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Handbags aren’t just a simple accessory to hold your phone. They’re an entire fashion statement and an absolute necessity. You can’t catch me without a pretty bag wherever I go, and I know many of you are the same!
Because of the huge and constant demand for handbags, selling them is one of the best online business ideas you can pursue. Take a look at FashioNica, who now makes a whopping $55,000 a week selling vintage designer purses!
Plus, with more people looking for unique designer and vintage handbags, you’ll be able to make a ton of money in the long run.
Sure, online business ideas like flipping handbags sound awesome at first. But I know you’re probably wondering about all the little details, from where to source your bags down to the pricing!
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide on how you can start flipping handbags successfully.
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1. Understanding the Handbag Resale Market
Before anything else, let’s take a closer look at how profitable the luxury handbag resale market is.
Handbags, especially designer and vintage pieces, hold their value very well. Many of them have prices that appreciated throughout the years, like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. That’s all thanks to their timeless appeal and luxurious branding, which has made these bags popular in resale markets.
Besides the brand name, vintage and luxury designer bags are timeless pieces that look amazing in just about any outfit! That’s why if you start to flip vintage luxury handbags, you’ll never run out of buyers.
Heck, you’ve probably seen people virtually bidding and purchasing gorgeous handbags on platforms like The Real Real, FASHIONPHILE, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and more! In addition to buying from these platforms, you can even start selling from there as well. A lot of people make money on Poshmark and other online stores, as well as local markets.
2. Researching Profitable Handbags
We all know that profitable handbag brands come from luxury names like Louis Vuitton and Hermes. But it’s also worth branching out and flipping different handbags to suit every style and budget. On the top of my head, some of the best brands for resale include Gucci, Coach, Michael Kors, and more!
Research is key to knowing what’s currently popular and worth selling. For starters, search for best-seller handbags on platforms like Poshmark or The Real Real, so you have a great idea of what’s hot!
You can also take advantage of TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for market research! Follow fashion influencers and high-end brands, so you can see new releases and trends as soon as they arrive! Search for relevant hashtags like #LuxuryHandbag or #HandbagLover, where people post their favorite brands and bags.
While flipping handbags is one of the best hobbies that make money, you also need to understand that you can’t earn if you don’t sell valuable pieces.
You need to be aware of the resale values and demand based on factors like their condition, if they are limited edition, and if you’re selling classic pieces like the LV Speedy and Hermes Birkin.
3. Where to Source Handbags
Knowing what handbags are most profitable is one thing, but it’s a whole other ball game finding a good place to source them!
If flipping handbags will be one of your side hustles from home, I recommend checking out places like thrift stores and consignment shops for handbags. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for garage and estate sales. After all, one man’s trash may be your next profitable treasure! I suggest checking shops from upscale neighborhoods. There might be an even better selection in those areas!
You can also find pre-owned designer bags from online marketplaces like eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark. Watch out for undervalued listings or those with lower-quality photos. These listings might be able to help you snag great deals!
Surprisingly, you may even find great deals in outlet stores or clearance sections, where you can find handbags at discounted prices to resell. Watch out for seasonal clearance sales or bags at huge discounts due to minor flaws. You can also save more with retailer discount programs or cashback deals!
4. Authenticating Designer Handbags
You might have found a handbag with the best resale value, but how will you know it’s legit? Unfortunately, it’s possible to come across fake bags being sold for higher prices. Not only that, but some fake bags can look so real that it’s hard to know what’s authentic if you don’t do enough research!
To know if a handbag is authentic or not, check all of its details like the logos, hardware, stitching, and serial numbers! Check out the brand’s official website to get ideas of what the authentic handbag should look like.
I also recommend the services of companies like Real Authentication and Authenticate First. They make it easy to have your bags authenticated by experts, and all you have to do is simply submit photos of the bag online! It may also be worth getting a certificate of authenticity afterward, which assures your potential customers.
5. Restoring and Cleaning Handbags
Flipping designer handbags might seem a bit overwhelming. But with the right materials and tips, it’s actually pretty easy to do! It’s worth taking the extra steps to clean and restore your handbags since this helps with the resale value and creates a great first impression!
When learning how to flip handbags, expect to clean more delicate materials like leather. For this, I suggest high-quality leather cleaners and conditioners to restore the bag’s shine!
If the handbag has stains, there are easy and affordable fixes! What works best for me are magic erasers or baking soda with water.
Besides stains, I know that secondhand items might smell a bit musty. After all, they were stuck in storage for a while. Don’t worry, you just need to add dryer sheets to the bag and place it in a well-ventilated area.
What about the hardware? Clean metal hardware with quality metal polish to remove any tarnishes. Graphite pencils or candle wax are my secrets to helping make stiff zippers open and close smoothly.
6. Pricing and Listing Handbags for Sale
When you want to resell designer bags, you can’t just sell them at the highest price and hope for the best. You need to know how to price them just right so you earn money while attracting customers!
Check out similar listings online, as well as reputable articles that share a ballpark of your bag’s current resale value. If you don’t know where to start, try websites where you can sell used designer handbags like StockX, Poshmark, or FASHIONPHILE.
When listing your handbags for sale, there are two major things to think about: The product description and photos.
Of course, add the essential information in the product listing, like the handbag’s brand and model, colors, material, size, measurements, and condition. When sharing the condition, be sure to add every detail, including flaws, because buyers appreciate transparency! Also, mention if the handbag includes other important items like the receipt, authenticity card, or its original box and dust bag.
Photos can make or break your customers’ first impressions. Because of that, I suggest taking high-quality photos in natural lighting. You’ll also want to capture photos from multiple angles, including close-ups so your buyers know what to expect.
7. Marketing and Selling Strategies
When it comes to handbag flipping, knowing how to clean and restore a bag isn’t enough. You also need to learn how to expand your market and get your handbags to the right buyer.
Besides posting on platforms like Poshmark or eBay, social media will be your best friend in promoting your handbags. Post your handbags for sale on Instagram, Pinterest, and relevant Facebook groups, so you can get an even higher reach.
You shouldn’t only post high-quality photos and descriptions on social media. Use the right hashtags to attract more buyers, like #HandbagSale or #PrelovedBags. It’s also worth posting engaging content, like bag styling tips or unboxing videos!
Other than knowing where and how to post your handbags, you also need to think of the quality of customer service you’re giving to buyers. This means communicating properly, responding as quickly as possible, and providing accurate shipping information for smooth transactions. When you provide topnotch customer service, expect your buyers to come back for more, and for them to recommend your business to their network!
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