The internet is awash with fakes and things aren’t always what they seem. So, check out this guide to buying vintage bags and clothing online.
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Have an Idea of What You Are Looking For
To keep your search as focused as possible, try to have a clear picture in mind of what you are looking for. The other day, for instance, I saw an amazing Louis Vuitton bag being carried by the one-and-only Ariana Grande on Instagram. It was clear from the photo that it was a vintage bag. The first step was to figure out what bag it was. After just a few minutes of searching, I determined that it was the Danube bag by Louis Vuitton.
Once I knew the name of the bag, I went to some of my favourite sites that sell vintage handbags, such as the Vintage Bar and started to search. Knowing the exact name of the bag makes a huge difference in how easy it is to find what you are looking for. Even if you don’t know the specific name, however, you can still use the filters on the site to narrow down the selection. For instance, you can usually filter bags by style. This is beneficial if you don’t really care what brand you buy but want to get a specific style like a cross body bag.
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Keep Your Eyes Open for Hidden Treasures
Don’t get so hung up on finding a specific bag that you pass by other great options. Your odds of finding the exact handbag you are looking for are relatively slim – particularly in the vintage market. Try to keep an open mind. For instance, the other day I spent a lot of time browsing Zucca bags by Fendi.
As you look through all of the options, you may stumble upon an excellent reseller who specializes in vintage handbags and has a ton of great inventory. Oftentimes, the best treasures are the ones that you happen upon by accident. If you do find a seller that you like, save their store so that you can check for new additions on a regular basis.
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Pay Attention to The Details
Read every word of the description, paying careful attention. Zoom in as far as you can on the photos. Look for things like the overall condition of the bag, the fabric that it is made from, and any damaged areas. Be wary of sellers who don’t provide detailed descriptions. Most reputable vintage sellers go above and beyond to provide a lot of detail in the descriptions that they write. If the description of a particular bag doesn’t answer your questions or if the cost seems like it is too low, you should probably skip it. If you can’t see all of the details that you want in the photos, send a message to the seller to see if they can take higher resolution pictures for you. The more clearly you can see the bag in the photos, the less likely you are to be disappointed with your purchase.
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Don’t Let A Little Damage Deter You
One of the most important things to remember about buying vintage is that you rarely will find bags that are in perfect condition. Almost all of them have minor flaws since they have been previously used. You need to determine your own comfort level in terms of the amount of wear you are willing to accept. For me personally, I don’t mind buying bags that have flaws as long as the affected area is smaller than an inch. If there are any tears, stains, or damaged areas that are larger than that, I usually will keep looking instead.
Stains inside handbags usually don’t deter me unless they are extremely large. Take a close look at the strap, as well. This is usually the area that shows the most signs of wear.
Keep in mind, however, that bags that are a little bit more worn are usually priced a lot better. If you are willing to accept a few flaws, you can get an amazing deal on a beautiful bag.
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Learn How to Identify Counterfeit Bags
When you are shopping for vintage bags, you are less likely to run into counterfeit bags than you are if you are buying a new handbag. You still need to be wary, however. Obvious signs of a fake include misspelled brand names. Descriptions that are poorly written can also be a red flag.
Always do your homework before buying from a particular seller. Look at their other listings and check what other buyers have said about them in the past. If you still aren’t sure, find out whether or not the bag you are interested in comes with a certificate of authenticity.
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Take Precise Measurements When Shopping for Clothing
When searching for designer clothing rather than handbags, it is essential to have accurate measurements of your body. Taking your own measurements is definitely an option. Alternatively, you can also visit a seamstress or tailor to get your measurements taken by a professional. Most vintage clothing runs a lot smaller than today’s clothing. That is why it is important to shop using your measurements rather than your normal size. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the seller to discuss your measurements ahead of time to make sure that the item will fit.
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Try Haggling
Vintage sellers are often willing to negotiate on the price. Even though it can be a little bit scary, try making an offer on the bag that is lower than the listed price. Just don’t be disappointed if the seller is unwilling to budge. Some sellers are strict in terms of their pricing. However, you never know until you ask. Oftentimes, sending a quick message can wind up saving you a lot of money on the bag.
Before you send your offer, however, make sure that you understand the real value of the bag. For instance, an extremely rare handbag may seem expensive even though it really is worth as much as the seller is charging. Before you send an offer that is too low, determine how much the bag is actually worth.