! Absolutely a lesson for us all!

Lol, yes, I now look at things and go "Well, since I am a bit top heavy, it might not hang as well, and that low cut looks fine if you are a B cup, if you are overly blessed by the titty fairy, this will look just cheap" - and I really do not want to emulate the Kardashian woman (though my bum is nowhere near that size)

 

[Annie J]

Lol, yes, I now look at things and go "Well, since I am a bit top heavy, it might not hang as well, and that low cut looks fine if you are a B cup, if you are overly blessed by the titty fairy, this will look just cheap" - and I really do not want to emulate the Kardashian woman (though my bum is nowhere near that size)

Lol! I have similar issues, my body type has utterly changed since I was younger and I have to remember not to keep buying the same cut.

 

[Gigi1]

My item arrived and I’m actually really pleased with it, it’s an absolute bargain! As I buy a lot less often than I sell, I still always worry, though it’s always been fine!

Wonderful! Congrats on your buy
Lol my husband would love to hear that from me, but unfortunately to him hehe I buy more than I sell

 

[Gigi1]

To update on my saga with Vestiaire...

Up until now, I have purchased 3 items from VC (Chanel handbag, Christian Louboutin boots and Valentino boots). Two of them arrived quickly and were as described, so I was happy.

My coveted Chanel handbag that I purchased from the Russian seller arrived to the Vestiaire HQ on the 29th day, so it went through inspection and was sent to me.

The purse was, while authentic, significantly not as described. The listing stated that aside from missing 4-5 "cc"s from the bag, the handbag was in otherwise perfect condition (seller's words). (I used to own this same handbag before and understood how the "cc" can fall off with gentle wear, so I was OK with 4-5 cc's missing).

In reality, it was missing 9 ccs, the stitching that connects the two flaps is completely missing from the back of the bag on both sides (there are two holes in the back of the bag!) and there were deep dents/marks in the calfskin. The bottom of the purse had a deep crease and was bottoming out.

I was a little stunned that the discrepancies between the listing and actual item passed quality control, and emailed them my photos. After some back and forth, Vestiaire informed me that my only recourse is to relist the bag on Vestiaire.

Sad news, but I expected this from all that I've read online.

On no sad to hear . And it’s so unfair! If the item is listed in perfect condition , I would not give up and fight for return! Ask for a manager.
That type things holding me from purchasing Chanel handbags from VC. I guess i would the only make exception and purchase, if the bag is absolutely new without no flaws at all and if i cannot find it anywhere else. I think you have more chances of purchasing bag as described from reputable IG sellers. ... but again how did you purchase through PP or credit card company. I would contact them . Make all the pictures and copy the listing , so they would see that it’s totally false description and let they force VC to refund you. Good luck and please update us on the process....

 

[Gigi1]

I really enjoy buying and wearing great quality fashion. Everything I sell pretty much was brand new to me and is still unused, or a mistake I wore once. The trouble is that existence of VC makes me more likely to make poor buying decisions because I know I can recoup some of the outlay, though I know I’ll lose money, and I’m a little in denial by avoiding putting figures on it. It won’t break the bank, I don’t spend what I can’t afford, but still I am aware I’m being a bit wasteful and casual. I want to tighten that up, and I have done to a great extent, you are not alone in this! It is a bit depressing to waste hard earned money, affordable or not. So I think you did a very wise thing by making yourself look at the sobering figures, and concentrating on getting your reward instead from buying things that make you pause a little more before impulse buying.

I do think I kid myself a bit when it comes to how much I might be able to recoup and how far that mitigates ill-judged purchases. At least I feel I never kid myself that I’m buying things as an investment, though. There’s no such thing in the fashion world, I would think, apart from the odd very limited edition or iconic vintage piece, or maybe the whole Kelly/Birkin thing (off-topic: which I avoid and don’t know a lot about, because I feel Hermès maybe manipulates customers a bit more than I’m comfortable with. The bags are very nice, I can understand wanting one, but I don’t really want to ‘develop a relationship’ with an SA or boutique. Maybe it’s not really necessary to do that, I’m only going by what I read on TPF which may be an unbalanced picture. I don’t want to pay over the odds for a pre-owned Hermès, either, really, but I expect I would if I really hankered after one. I do understand it, they are lovely bags, it just happens I’m more of a Fendi person). Gabs’s special classic vintage items she mentioned in her post to Oikasecondhand might be investments, that sort of thing. And actually it still makes sense that when buying higher end things at least you can recoup some money, and as we’ve all said before, they hopefully impact the environment a little less, even if the ‘investment’ argument holds little water. I think it just helps to develop self awareness, about how often you’re doing it and when it’s gone too far. I think you’ve been quite brave, checking the figures! It gives you an objective handle on it.

One of my worst habits: buying the same thing in two sizes. My weight fluctuates a lot for health reasons. Sometimes I get two sizes of a skirt or trousers or dress, because I’ve also bought the top or jacket or shoes or bag to wear with them, which are generally more amenable to size changes, so I only got those items in one size, and I think I want to be able to wear the whole outfit in the event of fluctuations. So I basically tell myself it’s ‘an investment’ to buy the additional skirt/trousers/dress, in that it means I will be able to make more use out of the other bits. It’s an in-demand new piece and I won’t be able to get the other size later if I decide I need it, I tell myself. Then I realise I don’t really like the outfit in the bigger size anyway. So I eventually end up selling it, unworn, with tags, at a loss. I should recognise how often this happens and just stop doing it. It’s been quite rare I’ve actually made use of both sizes. I do not like the same clothes sized up from when I’m an Italian 44 to when I’m an Italian 46, or vice versa. I like different sorts of clothes when I’m a different size. It’s way past time I applied this knowledge with a little more consistency to my actions!

A few years back, I was so impulsive buyer as well @Annie J it took a little bit of process to become more wiser buyer For me this is what worked. I realized that honestly 99% I only like one brand. Like is not a word hehe . I absolutely love Chanel. So I noticed that even I love earlier years collections , well I don’t get bored. So I sold all my other brands and started focusing on what works for me. I still made some impulse purchases , but not as much. Then I even went step further. I don’t buy anything until I create at least 3-4 looks with it in my head. I don’t buy something that in my opinion is not as flattering on my body or maybe would be better said, that doesn’t enhance me(because I am pretty happy with my figure. I eat super healthy,) and plus if I need to take it in, or let it out a little, I can always do with the clothes of this brand, since they have extra few inches in most of their clothing.
So it easy to shop I can go within 3-4 sizes and also if I need length I just size up . It works for me. Now I am more calm , and don’t need to sell too many things,That will might change in a few years, but for now, I am absolutely happy with my wardrobe. And I do not like Hermès , not because of their policies , but just I probably one of a few , don’t find their bags too adorable, lady like ,as I find in Chanel

 

[fleurdeliv]

An update: My bag just arrived at the QC center!

And can confirm that there is an issue where the seller has already sent the item but VC sends them a reminder anyway. Just happened to me and my bag’s seller.

 

[Annie J]

Wonderful! Congrats on your buy
Lol my husband would love to hear that from me, but unfortunately to him hehe I buy more than I sell

Thank you @Gigi1! I definitely don’t buy as much as I sell on VC ... but I’m still buying new retail more than I sell on VC, not good!! I’m trying at least to adopt a ‘2 in, 1 out’ and hope to achieve ‘1 in, 1 out’ with even the occasional ‘1 in, 2 out’!

I’m getting a bit better at it. I just must be strict about getting too casual about buying on the basis that ‘I can always resell it later’! It’s wasteful.

A few years back, I was so impulsive buyer as well @Annie J it took a little bit of process to become more wiser buyer For me this is what worked. I realized that honestly 99% I only like one brand. Like is not a word hehe . I absolutely love Chanel. So I noticed that even I love earlier years collections , well I don’t get bored. So I sold all my other brands and started focusing on what works for me. I still made some impulse purchases , but not as much. Then I even went step further. I don’t buy anything until I create at least 3-4 looks with it in my head. I don’t buy something that in my opinion is not as flattering on my body or maybe would be better said, that doesn’t enhance me(because I am pretty happy with my figure. I eat super healthy,) and plus if I need to take it in, or let it out a little, I can always do with the clothes of this brand, since they have extra few inches in most of their clothing.
So it easy to shop I can go within 3-4 sizes and also if I need length I just size up . It works for me. Now I am more calm , and don’t need to sell too many things,That will might change in a few years, but for now, I am absolutely happy with my wardrobe. And I do not like Hermès , not because of their policies , but just I probably one of a few , don’t find their bags too adorable, lady like ,as I find in Chanel

Sensible thinking and wise words! And when you’re buying Chanel you know you’re getting quality and most often a classic style that will be timeless.

I’m quite pleased with myself that my biggest major purchase this month has been not retail but pre-owned (Chanel!) on VC though, lovely condition, good price, very pleased! I’ve never been a Chanel buyer before, and must make sure I don’t start obsessing ...

 

[Annie J]

An update: My bag just arrived at the QC center!

And can confirm that there is an issue where the seller has already sent the item but VC sends them a reminder anyway. Just happened to me and my bag’s seller.

That’s great news, @fleurdeliv!
Looking forward to hearing about the next stage, and hoping it’s everything you wish for!

Yes, that definitely happens to me both ways.

 

[Gabs007]

Thank you @Gigi1! I definitely don’t buy as much as I sell on VC ... but I’m still buying new retail more than I sell on VC, not good!! I’m trying at least to adopt a ‘2 in, 1 out’ and hope to achieve ‘1 in, 1 out’ with even the occasional ‘1 in, 2 out’!

I’m getting a bit better at it. I just must be strict about getting too casual about buying on the basis that ‘I can always resell it later’! It’s wasteful.



Sensible thinking and wise words! And when you’re buying Chanel you know you’re getting quality and most often a classic style that will be timeless.

I’m quite pleased with myself that my biggest major purchase this month has been not retail but pre-owned (Chanel!) on VC though, lovely condition, good price, very pleased! I’ve never been a Chanel buyer before, and must make sure I don’t start obsessing ...

That is if Chanel works for you, for me it is the a style that just does nothing for me, it looks fabulous on mom, but aprt from the odd pair of shoes, a skirt and a silk sweater, doesn't work for my body and I really don't like their bags. I love their stuff on others, but if you are a bit top heavy, Chanel does not hang right on you. Another brand that really doesn't work for me is Cavalli, much too busy

 

[Gabs007]

An update: My bag just arrived at the QC center!

And can confirm that there is an issue where the seller has already sent the item but VC sends them a reminder anyway. Just happened to me and my bag’s seller.

Totally annoying, because for the buyer it looks like the seller is tardy, when it is actually the courier company

 

[Annie J]

That is if Chanel works for you, for me it is the a style that just does nothing for me, it looks fabulous on mom, but aprt from the odd pair of shoes, a skirt and a silk sweater, doesn't work for my body and I really don't like their bags. I love their stuff on others, but if you are a bit top heavy, Chanel does not hang right on you. Another brand that really doesn't work for me is Cavalli, much too busy

I think I found the one Chanel thing that was ever going to work for me! So hopefully I’m not in danger of becoming obsessed!

 

[Annie J]

Totally annoying, because for the buyer it looks like the seller is tardy, when it is actually the courier company

I know, this always bugs me. Have you sold anything the last week or so? The reminders are coming thicker and faster than before. I think they’re tinkering with the system at the moment and will not be surprised if something else emerges from it with regard to time allowed for shipping. I’m guessing it’s something they can’t make happen in one fell swoop because somehow the site has to keep running while the changes occur.

 

[Gabs007]

I know, this always bugs me. Have you sold anything the last week or so? The reminders are coming thicker and faster than before. I think they’re tinkering with the system at the moment and will not be surprised if something else emerges from it with regard to time allowed for shipping. I’m guessing it’s something they can’t make happen in one fell swoop because somehow the site has to keep running while the changes occur.

No, at the moment it is really quiet, end of the month I guess.... They brought the tick back and a detailed view of what you sold when, which I find a bit intrusive

I think I found the one Chanel thing that was ever going to work for me! So hopefully I’m not in danger of becoming obsessed!

Their knee length skirts work for me too, but tbh I think Alexander McQueen and Jill Sander, Rene Lezard, etc. is cheaper and just as well made, so I tend to stick with them

 

[Annie J]

No, at the moment it is really quiet, end of the month I guess.... They brought the tick back and a detailed view of what you sold when, which I find a bit intrusive

Ah, wow, yes, this is changing! I hadn’t noticed because I mainly use the app, and so far it’s only showing up on the website.

@Gabs007 @Romar @nikka007 @nicole0612 @Polaremil @bisousx and all the other ladies who were thinking about how you know about active sellers etc, unexplained waits and non-communicative sellers (apologies if I missed someone!) ... @Oikasecondhand and @fleurdeliv I expect you’d be interested too.
Maybe they’ve been reading everything here that we’d been discussing about what the recommended seller thing means and how you earn it. It’s all changed, as Gabs has just pointed out. And it also relates to a seller notifying of a sold product not actually being available any more, within 3 or 5 days of a sale, so maybe this is a prelude to reducing the shipping window as well. Screen shots from the new FAQ below.

It seems there are now two grades of recommended seller, “Trusted” and “Expert” and they spell out exactly what each one means. I’ve just looked at the website since you posted, @Gabs007, and discovered that I am now an “Expert Seller”. Currently at least. I suppose it’ll make it through to the app soon. I would always still meet the compliance requirement I hope, but if sales volume dips any time then it looks like the status could drop back to “Trusted” just because of recent lack of volume. “Trusted” sounds ok anyway though. And at least it’s transparent now, and has a bit more meaning. (Proviso with all this is that it’s very useful but still rests on quality control being very reliable. But I generally always thought myself from my experience it was ok most of the time, that mistakes happen sometimes, were usually corrected, sometimes not but I hope/think they’re improving on that).

I think I quite like this, by and large, but I suppose I might be a bit fed up if I sold a lot for a year and was “Expert” then took a six month break and had to start from scratch. I wonder how they’ll manage that. I guess it will make who is totally inactive clearer, and maybe helps make sure that people aren’t resting on their laurels and getting complacent, but there’s nothing untrustworthy about having a break when you have nothing listed. I suppose you’d get it back quite quickly though when resuming selling, given that time span they’ve introduced.

I think I’d feel this set up was reasonable if I were so far not a trusted or ‘expert’ seller because it can be earned fairly quickly as long as buyers are wise to the fact you can buy safely from sellers without a tick or a star. If I were a buyer, knowing what I know, I’d still happily buy from a seller without a badge but probably only if they responded well to me in the chat before purchase.

I think the only change I can see about information shown about a seller’s previous sales is that it now says the total number of sales and the number of those which is recent. And they seem to be specifying three categories of qualifying conditions: conformity, shipping and volume, and they are specifying that there’s a short time limit on letting a buyer know if something they’ve bought is no longer available, with 3 days for “Expert” and 5 days for “Trusted”. Have I missed something else?

 

[Annie J]

discovered that I am now an “Expert Seller”.

I knew my postgraduate studies would get me somewhere one day ...

This is either going to make my husband cry with laughter for joy that I’ve sold a lot or cry with desperation that I might keep on buying new things I shouldn’t because, hey, I may be losing money on it all, but get me, I’m an expert seller ...