Buying a luxury handbag from a reseller can be exciting, especially when you have tracked down a bag on your wish list, or while browsing come across a bag you never even knew about!
However, this excitement should be tempered with caution. It requires carefully reviewing the description, photos, and the reseller's policies to avoid the potential pitfalls of counterfeits, overpricing, or unexpected imperfections.
When buying a luxury bag from a reseller, it's crucial to understand their authentication process and policies, including guarantees and refunds if the bag is later deemed inauthentic. Furthermore, when it comes to buying pre-owned luxury handbags, the options are all over the map. You've got everything from small local shops to huge global platforms, and it can be a bit much to take in.
With so many choices for buying secondhand luxury handbags, I researched the return policies of roughly twenty resellers operating within or shipping to the USA concentrating on returns due to authenticity concerns, with key findings noted below. My informal research revealed a significant problem: most resellers don't explicitly state their return policy for such cases, requiring further inquiry. Even then, their responses often fail to fully address the question.
While it's understandable that resellers wouldn't prominently advertise the possibility of selling inauthentic goods—as this could deter customers—many require buyers to search their websites for information about authenticity and refunds. Based on my review, it's crucial for buyers to contact the reseller directly to confirm the website's information and ask specific questions about their authentication policies.
Range of information provided by resellers
Interestingly, while most resellers state something like "we sell only authentic items" and some even offer "100% authenticity guarantee or your money back" they fail to outline the process for securing a refund if an inauthentic bag is inadvertently sold.
A number of resellers kind of addressed the issue of proving a bag is inauthentic by saying they'd accept proof from a recognized authentication expert. But here's the catch: they didn't say who those experts are! In a few cases I used their chat feature to ask, and even then, only one reseller provided the name of the authentication company they accept.
Lux Lair, in business for about ten years, comes close to providing clear information on their website. Their website states that it will refund the buyer 10+ years from now "if it is ever deemed inauthentic—by the brand or a well-recognized authentication expert (documentation required)—we will take it back and offer a full refund, including any shipping and authentication costs." In this case I did not follow-up with an email asking for a list of the "well-recognized authentication experts." Note: Lux Lair also sells on thredUP. The only information about authentication for the few dozen bags I looked at on thredUP show "this item has been authenticated by Lux Lair" And regarding returns, the bags I looked at show this:"No returns on this item because it is final sale"
Use email and chats to ask questions
In a number of cases I sought help via the chats on websites and my attempts to contact resellers via email yielded inconsistent results. Some responses were thorough and easy to understand, while others were vague regarding approved third-party authentication services. And in two cases I became more confused! Even among those accepting third-party authentication, refund policies differed, with some paying for the third party authenticators while others did not mention they would. Others have not yet responded to my questions.
FASHIONPHILE'S website states:"We guarantee the authenticity of every item we sell or 100% of your money back. Ensuring your trust is most important to us." Using the chat function with a pleasant FASHIONPHILE representative, I learned it accepts the third party authenticator Authenticate First and once the buyer emails the third party certificate, a return label will be generated and process a refund upon the Company receiving the bag. Clear enough!
Couture USA and Bag Borrow or Steal, both in business for over twenty years, provided additional information about their authentication processes via email. Both companies stated they would issue a refund and reimburse authentication fees if a bag is deemed inauthentic by a third-party expert. Importantly, neither company disclosed the names of the specific authenticators they deem acceptable.
Luxe Collective (based in the UK and has 1.7 million TikTok followers) responded to my inquiry about authentication and refunds. They offer a one-year return window for inauthentic items, with (another) authentication performed at their headquarters. They don't mention third-party authenticators. Given their large TikTok following, I assume they'd be willing to work with a buyer who obtains a conflicting third-party authentication.
Luxury Promise with stores in Dubai, London and Singapore and notes on its website "Luxury Promise , the first re-sale platform to introduce live shopping, regarding authenticity shows on their website:"We are confident that you will be happy with your purchase and we offer a full refund on authenticity." I filled out the message form asking for details and will update this post when Luxury Promise provides a response.
Yoogi's Closet, based in Seattle and operating since 2008 on its website clearly states it has a 100 % money back promise and will also refund the original and return shipping costs. What is not as clear though is what is included when it refers to "your local authorized retailer" When explaining its policies on the page:"The Shopping Experience At Yoogi's Closet" It states: "You can shop with confidence at Yoogi's Closet, because every item we sell comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee of Authenticity and is backed with a 30-day return policy. This allows you to inspect the condition of the item in person and even bring it to your local authorized retailer to ensure it's quality and authenticity." I sent an email asking for clarification and this post will be updated when Yoogi's Closet responds.
Bam Luxury, Store, a Spain-based reseller with weekly new bag and accessory drops on Wednesdays, states on their website: "We take great care in ensuring that all bags are 100% authentic. We work with trusted sources, experts, and authenticate every bag thoroughly before listing. " They later confirmed via email they use Entrupy for third-party authentication, which I found reassuring.
Policies differ among well known resellers
Interestingly, my research also revealed that two of the four well-known resellers I contacted left me even more confused after I sought clarification. A third's response, while seemingly helpful, raised concerns about its validity in a genuine authenticity dispute. The fourth reseller echoed the common practice of accepting a verified authenticator's decision but failed to name any specific authenticator.
While The RealReal with about 15 US retail locations (including recent additions in Houston and Miami's Design District), extensively promotes its authentication process, its website doesn't address the possibility of selling inauthentic items.
Even after several email exchanges, customer service only provided a link to an irrelevant page called 'RealStyle.' My question was easy and I was confused I had to restate my simple question a multiple emails. Despite my past positive experiences selling on the platform, I still need more information and if I were to buy a bag from The RealReal, I'd visit their Madison Avenue store to follow-up.
thredUP sells luxury handbags in on its site through a partnership started in November 2023 with Rebag. Other luxury resellers also selling on the thredUP platform include Luxclusif, BrandCo Paris and Lux Lair. Additionally, individuals may consign their luxury bags for sale with the platform.
During my web chat with the thredUP customer service my focus was on Rebag's authentication and the question concerning if I bought a Rebag item on thredUP, and subsequently thought it was not authentic, what was the process for a refund.
The thredUP site clearly states Rebag items sold on their platform are sold and shipped by Rebag. But since the site also showed "No returns on this item because it is final sale" I was concerned and asked questions. For several reasons the chat left me more confused. First, when I asked about the authentication, I was led to believe thredUP also authenticates the Rebag items on the site. And when I asked if it is true both platforms authenticate, I did not get a clear answer. Second, when I asked about returns (the item description states final sale) I was told Rebag accepts U.S. returns for a full refund if the return is requested online through your Rebag account within 7 days.
Like many other resellers, Rebag's website is vague about approved authenticators. Their return policy for inauthentic items simply states: "If you purchase an item and it is proven to be inauthentic by a verified authenticator, Rebag will honor a full refund upon return of the bag." Since there is a Rebag store in New York City, I would pay them a visit to learn more rior to buying.
eBay has an Authenticity Guarantee service where authenticators (eBay's team of professionally trained authenticators) inspect all eligible luxury handbags before shipping to the buyer. The authentication process is presented clearly. For listings priced at $500 or more, which includes about 42 brands on the platform, authentication is included in the price and the buyer cannot choose to bypass the authentication service.
For qualifying handbags priced between $200-$499.99, there as an optional add-on authentication service and the buyer pays the is $40 fee plus taxes.
When an eligible item is purchased, the seller ships the item to the authentication facility. Once verified, the item is shipped to the buyer. There is an information page covering returns for authenticated items. However, I was unable to locate information if the bag could be returned if buyer believes it is not authentic.
I contacted eBay and spoke with a friendly and professional customer representative. I confirmed I was aware of their return policy. However, it was unclear about returns for authenticity issues. He said the authentication team would contact me after I contacted eBay. While this didn't fully alleviate my concerns, I appreciated that there seemed to be a next step.
Niche luxury resellers
There are a few names that quickly come to mind when thinking about luxury handbag resellers focused on just a few brands and two are noted below.
Founded in 2010 , Madison Avenue Couture, based in New York City states on its website "... it is the most trusted dealer in the United States for authentic Hermès and Chanel merchandise in the secondary market". Furthermore, it states: "We have one of the largest online collections of store fresh, new and like-new Hermès handbags in the world, with new merchandise being offered every day."
Similar to a number of resellers above, while it mentions trusted third party authenticators, it does not specify them by name. Their website states: Madison Avenue Couture purchases comes with a full money back guarantee. In the unlikely event that something is found to be unauthentic by any of our trusted third-party authenticators, we will refund 100% of the original price."
1st Dibs, established in 2000 is an online marketplace for a range of luxury items including vintage, antique, home décor, art, fine jewelry, watches and fashion, including luxury handbags. The sellers on 1st Dibs are screened third parties. At one point I recalled individuals were able to complete an application to be considered for selling on the platform. However, the eligible sellers are now limited to professional sellers and galleries.
The platform includes new and pre-loved handbag brands Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton Gucci and a few others.
1st Dibs has the lengthiest section covering authentication of all the resellers reviewed. Yet, it is overwhelming to take it all in at one reading and therefore recommended it be carefully read. A few points are included here: " ... if an item purchased on 1st Dibs is found to be inauthentic, the 1st Dibs Authenticity Guarantee will provide up to $100,000 to reimburse the purchase price and related shipping expenses for the item. To be eligible for payment under the Authenticity Guarantee, a Buyer must:Provide 1st Dibs within one year of the delivery date of the item written opinions from two (2) independent and recognized experts in the field substantiating the claim of inauthenticity. Note that in limited circumstances, 1stDibs may in its sole discretion waive the requirement. The Seller will have the opportunity to provide one or more written opinions from independent and recognized experts in the field to refute the inauthenticity claim. Ultimately, 1st Dibs shall have the sole right to determine the validity of any inauthenticity claim and whether the 1st Dibs Authenticity Guarantee program will reimburse the Buyer..."
Resellers requiring written confirmation from luxury brands the bag is not authentic
What stood out was the policy of some resellers to offer refunds for inauthentic handbags only with written confirmation from the brand—a virtually unattainable requirement.
The buyer would probably be in a bind because it's widely understood that luxury brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior do not provide authentication services or written verification for secondhand bags. While I haven't received direct confirmation from these brands, the consistency of reports in news articles and online discussions suggests this is indeed their policy. This puts the buyer in a difficult position as they need proof of inauthenticity to get a refund, but the very brands that could provide that proof refuse to do so.
Sellier Knightsbridge with locations in London, Liverpool, Monaco and Glasgow, includes the following on their website: "WE GUARANTEE THE AUTHENTICITY OF ANY ITEM BOUGHT WITH SELLIER KNIGHTSBRIDGE. AS SUCH, WE WILL OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR ANY ITEM THAT IS PROVEN NOT TO BE AUTHENTIC." I emailed the Company asking for further information. They replied: "If a buyer believes that an item purchased from us is not authentic, we require official confirmation from the brand itself. This must be provided in the form of a signed letter from the brand confirming that the item in question is not genuine."
My Gemma, the New York City based luxury reseller notes on their website: "If the brand determines in writing that the item is not authentic, we will give you a full refund of the purchase price."
Additional information
Finally, What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), founded in 1993 and now with two locations in New York City and one in Beverly Hills, as well as selling on other platforms, including being a part of the Amazon Luxury Store platform, and sells in certain Dillard's stores, (not available on Dillard's website) according to their website:"is the premier purveyor of the finest luxury vintage accessories and apparel from around the world."
WGACA has been the subject of news coverage since 2018, when Chanel filed a lawsuit against them.WGACA argued Chanel's lawsuit was an attempt to stifle the legitimate resale market for its products. After a lengthy battle, in February 2024 the verdict, delivered by a New York jury, found WGACA liable on all four counts of Chanel's claims, which included trademark infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, and the sale of counterfeit products. As a result, Chanel was awarded $4 million. I have not been able to learn if WGACA paid the $4 million fine to Chanel. Since the verdict, the case has continued with post-verdict motions and discussions about potential injunctive relief5.
The verdict in Chanel's lawsuit against What Goes Around Comes Around has implications for the luxury resale market, with potentially reshaping how resale companies operate. Resellers need to be cautions with their authentication and marketing practices. It is possible claims of "authenticity" could lead to legal challenges. I will be closely following developments in this area of the luxury resale market.
So, is is possible to return a pre-loved luxury bag if you suspect it is not authentic?
The answer is probably yes, though probably not in all cases. The burden is on the buyer, who should carefully read all pertinent information posted on the seller's platform and then follow-up with questions.
I'd assume resellers, except for those knowingly engaging in scamming shoppers would want the buyer to have a positive experience and therefore would be open to refunding bags that third party authenticators determined were not authentic.
Full Disclosure: The content in my blog is based on my personal opinions and experiences. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. All opinions are my own, and I have not received any compensation for writing this post. My research was conducted from January 22, 2025 until February 3, 2025, so it possible the companies mentioned in this post have updated their policies and platform content. All images in this post were generated by Gemini AI Pro.
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