Going to your favourite boutique or retailer’s website and buying a designer bag, sunglasses, jewellery, and other accessories is great. But take note that this is not the only way you can own such timeless pieces. If you want a great deal, you can check out sites that sell pre-loved designer bits and pieces.
Pre-owned designer fashion pieces are an excellent alternative if you are looking to own designer bags and other branded stuff at reasonable prices. But you have to keep these four important things in mind when buying pre-loved articles to get what you pay for.
1. Research the brand and details of the fashion piece you want.
You need to invest a considerable amount of time into looking around when buying from the pre-owned market. You must know everything about the brand and the design details of what you want.
If you have a specific designer bag in mind, check its picture, read the specs, and take notes. You can also watch videos and read advice threads online to figure out what others have to say.
Being aware of the item’s specific characteristics will make the buying process smoother and help you avoid buying fake or counterfeit pieces.
2. Buy only from trusted sellers.
The digital world is filled with retail websites, some of which are reputable while others can’t be trusted. Every site works differently, so be meticulous when choosing where to buy your designer bags and accessories.
Here’s what to consider when checking a site’s trustworthiness:
Testimonials
Determine how the site transacts with its clients. For instance, read as many reviews as possible. Check their testimonial page to know if they are a legit shop and have excellent customer service.
Authentication
The authenticity of the designer piece should not be based on its photograph. Instead, it should have been examined by reputable authenticators. So make sure that the site offers products that have passed the authentication process before putting them on sale. All pre-loved designer bags and other pieces must have been authenticated by at least two experts and preferably by the latest AI computer technology, too.
Warranty
With a warranty, customers can buy with confidence. Before buying from any site, make sure to check if they offer a complimentary warranty for the item you want to buy. But most shops give a warranty on bags only, and this does not cover current signs of wear-and-tear.
Check also how the warranty works. In most cases, you must send the item to them, and they will repair and restore it in the same condition in which you purchased it.
Shipping
Check how the site will ship your item and how long it will take to arrive at your place. Some offer a next-day delivery service, while others can take 2 to 4 days before shipping out your order. Ideally, you will also be informed on when your order is expected to reach you.
The cost of shipping must also be considered. Some shops may charge a flat rate to specific addresses, while others charge depending on your location and order weight. So make sure to check rates for your country before making a purchase.
Returns and refunds
Some online stores accept returns and give a full refund while others don’t. So make sure to know the site’s return policies before buying anything from them.
After that, determine how returns are processed. Generally, the shop will ask you to return the item within a specific timeframe. The item should not have worn out, and its labels and tags must still be intact. Upon receipt of the item, you will be given a full refund.
3. Compare the item’s original price with the reseller’s price.
Find out the item’s original price by checking out retail websites or department stores.
Brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes are timeless pieces, so they can be sold close to their original price. Don’t expect to always get huge discounts, even if an item is pre-owned. In fact, you may even be charged higher than its original price if the fashion piece is one-of-a-kind. Checking out different sites and comparing the price range for a specific item will help define your budget.
4. Have reasonable expectations.
When shopping for pre-owned fashion pieces, you should expect that these item would have signs of wear and tear unless the seller says otherwise. If the item is being sold at half of its original price, it probably has some scratches or abraded corners. If that is unacceptable, then buying pre-owned fashion items or refurbished mobile accessories may not be for you.
Designer bags, sunglasses, and other accessories are expensive. But this should not hold you back from owning one because you can invest in pre-owned designer fashion pieces. Use these four shopping tips to get the most out of your money.
Author Bio:
Sabrina Sadiq is the CEO of LuxuryPromise.com, the ultimate marketplace for the world’s most exclusive, rare and luxurious accessories, incorporating cutting edge technology to redefine the luxury shopping experience. She is considered one of the leading experts in luxury goods authentication. Previously, Sabrina founded a real estate investment company, specializing in residential and commercial portfolio acquisition. Sabrina holds the LLB from the University of Westminster and the LPC from the London College of Law.
