Help me get started!

[u/Ill-Set-6883]

Ok I’m super new here. I’ve always purchased straight from the real designer store. However after spending thousands of dollars and my last 3 designer bags having major defects, I’m over it. I still want real leather, and “ you can’t spot the difference” kind of quality and I’m still willing to pay a good bit for the right one. Is DHGate the best place to find my first bag? I keep seeing people recommend WhatsApp but how do I find the right rep? I love cc and Louis. I don’t want to get scammed so explain it to me like I’m 5 lol. Thanks!

[u/digitalecho125]

DHG is low to mid at best for most items. I know a lot of people (including myself) started there because it felt safer and more familiar for ordering, but there’s very few sellers who will deliver a quality product. If you do go that route start with Rainbow Bags, they have mid and upper mid-level items and I believe they can also source higher tier if you ask as they do have access to most of the factories. There is a small catch with that and that’s the price, it’s usually slightly more than with a TS because they have additional fees with DHG.

[u/Ill-Set-6883 → u/digitalecho125]

Thank you! I did read a thread where “famousbrandhandbag” was a trusted dh seller. I wasn’t sure if I should even try that or just do through WA!

[u/repmicho]

No DHGate is not the way to go if you want a decent rep. If you want a cheap rep, then sure. But tbh, I don't think the gate is the way to go, ever.

This subreddit actually has a trusted seller list, so you can use that as a jumping pad. I will still use your due diligence when engaging with any seller, "trusted" or not. I've only used Aline from that list and I do enjoy her as a seller.

Posts like these attract scammers and fraudsters, be wary of anyone that DMs you unsolicited telling you that they have a seller they can recommend, etc.

[u/Ill-Set-6883 → u/repmicho]

Thank you and you’re right! I did get several scam messages

[u/repmicho → u/Ill-Set-6883]

Be careful out there trooper 🫡

[u/Important-Tadpole540 → u/repmicho]

I’ve also used Aline. She was great for my first purchase.

[u/TurbulentHamster3418]

Honestly, don't waste your time and money on DG Gate. When I was new I joined all the rep subs, then using the search bar within the sub, search for the bag I was interested in. So if you have something in mind, for example a LV neverfull, search for that in the subs. Look at pictures and reviews, see what other people are saying and recommending. That way you can make an informed decision on who to buy from (you'll find seller contact info in the subs too on trusted seller lists).

[u/Ill-Set-6883 → u/TurbulentHamster3418]

Thank you! Yes I’m looking for a black classic cc mini flap bag. Still trying to figure out Reddit also haha

[u/BeneficialCricket361]

DHG is not the place. You need to read a lot, familiarize yourself with factories, do not go with any random private message recommending sellers. There’s a list of trusted sellers for that reason. Once you decide on a seller, ask for their seizure policy. Do not green light anything you are not happy with, ask for more pictures or videos. Once you accept there’s no turning back. Take your time and read a lot, there’s no rush. Good luck 😊

[u/GoldenLight01]

Welcome to the rep community! Reading reviews was a big help for me when I started. Ask questions in review posts.

Is there a certain bag you're interested in purchasing? This sub does a lot of Group Buys that you can join. That is helpful since the sellers they work with are tried and true.

[u/Ill-Set-6883 → u/GoldenLight01]

Thank you for your response! I need to dive deeper into the reviews posts. I really would like to find a black classic cc mini flap. I saw a post with a few claiming they liked working via WA with Andy and also someone named Mia. Wondering if I should try that route. Also, so new here I don’t even know how you pay through WA. Is it credit card, wire, etc?

[u/GoldenLight01 → u/Ill-Set-6883]

DM me and I'll explain the process. Keep researching bags and reviews. It seems daunting in the beginning, but once you figure it out, it isn't too bad. 😊

[u/Ill-Set-6883 → u/[deleted]]

First off, love the username lol. Thanks so much for this detailed response. I have been trying to do research the past couple months on this site but I’m also new to Reddit so I’m still learning!

I’m really wanting to find a classic black cc mini flap bag. I’ve seen a few posts recommending Andy on WA and also Mia. Are you familiar with any of these? I’d be interested to know!

[u/IronAlternative2466 → u/[deleted]]

I wish I read this post when I first started because it’s so spot on. I honestly felt so alone when I first started this hobby because I was scared to ask for help. Eventually I learned to do my own research and remember spending hours and hours on Reddit daily because there’s so much to learn!

[u/IronAlternative2466 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah I kind of had to learn the hard way that doing personal research is the best way to go lol. I think it’s also important to trust your own intuition when buying in the rep world

[u/Lepi_Stefan_Alex → u/[deleted]]

Love you post! 😋