Buying your first designer bag is a pretty big deal. Before you make this momentous purchase, some important questions might pop up. Should you opt for a pre-owned item? Or is buying brand new the best way to go? It can be hard to decide but don’t worry, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each. Then let’s chat about resale values so by the end of this post, all you need to worry about is which style to choose.
First, Ask Yourself These Questions
Before you decide which route to take, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your budget? If you have a limited budget, then a pre-owned bag may be the better option for you.
- What style of bag are you looking for? If you’re after a specific style that’s only available new, then it’s pretty much settled.
- How important is the brand to you? If the brand is important to you and you want to make sure you are getting an authentic bag, then buying new is the way to go.
- How do you feel about wearing an item someone else wore? I know it’s awkward to ask, but if you’re uncomfortable then buying new is probably the way to go.
The Pros and Cons
There are two schools of thought: buy pre-owned and save money or buy new and get the full experience. There are pros and cons to each, and it really depends on what you’re looking.
If you just want a designer bag that looks great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then pre-owned is probably your best bet. Pre-owned bags may show signs of wear and tear, but they’ll be less expensive than buying new. Plus, you can sometimes find amazing deals on sites like ReBag and FarFetch. Just be sure to do your research so you know you have an authentic bag in good condition.
On the other hand, you might want the full experience of buying a new designer bag. Especially if it’s your first, it might be nice to stop by the store to enjoy the bells and whistles. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that it’s brand new and under warranty. Be prepared to pay full price – or close to it.
Your final decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. You can find great deals either way, so just choose the option that makes the most sense for you.
A Few Words About Resale Value
Obviously, there are many factors to consider, but one of the most important is the bag’s resale value. Some brands simply hold their value better than others. That means you’ll be able to sell it for a higher price should you ever decide to part with it in the future. Here are brands with the best resale values:
Chanel
One of the most iconic luxury brands in the world, Chanel handbags almost always sell for more than their original retail price. If you’re looking for an investment piece that will only appreciate over time, Chanel is a good place to look.
Hermes
Hermes is known for their handmade Birkin and Kelly handbags, which are extremely popular and often have waitlists. Bags from this French label are highly sought-after by collectors and often sell for significantly more than their original price tags.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is perhaps the most recognized luxury brand worldwide, and its handbags maintain a strong resale value as a result. LV is always a safe bet if you think you’ll want to sell later down the line.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you decide, do your homework ahead of time! Research the different styles and silhouettes that peak your interest to narrow down your options. And don’t forget to factor in budget when making your final decision. So, which do you think you’ll go with?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you.
