Buying preloved designer bags is one big power that one could use to contribute to sustainable movement. It is also somehow wallet-friendly too! As been said by Brenda Hashtag in The Perfect Magazine interview, most second-hand shoppers get started for the same reason: passion for items with limited funds. However, there are a lot of fake luxury bags distributed in the market as well! Even the sales number of fake products has increased by 10.000% in two decades, according to The Guardian. Considering the wild luxury shopping behavior nowadays, we must understand how to purchase a REAL second-hand designer bag. These are the ultimate guides to purchasing pre-owned designer bags to prevent you from getting a fake one.

1. Find a trusted seller
   We are discussing the purchase of designer bags with investment value. Ensure that the company you plan to buy from has strong authentication credentials. Invest time in checking the company's reviews across various websites and social media platforms.
2. Bag Research
   When you have already chosen the bag model you are looking for, do your research to compare. Examine the same bag from the same year and check if the collections within that timeframe match what you are buying.
3. Material Check
   Luxury or high-end brand bags use the finest materials. For leather pieces, check the pores, smell, and feel. This might require extensive experience and deep knowledge to make accurate judgments. Therefore, it is important to engage in window shopping while visiting the mall or traveling to enrich your knowledge.
4. Documentation Check
   It is common for designer bags to come with some kind of certificate, authenticity, or date stamps. However, many fakes also provide the same documentation. Still, worry? So, how can you verify? Ask the seller to provide any additional proof of authenticity from an authentication service, such as Bababebi or Entrupy, or other eligible authenticator services.
5. Be Brave!
   Do not worry about asking. You are going to spend a bunch of money - even if it is a preloved item.