Why Pre-Owned Luxury Handbags Are Worth Buying Today
From sustainability and rarity to authentication and long-term value, here’s what today’s luxury buyers should know about shopping pre-owned.
Pre-owned luxury handbags continue to surge in popularity as shoppers recognize the value, rarity, and sustainability the secondary market offers. According to Vogue Business, nearly 70% of luxury consumers now purchase pre-owned items, with almost half shopping the category monthly. What began as a pandemic-era shift has become a defining pillar of modern luxury shopping.
Handbags remain the most sought-after pre-owned category, with designers like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Dior, and Prada dominating the market.
So why should you consider pre-owned luxury—and why trust The 1916 Company for your next designer handbag? Here are five essential reasons.
Luxury Becomes More Accessible
Pre-owned luxury places exceptional craftsmanship within reach. Through The 1916 Company’s curated collection, shoppers can discover coveted handbags at more accessible price points—often finding pieces previously considered out of budget.
Even for those unconcerned with price, pre-owned handbags offer excellent long-term value. Many well-preserved handbags retain or appreciate worth, particularly rare, discontinued, or highly collectible styles.
A More Sustainable Way to Shop Luxury
Sustainability is becoming a vital part of the luxury conversation. While many maisons embrace environmental initiatives, the most eco-conscious choice is often to shop pre-owned, extending the life of beautifully crafted pieces and reducing demand for new production.
For those seeking a more intentional approach to their wardrobe, the pre-owned market is an elegant and responsible solution.
Access to Rare & Hard-to-Find Handbags
For many first-time buyers, questions around authenticity and condition are entirely reasonable. At The 1916 Company, those concerns are addressed through a rigorous authentication and inspection process carried out by a dedicated team of luxury specialists.
Each handbag is examined using a combination of advanced AI tools and hands-on expertise. Materials, stitching, hardware, heat stamps, date codes, serial numbers, and other brand-specific details are carefully reviewed to confirm authenticity and assess condition with precision.
The result is a marketplace built on trust—where every piece has been thoroughly vetted before it is ever offered for sale.
Authenticity, Evaluated With Care
For many first-time buyers, concerns about authenticity or condition are understandable. The 1916 Company removes all uncertainty with a meticulous authentication and inspection process performed by our team of luxury experts.
Each handbag is evaluated using a combination of advanced AI tools and professional expertise. We examine materials, stitching, hardware, heat stamps, date codes, serial numbers, and other brand-specific identifiers to ensure complete authenticity and precise condition grading.
You can shop with total confidence—knowing every piece has been thoroughly vetted before reaching our marketplace.
Evolving Your Collection Through Resale or Trade
One of the defining advantages of pre-owned luxury is the ability to continually refine and evolve a collection. Many collectors enjoy a handbag for a season—or several—before choosing to resell or trade it, allowing their next acquisition to feel both intentional and well-timed.
At The 1916 Company, the process is designed to be straightforward and transparent. Clients begin by submitting a brief online form with their item’s details, after which a specialist provides an upfront quote. If accepted, a prepaid, insured shipping label is issued, along with guidance for secure shipment.
Once received, each handbag undergoes a careful review, with specialists assessing wear at the corners, surface marks, glazing, hardware condition, structure, and overall presentation. Approved items are finalized promptly, with payment issued within two to four business days.
The 1916 Company accepts pre-owned luxury handbags from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Dior, Burberry, Prada, Fendi, Balenciaga, Goyard, Celine, and more
What to Expect from The 1916 Company
When you shop with The 1916 Company, you can expect:
- A curated selection of authenticated pre-owned luxury handbags
- Rare, collectible pieces alongside current-season favorites
- Accurate condition assessments and transparent pricing
- A seamless, trusted buying and selling experience guided by luxury professionals
We bring deep industry expertise to ensure every client discovers a handbag that feels both meaningful and impeccably sourced.