I’ve become somewhat of a pro when it comes to finding second-hand luxury designer items – especially bags! I have a knack for tracking down quality vintage treasures and have learned a thing or two on how to shop savvy, find the best deals and secure the real deal (there are a lot of fakes out there!). Here are my top tips for second-hand designer shopping on Depop (but you can apply this to all forms of secondhand designer shopping online).
TIP #1
To avoid buying fake vintage bags, it’s important to research the style, material, and size you want before making a purchase. Be aware that some styles may be more readily available than others, which can affect the condition and price of the bag. By doing your research, you can better judge whether the fee is reasonable and avoid overpaying or losing money if you decide to resell. You can also judge how likely it is that your style of bag should come up, as some styles are rarer than others and this will further give you an indication of whether you should wait for one of better quality to come up or jump at the chance to grab it before it’s snapped up.
TIP #2
To ensure quality and authenticity when purchasing a bag, it is recommended to read reviews and look for feedback from other customers who have purchased from the seller. On Depop, a verified seller is a good indication of support and authenticity, but it’s important to do your own research, especially for older bags without branding or serial numbers. Read reviews and try to stick to sellers who sell large quantities of designer bags.
TIP #3
Really study the photos! It’s important to closely examine key areas for any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to corners, edges, straps, zips/closures and openings, as these are the most common areas where scuffs or marks may occur. To avoid any surprises, it’s recommended to ask the seller for additional photos to fully evaluate the item’s condition before making a purchase. It’s worth noting the material of your bag too – for example, its difficult to find a patent bag that won’t be discoloured and therefore you want to be prepared for this fact if deciding to purchase. Ofcourse you’re grabbing a bargain by shopping second-hand but the price you’re paying is still pretty high and you don’t want any nasty surprises! Make sure you know what you are going to get.
TIP #4
One of the joys of designer shopping is acknowledging your bags are probably going to be imperfect in some way – there will undoubtedly be signs of wear and tear and anything minor may not be listed. Be prepared that your chosen bag is likely to already look somewhat used and appreciate this as part of the shopping experience. You’re buying a bag that’s vintage so see it like a piece of history – it’s imperfections tell a story about the piece and make it unique. In my opinion, it’s better than buying a brand new style that everyone has because your piece will be different than to what’s available in the stores today; thats the beauty of buying vintage.
Something important to note is the aftercare of your bag – you need to look after them! They are old and fragile so be mindful of how you store them – keep them in dust bags and check on them regularly to make sure no moisture has got to them. It’s important to keep them in dust bags so the retain their colour too – bags have a tendency to discolor over time, especially when exposed to prolonged artificial or natural light. Leather oxidizes naturally, but when properly stored, this oxidation process can be delayed.
You can find out more about the designer purchases I’ve made on Depop by watching my video here.
Leave a Reply