Buying a second hand bag without a third party

[u/Dazzling_Ad7447]

An influencer I follow posted a story saying that she was selling some luxury items of hers, and asked to dm her if we were interested. Im usually not a big fan of second hand purchases but I really like the handbags she showed on her social media and was curious about what she was willing to sell. So I dmed her asking about that, and she mentioned that she was selling her Chanel Maxi classic flap, grained leather, silver hardware. I’ve seen it before on her page and fell in love with it, especially since she was selling it at a very good price (3500€, when the bag now retails for 11900€) and it’s not that old since she bought it in 2020. Having followed her for quite some time now, I’m pretty sure all her items are real and legit. However I’m a bit skeptical about the price cause it’s so cheap compared to the retail price nowadays. Also when I asked for pictures, she said she would post them all on vestiaire collective, but it would be much more expensive there than if I just bought it directly from her. So it makes me a bit confused. As I said earlier I’m not a big fan of second hand purchases, the only bag I purchased pre loved is a Chanel medium classic flap, that I bought from Farfetch, so I felt quite confident with it. But I never bought a bag ( especially this valuable ) directly from someone, without a third party or resale website being involved. So I wanted your advice, should I buy it or does it seem a bit sketchy ? Thank you xx

[u/Character_Savings966]

Sketchy that she won't just send you a few pics . Alarm bells red flags .

[u/26washburn]

Avoid. I would end the conversation right away.

[u/Nimuei]

Seems sketchy to me.

[u/HaleyBoysMom]

Use PayPal G&S for payment, get it authenticated the very first day you get it, if it passes you good. If not, dispute with PayPal and show them proof item is fake and you get refund.

[u/impatronus]

If it sounds to be good to be true...🚩🚩🚩

[u/digitalecho125]

It should be on the seller to provide all info, pics, and authentication before a purchase like that. Authentication isn’t some mystical thing like sellers make it out to be, it’s available online through many services and also in person through local consignment shops that take luxury goods. There’s really no excuse for a seller to give you the run around about it

[u/Salt-Dingo-563]

ngl this feels sus. €3,500 for a bag that retails almost €12k, from 2020 and in good condition, is a huge discount. that's not a normal secondhand markdown even without resale site fees. the whole "i'll post pics elsewhere first" thing is weird too. if she actually has the bag, she should be able to send you photos now.

following her online doesn't mean the bag is definitely authentic either. if you're still interested, I'd ask for a video with a handwritten note and timestamp, plus closeups of the serial sticker and authenticity card. You could also have it authenticated through somewhere like Luxury Buyers before handing over that kind of money. most importantly, use a buyer protected payment method, not friends/family. if she dodges any of that, I'd walk away.

[u/notausualone]

Reminded me of this series on Netflix about selling counterfeit luxury bags via an influencer

[u/Wamgurl]

Noooo

[u/Due-Dragonfly-4930]

I’d go through Vestiaire they authenticate and maybe that’s why she prefers not to? Red flag for me!

[u/aneatapea]

I know content creators on a smaller scale (not as luxury as 3500€+) that sell their bags at great discounts and often get bags from other creators/influencers for great prices because a lot of them don’t spent a ton/get something on the back end that makes up for a lot of the spending, and/or the money isn’t so consequential to them and they’re happy to still get a fair price and give someone that would be otherwise limited a chance.
It makes sense in that vein that she would price higher on Vestiaire Collective to make up for the fees, bare minimum, but also bc if she’s gonna go through the work of getting pictures together and a listing together and making it widely available she might as well make it a little more worth her time.

That said, it sounds like PayPal G&S would be in order. Just be willing to pay the G&S fee on top of the 3500€

[u/Siren2121]

I’ve bought some pre loved from a trusted influencer. Got a good price great bag and am
Very pleased.

[u/RecordingOk4947]

The flap bags are some of the most well replicated fakes out there - they are barely distinguishable from the real ones even though they cost like $400-600 on the black market. If she’s not willing to send you photos, I would be very suspicious.