CHANEL has a card, a sticker, and a guarantee? Debunking the myth of vintage bags: 5 things you must know before buying a vintage bag

As second-hand handbags become more popular, more and more people become fans of vintage handbags, and second-hand stores of all sizes are popping up. Since most second-hand handbags are styles that have been discontinued for more than 20 years, how can consumers distinguish the authenticity of second-hand items? Learn the five things to pay attention to when buying second-hand bags and dismantle the second-hand bag myths in the market!

1. Ranking of used items

The condition rating of second-hand bags is generally divided into the following six categories, and most second-hand stores will not sell BC and C second-hand bags.

SA: Near new, in excellent condition.
A: Only minor signs of use, in good condition.
AB: Minor signs of use or wear, standard condition.
B: General signs of use or wear and tear, with obvious stains.
BC: Obvious damage and stains, can be used normally.
C: Severely damaged and stained, but does not affect use.

2. Handbag defects are more important than ranking

Since the color and scratches of used items are very subjective, some people may be very concerned about the same defect, while others may not care at all. Therefore, in addition to relying on rankings to judge, you can directly ask the seller to provide detailed pictures and confirm for yourself which details and defects you care about.

3. The Myth of Guarantee Cards for Used Bags

Most brands do not have guarantee cards, including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, CELINE, LOEWE and other brands, and CHANEL only started providing serial numbers for handbags in 1986.

CHANEL puts serial number stickers on handbags and provides warranty cards. However, since most second-hand bags are over 20 years old, it is normal for stickers and warranty cards to be damaged or lost. So even if a second-hand bag does not have a sticker or warranty card, it does not mean that the handbag is fake. Similarly, warranty cards can also be forged, so when buying second-hand bags, you should let go of the myth of "having cards and stickers".

4. CHANEL diamond pattern is not necessarily bloated

Although the diamond pattern of current CHANEL handbags is generally created by sewing to create a sense of expansion, many vintage CHANEL handbags used flat sewing methods, such as the CHANEL Vintage Classic Flap and the CHANEL Paris Limited Edition Classic Flap launched in the 1980s and 1990s. Therefore, when choosing a vintage bag, don’t assume that it is a low-ranking item just because the diamond pattern is not bulging.

5. The value preservation of second-hand bags

Second-hand bags are not ordinary "second-hand bags". In recent years, second-hand bags have a market and a price. Second-hand bags with collectible value can be several times more expensive than the original price at any time. When buying second-hand items, you can pay more attention to which ones are value-preserving and which ones are potential stocks. Pay close attention to flash sales in second-hand stores or some "Japanese second-hand store links". This is a good time to buy value-preserving items at a low price.