Luxury bags are expensive — but they’re a great addition to your wardrobe.
As collectors would say, “You can never have too many of them.” They complete your look and help you carry your things with ease. The thing is: you may not always have the budget to splurge on them.
Designer handbags are pricey. Knowing where to look for the best places to buy secondhand luxury bags will save you loads of money. Don’t let your budget stop you from enjoying your favorites. Keep this guide close for your next thrift store haul.
Why Buy Secondhand Handbags?
It’s no secret that buying used designer handbags will save you money. You’ll also save the environment. It doesn’t matter what material they’re made of — either real leather or nylon. The environment will thank you for choosing secondhand instead of brand-new. If you must know, the fashion industry is one of the major contributors to pollution.
Making a genuine leather bag requires loads of resources. Cattle in mass ranches need water and land. Many trees are cut down to make way for pastures — leaving many other animals without their natural habitats.
Another material used for making designer handbags is nylon. There’s no doubt that the bags are stylish and cute. However, nylon is non-biodegradable. This means that it would take forever for them to break down. Also, when you wash nylon, thousands of micro plastics go straight into the ocean.
Fish and other marine life can ingest them, make their way up to the food chain, and affect humans. When you opt for used luxury bags, you help minimize the demand for new products and reduce pollution.
What Are Tips on Buying Thrift Designer Bags?
Although you’re only buying secondhand items, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be meticulous. If you want to get the best value for your money, give these tips a go before making a purchase.
1. Check the Current Trends.
If you want to buy something “in,” do a little research. You can check platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. The good thing about trends is they make a return. When you go into a thrift store, you’ll see a plethora of designer handbags from every era.
2. Know the Classics.
Not a fan of trendy designer handbags? Opt for the classics. They’re timeless and never go out of style. You can also do your research to find the classic handbags of luxury brands.
Here are some of them:
- Lady Dior
- Balenciaga City
- Louis Vuitton Speedy
- Celine Luggage
- Hermes Birkin
- Chanel 2.55
3. Keep an Eye on the Materials.
Shopping for secondhand items doesn’t mean that the quality should be off-putting. Since luxury bags are pricey, it means that they’re made of high-quality materials. Before you go shopping, familiarize yourself with the differences between synthetic and genuine leather. You should also check to see if the handbags have tags on them.
Brands like Prada, Hermes, and LV are the most prone to knock-offs or fakes. Knowing how to spot the genuine from the fake ones will save you from the hassle of returning them (if they even have a return policy).
4. Check the Details of the Handbag.
Before you head straight to the cashier, inspect the handbag. Don’t let the brand name distract you from checking for damage. See if the strap is intact and if there are marks, scratches, or missing parts. It’s up to you if the item is worth the money.
5. Expect To Pay More.
Even if they’re secondhand items, they’re still luxury handbags. Know that their prices may be a little steep compared to other items in the thrift store. Also, it’s rare to see an authentic designer bag in a thrift store.
6. Familiarize Yourself With Lesser-Known Brand Names.
There are other luxury brands that are not as big as the others. But, it doesn’t mean that they’re not great investments. Who knows? You might have let go of a gem because you didn’t recognize the brand name.
7. Don’t Take On a Project.
There will be moments that you’ll see a used luxury bag that will need more than a wipe to bring back its former glory. There may be broken straps or dirt that accumulated over the years. Ask yourself whether it’s worth it to spend a little more to get it fixed. Know when not to push through with a purchase.
8. Deep-Clean Your Purchases.
Items from thrift stores are hand-me-downs. There’s no way to know how many people claimed ownership of the handbag. Using it straight away is not recommended. Deep-clean them. Check every pocket and zipper for any crumbs or litter.
Now that you have this shopping guide, all that’s left to do is begin hunting for the best place to buy secondhand luxury bags.
Haven House is a go-to thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL. We have everything you need. Who knows? You might even score a used designer handbag here. Visit us today. Our staff is more than willing to accommodate you.
