Buying a pre-owned luxury bag: 8 things to check

A pre-owned luxury bag lets you own an iconic model, sometimes no longer available in store, at a more accessible price. It is also a purchase worth preparing: authenticity, actual condition, accessories, return terms. Here are the eight things we recommend checking before you buy, from us or anywhere else.

1. Know who you are buying from

A professional seller should be identifiable: company name, address, legal notice and terms of sale available on their website. Buying online from a professional also gives you rights: in France and the European Union, you have 14 days to withdraw from the purchase, and you are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity.

Between private individuals, these protections do not apply. Some platforms offer their own guarantees, but they vary a lot from one site to another: read them before you pay.

2. Ask how the bag was authenticated

“Authentic” means nothing without an explanation. Ask who authenticated the bag and how: examination by a specialist, an independent authentication service, or both. Serious authentication covers the whole bag: materials, stitching, stamps, hardware and finish.

Be wary of “certificates” written by the seller themselves, and of authenticity cards presented as proof: a card can be lost, imitated and sold separately. A certificate issued by an independent service, such as Entrupy, adds an extra guarantee.

3. Insist on photos of every area

The photos should show the bag from every angle, in natural light, and above all the areas that wear:

• the corners of the base and the edges;
• the handles and shoulder strap;
• the hardware and closures;
• the interior, lining and pockets;
• the stamps: logo, “Made in”, date code or serial number.

A trustworthy seller also photographs the flaws. If a view is missing, ask for it: a refusal is a bad sign.

4. Understand the condition grade

Every seller uses their own scale, and “very good condition” does not mean the same thing everywhere. Read the definition of each grade and compare it with the photos. We grade condition from S (new) to C (fair) according to a published scale; when in doubt between two grades, we always choose the lower one.

Keep in mind that the grade describes how the bag looks, not whether it is authentic, which is checked separately.

5. Check that the stamps are consistent

The great Houses leave clues inside their bags that make it possible to date them. They do not prove authenticity on their own, but an inconsistency should alert you, for example a date earlier than the model's launch. Our guides explain how to read them:

• the Louis Vuitton date code;
• the Chanel serial number;
• the Hermès year letter.

6. Take stock of the accessories

Dust bag, box, authenticity card, padlock and key, shoulder strap, receipt: none of these is essential, but they count towards the bag's value and make it easier to resell. The listing should state clearly what is included and what is missing. A bag sold without its shoulder strap, for example, should be priced accordingly.

7. Compare the price

To judge a price, compare bags that are genuinely comparable: same model, same size, same material, same era and similar condition. A grade B vintage bag and a grade A recent bag are not comparable. A price well below the market should make you suspicious: on the most copied models, it is often the first sign of a counterfeit.

8. Secure payment, delivery and returns

• Payment: choose a payment method that protects you, such as a bank card or a platform's built-in payment. Be wary of requests for bank transfers or payment outside the site.
• Delivery: it should be tracked, and insured for a valuable bag. Check the parcel on arrival and report any problem quickly, with photos.
• Returns: read the terms before you buy: time limit, costs, and the condition in which the bag must be sent back. If a security seal is attached to the bag, do not remove it until you are sure you want to keep it.

How we work

Every bag in our selection is authenticated before it goes online, then inspected area by area and graded according to our condition scale. Flaws are described and photographed, the accessories included are listed on each product page, and an Entrupy certificate of authenticity can be added to your order. You have 14 days to change your mind, and payment in instalments is available.

Browse all our pre-owned luxury bags, or hand your search over to our personal shopping service.