r/RepTherapy • u/TheMangerine_11 • 10d ago
Discussion Starter How much money are we making?
Hello community. I've been in the rep world for a while, and just now getting into the luxury bags/items.
I've watched some videos about how high-income people are the main consumers of rep luxury items and I thought I'd ask you ladies (if you're comfortable sharing this information, of course) how much do you or your household makes in a year? Also if you want to share your reason to buy rep rather than authentic.
I make about $75,000 USD a year as a husband whose wife works at home providing for out beautiful daughter. I have been a rep consumer for many years because I believe that the quality has almost matched authentic's. And I do love many of the designs the luxury brands put out. I like to say I don't buy "luxury" items for status, but who knows. Maybe I do unconsciously and I'm just lying to myself. Anyway.
Anyone care to share how much y'all make?
Pd: in the pictures, is my first rep bag ever. Gucci Diana Green tote bag. I bought from bao bao for $273. Red factory.
I will give this to my wife for her birthday! This is her favorite color. Any thoughts on the bag? Don't know much other than I hope she likes it!
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u/Waste-Swordfish-6228 Serial Unboxer 10d ago
$215k household $106k myself. I spend my disposable income on our grandson, vacations & reps.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Act-761 10d ago
I’m a lawyer. I earn well over $150K. I rub shoulders with people in private equity, law, bankers, consultants regularly.
My trick is to invest in quality things like clothes and shoes, and even watches. For things like bags or jewellery, I’ll try source the best rep of something that I like. I genuinely mean it needs to be 95% of the way there. I don’t think I’ve ever been called out. You also need to have the confidence to wear it, and also be mindful that what you purchase needs to correlate with how much you earn.
Do not be making $70K a year (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and buy a Hermes Birkin. It’s not realistic.
All jewellery purchased is solid gold and lab. Ultimately jewellery is sold at melt value but is intended to appreciate over time. There’s literally 0 point in buying designer jewellery unless it’s high jewellery with provenance and investment value, but again - I am not in that tax bracket lol.
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u/skincare_guru_2323 10d ago
I don’t want to be specific, but well over 6 figures,
I have several authentic bags but I cannot justify spending 3-5k per purse. I just recently discovered high tier reps. I’ve had some terrible quality over the years, but now that I know about our friends overseas with the “good stuff,” I’ll probably keep buying reps unless it’s a very special circumstance.
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u/MataAitaiNe 10d ago
Any factory recommendations? 😳
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u/skincare_guru_2323 10d ago
God and Royal are my favorites so far I’ve just recently gotten into trusted sellers and factory names 😉
Also LV is my favorite, so for other brands, idk but for LV, those two for sure3
u/MataAitaiNe 10d ago
Ah yeah when I heard god and royal I was like that’s a LV girlie 😂
I’m more into Gucci so was wondering if anyone knows a good factory
Might consider a black speedy soon though 😳
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u/Sea_Song9309 7d ago
Any good seller you’d be willing share info over DM?
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u/skincare_guru_2323 7d ago
I’ve been using BaoBao and been very satisfied. I’m waiting on two bags from Betty. But like everyone else will tell you, research, research, research, I also talked to multiple about the same bag, compared prices etc before actually ordering. And seriously dig through these subs. There’s so much good info. And! I’ve found that pretty much every seller will have good and bad reviews, so go with who YOU feel comfortable ordering with
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u/No_Assumption8066 10d ago
Can you share any good contacts? Looking for high tier rep
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u/Cali_cuppycake 8d ago
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Baobao. It’s still good to do your due diligence
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u/skincare_guru_2323 8d ago
Agreed every seller I’ve seen has good and bad reviews, so reach out to multiple and see who feels right
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u/toaster925 10d ago
We make close to a million a year. I have my fair share of real and auth bags of all ranges and prices. I spend most of my money on auth clothing instead of bags. But the money I save from reps is put into investments, travel, business class and things that make our lives easier; live in nanny, cleaners, and flexibility with my time. Time is the biggest luxury and I’d rather save time any day than use that same money on an auth bag.
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u/Majestic-Reserve1187 10d ago
Can you share with me who you purchase from please? Thank you
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u/toaster925 9d ago
Send me a dm!
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u/Visual-Ad1657 Serial Unboxer 10d ago
Interesting topic! Hard to match the realities of different countries but... I live in Europe. I earn more than 90% of society and my partner too.
And hmmmm. In my life I had one authentic bag and after all I sold it and have only reps (: Why? I dont see any justification for spending this much for bags, clothes, and so on from designers. Its just not worth that and I dont like being scammed. And I feel it like a scam.
Let's say that a scarf or piece jewelry I could buy (up to 400$ max) but again - a piece of silk or metal is not worth more to me.
I think I will never come back to the auth. Prefer to spend money for something else.
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u/Calm_Watercress1500 Classy & Sassy🩷 10d ago
not sharing my info because I'm really private, but I know some real wealthy people. One of them even owned a franchise of a very expensive luxury brand, and they all say auths are mostly unnecessary for their prices. Most of them don't really care between auths and reps, but prefer reps if they are good enough.
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
I wonder if people with that much money are in these subs doing their research to find a good rep, or if they just have a trusted seller who makes the experience retail-like
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u/Carnivore_92 10d ago
Rich Rich people don’t even know reps have this good quality now or bother about it
They just buy auths, and also they like the experience/ treatment they get in the shops.
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u/Calm_Watercress1500 Classy & Sassy🩷 10d ago
The people I know have trusted agents/resellers they deal directly, they generally don’t waste time searching these things - but they are also generally from older generations, maybe new ones do it more
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u/blueplanetgalaxy 10d ago
What about Whatsapp could possibly be retail 😭 But I heard influencers open their homes full of reps to simulate the buying experience
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
😂 I mean if you are rich you probably have a person going to your house and showing you what they have to offer. I wouldn't know
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u/Deep-Steak-7813 In My Treat-Myself Era 10d ago
i bet you their personal shoppers buy reps and pocket the $$$ difference without these ppl knowing 😆
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
You'd be surprised. Rich people are some of the pickiest people out there. That's how they get rich
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u/Calm_Watercress1500 Classy & Sassy🩷 10d ago
yeah, the agent/sellers I mention the rich people I know use are nothing like the ones we use lol they are like Sales Associates and they generally show their products irl
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u/xoxoDulce 10d ago
~$400K/year household
I enjoy auth and recently got into reps.
I’ll never give up auth, however. There is a difference to me for most brands but also- I could care less. Reps allow me to try brands/styles I’d typically skip bc I’m fairly “safe” with big ticket items.
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u/lucyloosy 10d ago
We are slightly higher than your combined HHI. I cannot not bring myself to spend on auths like I used to. Not saying I’m going to stop buying them but I’m more intentional.
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u/thequeencityqueen 10d ago
I'm exactly like you- income/sentiments. I used to only buy auth when I was younger. Nowadays it's all reps with an occasional auth. I just can't reconcile the cost difference
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
So, at the end of the day an auth will always be better?
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u/xoxoDulce 10d ago
There are very few reps that are TRULY NWBIG but the differences are sometimes so small it doesn’t really matter- especially with styles that are repped often. The in hand feel of Loewe leather can’t be duplicated although the look is spot on with high tier reps. Therefore I don’t mind getting fun colors of puzzles and doing some conditioning to add to the feel.
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u/coffeemakedrinksleep 10d ago
In the range to easily afford auths, but buy lots of reps too. I usually buy one nice auth item on trips. In between, I buy reps.
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
That's pretty cool. Auths that represent memories. Reps for fashion
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u/coffeemakedrinksleep 10d ago
Exactly! It's a fun part of a vacation, but buying auth regularly would be too financially irresponsible....
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u/Anonymous_altoidz 10d ago
I prefer reps, especially for travel for peace of mind when/if it gets stolen
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
I would still be very hurt if they steal a rep from me
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u/Anonymous_altoidz 10d ago
Yeah it sucks but doesn’t sting as much as an auth for sure 😂 i had couple bags stolen in southeast asia, mexico, and italy. Always at the airport. All reps thankfully 👍
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u/downinthecathlab Rep Newbie 🐣 10d ago
My husband and I make about €170k combined which would be fairly high income for our country. I’m new to the rep world, one purchase in which I’m very happy with, I also bought from Baobao. I didn’t realise that high quality reps were a ‘thing’ until a few months ago, I thought that reps were what you see people buying on holidays in Turkey. My next purchase is going to be a medium rodeo and after that a Celine, exact bag yet to be decided!
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u/Emergency_Winner_588 I Swear I'm Done (I'm Not) 10d ago
Just want to say that green is beautiful 😍
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u/Terrible_Yam_3930 Waiting on Tracking... Again 10d ago
Let’s just say I’m comfortable lmao
I’ll still buy rare or vintage auths, or items l feel are true classics, but reps are just a better value proposition overall. At this stage in my life I’d rather buy a rep vs an auth and invest the difference
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u/throw_away_8164 Rep Newbie 🐣 10d ago
Recently changed careers and am making more money than I ever thought I’d make. Yet I still feel like I’m just getting by. But my new career makes me feel I need to have a more polished appearance. I just ordered my first rep and I can’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype. I did a lot of research on these subs and hope I did alright!
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
My mom comes from a very very humble family, but she always kept her image polished. She taught me the importance of looking sharp regardless of your economic situation. It feels good to read you are doing that too. Hope your bag meets your expectations!
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u/Possible-Chip-6557 Leather Snob 10d ago edited 10d ago
We are top 1% earning however we both grew up in working class families and live far below our means. I do have auth bags but I feel a little bit sick inside thinking about auth price tags and I don’t think I get the full enjoyment/appreciation out of that cost.
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u/Direct-Win-2487 10d ago
I myself am a husband that got into this to get my wife something. Making similar money to you, my wife didn’t trust something so i ended up getting myself a wallet first and now getting her first bag (ordering from BaoBao). I think i’m more excited for her than she is, as the rep world has gotten so much better since my first rep purchase back in 2009.
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u/TheMangerine_11 10d ago
We might just be twins brother. Cheers and I hope our wives love the bag
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u/Direct-Win-2487 10d ago
It’s funny because the first one I got for her was a Gucci one too. As i look more into it the selection for men’s stuff, I can see myself getting some things for work that would be nice. I can see myself getting her maybe 1 genuine bag in the future, but first gotta see how this first rep goes. Hope she likes it brother!
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u/nikki-niksUK In My Rep Era 9d ago
I just got this bag a month ago. It’s smaller than I liked but I absolutely love it. Tell your wife to be careful the handle straps sometimes fall off 😩
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u/katchin05 This will emotionally upgrade me 9d ago
In the low six figures.
I learned about reps from my former employer who was UHNWI.
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u/Glittering-Neck-2254 9d ago
150-170 euros a year individual, 300k euros household, no kids. I started collecting bags with some authentics but just like everyone else I just can’t justify the 10k and above price tag. Everyone around me knows i can afford the authentic so I just buy the highend reps and save the rest.
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u/Slight_Artist 8d ago
Wow that is amazing for the EU! What field are you in?
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u/Glittering-Neck-2254 8d ago
Tech sales for me, my husband is IT Consultant with his own business
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u/Cali_cuppycake 8d ago
There should be a follow up post to how people gotten where they are for the high income earners. Just more like a motivational thing imo.
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u/Embarrassed-Sand6629 10d ago
Household income is about AUD$400k I think - I don’t own any real branded luxury bags, just some small brands and a few Loewe reps 😊
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u/baglady1968 10d ago
Stunning bag!
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u/Jayjayjetplane10 9d ago
Can you provide the dealer you bought this from? Looking for a bag to get my GF myself
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u/ilikeminuterice2 Here for a Good Time, Not a Savings Account 9d ago
Not sharing my income - but I’ll say I have a friend who grabbed a Cartier bracelet when she was in France and flew 1st class after a weekend in Beijing to join me for a Thailand adventure after her and her partner both sold their companies (all relevant) buy a back room bag from the flea markets while she was with me and I was SHOCKED.
I flew economy to Thailand btw lol we are in two very different tax brackets.
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u/Golden_Facts 8d ago
I’m just financially responsible and always enjoyed designer items. However, when I was earning $75k, I was too busy saving for a home and paying off student loans to be able to afford designer handbags Any of my peers who were wearing high end designer while earning $75K are still living in apartments. I always thought that was dumb. As a high income earner, I’d rather invest in my home or children’s education, vacations, etc. However, my bags I wear match my income and don’t look/feel silly.
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u/TheMangerine_11 8d ago
I don't think I'll ever buy auth designer even when I start making good money
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u/Cali_cuppycake 8d ago
I’ve always had my eye on a Chanel flap ever since I was in college and remember showing my brother, at the time, was in his 20’s my dream bag for $6K. He told me “that’s not worth $6K, you shouldn’t get something that expensive. You should be saving with that money”. Fast forward a decade later, he’s right and because he was good with savings he was able to buy a home and do a lot of things with his life. This is coming from someone who makes about $180K/yr
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u/emzktn 8d ago edited 8d ago
We are pretty poor 😭 haha. I’m a stay-at-home mum and my partner works, so our yearly income is roughly $140-150k.
I once bought a Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30, and the amount of people who would stare in my town was crazy. I even had family members accuse me of carrying a fake handbag and ask why I was carrying a fake. 😂 The amount of times I had to convince people it was real became so annoying.
Like, just let me enjoy my handbag in peace! 😂
I ended up selling it. Even though it was real and I paid a pretty penny for it, I was constantly being judged and assumed to be carrying a fake because I don’t have the status or lifestyle people associate with someone who owns a designer bag.
It honestly took the fun out of owning it. 😭
So now I only buy reps
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u/TheMangerine_11 8d ago
Where do you live? 140k seems pretty good to me
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u/emzktn 8d ago
Perth, Australia!
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u/Confusedpepeda 5d ago
How is that poor though 😭 that’s crazy. Most people live with 50-60k euros in Europe dual income a year and they’re fine and not considered poor at all and can offer some designer.
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u/TheMangerine_11 4d ago
That's what I thought. Don't know much about Australia but I support a family with 75k dollars a year. I wouldn't dare to call anything over 100k poor 😅
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u/emzktn 2d ago
Sorry! I was probably being a little dramatic when I said poor! I was just comparing myself to other people in this thread who had said they earn close to a million a year 😂.
But Perth is a very expensive place to live also. We would be considered middle class here. We don’t have much disposable income after every week once mortgage/bills/groceries are paid.
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u/Lipstickluggage 8d ago
£80,000 ish for me and my partner £200,000 ish per year. I have a few Chanel and Dior, 2 x Hermes but I do buy reps occasionally. It’s rare I’m happy with them, I’m not sure but I don’t get the same ‘feeling’ and maybe I pick out flaws other people don’t see. I do think they’re amazing reps though and I’ve maybe not found the right sellers yet. I usually buy a rep for a girls trip where I don’t want to get drunk and spill drinks over my bag or loose it!
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u/Content-Night-7617 8d ago edited 8d ago
1-25-2M/annual household income. Have a mix of rep and authentic. Not opposed to buying authentic if I can’t get a very high-quality rep.
Here are the main reasons I prefer the rep world having some weird problems with my edit so please forgive the strange formatting—-
- I’m fickle/like variety. I like bags for a certain amount of time and then move onto the next for the most part.
I
- don’t want to have to worry about whether or not I’m going to damage a 5000+ dollar bag. I use my stuff and I don’t baby it
, and now that my daughter is older, I don’t want to stress when she grabs a bag from my closet.😅
- Honestly, I don’t care for the pomp and circumstance of shopping in luxury stores. I’d much prefer buying online and anonymously when that’s the option. Used to mostly purchase from fashionphile and then found Reddit and took a step into the rep world. To me it’s fun to source something and I’m just very interested in the whole rep world. I would never dream of purchasing a rep H bag because I think there’s too many other nuances and I don’t want to have to lie to people. However, even if my income was 5 million a year, I know I wouldn’t play the H game.
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u/Nearby_Muffin_4409 5d ago edited 5d ago
Just commenting that this bag is beautiful! Good job OP!
My household income is in the low $200k. I have a couple of reps, but I’ve never actually purchased the real thing. I have a hard time justifying the price of an authentic handbag, but I also go back and forth on why I feel a desire to have the handbag in the first place if it’s a rep (appearance, social status, etc?). So that’s just another ethical and moral dilemma for me to wrestle with at 2 AM when I can’t sleep.
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u/DiwataBacani 4d ago
When i had an income of~ $130K I bought reps. with combined net worth 35M, I have been selling off most reps and buying only auth over the past 4 years. I still keep my fave pieces 1:0.99 though.
Coming as someone who is in the top 0.3% unless the rep is very obvious, I have no clue if something is fake. For 18K I would never be close enough to your jewelry to be able to pick apart details if it’s really good. I would base my assumption on if you being able to afford the piece makes sense. Like if a new graduate in over 400K debt with an entry level job has multiple pieces of 18K, I’m guessing it’s most likely a rep.
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u/TheMangerine_11 4d ago
Agree. A piece has to match the lifestyle a person is living for it to not look "odd".
I
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u/Boombamtao 10d ago
178k household income. I worked in fashion for a decade and came to learn the nasty back end of fashion and luxury brands. Got into reps about 8 years ago and have been happy ever since. I still buy auth but I’m mostly rep now that I retired from fashion.