• It doesn’t always pay to wait for discounts
Certain brands like Louis Vuitton or Hermes never have sales. EVER. So if you don't want to pay full price, shopping for them second hand is your only other option. The good news is because these particular brands never discount, they retain their value. This means you can always get a reasonable amount of cash back if you tire of your bag's design down the road. It also lets you know to be very wary if you see a bag listed as belonging to that label for a price that's too good to be true.
One exception to this rule is Coach. They are known to discount, and also have outlet stores, making them a huge bargain on the used market.
• Look around for other online options at designer discount websites
If you enter a consignment store and see a bag that's nearly what you want, ask the clerk or store owner if the shop has an online presence as well. Chances are the store's inventory runs much deeper than what you see on the shelves. There are designer discount websites where more of the shop’s inventory is sold. This is good news if you're looking for loads of options within a certain price range, and the items on the shelves aren't quite meeting your needs.
• Buyer beware
It's a jungle out there, and counterfeiters are more sophisticated than ever. Going crazy with your credit card at online auction sites might not be your best bet unless you know for sure the seller is reputable. In high-end consignment stores, ask if they have someone who authenticates bags on duty. Experienced professional sellers of luxury items shouldn't balk at this request. If one isn't available, snap a high-quality photo and head on over to one of those reputable forums where handbag experts will give you their opinion on an item's authenticity. For free.
• Look for a guarantee of authenticity
Any luxury reseller worth their weight in buttery leather should be willing to offer a 100% money back guarantee when it comes to the authenticity of one of their handbags. If they won't, it's a huge red flag that the item in question is not a safe purchase.
• Cash in on your closet
Vintage bags in mint condition might perform better than other financial investments. Who knew? While I wouldn't recommend anyone to start planning their retirement by investing in designer pocketbooks, I did find the following anecdote of interest. A designer discount websites client had a smaller Louis Vuitton item in her closet purchased in the 1980s for less than $300. They resold it for her for over $500. T hat’s not a bad deal right there.
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