Where bags go to die...when and how do you "retire" your bags?

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Sparkletastic

Sparkletastic

O.G.
Jun 18, 2012
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42,795
#1
Over the past couple of years, I have been slowly overhauling my collection. 99% of the time that's meant I sold a bag that was in great condition that I simply tired of.

However, I have two bags that were true warriors. LOL! After originally using them as cute accents to my outfits they slowly transitioned to workhorse status, then beater bag / carefree status. They have seen me through cheering kids at athletic events, cross country moves, and in one case, a "zombie" chase through a forest for a charity on Halloween. After years of steadfast service, they're now all but dead. The straps are frayed, the leather worn, and one even has a buckle that keeps falling off despite multiple super glue attempts. :lol:

They aren't worth donating but I feel bad about trashing them. This made me curious. Now that I've built a "forever" collection and expect to keep the majority of my bags for a very long time (maybe even decades) v flipping them after a few years, I'm wondering when I'll know I want to get rid of a bag and what I'll do with my beloved babies when they are far past their prime.

So, I'm curious - other than in situations where you just want a style change, when and how do you decide to retire a bag?
 
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#2
This is a very intresting topic and im very curious to read everyone's opinion. Right now I'm at buying and selling cycle and would like to move away from this phase. I'm currently being very careful with each bag that I purchase from now on bc I only want to buy "forever" bags.
 
#3
I only buy bags that make my heart sing, so I don't have any that I am tired of. But I have a couple that are worn out so I just give them to my daughters. If they want to use them fine, if not they can throw them out.
 
#4
I usually hand over my bags to someone else, but if it is no longer presentable or have great memories, I use mine as pouch to organize stuffs. I have one ostrich tote to store new pointe shoes, one small boxy clotch to store socks, etc
 
#5
I don't resell or flip. I buy new & few.
What I buy stays. Unless it becomes annoying or too damaged.
Then, I donate. And am done.

Gluing buckles & managing frayed straps wouldn't happen in my handbag world.
I may be less attached emotionally.
Or attached differently.
In not a squeeze-out-every-molecule-of-purchase-price-using-this-thing sort of way.

Also lack interest in bag refurbishment projects. Other hobbies take my time.
 
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#7
For bags that are past their prime (as in, I've used them to death and are beyond resale quality), I've either given them away or sold them for pennies (not literally but significantly less than what I originally paid for them). For some reason my mom likes to inherit my old bags; I've given them all to her. I don't know why because the quality is just awful with the ones I'm ready to throw out (one bag that she insisted I give her had holes in the corners, the straps were fraying, and the interior seams ripped), but I think she likes them because of the name (?). I guess it's better than being in the trash and contributing to my carbon footprint.

I am not skilled enough to cut up a bag and use it for refurbishing projects so that is out of the question for me. If someone wants to do that to a bag I sold them, then all the more power to them.
 
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#11
If I have more than three items of makeup in my bathroom at any one time, I get claustrophobic and have to throw it all away. Point being I am not a stuff person - despite having a thing for handbags. If a bag gets too worn, in the garbage it goes. No second thoughts.
 
#13
I had a couple of bags that were really worn out and I sold them on eBay for a cheap price ($100 for a $1,000 bag or something like that). I have also sold really worn out designer shoes for $25-40. I don’t know who buys them but it’s always a little extra cash for me.
 
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