FAQ

Designer Bag Alert is an online boutique specializing in vintage and pre-owned luxury bags and accessories. Based in Paris, we carefully select, authenticate and prepare each piece before listing it for sale.

Unlike large marketplaces, every bag is personally inspected and authenticated by our team and our partner Master Authentication. You benefit from personal service, full transparency on the condition of each piece and a certificate of authenticity.

In addition to our website designerbagalert.com, we are present on Vinted (5.0/5 — 283 reviews) and Vestiaire Collective (Trusted Seller — 458 sales). Our profiles demonstrate our reliability and customer satisfaction.

Every bag goes through a 4-step process: complete visual inspection (stitching, hardware, leather, lining), date code and serial number verification, authentication by our expert partner Master Authentication, and issuance of a certificate of authenticity.

Master Authentication is a professional luxury authentication service recognized in the industry. They employ trained experts to detect counterfeits with exceptional accuracy.

Yes, every bag sold on Designer Bag Alert comes with a certificate of authenticity. This is our commitment to every customer.

Several elements help distinguish an authentic Louis Vuitton: the quality of leather and canvas, the regularity of stitching, the date code (specific format depending on year and place of manufacture), engraved hardware and monogram symmetry. When in doubt, always consult a professional.

A vintage bag is a model no longer sold by the luxury house. These pieces, often produced in limited quantities, are sought after for their unique character, craftsmanship and investment potential. Bags from the 1980s to 2010s are particularly prized.

A pre-owned (preloved) bag is one that has been previously carried, regardless of age. A vintage bag is typically a model at least 15-20 years old that is no longer in production. All vintage bags are pre-owned, but not all pre-owned bags are vintage.

It depends on your daily use. The Pochette Accessoires is ideal for evenings or as a crossbody. The Speedy 25 is perfect for compact everyday use. The Speedy 30 offers more space. The Neverfull MM is the ideal choice for work or travel. Exact dimensions are listed on each product page.

Certain iconic models appreciate in value over time, notably the Chanel Classic Flap, Hermès Birkin and Kelly, and certain discontinued Louis Vuitton models. Condition, rarity and market demand are the determining factors.

Pristine: the item appears new with no signs of use. Excellent: minimal wear, barely visible. Very Good: visible signs of wear but the item remains in very good overall condition. Good: more noticeable wear consistent with regular use. We do not offer items in lesser condition.

Send us clear photos of your bag by email at info@designerbagalert.com. Our team will make you a personalized offer within 48 hours. If you accept, we send you a prepaid shipping label. Payment is made within 24 hours of receipt.

We accept authentic pieces in excellent condition from the following houses: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Celine and Hermès.

No. We charge no commission and there are no hidden fees. The offer we make is the net amount you receive. Shipping is also on us.

We ship throughout Europe and to over 15 countries worldwide from France. Every shipment is insured, tracked and carefully packaged.

Metropolitan France: 2-3 business days. Europe: 3-5 business days. International: 5-10 business days. These times may vary during holiday periods or depending on local customs.

Each bag is carefully wrapped in tissue paper, placed in a protective dust bag, then secured in reinforced packaging. We treat each piece like the treasure it is.

Yes. If the item does not match the description, you have a return period in accordance with our terms and conditions of sale.

Store your bag in its dust bag, stuffed with tissue paper, away from direct light and moisture. Clean regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For leather, use a suitable conditioning balm (such as Collonil or Saphir). Avoid contact with perfumes, creams and color-transferring surfaces like denim.

Use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap. Gently rub without over-wetting. Dry immediately with a dry cloth. Never use alcohol, solvents or abrasive products.

Yes, this is completely normal and even sought after by collectors. Vachetta leather develops a golden patina over time. This patina is a sign of authenticity and gives the bag its unique character.

Yes, many artisans specialize in luxury bag restoration: professional cleaning, recoloring, lining replacement, hardware repair. The houses themselves sometimes offer this service (Louis Vuitton, Hermès).