What is the most frustrating thing for you when looking for a new bag?

[Amazona]

I usually have something I already know I want when I go buy a bag.** I've done my research and all that. What frustrates me most is the experience itself, if there aren't enough facts around about the bag. If I can't see it for myself, I need exact measurements, mod shots, pics from the inside etc. Many online retailers don't offer enough information on the products they sell. I need to do extensive research, stalk eBay sellers to see if their items for sale have the pics or info I need etc. I'd prefer to find all the information I need right there where I'm buying.
Since I do buy alot of preloved, I can easily ask for mod shots, measurements, feel of the material etc from the seller. If I do buy new, I still want some reviews to read to find out about the practicality and durability of the bag in question - I often find the preloved buying experience more up my alley, in addition to saving money it's usually more rewarding and satisfying.


**Except last weekend, when I was on a mini cruise with mummy dearest and somehow found myself at the register with a gorgeous black&grey Superdry canvas tote - I have no idea how that came to happen?!!

 

[2cello]

you can still find those wonderful leathers, the trick is, finding the brands which are using those leathers . Think of it as a treasure hunt.

I find you have to hunt within brands. Ferragamo makes some bags with great leather - and leather lined. But not all their bags are made that way - many are saffiano or thinner leather.

There are four wants in a great purse:
Great leather
Great design
Great hardware
Great construction

Finding all 4 in one bag is the search for the holy grail.

 

[southernbelle43]

And, (not so many) years ago, you could get a bag with amazing leather at every price point - from sub contemporary to premier. Now, even the premier brands churn out bags with so so leather.

I have a reeeaaally old Coach work tote / laptop bag. The leather is amazing but the bag has seen better days (decades). I wanted to replace it but couldn't find anything with leather nearly as nice. And, with the exception of Hermes, I looked across just about every brand. Nada. I finally settled on a very functional leather Knomo laptop bag. Nice but, not amazing.

If you want amazing leather look no further than Massaccesi. Enough said.

 

[Amazona]

Oh, I forgot one of my pet peeves - shoulder and crossbody straps that are too dang short! I can't count all the times when I've had my eyes on a bag and with some research, realised that it's never going to sit comfortably on my shoulder or look good worn crossbody.

 

[bernz84]

Honestly, I hate that it's hard to find a good bespoke bag here in the US. There are a couple, but if it seems like the majority are overseas. Not just with brick and mortar shops, but also personal sellers who make their own bags on Etsy.

Also, even if I do find someone who has great reviews and has great pricing, trying to find someone who makes a nice, well-made evening bag/clutch that's my style is even more difficult. Everyone makes tote bags; I already have enough totes and everyday bags. I want a unique, fancy purse to show off with on fancy occasions!

 

[Amazona]

Honestly, I hate that it's hard to find a good bespoke bag here in the US. There are a couple, but if it seems like the majority are overseas. Not just with brick and mortar shops, but also personal sellers who make their own bags on Etsy.

Also, even if I do find someone who has great reviews and has great pricing, trying to find someone who makes a nice, well-made evening bag/clutch that's my style is even more difficult. Everyone makes tote bags; I already have enough totes and everyday bags. I want a unique, fancy purse to show off with on fancy occasions!

Two words: Laurel Dasso. She listens to her customers and makes what they want. Also a pleasure to work with, as I've heard.

 

[bernz84]

Two words: Laurel Dasso. She listens to her customers and makes what they want. Also a pleasure to work with, as I've heard.

Oooh, thanks! She's also in the same coast as me, which is perfect! I've never heard of her, but I'm always up for learning about new/private designers.

 

[Amazona]

Oooh, thanks! She's also in the same coast as me, which is perfect! I've never heard of her, but I'm always up for learning about new/private designers.

She has quite the reputation on tPF already - she's one of those Etsy sellers that has a steady fan base and I think her bags have their own thread also. Hope you get to create your own perfect bag with her!

 

[bernz84]

I just thought of another one. Finding a small, cute bag that does not have multiple credit card slots. I think I'm the only person who hates this so I understand this is weird, but that feature really bugs me. For starters, I have my own full-sized wallet, a card holder, and a key pouch. Also, my six-key holder has a card slot. I don't need my handbag to act as a wallet! Also, when I'm on the go, I only need 2-3 cards at most; there is no point in having 4-10 credit card slots.

I blame the popularization of the Wallet on Chain/WOC that has made designers create nearly all their evening/event bags with these slots. If I wanted to use my clutch as a wallet, I'd bring my wallet. If there was a way for me to cut out those credit card slots and just have a small bag, I would totally do it.

 

[catsinthebag]

I just thought of another one. Finding a small, cute bag that does not have multiple credit card slots. I think I'm the only person who hates this so I understand this is weird, but that feature really bugs me. For starters, I have my own full-sized wallet, a card holder, and a key pouch. Also, my six-key holder has a card slot. I don't need my handbag to act as a wallet! Also, when I'm on the go, I only need 2-3 cards at most; there is no point in having 4-10 credit card slots.

I blame the popularization of the Wallet on Chain/WOC that has made designers create nearly all their evening/event bags with these slots. If I wanted to use my clutch as a wallet, I'd bring my wallet. If there was a way for me to cut out those credit card slots and just have a small bag, I would totally do it.

You’re not the only one! Sometimes you want a small bag that is just that, a bag, NOT a wallet. I personally hate changing wallets and want something that while small, I can just put my (pre-existing, already organized the way I want it) wallet or card case into.

Another pet peeve of mine is the way almost every bag now seems to have a center divider pocket. While I understand how this can make a large bag easier and more functional, why is this necessary in a small bag? All it does is limit my usage. Especially when said center pocket is too small to really hold anything you’d want to keep secure, like a wallet or phone. (I’m talking to you, Fendi Petite 2Jours — the center pocket is tiny and hard to get into, and meanwhile there are no other pockets, not even a little slip one for my cell phone.)

 

[bernz84]

You’re not the only one! Sometimes you want a small bag that is just that, a bag, NOT a wallet. I personally hate changing wallets and want something that while small, I can just put my (pre-existing, already organized the way I want it) wallet or card case into.

OMG!!! I thought I was the only one! I am with you, I hate changing wallets and I already have pre-existing SLGs that do the trick for me when I'm trying to minimize. That is precisely the reason why I abhor these credit card slots in bags so much!!! I know these designers are trying to minimize "space" by inserting these slots, but seriously, these slots take up as much space as my pre-existing card holder, which does the trick, thanks.

Also, very rarely do I see any YouTube bloggers even use these slots as they use their own card holders/cles/etc. Sure, it is very easy for people to say to just "ignore" the slots and just use the item for what it is, but they bug me so much that I can't. I want to rip them out!

 

[ksuromax]

Stiff shoulder strap, or pad on it, or very thin strap which will dig into your shoulder and make the bag feel like it weighs a ton!!

 

[papertiger]

1. Nice leather, suede or beautiful silk lining. I really don't care how great a bag is on the outside, crap lining is unforgivable. And don't give me that "now with our lighter lining" guff, I have a suede-lined BV hobo that I can pick up with my little finger. Getting harder and harder.

2. No logo or close to none. Iconic, signature hardware fine but sorry, I know where I bought my bag. I don't pay you so I get to advertise your name. Getting harder and harder.

3. Solid construction. Anything that wont last until the next millennium is not worth paying the same price as a second hand car. Getting harder and harder

4. Customer and aftercare service. I might need it I may not, but if it's not there you can keep your goods, the high price should include that deal. Getting harder and harder.

 

[Amazona]

I agree with all you said there, @papertiger ! There used to be a time when paying a high price for an item meant - most of the time, anyway - that you got a high quality piece which included stellar service&after care and would indeed last for years, if not decades.
Now it just guarantees you get rid of your money. All else is completely up to the gods.

 

[Cloudburst2000]

I usually have something I already know I want when I go buy a bag.** I've done my research and all that. What frustrates me most is the experience itself, if there aren't enough facts around about the bag. If I can't see it for myself, I need exact measurements, mod shots, pics from the inside etc. Many online retailers don't offer enough information on the products they sell. I need to do extensive research, stalk eBay sellers to see if their items for sale have the pics or info I need etc. I'd prefer to find all the information I need right there where I'm buying.
Since I do buy alot of preloved, I can easily ask for mod shots, measurements, feel of the material etc from the seller. If I do buy new, I still want some reviews to read to find out about the practicality and durability of the bag in question - I often find the preloved buying experience more up my alley, in addition to saving money it's usually more rewarding and satisfying.


**Except last weekend, when I was on a mini cruise with mummy dearest and somehow found myself at the register with a gorgeous black&grey Superdry canvas tote - I have no idea how that came to happen?!!

I totally agree with you. Based on my location, I mostly have to do high end shopping online. So many websites don't have mod shots, etc. Just seeing a general picture and measurements (some sites don't even give measurements!) is NOT good enough! If you want to sell me a high dollar item, the least you can do is provide ample pictures and measurements. There are so many times where I have to search out pictures of the bag so I can see what it looks like being worn. Frustrating!