The Fashionista's Handbook for Purchasing a Pre-Owned Designer Bag

      My favorite pastime is shopping secondhand, primarily due to the excitement it brings. I frequently browse reseller platforms like Depop, The RealReal, and eBay to discover what's "new" in secondhand offerings. When a piece has previous ownership, it feels as though it carries a history. I appreciate the concept of revitalizing an item by either reselling or purchasing it secondhand. While some may hesitate about buying used items, I completely understand the reluctance. If you haven’t experienced it before or were perhaps dissuaded by a questionable purchase, you might feel put off. That's why I wanted to share some guidance on how to buy a designer bag secondhand. I’ve incorporated insights from my own experiences as well as advice from an expert at Depop, a leading site for designer secondhand fashion.

      Steve Dool, the director of marketing and communications at Depop, informed me that some of the top-selling bags on the platform in the past two months include the Balenciaga City bag, The Row Idaho bag, and the Gucci Jackie 1961 bag. This suggests that, like you, many fashion enthusiasts are also turning to reseller sites for their designer bag requirements. A few simple steps can help you confidently hit "checkout," so keep reading if you’re in search of a "new" secondhand designer bag.

      Be Specific in Your Search

      When looking for a designer handbag secondhand, three factors are crucial: your budget, the desired bag, and resale value. I always set my filter to the price range I'm comfortable with. After that, I search for the specific bag I want. One lesson I've learned, especially when using platforms like eBay, The RealReal, or Depop, is that merely typing "designer handbags" won’t lead you to the piece you desire. Dool emphasized the importance of searching for the brand, specific style, time period, and color to locate the exact designer bag you’re interested in. If you have a particular bag in mind, such as a Fendi baguette, start with that as your search term. Including the year of production or the runway show, along with the bag's material (leather, suede, satin, raffia, etc.), can also be beneficial.

      Check Seller Reviews

      One significant error when purchasing a designer bag secondhand is overlooking the seller’s reviews. This is a critical aspect to consider, aside from verifying the authenticity of the bag. Reviewing a seller's feedback can greatly influence your buying experience. I have regrettably neglected to check a reseller's reviews on an app once, and I was left disappointed with my purchase. “There are many sellers, like On Seam and Lal Vintage, who specialize in vintage designer items and keep their shops well-stocked! We recommend purchasing designer goods from reputable sellers with positive reviews. Ratings and reviews are available and visible in every seller’s Depop shop,” Dool noted.

      He also mentioned that Depop encourages sellers to provide details that support the bag's authenticity, whether that's receipts, proof of purchase, or images of tags. "We strictly prohibit the sale of counterfeit goods on Depop, as stated in our community guidelines. Our dedicated Trust & Safety team, supported by AI and machine learning models, actively works to moderate the platform and to identify and eliminate items and/or accounts selling these products. Additionally, if you receive an item that does not match its description, you're protected by Depop Buyer Protection and are guaranteed a refund. The team assesses the situation and issues a full refund if the issue is reported within 30 days of purchase. We encourage users to report any prohibited items or activities that do not adhere to our guidelines,” Dool explained. Generally speaking, checking reviews is vital to ensure that the bag you want undergoes an authentication process. The RealReal typically manages this for you, while eBay offers an authenticity guarantee program for higher-priced items on its platform.

      Ask for More Photos

      Though not everyone does this, if a secondhand bag catches your attention and you prefer to avoid the hassle of refurbishing, I recommend requesting additional photos. Most resellers I've engaged with have readily provided more pictures of the item I’m interested in. This step can offer peace of mind, particularly if the bag's price is a significant investment. Ask for detailed close-up shots, particularly around the bag's hardware, as this is often where wear and tear may be evident, as well as any areas that appear damaged. This assists me in making informed decisions regarding any secondhand purchase.

      Negotiate Your Price

      I make it a point to negotiate every time; it adds to the excitement for me. Be respectful to the seller and propose a reasonable offer. Dool mentioned that Depop offers various percentages and dollar amounts that typically seem fair. Shoppers can also submit a custom amount. “Before sending an offer, it’s advisable to message the seller to agree on a proposed price,” Dool suggested. “After an offer