Ask which parts show wear and how severe it is: corners, piping, handle glazing, strap holes, base, closure, lining, interior pockets, hardware plating, shape and odour. “Good vintage condition” is not a standard. Request close-up photographs of every defect and ask whether the bag has been cleaned, recoloured, repaired or altered.
Read the condition report as a repair estimate
Ask which parts show wear and how severe it is: corners, piping, handle glazing, strap holes, base, closure, lining, interior pockets, hardware plating, shape and odour. “Good vintage condition” is not a standard. Request close-up photographs of every defect and ask whether the bag has been cleaned, recoloured, repaired or altered.
A seller’s grade is useful only when it comes with evidence. Creasing can be cosmetic, while detached seams, a distorted frame or deteriorating coating can affect use and repair cost. Confirm that zips, locks, clasps and straps work. For a structured bag, ask for photographs while empty so shape loss is visible.
Check provenance and what is included
Record the style name, size, approximate production period, material, colour, hardware finish and country or collection details where known. Ask how the seller arrived at those details. Verify that any claimed receipt, service record or certificate corresponds to the actual bag, while remembering that documents are not standalone proof.
List every included item—strap, lock, keys, clochette, pouch, mirror, dust bag and box—and make sure the listing photographs show them. “Complete set” can mean different things to different sellers. A missing accessory may matter for use, but it does not automatically determine authenticity.
Compare like with like
Use the same reference, size, material, colour, condition and region when comparing asking prices. A seasonal version, exotic material, discontinued size or documented provenance can change a comparison; so can repairs, resale commission and shipping. Asking prices are not completed-sale prices and are not reliable evidence of future value.
Account for platform fees, tax, import duty, currency conversion, authentication fees and return postage. Understand the return policy before paying, including whether a specialist opinion or any use of the bag affects eligibility. Keep communication and payment on the platform when its protection depends on it.
Know when to pause
Do not buy under time pressure from a seller who will not provide a clear photo set or answer material questions. Be cautious with prices far below the credible market range, copied photographs, vague location information, inconsistent descriptions and requests to pay outside the marketplace.
For a rare or high-value bag, a reputable specialist or auction house may be a safer route than a rushed private sale. If the seller, provenance, authenticity or return terms remain unclear, preserving your money is the better purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lower pre-owned price always a better deal?
No. Compare exact models and condition, then include fees, repairs, authentication, tax and shipping. A low price can reflect damage, unclear provenance or elevated transaction risk.
Should I pay extra for the original box and papers?
Only if those items matter to you and the seller can document exactly what is included. They do not prove authenticity on their own, and they should not outweigh the condition and provenance of the bag.
What photos should I request before buying?
Ask for natural-light views of every side, the base, corners, handles, strap attachments, interior, hardware, closure, labels and any defects, plus a photograph showing the bag empty and a ruler or tape for scale.
References & further reading
Brand pages document the house’s own descriptions; independent museum records add historical context. Neither is a substitute for item-specific provenance or a professional assessment.
This is general educational information, not a guarantee of authenticity, a valuation, financial advice or a substitute for care instructions from the maker. Product and market details vary by model, place and date.