Every Mistake Pros Know to Avoid When Shopping for Secondhand Designer Bags

Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved the thrill of thrift shopping. Nothing quite compares to the excitement surrounding finding a designer bag for a steal or curating a collection of vintage pieces. Most of my best designer handbags were found on secondhand retail sites, so I consider myself a secondhand-shopping pro. But even as someone who regularly shops luxury resale pieces, I’m acutely aware of how daunting it can be. Many new sites and Instagram accounts are dedicated to curating designer pieces, but knowing how to shop for them online is difficult. Even with my serious bag collection, I’ve found the secondhand market to be overwhelming at times, which is why I decided to turn to a few of my favorite luxury resellers (whom I’ve bought from before and highly recommend) for their expertise. Ahead, you’ll hear from seven pros, including buyers, editors, and founders at some of the best luxury and secondhand retailers, about how to buy designer bags secondhand. No matter if you’re a thrifting pro like me or are just beginning your foray into the luxury-resale market, there are shopping gems in all forms to be found.

WHO: Larissa Milashenko, head of marketing, Americas, Vestiaire Collective. How has working at Vestiaire Collective changed how you view secondhand pieces? Since joining Vestiaire Collective over two years ago, I’ve grown increasingly aware of my purchases’ impact on the environment. I’ve always had an affinity for designer vintage, but with working at a resale platform, I’ve become thoroughly addicted to the thrill of the “treasure hunt.”. As someone who is well versed within the secondhand market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? When investing in a bag, it’s essential to consider its future resale value, the desirability factor, and its shelf life. One of the things that define luxury is that it always holds its value. Certain timeless pieces will never go out of style or lose value, and you’ll own [them] forever (or sell to another lucky owner). People are often intimidated by big luxury names, believing they will be out of their price range. Believe it or not, brands like Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton have thousands of pieces on Vestiaire Collective in very good condition available at relatively affordable price points.

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? A lot of people assume that all items are “worn out” or fake, but trusting the retailer you’re buying from can debunk this misconception. At Vestiaire Collective, quality control and authentication are some of our core founding pillars, and we check all pieces before they’re posted. Once it’s sold, it receives another physical check from our quality control and in-house specialists. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? It can be scary and overwhelming. It’s a significant investment, and you can never be too sure about the materials, condition, value, etc. The best advice I can give is to look for a high-quality, timeless model because it’s an investment. Iconic designers and classic styles are always a safe bet, as they either hold or increase in value. Rare and limited-edition pieces are also something to consider when investing in a handbag.

What are some of the biggest mistakes that shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? The first mistake is buying bright or “trendy” colors. Neutral colors and classic designs will always retain their value because they tend to be versatile and timeless. The second mistake is staying away from logos. Logos are hot right now; we’re seeing major logomania on our platform. For example, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Celine are incredibly valuable due to their iconic branding and recognizable logos.

Another mistake shoppers make is exclusively searching for “new” or “like-new” handbags. Not only are vintage designer styles part of fashion history, but they are also so desirable that brands have brought certain styles back. (Prada Re-Editions Re-Nylons have fully made a comeback and have been reintroduced in the fashion house’s current collection.)

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? I recommend using the Vestiaire Collective app along with checking out our New In and We Love selections, where you can find the most desirable and searched products. Don’t be afraid to create alerts for specific designers, sizes, and items so you can be the first to know when a new article is available. If you’re overwhelmed by how many great secondhand designer pieces there are, filter the pages using our Editor’s Pick options. It will make searching for your perfect bag so much easier. And finally, wish-list your favorite items so you can get notified when the price drops.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? Timeless models and brands, such as a Hermès Birkin, never lose their value, making it a true investment piece. We have seen value increase dramatically over the past year for other bags, including the Dior Saddle, Fendi Baguette, and Gucci Marmont. Vintage from iconic eras like Gucci by Tom Ford, Azzedine Alaïa, Mugler, and Margiela will remain collectors’ pieces and hold their value as iconic and part of fashion history. I’ve got my forever eye on Hermès Kelly (one day).

WHO: Ashley Stanton, head of handbags, Gemma. How has working at Gemma changed how you view secondhand pieces? I’ve been working in the luxury-resale industry for over 15 years now, and when I joined Gemma, it only further confirmed the incredible value in buying secondhand pieces. It’s the eco-conscious way to shop, and the treasures you’ll find are endless! Every day at work feels like I’m a kid playing dress-up again. As someone who is well versed within the secondhand market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? My very first experience in luxury resale was working at a brick-and-mortar boutique in California. I came across a lot of beautiful pieces like vintage Saint Laurent jewelry, Chanel RTW, and Hermès bags during my time there, but I didn’t always pull the trigger if things weren’t “my style” or I “didn’t need them.” Sometimes, I kick myself now because they are pieces I haven’t seen again. If something speaks to you, buy it. Who knows if you’ll find it again.

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? Sometimes, people associate the term “secondhand” with “used,” when in reality, “secondhand” just means that there was a previous owner of the piece. I can’t tell you how many bags we’ve bought at Gemma that were NIB (new in box), that had tags still attached, etc. We have clients that often purchase things they never wear or change their mind about, so they sell those items to us and put the money toward a new bag. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? When I first started in this industry (before big-name resale companies existed or luxury authentication was even considered a profession), I witnessed more apprehension because it was a new concept. People were terrified to end up with a counterfeit piece. There was also a stigma associated with resale that things were used or dirty. You see a lot less of that stigma now that the luxury-resale market is so prominent. People have realized that not only is secondhand shopping good for the environment, but you can also find pieces that are no longer available at the retail level. If you are a first-timer, I recommend shopping with a trusted company or a site like Gemma with authenticity guarantees.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? The biggest mistake secondhand shoppers make is not buying from a trusted company or site that guarantees authenticity or your money back. The other would be not shopping around for the best condition or price. For example, sometimes, multiple sites will have the same bag listed, but the accouterments, condition, or price varies. It’s good to shop around and compare based on what details are important to you.

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? Peruse often. If I’m looking for a specific piece, I scour different websites frequently. New things are constantly hitting the market, but they can sell quickly, so you have to be on the lookout.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? Chanel Classic Double Flaps are always in demand. I’d say medium or jumbo are the most popular sizes right now, and caviar leather usually holds up better than lambskin, but any size/combo is worth it. Chanel just increased their prices again, and we see the effects of that on the resale market.

Hermès Birkin or Kelly bags are always a wise investment. I love rare or vintage pieces, so I’m in the market for a vintage Kelly Bag. I am also looking to get a vintage Louis Vuitton Steamer trunk once I move to a larger apartment. They were so beautifully made, and I love the idea that these pieces had a story before me.

WHO: Damien Verhagen, digital business development manager, LXR. How has working at LXR changed how you view secondhand pieces? From a very young age, I have always been a fan of secondhand and vintage items. Working at LXR has only grown my love for the rare, one-of-a-kind items we get daily. What I love most is the storytelling; every item has a unique history. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? In the past few years, there have been a lot of new players on the market. People are apprehensive about buying fakes, and with good reason. The most important thing when purchasing vintage is trusting the company you are buying from. My advice is to look for trusted sellers with many years in the industry; then, if you have questions regarding serial numbers, stitching, or anything else, don’t be afraid to ask! Once you have decided on the style you want and you trust your seller, go for it. Remember: Nothing haunts you like the things you didn’t buy!

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? One of the biggest misconceptions is that you would be judged for buying and carrying a “used” bag, which comes from an unwarranted stigma around purchasing secondhand. This has lessened in the last few years, as the stigma of vintage luxury has quickly become something relished, but still exists in some areas. At LXR, we assign a luxury rating to every bag that identifies the bag’s condition and provides high-resolution images so you know exactly what you’re getting.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? You cannot go wrong if you always invest in an item that is a classic. Key pieces from iconic brands like the Chanel Flap, a Rolex watch, a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, etc. will retain value.

Those who love the cycle of vintage buying and reselling to update their wardrobes focus on finding those fun, limited-edition pieces from iconic brands that don’t have outlet stores or tend to go on sale. You can find more trendy vintage pieces that could increase in value if and when you resell them.

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? Spring and summer are a great time to shop for and buy vintage because people tend to be cleaning out their closets, so the volume of products available on the market is high. At the same, be diligent and check your favorite vintage places often. Vintage is all about unique pieces, so the more you look, the more chances you have to find your dream bag. Lastly, take time when you’re traveling to new cities to shop vintage because you will be able to find items that are unique to that specific market and region.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? A classic Chanel 2.55 Flap is always an excellent investment. It is an iconic bag since its debut in 1955 for a reason. It also has gone up in value faster than gold. (Between 2003 and 2021, a Chanel Medium Classic Flap price increased by 500%, whereas gold increased by 400%.)

WHO: Kesha Linder, merchandiser, ThredUp. How has working at ThredUp changed how you view secondhand pieces? I’ve always viewed secondhand fashion as a way to get the best unique styles for less. After I returned home from serving in the military, my first trip was to a thrift store. Working for ThredUp over the past two-and-a-half years has reminded me that shopping secondhand offers incredible value while supporting a more environmentally conscious way to shop. There are also so many items, like designer handbags, that make more sense to buy secondhand because they stand the test of time and only get better with wear! As someone who is well versed in the secondhand market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? I always suggest you do some fashion research before jumping into online thrifting—research designer bags and styles to determine which brands align with your sense of style. If your style is more classic, go for a vintage Chanel or a Kate Spade bag. Looking for an edgier bag for nights out? Givenchy and Balenciaga are the way to go. Want the perfect mix of classic and trendy? Try looking for a secondhand Louis Vuitton, Fendi, or Michael Kors. Don’t get too distracted by what all of your friends are wearing. Instead, do your research to find out what brand and style you’ll wear again and again. Once you take this first step, you’ll be able to find the perfect secondhand bag for you.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? Be sure to pay close attention to the product description! I always tell ThredUp shoppers to read the product details to know exactly what you’re getting in terms of size, color, material, and more. It’s also vital to utilize filters! Filtering the site by brand, material, color, shape, and more will help narrow your search and find the perfect bag you’ve been dreaming of.

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? The best way to approach buying designer bags is by starting with doing your research for online thrifting. Buy from a trusted resale where you know the items they list are checked for quality and condition. When making an investment purchase, learn what brands and styles hold their value to recoup some costs later when you need a closet refresh.

I also recommend you set up alerts for your favorite brands and styles if you’re on the hunt for one thing in particular.

And when in doubt, go classic. Select a style you’ll love now and 10 years from now, like this timeless Louis Vuitton Satchel. Feeling ready to try out a new trend? Thrift can also be a great way to experiment with a more wild style without breaking the bank.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? I love Gucci shoulder bags and small Fendi bags currently. They’re perfect for a summer night out! Anything making a serious comeback is an excellent way to go because it proves these styles are versatile and made to last. It’s also wise to go for a classic style like a Louis Vuitton tote or a Longchamp bag. All of these brands rank on ThredUp’s 2020 list of the brands with the best resale value!

WHO: Emily Erkel, co-founder and CMO, LePrix . How has working at LePrix changed how you view secondhand pieces? I always loved vintage and secondhand ever since my co-founder and sister Elise Whang and I were young. As we grew LePrix, the only place to shop pre-owned luxury from the best vintage stores, our appreciation and love of vintage has grown. By working with these fantastic vintage stores, each a vintage expert, we have learned so much. When you hear about the craftsmanship of a certain vintage, who may have carried it, and the history behind the style, your love of pre-owned will only grow. As someone who is well versed within the secondhand market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? My first tip is to do the research. Narrow down the brand, style, and color of the bag for the price range you want. Then when you do come across your dream bag, don’t hesitate. The second tip is the moment you see your dream bag act on it because vintage is all one of a kind—once it’s gone, it’s gone. I’ve learned that the hard way.

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? One of the most widespread misconceptions about secondhand designer bags is that they are very well worn or may no longer be in style. And while we also tell people to look closely at each picture of a bag they may be interested in for signs of wear, you often can find your dream bag in fantastic condition for a great price. For those who may think secondhand bags are usually those not trending, I disagree. What is trending now is almost always the case based on vintage archives. From the Gucci Diana bag to the Prada Re-Editions, finding the original is always so much more special because it was the original that inspired today’s trends. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? My first piece of advice would be to look for a reputable site known for its authenticity. Second, you’ll want to make sure you read the full description of the bag and look at all the pictures. Because secondhand is pre-loved, look for any signs of wear that might be a dealbreaker. Finally, just do it! Not only is shopping pre-owned a way better deal than buying full-price retail, but you can also feel good because you’re shopping sustainably. It’s a win-win.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? Sometimes, we get influenced by the latest bag trend and impulse-buy, whether you saw it on an influencer or Instagram incepted it into your head with its targeted ads. When buying secondhand, focus on the bag style that you love and that fits your lifestyle. I love how the Bottega Veneta pouch looks; it’s such a beautiful bag.

When I bought it on LePrix, it was even more gorgeous in person. However, as a mama to two active boys, I found it sitting in my closet. I needed a hands-free bag to chase after my babes on the weekend, and a buttery-soft leather clutch wasn’t it. Thankfully, it found a new home quickly, into the arms of a 20-something New Yorker who could use it way more for nights out. That’s what I love about resale. By recycling the bags we no longer wear, we extend the bag’s life by an average of five years. One woman’s underutilized bag is another woman’s go-to bag.

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? From checking daily for new arrivals to working with our team of personal stylists to hunt for your next dream bag, it’s all about persistence in order to find the best handbags.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? I always say invest in the holy trinity. You can’t go wrong with investing in the classics and the rare from Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. I love collecting classic flap bags from Chanel. My first luxury bag was a Chanel classic Flap from 2006 that I purchased for $1600. This bag now retails after that last Chanel price increase at $7800. For other classics, bags that hold their value well are Hermès Birkins and Kellys, Louis Vuitton Neverfulls, and I believe the Chanel Boy Bag will make a comeback.

WHO: Katelyn Hoffman, procurement specialist, Fashionphile. How has working at Fashionphile changed how you view secondhand pieces? Working at Fashionphile has exposed me to so many beautiful designer pieces and has given me a greater appreciation for each item I see. Everything is someone’s holy grail. It is also amazing to see how many times an item can be “recycled.” A bag or accessory can live so many different lives with different owners. As someone who is well versed in the secondhand market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? I wish I had known about which items and designers retain their resale value the most. Buying investment pieces can allow you to trade in (and trade up) your bag for another one later; they genuinely hold their value. Take Goyard, for instance. They don’t sell online and only have a handful of locations, so these items retain value well because they’re hard to get.

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? I think people typically hear “secondhand” or “resell” and think of used or well-worn items, which is not always the case. Over half the items we sell at Fashionphile are brand-new or in excellent condition (barely any signs of wear). You can also find exclusive items you might not even be able to get your hands on without buying pre-owned! For example, a Hermès Birkin or limited-edition Louis Vuitton collections. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? People can be concerned about the authenticity of items when buying pre-owned. Some advice I would give is to look at the available information and make sure you are comfortable with the reseller first. For example, we are very transparent with our authentication process; we welcome any questions buyers might have, and we have built an immense data library. We also have a 100% authentic guarantee. As an added level of buyer protection, we also accept eligible returns within 30 days of the purchase date.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? I regularly see one mistake not using trusted, reputable sites to shop for your secondhand designer bag. Another common mistake is not looking at more than one place and comparing prices. Some websites or individual resellers might price something too high, and you might actually be able to find it for less somewhere else.

And the third most common mistake I see is consumers not knowing enough about the product they are shopping for.

What are some tips you have for finding the best second-hand designer bags online? Never give up on your dream bag. Fashionphile has an alert function, and you can sign up to receive an email immediately when your holy-grail item arrives. And have a wish list ready to go. That way, when you’re shopping around, you know exactly what you’re looking for.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? A Chanel classic Flap in caviar leather. This is such a classic bag that never goes out of style. This style tends to hold its value and even increase its resale value over time! Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Hermès are also great investment pieces, sometimes even selling for more than the original purchase price.

WHO: Michelle Li, senior style editor, Tradesy. How has working at Tradesy changed how you view secondhand pieces? I’ve always been interested in the resale and vintage space as a seller and buyer, but working at Tradesy and seeing all of the secondhand products available has wholly shifted my shopping behavior. Now, I immediately check Tradesy for the product I’m looking for and pretty much only shop secondhand. Chances are, there’s a version of the item you’re looking for or the same thing (and for a more affordable price) on Tradesy. Shopping secondhand is a lesson in patience, starting with scrolling through many merchandise pages and being willing to wait for the right product versus just buying something new for instant gratification. As someone who is well versed in the secondary market, are there any tips you wish you had known about luxury resale when you first started? My pro tips for the luxury-resale market are to be open-minded, work with your tailor, and have a list of designers you’re interested in. Don’t get too caught up on trends. Instead, focus on what you like and what feels suitable for you.

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand designer bags? A lot of people believe that secondhand designer bags are fake or old or outdated. There are so many gems on the site that may have already “lived a life,” but keep an open mind. A trip to the leather tailor or a quality shoe-repair service can easily make a slightly worn bag look as good as new. Why do you think people are apprehensive about shopping for secondhand designer bags online? What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the plunge? Designer handbags are a significant investment. Buying them online may feel risky because you can’t touch and see them IRL. When you shop through trusted sellers (not websites that don’t check for authenticity or casual IG story sales), you can feel confident you’re not being scammed with a fake handbag. I think it’s entirely reasonable to be apprehensive and cautious. My advice would be to buy from a site like Tradesy, where authenticity is guaranteed, or you get your money back.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you feel shoppers make when looking for a secondhand designer bag online? I see shoppers make mistakes when chasing a too-good-to-be-true bargain. While secondhand designer bags are priced more reasonably than a brand-new one, trust your gut if it’s telling you that the price is suspiciously low. Don’t write off a secondhand bag that’s slightly worn; view this as an opportunity. They may be a more accessible price point because they aren’t perfect, but you can usually get them cleaned and fixed and still pay significantly less than the retail price.

And lastly, stay open-minded. You may be envisioning a particular bag in a particular colorway, but the great thing about shopping secondhand is the surprise and discovery. The selection of bags can span decades, and across many collections, it’s not just what is “in season.” So have some fun and stay open to various colorways and iterations of the bag you’re looking for.

What are some tips you have for finding the best secondhand designer bags online? Make sure the designer bag you are looking to purchase is one that you love, which isn’t to say that it needs to be versatile and worn with every outfit, but instead something special to you. If you love it, then it’s an investment. Find the name of the style of the bag you’re looking for and search using those terms. When you finally find the one, buy your bag from a seller you trust. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and for additional pictures.

What secondhand designer bag is always worth the investment? I’m always eyeing Fendi Baguette bags. The designs are always so fun, and I enjoy just scrolling through and seeing how the style evolves every season. I also love the Loewe Flamenco bag. It’s so beautiful, the leather is of fantastic quality, and it’s a timeless silhouette.