This is for all my girlfriends who want to purchase discounted luxury handbags online, but are terrified of getting a fake. How can you be assured that you are getting authentic, quality pieces, you ask?
Oh, accessories! How I love you! Your handbag will never care how much weight you gain or if you have a runny nose or if you have just popped out the most hideous pimple. No, they love us as we are. *Happy Sigh* That being said, I spend a ridiculous amount of time browsing online sites for handbags. Here are a few tips to keep you (and your money) safe while shopping online:
1. The only “sure” way to purchase a luxury handbag, is to buy from a reputable source. If you are financially able, buy new from an upscale department store. For the best deals, wait until the sites are having a special. Both Neiman Marcus and Saks often offer bonus gift cards if you buy a full-price handbag during these specials. Sign-up for email alerts for sales, as the really great items sell out fast. If you cannot buy full-price (and not many of us can), watch the sales of those sites, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Barney’s. Alas, there are certain items that you cannot buy at these online retail sites. For example, Chanel bags are only sold through actual standing boutiques. It is nearly impossible to buy a new one online.
2. If you cannot buy new (or don’t want to), the best way to purchase is through an online luxury consignment site. BE VERY CAREFUL while browsing. Some sites may look fantastic and offer fabulous deals, but that can be dangerous. Rememember, if an offer is too good to be true, it is most like fake or counterfeit merchandise. And, fakes are evil. They are like identity theft for luxury goods. It is criminal to sell fake goods. Stay away from “purse parties” and warehouse-style websites. There are some very lovely, fantastic and authentic resellers out there. Of the ones I have used, I have several favorites:
jillsconsignment.com (great prices, all around good selection, courteous customer service)
getstyledbylulu.com (good prices, lots of clothing, offers layaway (a girl’s best friend) and great customer service)
malleries.com (HUGE! Many sellers! Both luxury and antique items. Several sellers offer layaway. My favorite seller on Malleries is Luxury Mart (ask for Max).
3. Know what you want. Do not go into any online site with the intention to purchase without doing your homework. There are several reasons for this. In a moment of weakness, you might buy things you normally wouldn’t. And, you really must know what the true value is of the item you desire. For example, some online consignment stores carry items that are only a few dollars ($100 or less) off the regular retail price. Shop around and educate yourself before you fork out the big bucks. If you are a true shopper, this the fun part!
4. Know your consignment shops. Research the site you are interested in and check with The Purse Forum to make sure the store is reputable. Look for online comments posted and ratings. Never take the risk on one not proven to be legitimate. Nothing breaks a heart faster than big money spent on a big phony. Note, I will be reviewing online consignment shops in a future column, so please check back for more on this topic.
5. This is VERY IMPORTANT, confirm that the handbag you are purchasing can be returned for a full refund if you believe it not to be authentic. There are some very excellent fakes out there and even some of the best sellers have been tricked.
6. Next, confirm that the handbag you are purchasing (or have purchased) is authentic. If you have not bought it already, submit photos to The Purse Forum for authentication. If you have made the purchase and are able to do so, take it into a retailer that sells that brand and have them authenticate. Louis Vuitton is especially helpful in this respect.
7. Last, set a budget, save up the money and make your purchase. This way, it will be guilt-free. Or, second best, if you absolutely must have the item NOW (and I know how that is: heart pumping, eyes dilated, credit card handy…) go for layaway. Layaway is excellent for the wallet and teaches patience.
Whatever you decide, dear reader, I wish you the best. Remember to shop with your head as well as with your heart, and you will do just fine!
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About Author
Marie’s Musings: I'm a woman whose daily wardrobe consists of Joe’s jeans, Edun tees, Prada sandals and large, dark sunglasses. Still, I am devoted to fashion. It is art, it is of-the-moment, it is life. I read every fashion magazine & newspaper, loving it all & clipping pages for my Look-Book. Oh, the fantasy! And, fantasy is fun.
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Iona (31)
Jessica (25)
MakeUpNaive (25)
Irene (24)
Elizabeth V (22)
Angela
You are very welcome! I plan to do more articles & videos like this in the future. xo
Iona
Firstly, i love the quilted texture on the bag in the picture, it's beautiful. Secondly, thank you very much for these helpful tips! This review is fabulous.
Angela
I'm glad you liked this. I'm going to be doing more videos and articles on where I shop for discounts and sales. xo
Jessica
amazing tips! ive wanted to purchase a chanel bag for the longest time but didn't want to splurge on something that was fake!! thanks!
Keley W
AWESOME tips to those of us who have smaller budgets!!
Angela
I'm going to do more articles and share more great stores soon. I buy nearly all of my higher end pieces at discount. It just makes more sense to me. ; ) xo
Angela
I love the hunt as well! And knowing that I got a great deal! xo
Irene
Since I can't afford it just to buy these nice pieces in the heat of the moment, it is indeed a need to use my head instead and spend a little time on finding a real and cheaper piece!. But what is better than a nice "hunt" after a beautiful bag at a goood price?
MELISSA MARTINEZ
I always wanted a chanel bad i'm going to check the site out and thanks for the tips so helpful xoxo
Angela
The only way to know for sure is to do your research. The sites listed are personal favorites that have been used by us and can be trusted. You can also check with The Purse Forum online for more information on reputable dealers. We will be doing more articles like this in the future with more trusted sellers/consignment shops. Thanks for visiting! xo
Caroline
How do you know for sure if a website is trustworthy?
Karla Pagan
wow love these tips! definitely very helpful :)
Angela
So glad this was helpful! We'll be doing more articles like this in the future! xo
usanne18smurf
I loveeeee this article,,, will keep you tips in mind and save up money to get my lovely Chanel one day @@@
Alondra Ramirez
thats really cool, im going to check out those sites
Angela
You are so welcome! We'll have more articles like this in the future. xo
Elizabeth V
Thanks for these tips... when I save up money and buy one I will need these
Angela
I'm glad you found this helpful. Thanks so much for visiting! xoxo
Angela
Glad this was helpful. Thanks so much for visiting! xo
Jazmin
I love this!!!! It was very helpful for me especially because I LOVE luxury handbags
Laura
This is so neat! I love that you really care aobut giving your fans the best deals, and with your AMAZING giveaway... wow all I can say is thank you so much<33 My fingers are crossed, hope I win:)x!
Angela
Most of my luxury items have been purchase this way. I almost never pay full retail price. I do believe in investment pieces, but I also love getting a deal and being able to buy 2 or 3 handbags for the price of one at full price. It's so much more fun! xo
Angela
I'm so glad this was helpful! Yes, our local resale stores get picked over quite well too. I hope you find some great online deals in the future! Also try Avelle.com's private sale section and Annesfabulousfinds online. Two more fantastic resources, where I've gotten incredible deals! xo
Angela
You are so welcome! I hope this article was helpful for you. xo
Angela
We will have more articles like this in the future. Thanks so much for visiting! xo
Jihoo
I'll definitely check those websites out!
Katie
This is SO helpful!! Thank you so much :) :) :) <3
cpl87cpl
It is my must have bag i will buy sometime in my life!!!! i am a subscriber on your youtube channel to chance to win the nars packiging!! Totally love the articlessss!!! thanks so much!!
JL
great article! it's always nice to hear how people can afford luxury items with a "reduced" price
Chelsea
Love that you posted this. I never find anything good at the resale stores in my area.
Valerie salazar
Thanks for sharing this insightful information.
doha
thank you so much foe the tips i wish if you can provide us with cheaper websites
Angela
You are so welcome & I feel exactly the same way. If you look at my comments, I also mention a couple of other great, dependable websites with amazing deals. Happy shopping! xo
Angela
Thank you! I really appreciate that. Big hugs! xo
Angela
Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful. xo
Angela
Thank you! I'll be doing more stories like this and talking about more reputable companies. There is also a link in the downbar of all my videos to Avelle. Incredible sales and I've gotten many great deals off of that site. Also, annesfabulousfinds.com - amazing items and she is very picky about condition. Everything is authentic, but the really good pieces go super fast! xo
Angela
Wow! That's a lot! I feel very honored to be up there with a classic Chanel. There is nothing better! xo
Taria
okay this was sooo helpful! iv always been so scared of getting scammed online (which is where i have to do majority of my shopping due to where i live) and this gives me way more confidence. I have to work really hard for money like most people and deff dont want it to go to waste! Thanks (:
Danienta
Wow! Thus is really helpful! Thank for the tips
lisa
hey great information thank you soo much :) x
Jazmin
Wow I'm in love with your website. You really write about some awesome things. Keep the good work up. xoxo your subbie
Kyran
Im really loving this website this article was really helpful
Istoc Ramona-Ioana
Great information. Thanks for helping us
Eda V
I love that pursee
Sophia
I agree with Kang! It looks great! Keep up the good work :)
Ruby Claire
Thanks so much for this. I've often wondered about this sort of thing but didn't know where to begin looking for vintage luxury bags. This is totally helpful!!
Katy
Great information! I love your website as much as I love chanel handbags! Haha. (: xx
Danielle
Thanks for the great info! I'll have to check these sites out!
Angela
Thank you so much! And, thanks for stopping by! xo
Angela
I will update with more reputable online stores in the future. Avelle (Bag, Borrow or Steal) is also an amazing resource and they are linked in all my videos. I've gotten some amazing deals on there.
Kang
Oh my goodness! You're website looks so amazing and professional! Thanks for the great information.
Trendy Housewife
Awesome to know! I've surprisingly never purchased a designer handbag because I've just known that I would end up with a fake and there are no stores anywhere near here that carry anything except maybe Coach and Dooney & Burke. Oh man, I better get to saving ;)
hanh nguyen
Great Information!! Thank You!!
Lauren
Thanks for the information! VERY helpful for us bagaholics;)
Jennifer
this was so helpful! Thank you!
Angela
Yes! You have to be so careful online. I like to get a good deal too, but not at the cost of buying fakes or getting poorly maintained items. Glad this was helpful! xo
Kat
I get kinda iffy when I see designer bags for super cheap online, but I hate paying full price. This was a helpful article.
Angela
Oh...Chanel is so timeless. It will last you forever and you can pass it down someday too. The sites mentioned carry Chanel. You can also try Anne's Fabulous Finds online. She has an amazing selection of Chanel bags, but they go very fast. Best to sign up for her watch list!
Vivien
Thanks for the review, and tips. I'm actually thinking of getting a Chanel bag
Karma
Thanks for the info! I love buying hand bags!! I will have to give these hand bags a gander! Loving the online magazine.
MakeUpNaive
Being a bagaholic with a shoe fettish this article really heps me alot, especially the website links. I tried eBay, i tried Amazon but found many of the products are fake! Much appreciation coming all te way from this little corner of the world, Philippines.
Lulu
Thanks for the great review, we appreciate it at GSBL. This article is gives some great tips for buying pre-owned couture. It's so important to have all the information you can!