Is Buying Preloved Designer Bags A Luxury or Not? 👜 The Preloved/Preowned Stigma

[@CalebSnell]

What are your thoughts on the topic? Does preowned = luxury?

[@ZaneAnderson1]

Preowned is definitely still luxury. 😊

[@critic101ism]

💯. You don’t have to spend stupid $, for it to be considered luxury, it’s still the same bag. You just paid a smarter price for it 👍

[@miriamhavard7621]

Is a pre-owned diamond luxury? Is a pre-owned Picasso or Stella luxury? Is a pre-owned Steinway luxury? Same difference to me! 😊

[@edithcox7203]

I just got a 2013 Hermes bag that’s no longer made. I’m so grateful and excited! Missing the “experience” means nothing to me. I’m just as hyped about this bag as any I’ve bought in person.

[@tarreemhacaruso2687]

Exactly ❤🎉

[@kamikani08]

I know that's right😊

[@mizzmolly7649]

Which H bag did you get?

[@CalebSnell]

Exactly! I feel the same way! And which H did you get?!

[@SMR218]

The experience yes it’s great but it’s a fleeting moment. The bag stays with you and it is still a luxury bag

[@ZaneAnderson1]

Preowned does have a stigma but is that a stigma “planted” by these luxury houses? Buying Preowned is more reasonable for many reasons over buying new but I don’t judge the person how they shop.

[@CalebSnell]

💯

[@MelissaAdams-Wade]

I love to buy preloved. The search is so much fun. There is nothing like finding your dream bag in great condition for less. I also love to buy new in store. I like the experience of getting dressed up and having fun trying on bags from time to time. I use to only buy new now I’d say I’m a 1 to 2 ratio. 1 new 2 used.

[@CalebSnell]

I love a good mix of preloved vs. new. And the hunt for preloved is so much fun, especially when you find that perfect bag!

[@amyb4807]

This is so me! I bought my favorite bag new, and later found the same design in a different color, with NO signs of wear whatsoever, for 1/4 of the original retail price. Major score!!!! Once you walk away from a resale shop or someone who sold you the bag, nobody in the world will see that bag and know if you bought it new or used! At the end of the day, just gimme nice bags!!!!!

[@foodandlipstick]

ABSOLUTELY! It’s still a CC or H, or whatever it is. The fact that it’s pre-owned makes zero difference.

[@CalebSnell]

100! Great answer!

[@jessyandthebags]

Luxury pre loved is just as luxurious as brand new. The environmental factor plays a large role when I’m shopping for pre-loved bags. Buying pre loved also helps me avoid a lot of impulse purchases, because I’m spending time trying to find “the right one”. It gives me a grace period of sorts to mull things over. Great video and topic!!

[@CalebSnell]

I completely agree, Jessy! And you're right that the hunt helps keep things at good pace.

[@Shery_G]

I love this topic Caleb! I have two preloved bags on the way at this very moment. The majority of my luxury handbags are preloved and I’m always excited to receive them. It’s actually a smart move to purchase preloved bags because the savings from doing so can be applied to other areas.

[@CalebSnell]

I'm so excited for your, Shery! I agree, I love bags, but I love other things more, so I like to spread my money out as best as I cam!

[@Shery_G]

@@CalebSnell thank you, they are two preloved Fendi peekaboos!

[@ChiGuyLux]

My collection is mostly preloved with a few boutique pieces I purchased on special occasions. I enjoy the character of vintage pieces but I can appreciate some of the modern designs. I agree luxury is a feeling and getting a great deal or discovering that rare piece is just icing on the cake. Great video!...😊

[@CalebSnell]

I completely agree ChiGuy! And you have an amazing collection too!

[@rentedthriftedreal]

Luxury is luxury. Don't get mad at us bc we got it for cheaper and you fell for the retail scam!

[@CalebSnell]

Hahaha! Exactly!

[@miriamhavard7621]

😊

[@AllOverDori]

I agree with everything. I recently watched a film called Brandy Hellville on HBO Max that really showed the life span of pre owned and “sustainability “ and what happens to things as they move around the world. I like the hunt of pre owned luxury and unique pieces and like you I also don’t know anyone in my personal life who gives a damn about bags lol it’s just me which is why I converse online about it 😂

[@CalebSnell]

I need to watch that documentary, thank you for reminding me! And you're so right- no one in my day-to-day life know what bag I'm carrying- so I just buy them for me to enjoy!

[@ahoneyman]

It depends how you like your juice. Some people really like the in person luxury experience. They get to talk to salespeople, try on various bags, get a butter cookie and a glass of Sutter Home. Sometimes its part of a vacation. They got to buy Hermes in Paris and that's an experience. That's their juice. Some people love the thrill of the hunt. Hitting up online stores, estate sales, and turning over every rock to find that one unique piece or that insane deal is their juice.

[@CalebSnell]

That's a great analogy!

[@gailward3308]

Hi Caleb! I bought new at first. I was so paranoid of them getting ruined that when I bought a preloved one It took away that paranoia and I used them and enjoyed them. Never would buy new now. Have a great day.

[@CalebSnell]

That's another great point- I feel the same about my preowned bags too!

[@Davids_Closet]

As you know, preloved is my preferred way to get bags. I agree, it’s not just $$ (as sometimes we pay more than retail) but I also love bags that aren’t always popular, and the hunt is the best part! The boutique experience is very fun, but not enough for the money it costs!

[@CalebSnell]

The hunt is definitely the best part! Buying new is too easy, and the boutique experience can be disappointing at times.

[@mwedzi]

Almost every luxury purse youtuber I watch has at least some pre-loved bags, so if it's a stigma, it's not stopping anyone, which is great! I only have 2 luxury bags, both of which I bought new in boutique because I am not confident in my ability to not be tricked into buying something fake. Or for something over $1k, not to have it stolen in the mail. I have one preloved Coach, one of my favorites, and am open to buying preloved, if I can feel more confident that it's authentic.

[@CalebSnell]

Those are very valid points!

[@mizzmolly7649]

I still carry my YSL Muse II about twice a year. I love it. It's the one with the 2 shoulder straps, which you don't see much. And in the summer, I'll take out my humongous YSL Roady Hobo with the red, black and white poppy print. It looks so vintage! 😊

[@CalebSnell]

I love the Roady- it's such a cool bag!!

[@missshananicole]

Luxury is luxury. It doesn’t matter where you purchased it from in my opinion.

[@CalebSnell]

I couldn't agree more!

[@pattywilliams788]

For me it’s all about the brand and whether or it’s worth spending money on, regardless of how much money. I’m new to luxury so I don’t have any heavy hitters yet except for a vintage Gucci GG Plus clutch I bought from a Japanese seller. Most of my handbags are what have been termed “low luxe” by some people like Dooney and Bourke, Kate Spade, Karl Lagerfeld and Strathberry. Since my budget is modest, these brands are luxury to me and are recognizable to people in my circle. Great topic, Caleb!

[@CalebSnell]

Well said, I couldn't agree more, Patty!

[@AutumnBeckman]

Great video. You know where I stand on this. ;) I wish I'd had the chance to visit a TRR store when they were still open but the closest one to me (from Houston) was in Austin and when we were in Austin we were never there to shop. It would be great to see a bunch of discontinued luxury bags in person, though.

[@CalebSnell]

The TRR was such a fun store here in Chicago, I really wish we still had it!

[@corikay]

Preloved is a luxury to me!!! First I have no Luxury Boutiques close by. Second, most of the items I love are releases from years ago, and not currently sold in stores. Third, I really enjoy a bag that has been broken in!!! It takes the fear out of making the first mark on the bag! I have an original Hermes Herbag that has truly been Preloved!!!! The leather is so soft, smooth and mailable in my hand! The canvas portion is in beautiful condition… I often wonder about its previous life and owner! It is simply a JOY to carry!!!! Regardless of it being preloved it’s still an Hermes Herbag…. Just like a used Mercedes is still a Mercedes…it doesn’t become a Honda! (No shade to Honda…I drive one!…and it’s my 5th!)🥰🥰🥰

[@CalebSnell]

You made all very valid points, Cori! And I agree- a used Mercedes is still a Mercedes!

[@aprilshouseofflair]

Totally agree with you! I could give a sh$t about the boutique experience or packaging. And I love the thrill of finding a gem. It seems harder now than it was but preloved is my lane!

[@CalebSnell]

Thank you, April! I love the thrill of the hunt!

[@drewsteele5836]

Hey Caleb, I’m new to your channel so nice to meet you. Interesting point. I’ve recently made my first pre-owned purchase having always been as ‘new only’ kind of guy (but sadly I could only get the item pre owned). Sadly, four weeks in I don’t have any love, affiliation or attachment to the item. So much so, it’s sat in my dressing room and hasn’t been used. I think it’s the lack of ‘experience’ when purchasing. It has no excitement or memories to it even though at the time, I was happy with the price?! X

[@CalebSnell]

Hi Drew! That's really interesting, and I'm sorry to hear that you had that experience!

[@themargaretshelton]

Preloved luxury def still feels luxurious to me.

[@CalebSnell]

Me too! 💯

[@angellakeshiatisdale7929]

It’s the thought of me buying a pre own bag. That is almost as old as I am . And it is in still in very great condition. I just started collecting vintage and I’m in love.

[@CalebSnell]

There's just something special about buying vintage- I definitely prefer vintage and preowned over buying new.

[@DeeDee_Bean]

Hi 👋 Caleb let me first say this is an absolute amazing topic I love 💕 this topic, of course I am with you 100% about shopping online in the comfort of your home nothing like that I’m absolutely perfectly fine with it. I do think in my lifetime I’d like the experience of just walking into a store to browse and maybe shop just for a chalk it up to life experience and such moment, but not necessary for everyday for me. I’m definitely a preloved gal and get joy from the hunt the rescuing and finding the vintage ish bags that I seem to be more attracted to than the now fashion that the Fashion Houses seem to come out with now. When you talked about in your circle and in the wild I laugh 🤣 so hard at myself because my circle literally consist of maybe a Dozen people and boy o boy they absolutely are not on the know of any high end fashion at all and would only maybe clock a Louis if it was monogram because that is all that’s been around the area I live. In the wild 🤪 of the baseball fields I attend I did see a YSL camera bag which is the only other brand except for Michael Kors Guess KateSpade. Very Occasionally I will see a Dooney but I’ve never even seen a Marc Jacobs so I’m definitely not buying my handbags to be noticed in either of those two places 😂. This past year has been a whirlwind I have gone bonkers as I often done when coming into a new “hobby” I go all in and buy buy buy because I’m a collector tendency type of person and because I learn by senses touching feeling “smelling” the experience of that helps me understand much better what I like don’t like what I can tolerate with my physical limitations so this next year is probably going to be dedicated to exploring more of each bag silhouette etc to really hone down true carrying loves versus the up on a shelf love 💕 art 🖼️ love - hmm 🤔 definitely an upcoming topic for me so Yes for me preloved is a luxury unto itself for us special people with a different view point of the world developed by either necessity or fun. And yes I am a sucker for that packaging but… I’d rather experience it from my kitchen table than in store, my coffee and wine or amaretto sour are better hehehe 🤭. Thanks once again for challenging us with this one. 🛍️👛🚢🙏🦆

[@CalebSnell]

Hey Dee Dee! Thank you! And I loved reading about your collecting habits, and your experiences out in the wild! I think we have very similar bag collecting habits and experiences, I love it!! And you're right- my coffee, wine or cocktail are better home too! haha! Thank you, Dee Dee!

[@cpebble3874]

I joined the preloved team 2 years ago. I used to only buy New. Now, I'm hooked into buying preloved and find watching videos about preloved scores and vintage bags waaay more interesting than unboxing of new items. Could you do a video about your process of buying preloved? Where do you look?

[@CalebSnell]

Me too!! Preowned is so much more exciting!

[@awwes]

Congrats and thank u for ure rational view and enlightening perspective caleb. Always enjoyed these kinda topics coming from you, one with a firm sense of self and style. Cheers and thank u🤍

[@CalebSnell]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@juliapidduck9321]

Love pre-owned. To be honest I can’t really afford the boutique experience, a. because I don’t have the cash and b. I don’t think it is worth it. We have Designer Exchange in the UK they are brilliant crazy good prices and excellent customer service. Also they have just opened their flagship store near Harrods can’t wait to go looks amazing ❤

[@CalebSnell]

I'm right with you on both of those points. At this point with the way handbag prices are going, I'm priced out of new ones, and the boutique experience never really held that much mystique for me. I'm so jealous! That flagship has to be awesome!

[@SMR218]

Getting your dream bag at the store once is special. After that not anymore or at least not as exciting. Now I just look for cost, value, quality. If I can get the same bag preloved I’ll go for it.

[@CalebSnell]

I'm the same way- I agree 100%!

[@monicareyes3436]

I really liked what you did there Caleb and I’m here for it! 💜

[@CalebSnell]

Yasss! Thank you!

[@Erica-ji9qb]

Pre owned is definitely a luxury ❤

[@CalebSnell]

I totally agree!

[@Kris-mx6jn]

I’ve gotten better experiences from luxury resellers than from Dior and Chanel. So yes it’s all about what you love and how it makes you feel ❤

[@CalebSnell]

Thanks for sharing!! That's so true!

[@ItsOnlyWarPaint]

That was good. Slightly off topic….Most people in their life time will live in a home that was previously lived in by another family. And that house could be a 10million $£, and that house would still be considered a luxury home 🏠

[@CalebSnell]

That's a perfect example!

[@krisabbott6784]

Caleb. I think this is a tuff question. I think it goes on the bag if it’s no longer made then preowned would be the only way to go. You hit all the good points. Excellent video.

[@CalebSnell]

Thank you, Kris!!

[@brownsugar15068]

I have been trying to get into the preloved game but every time I shop the pieces cost the same amount or just a few dollars cheaper than in the boutique. At that point I mine as well but new and not have to worry about if the product is authentic.

[@CalebSnell]

That's a good point!

[@bsk6707]

Pre loved is Better than buying new. You curate your own.lovely collection based exclusively on.your taste ans.aesthetic. collecting antiques, estate.jewelry, vintage clothing ,.watches , ART.....HELLO!!! All.pre loved I adore watching. Videos of.experts on.different brands and appreciating the history.quality. etc..also.pre.loved makes the quality available. to.many people. Who wouldn't rather buy a lovely pre loved quality bag than the sad offerings for.the same.price at.the department. Stores...buying new at.this point.is not practical given the nutty price increases amd.questionable. quality...

[@CalebSnell]

That's so true that we curate our collections when buying preloved!

[@ljohnson1908]

I have a love/hate relationship with preloved. The love part is that older archive pieces are more quality to me. A lot of these Fashion Houses are becoming no better than fast fashion quality wise. Poor craftsmanship at luxury prices is never going to be my jam. The hate is that it’s so critical to have a good eye or work with a company/person you trust because fakes abound. I’ve even heard of some people using large consignment brands only to receive knockoffs.

[@CalebSnell]

You're so right- buying preloved does take more research and a keen eye!

[@classicswithaquirk]

Thanks for the shoutout 😂😂😂

[@CalebSnell]

Haha! Any time!

[@DeeHigginbotham-mv3gc]

❤❤❤❤❤! It’s growing on me. I prefer a crossbody. This one I am willing to make on exception for.😀

[@CalebSnell]

It's a great bag!

[@jennypaxton8159]

I have very little interest in new bags, partly because it seems like older is nearly always just plain better quality. But I think it’s mainly because I enjoy the hunt, like you said. I figure it makes sense: humans spent hundreds of thousands of years being hunter-gatherers, and only a paltry 4,000 or so years not, so the Go Out And Forage impulse is still very much with us! Going out for a day’s thrifting, digging through all the mess, and finding a lost jewel is so much more fun than going to a boutique, no matter how fancy! Plus, I like the history of an old bag: imagining who bought it new, what kinds of things it carried over the years, how this funny dent or that weird scuff got there, etc. I like to see the corner scuffs and patina of honest wear; brand new bags just seem so blank and bland by comparison!

[@CalebSnell]

I agree with you about the current quality- I touch these new bags, and I'm like- why!? haha. And you're right about the hunt too- it's so much more fun and more rewarding than buying brand new!

[@dv3rsace]

I still think that buying preloved is still luxury, I feel in the the retail trap many many years ago, buying at full retail, when I would turn around and sale cause I wanted to buy a new bag, I would get pennies from what I paid, now I feel that if I buy preloved, no one is gonna know if I bought it at the store or at the resale market, and if I want to sell I either make my cash back, or more, I 100 percent prefer preloved, I don't care for the in store experience cause so far when ive gotten something in store the sales reps are either rude, or just trying to make a quick sales or the quality of the "new" bags are crap, for example Chanel. lol. (safe space) but spending $4,000k on a new bag, I would definitely not, I would fund my trip to Italy for a week!

[@CalebSnell]

I completely agree!

[@camiscloset2369]

Good question. Julie from Agent Bag Reviews just discussed that she considers contemporary, luxury because luxury means Not a necessity. I agree. Back in college I bought Guess and that was a splurge. But I’m probably much older than you. By the way Hello, I’m Cami from cami’s closet if you’re not familiar. Feel free to check me out. Out of curiosity, did you grow your channel by unboxing weekly or monthly? Great topic. TFS

[@CalebSnell]

Hi Cami! I really enjoy Julie from Agent Bag Reviews- she's great! I remember when Guess bags were all the rage in high school! So many memories! I don't really have a set schedule for unboxings. I just make sure I buy what I like and that excitement comes through when filming.

[@joshyboy1974]

❤ great video

[@CalebSnell]

Glad you liked it!!

[@NancyKarnas]

I think it was interesting to consider the average income in relation to the prices of some of the luxury items out there. This is the driving factor in why I mostly buy preloved, I just want to spend my money in the wisest way even on frivolous luxuries. Sounds like a joke when you type it out, but I think I appreciate the items I’ve worked hard to find at a discount then the ones I paid full price for in boutique.

[@CalebSnell]

OMG, yes, Nancy- I agree with this 100%, you're so right! The bags that I had to work to find and in the right condition, I have a harder time parting with, than bags I just walked into the boutique and bought off the shelf. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one like that!

[@am143-g1m]

exacly, all correct!!!👜

[@CalebSnell]

Thank you, Edgar!

[@makeupnmedicine]

I love luxury and I love a discount. So I prefer pre owned. Doesn’t bother me at all!!

[@CalebSnell]

That's good to hear!

[@Pinkbear20]

I think luxury has two definitions. It is all of those brands, chanel, LV, Hermes, etc. The second definition is luxury is a feeling. It is enjoying a good meal, being with friends, etc. I think pre-owned checks both of those boxes. It has a name but it also brings in a good feeling. For example, I just got a Fendi Spy Bag. I always wanted one when they first came out. I saw this woman carrying one and it was always on my mind but I could not afford it at the time. I don't care if it is preloved I feel luxurious with it.

[@CalebSnell]

You nailed it with this comment! 💯

[@tarreemhacaruso2687]

Can you tell when someone just drove a new car 🚘 off the lot? No right? Well how can you tell if someone had the boutique experience or not. Listen It’s the thrill of the hunt for me. Knowing that I have a rare exciting piece that Not many have and I got it for a STEAL. My heart starts racing, palms are sweaty before I press that buy button. Boutique is NICE❤. But it’s not the be all end all for me. I rather keep $2800 of my purchase, drink my wine at home, and enjoy my bag.

[@CalebSnell]

Haha, exactly! That's such a good point!

[@Cocoalabella]

As long as it’s authentic it’s luxury! Why not? It’s not about the buying process, that’s a little bonus, but better to buy pre loved than new in store with worse quality…

[@CalebSnell]

That's so true!

[@luxpetite]

Great topic Caleb! I have a mix in my collection. I love finding my special collector pieces (vintage Chanel, Phoebe Philo old Celine) on preowned market. 🤎😘

[@CalebSnell]

Thank you, Jamie! I love the hunt in finding those rarer older pieces- so much fun!

[@chaerimk]

I get better customer service at pre-love designer store (rebag, the realreal, fashionphile, etc.) than in the actual luxury store (except Hermes). I always received offers for water or champagne, personal service and care. I never get that at any luxury store that I have visited, especially in California. So yes, pre-love is more luxurious to me than in the actual brand store. Since I have been on the exotic leather hunt, saving ten of thousands is even better for me.

[@CalebSnell]

I totally agree about the instore experience with designer boutiques. I've also gotten better service in boutiques in Europe than here in the States.

[@XoXoG]

Pre loved is still luxury. If you get an Hermes Birkin first hand then you’re probably paying like $10,000. If you buy that same bag pre loved it’s $20,000 !!! Now you tell me who’s the real rich person.

[@XoXoG]

And vintage Chanel is far better than the crap being sold today

[@CalebSnell]

That's a valid point!

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

I buy both preloved and in the boutiques ❤😊

[@CalebSnell]

I love a good mix of both!

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

@@CalebSnell me too!

[@mizzmolly7649]

When a pre-loved bag costs $6000, it most certainly is a luxury.

[@CalebSnell]

Exactly! 💯

[@NellBelle]

My first thought on your question, "Is buying preloved designer bags a luxury or not?" was oh brother what a snob! Really who cares? I would rather buy a luxury bag pre-loved because, I am not playing any games, or begging some company to "allow" (beg some more), me to buy their product. I am from deepest darkest Texas, and I say to "hell with that nonsense".

[@5ftNothing]

I love preloved. Out of all my Chanel bags I only have 1 that I bought in the boutique 🤔 I don't think preloved has any bearing on whether or not it's luxury. If it was considered luxury when it was new then the story doesn't change does it...

[@CalebSnell]

I agree with you 100% on that!

[@virginiafrye4956]

they might be buying them to unbox and then returning them after.

[@CalebSnell]

Oh! Good point!

[@tarreemhacaruso2687]

My Vespas are from the 90s. One came to me in brand new condition. They no longer make them. I was so excited to receive them

[@CalebSnell]

I love my Vespa- such a great bag!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Second hand remains luxury. Because ‘luxury’ is an abstract concept, not simple to define. For me, fashion items, including bags, are like wine. They develop patina over time, not just the physical patina but also the very concept of time adding its own beauty to an object. For me, fashion is dead. It is literally dead for me. LV has reduced itself to the level of H&M. Thank you.

[@CalebSnell]

I like that definition a lot- and you're so right, bags develop and get better over time with patina. And I also agree that luxury fashion is like fast fashion at this point.

[@Restless318]

Not for me as supper Jacob says don,t do it haha we all saw that happen miss Dee Deen bean with her coach get from the store it was heartbreaking

[@noah-j00]

pre loved..?

[@missopinionated0000]

to me PRELOVED, at this point only Hermes bags are WORTH IT ( and even Hermes have oversaturated the preloved market :-( or few other brands with VINTAGE pieces made qualitatively decades ago... the rest of big brands NO, even new NO... there is lot of lack of quality and exclusivity at this point and for sure overproducing/ overprising and OVERHYPING !!! its just not worth the money anymore.. my opinion... i know what iam saying i had 2 fashion boutiques with luxury brands for more than decade :-)

[@CalebSnell]

I agree, I'm not happy with the quality of many new bags. It's such a shame!