Looking To Sell Designer Bags in Canada? Here's A Comprehensive Guide
Selling designer bags can be very rewarding, it can help you declutter your closet, make some extra cash, or even act as a fund to purchase other items you may have on your wish list. More importantly, it contributes to sustainable fashion.
If you are unsure what sustainable fashion is, it’s more of a mindset and lifestyle to make more conscious purchasing decisions that keep the planet and personal consumption in mind. Sustainable fashion enthusiasts are often against fast fashion that overuses natural resources such as water and energy and discourage constant buying of poorly crafted clothing.
In many countries like Canada and the United States, the market for pre-owned luxury handbags (gently used luxury handbags) is thriving! This guide will walk you through where to sell designer bags in Canada and provide tips for selling. This will ensure you get the most out of your experience.
Understanding the Market for Pre-Owned Designer Bags
Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the market dynamics for pre-owned designer bags. The demand for preowned luxury items remains high- especially when it comes to some limited edition or rare/discontinued bags.
Many would attribute this trend to a growing acceptance towards sustainable fashion (circular fashion) and a greater understanding of garment materials and how they can be damaging to the environment. Moreover, many people have a desire for high-quality, timeless pieces at more affordable prices.
Brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès consistently hold their value, making them prime candidates for resale.
It is important to note, not every single handbag or item from these brands maintain close to retail value amounts. However, these brands are generally considered to be the staples.
Speaking from a personal point of view, I have always been the type of person who likes to repurpose and recycle things. It could be something so simple as leftovers from a previous meal that I would take and turn into something else. Or even old clothing that I no longer loved.
I have personally done upcycling projects in the past where I have taken old clothing and turned them into a headband.
This passion project grew even more when I found out just how much textile waste was being produced by Canadians. A recent study conducted by Waterloo University found that Canadians dump about 1 billion pounds of textile waste very year. Of course this number gets even bigger when you factor in the global amount of textile waste.
Textile waste includes things like clothing, shoes, furniture, handbags etc. If you want to learn more about our textile waste stats, see the Western University study here
Preparing Your Designer Bag for Sale
Authentication:
Authenticity is arguably one of the most important factors. You definitely want to make sure anything you are looking to sell checks out well. You can often prove this to a potential buyer by showing a certificate of authenticity or the original purchase receipt if you are the original owner of the piece.
Ensuring your bag is authentic makes the sales transaction easy and allows your buyer to shop with confidence that they’re getting the real thing! We know there is a large body of people who like to purchase replicas, but that obviously isn’t going to hold up well with a true collector of authentic goods.
Many buyers are wary of counterfeits, and having proof of authenticity (receipts, authenticity cards, or original packaging) can significantly increase your bag's value when reselling (whether through a private sale or through a larger store).
I have all the pieces in my luxury boutique professionally authenticated before I place them in my online boutique. The professional authenticators then produce a certificate of authenticity which is then included with each purchase from my shop.
As an example: here is a certificate of authenticity for a Louis Vuitton Chantilly bag from my shop.
You can easily scan the qr code or search the order number on the authenticators website to confirm this was actually authenticated by them.
Condition Assessment:
Honestly assess the condition of your bag. Consider factors such as wear and tear, stains, scratches, and overall appearance. Of particular note is the corners of a bag.
In my opinion, this is one of the most common places that starts to show wear. This wear is normal though and typically due to setting the bag down when not in use. The second place that often shows wear is handles due to always being held in our hands (especially with the natural oils our hands produce).
The being said, bags that are in next to new or excellent condition with inclusions such as their dust bag, original authentication cards, and dust bags will command a higher price. Especially if it is a rare or discontinued piece.
Professional Cleaning:
Overall, a clean bag is more appealing. Consider having your bag professionally cleaned by a bag spa, leather specialist, or cobbler to remove any dirt, stains, or odours.
High-Quality Photos:
Take clear, high-resolution photos from multiple angles. This allows for a potential buyer to see any flaws without any surprises. This also brings a level of trust. Highlight any unique features or flaws to provide potential buyers with a transparent view of what they are purchasing. Trust me, they will appreciate it more than ever!
Best Platforms to Sell Designer Bags in Canada
1. Consign Your Item
a. Consign With Us!
If you are within Canada and interested in consigning an item with us, please reach out to us >>HERE<<
Consignment boutiques are a very popular place for preowned luxury handbags, fashion and accessories. Some of them are larger and have a more in depth process in order to sell preowned designer handbags.
They often include filling out a contract and agreeing to have your item go on sale.
Terms will vary depending on how each shop runs their business. However, selling your preowned luxury handbags in this manner can provide you some more flexibility depending on the terms of the boutique you choose to partner with.
Most consignment shops get a commission from the sale of your item. The most common commission range is between 20-50%. This is for the marketing and management of the sale between the shop and the buyer. It also covers fees they may incur for authentication, website and payment processing fees etc.
I also source and sell gently used luxury handbags in Canada.
I ship to Canada and United States. Follow me on facebook, tik tok, or instagram to stay in the know of new drops!
You can check out our curated collection by clicking <<HERE<<
If you do not find what you are looking for, we would be happy to help you find your dream designer bag through our luxury personal shopper experience. Click <<HERE<< to experience your luxury personal shopper experience today!
b. Sell For Cash
At consignment shops, some will offer a cash buy out for items that you may want to sell. This is a great way to sell your item quickly.
However, depending on condition and what accessories (if any) you have, it may or may not be getting you the most money for your item. The focus in these agreements are getting you the cash quickly.
So if you don't necessarily care how much you are getting back, this may be the option for you.
2. Online Marketplaces
a. Ebay
Ebay remains a go-to platform for selling a variety of items, including designer bags. It's user-friendly, and you can set your prices. Ensure you provide detailed descriptions and authenticate your items to build buyer confidence.
b. Poshmark Canada
Poshmark is a social commerce marketplace where users can buy and sell new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories. It's particularly popular for fashion items, and Poshmark Canada offers a dedicated platform for Canadian sellers. However, take note that they take 20% commission from any sale over $20. So factor this into your costs if you choose to sell through Poshmark.
3. Social Media Platforms
a. Instagram
Instagram can be a powerful tool for selling your preowned designer bags or accessories. Create a dedicated account to sell your items. If you have a following of family and friends, ask them to repost your posts to help you reach more people.
Ensure your photos are clear and well lit- take pictures of any flaws and adequately describe them. This way any potential buyers know exactly what they are getting. It would also be a good idea to have a professional certification done on the item to display if you do not have the original purchase receipt. This will increase buyer confidence that they are purchasing an authentic item.
b. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another convenient way to sell locally. Simply taking well lit pictures and posting to market place can allow you expose your item to many potential buyers- especially in your area. This reduces shipping costs and potential complications. However, for this tool, we would also highly suggest having a certificate of authenticity available so buyers know they are getting a gently used luxury handbag that is authentic.
The only drawbacks we can think of utilizing this option is managing the many messages you may receive. As well, it could pose safety risks if you are opting to meet up with people who are interested.
We would highly recommend meeting in a public setting and bringing someone with you if you are thinking to meet with any potential buyers. Also, consider accepting payment through transfer or PayPal. This way the money has some sort of verification before being transferred to you for the sale of your gently used luxury handbag.
Tips for a Successful Sale
1. Research Pricing
Look at similar listings of the same preowned luxury handbag you are trying to sell. Take note of the price they are listed for. When doing this, try to compare with bags that are in the same condition. As expected, condition is directly related to cost. A better condition bag will command a higher price.
Whereas if a bag has severe damages, you will have to lower the cost.
A few other things to consider are the brand and rarity. Some brands tend to “mostly” resell well like Louis Vuitton. Whereas some other brand do not so you may only be able to recoup a smaller portion of what you paid. This is another reason why shopping preowned luxury is good because you don’t have to pay boutique pricing to purchase.
That said if you choose to resell, there is a lot less of a cost difference.
When it comes to rainy of items, this is also directly related to the cost. Often times, bags that are limited edition, discontinued or rare (because the brand only made a limited amount) will also command a higher price.
For example, LouisVuitton has discontinued many pieces. Some of them have even been well loved items. As such, the only way to get these items would be on the preloved market. However, then will increased demand and little supply, this will drive up the pricing of said items.
2. Write Detailed Descriptions
Provide comprehensive descriptions, including the brand, model, size, colour, condition, and any unique features. Mention if the bag comes with its original packaging, authenticity cards, or receipts.
3. Be Responsive
Promptly respond to inquiries from potential buyers. The faster you reply and give potential buyers the answers they are looking for, the better the customer experience. Providing excellent customer service can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
4. Negotiate Wisely
Be open to negotiations, but know your bottom line. Sometimes, accepting a slightly lower offer can be better than waiting for a higher one that may never come.
Shipping and Payment Considerations
1. Secure Packaging
Package your bag securely to prevent damage during shipping. Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box. We also highly recommend adding insurance. This way if anything happen to the items in transit, you can be reimbursed for your item.
2. Reliable Shipping Services
Choose a reliable shipping service with tracking and insurance options. Canada Post, FedEx, and UPS are reputable options for domestic and international shipping.
3. Payment Methods
Use secure payment methods such as PayPal, e-transfer, or platforms that offer escrow services to protect both parties. Avoid accepting personal checks or money orders due to the risk of fraud.
Conclusion
Selling your preowned designer bag in Canada can be a profitable experience that contributes to sustainability efforts. If you follow the right steps and choose the best platforms. Whether you opt for consignment stores, online marketplaces like poshmark, or social media, presenting your bag in the best possible light and being responsive to buyers are key to a successful sale. By understanding the market, preparing your bag, and selecting the appropriate selling channel, you can maximize your returns and ensure a smooth transaction.
That money can then be used to repurchase a different bag you are after or saved. If you are looking to purchase a bag that doesn’t come with a certificate of authenticity it can be a bit tricky to confirm.
However, I do have a guide with 5 ESSENTIAL tips to help you decide if a bag is authentic. You can get this guide by clicking >>>HERE<<<.
Happy Selling!
