- Pamela Tucker
- Mar 12
- 13 min read
Looking at luxury resale websites and visiting stores selling pre-loved luxury handbags can indeed be an enjoyable experience. You might browse, click, and buy a bag that feels perfect in that moment. Or while browsing in a store, you come across an unexpected find and immediately feel "it is meant to be mine."
However, there is a chance once you unbox the bag and look at it, you could decide I'm not in love with it, so I'll return it. Warning: Not so fast! Luxury resellers often have very strict, or even non-existent, return policies. Some have a very short return window and some resellers might only offer a store credit.
Resellers should be transparent about their return policies, but sometimes this is not the case. When making a purchase in-store, check for posted policies or ask if they align with the company's online information. It's worth noting that in a few instances I've noticed discrepancies between different sections on a retailer's website discussing returns. So verifying the details with the seller before finalizing your purchase is always recommended. Below are highlights of handbag return policies. Other categories they might sell, such as fine jewelry, watches and clothing might have different return policies, so be sure to review those as well if you decide to purchase an item in these categories.
Key Aspects of Return Policies to Review
Bags That Could be Returned
While a seller might have a policy that is considered generous, it might not cover all bags sold. For example, it might exclude certain brands and those bags that are reduced by a certain percentage.
Acceptable Reasons to Return
My research has shown the majority of sellers enforce a "final sale" return policy, which typically eliminates returns for buyer's remorse or changed minds. While this is common practice, some resellers may have more flexible policies.
Despite claims of "final sale" sellers may offer returns for items deemed "not as described." Since this term is inherently subjective, it leaves buyers vulnerable to differing interpretations. I see two ways to interpret "not as described."
(1) It could be the "condition" of the bag. For instance, though a bag is described having scratches on the hardware, a seller might also state the bag is in excellent condition. A buyer might read just the condition is excellent and not read the full description, and then could assume excellent means "almost new" or "never worn." So, be sure to read the entire description and review all the photos.
(2) Defects like broken zippers or buckles can be a reason for return. While it's not a widespread problem, it's certainly possible.
Authenticity Concerns and Returning
Concerns about a bag's authenticity may arise after purchase. However, mere suspicion is probably not a sufficient basis for a return or store credit. For a review of how some resellers address authenticity concerns, please refer to a previous post: "Is it Possible to Return a Pre-loved Luxury Bag if You Suspect it is not Authentic?" Link: https://www.pamelatuckersays.com/post/is-it-possible-to-return-a-pre-loved-luxury-bag-if-you-suspect-it-is-not-authentic
Time Frame for Returning
Carefully review the return time frame. Policies typically specify a period, such as "returns must be made within 7 days of receipt." Be aware that some policies may calculate the time frame from the shipping date or date purchased in store. If you anticipate being unavailable during the return window, it's advisable to reconsider your purchase!
Follow the Process to Complete the Return
Once it seems you can move along with a return, note that resellers list steps to follow to ensure the bag is safely and promptly returned to the reseller and that a refund could be processed.
Also review how returns are made. For example if a bag is purchased online, understand if it could be returned to the reseller's store which might be easier for you, or if the bag may only be returned by shipping it to a processing center.
Even after initiating a return is approved, the reseller's inspection upon receipt may result in the return being denied. Therefore, you are not fully assured of a refund until it is received.
Costs Related to Returning
Two main costs should be considered when completing a return: (1) Shipping (2) Restocking fees.
Return Shipping Costs
Return shipping costs vary significantly, ranging from free to nominal fees, such as $15, to substantial charges of $75 or more. Some resellers offer complimentary return shipping and may refund the original shipping cost. Others may not refund the initial shipping fee and require buyers to arrange and pay for their own return shipping, potentially incurring additional risk. Even experienced buyers should review the current return shipping policies, as they can change.
Restocking Fees
Resellers might also assess a restocking fee for returns. These are typically targeted to those who return a high percentage of bags over a certain time period, or return purchases over a certain dollar amount.
Refund or Store Credit for the Return
Once your return has reached the destination, it takes at least a few days to review and could then take up to a few weeks or so to receive a refund or a store credit. To reiterate, resellers have distinct return policies and deciding to return and receive a full refund, or store credit or exchange one bag for another is not simple.
The Reseller Might Sell on Different Platforms
Resellers sometimes list the same or similar bags on multiple platforms, each with distinct return policies.
For a review of resellers selling on multiple platforms, please refer to a previous post: "Tips for Navigating the Secondhand Luxury Handbag Market" Link: https://www.pamelatuckersays.com/post/buying-a-secondhand-luxury-handbag
If you are comfortable it's the same bag across platforms, you might find a lower price with a "final sale" policy on one, and a higher price with a more lenient return policy on another. This presents a crucial decision! Consider additional factors, such as shipping costs and delivery times, before making your purchase.
Different Categories of Sellers
Resale platforms could have different categories of sellers, such as individual sellers and another category that includes professional sellers and each category could have different return policies. Be sure to identify the seller type with whom you are shopping on each platform.
Highlights of Several Resellers' Return Policies
The following points highlight the diversity of resellers' return policies, ranging from lenient to strictly "no returns." As with all luxury resale transactions, confirm the specific return policy in writing prior to purchase.
Linda's Stuff
Started in 2000 by Linda Lightman, Linda's Stuff has grown into a $25 million business. It sells a range of clothes and accessories and pre-loved luxury bags including Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, among others. It also sells pre-loved bags that are not luxury brands, such as Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs and even lower priced brands.
In addition to free shipping on all domestic sales, Linda's Stuff permits returns within 30 days of the date of the package was received. Note that. Linda's Stuff does not pay for the returns and it strongly advises that shipping include tracking information. An exception for Linda's Stuff to pay for the return postage is if the item being returned is because it was materially “not as described” or damaged. It is recommended being in touch with the reseller to discuss the issue before returning the item.
Linda's Stuff on eBay
Linda’s Stuff has an Ebay Store. Every day, Monday through Friday, starting at 12 noon EST, Linda and her staff host a live shopping show that runs for about an hour. Many of the items shown are luxury brands, and some are not. Linda is personable, upbeat, and enthusiastic, and I enjoy her and her colleagues' presentation. According to the information on eBay, Linda's Stuff is "one of the largest sellers of fashion apparel & accessories on eBay."
The return policy on the eBay store is the same when shopping on the Linda's Stuff website. The item is to be returned within 30 days of the delivery of the package. And if the item being returned is because it s materially “not as described” or damaged, Linda's Stuff will pay for the return.
HEWI (Hardly Ever Worn It)
HEWI, based in London and ships throughout the world has been in business since 2012. In February 2024 it joined Amazon's Luxury Stores in Europe, making it the first time pre-owned luxury items were available on Amazon in the UK.
HEWI has three types of resellers, and each has its own return policy.
Private Sellers
Some private sellers include the option to return the item though they are not obligated to do so. In each listing the seller’s return policy is included. The buyer has 14 days after the delivery date to request a return, but as noted above the seller is not obliged to agree to the return. .
On the helpful side though, HEWI permits buyers to relist the item if the seller does not accept the return. For the first 28 days of the listing, HEWI will reduce the commission on the item to 10%. If the item has not sold in the first 28 days, the commission will increase to the usual amount.
If the buyer receives an item that was not as described in the listing, there is a process for HEWI customer care to become involved and a process is to be followed.
Professional Sellers
Professional sellers are obligated to accept returns. Though this seems easy enough because returns are permitted, the buyer should ask the seller questions to avoid having to go through the return process.
The buyer has 14 days after the delivery date to request a return and send the item back. The buyer is responsible for paying for the return shipping, unless HEWI customer care determines the item is not as described in the listing.
Items Managed by HEWI
An items that has the HEWI logo on the listing is one that is managed by HEWI. These items may be returned up to 14 days after the item was delivered. Shipping costs will not be refunded unless the item is not as described.
HEWI places the burden on the buyer to decide which shipper is used for the return. Its website states: "Make sure to package the item securely to minimise the risk of damage during transit.It is the buyer's sole responsibility to ensure that the item is safely returned to the seller. We encourage the use of tracked and insured delivery services for peace of mind."
Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective, a peer-to-peer reseller, meaning it does not hold inventory has two types of resellers: (1) Individual Sellers (2) Professional sellers. Professional Sellers must complete an application and these sellers are reviewed by Vestiaire Collective.
Individual Sellers
Items purchased from Individual Sellers are not eligible for returns. However, Vestiaire Collective is concerned if the item received is not as described by the seller or if the buyer has doubts about the authenticity. In these cases the buyer could seek help from the Help Center.
While returns are not allowed, Vestiaire Collective provides an option for the buyer to find some relief. It permits the item to be relisted free of charge. It strongly suggests the buyer to do this, with the website stating: "Relisting an item takes less than a minute." Relisting is free of charge and the relisiting will result in keeping 100% of the earnings. However, if the relisting is after 72 hours but within 14 days of receiving the order, per the webiste:"there is a small processing fee for relisting your item. This fee is lower than our usual Selling Fee."
Professional Sellers
The key difference with buying from a Professional Seller is that the item can be returned within 14 days for a full refund. It also permits the item to be relisted free of charge for up to 72 hours after receiving it. There is no mention on the website if the same option of relisting is after 72 hours but within 14 days of receiving the order is permitted.
If the item received is not as described by the seller or if have doubts about the authenticity, the buyer could seek help from the Help Center.
What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA)
WGACA has been in the news recently. In 2024 it started selling on the Amazon Luxury Store in the USA. WAGCA also sells its bags through a partnership with Dillard's. Products are available only in Dillard's stores. It is possible WGACA is a wholesaler to other entities, though I haven't located them.
In 2018 Chanel filed a complaint against What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) alleging that the company was selling counterfeit Chanel products and implying a marketing association with Chanel. The case went to trial in January 2024 in a New York Federal Court.
Briefly, in February 2025 the jury ruled in favor of Chanel on all four counts: (1) trademark infringement (2) false association (3) unfair competition (4) false advertising. The jury awarded Chanel $4 million in statutory damages. In March 2024 Chanel sought a permanent injunction to prevent WGACA from using Chanel trademarks to advertise unauthorized products and to stop selling altered Chanel items. As of the end of February 2024, the Court imposed a permanent injunction that restrict's WGACA use of Chanel trademarks and requires clear disclaimers on all Chanel branded items sold by WGACA. Furthermore, WGACA must disgorge and disgorgement of $12,739 in profits from the sale of unauthorized Chanel branded handbags and 779 counter support items and pay $4 million in statutory damages. From online information, WGACA will appeal these rulings
WGACA has a detailed return policy. To begin with, items purchased through the wholesale partners are final sale. For bags purchased directly from WGACA that are marked final sale or purchased with a discount of 30% or more they are not eligible for a return.
Within 7 days of receiving the package the buyer is to email customer care to request a Return Authorization. WGACA will respond within 2 business days. Once the request is reviewed, an email will be sent, along with return instructions and a return shipping label. This shipping label must be used to return the package. and it must be shipped back within 10 days of receiving the return shipping label. Adding urgency is that the return label will expire after 3 days and will no longer be eligible for use!
Three other important features about WGACA'S return policy include:
(1) Returns are free of charge; however, the original shipping fees are non-refundable.
(2) Exchanges are not allowed.
(3) Items purchased online cannot be returned to our store locations.
It could take 2-3 business days to process returns and another 5-7 days for the refund to be completed.
The RealReal
The RealReal gives the buyer an option to buy a Return Guarantee. With Return Guarantee the buyer can return final sale items within 7 days after delivery. It is through a partner company XCover. The returned items are shipped directly to XCover. Caution here as not all brands are permitted to purchase the Return Guarantee and not all bags within the same brand are covered.
The fee is about 10% of the item's price, though it could be more or less. Below are two examples of the cost of the Return Guarantee Fee.
Fendi Sequins Baguette 2024. Price: $4595 and Return Guarantee fee is $429.44, or 9.3% of the price.
Chanel Top Handle Vanity Case w/ Chain. Price $3,975 and Return Guarantee fee is $363.71, or 9.2% of the price.
At first glance, the Return Guarantee seems buyer-friendly, allowing returns for reasons such as changing your mind, disliking the item, or fit discrepancies.
However, beyond the notably high fee, potential drawbacks include a limited return window – within 7 days of delivery – and the non refundability of the original shipping.
Rebag
Rebag made headlines in January 2025 when it announced it was going to be selling luxury handbags and other luxury items on Walmart's Marketplace. Prior to that announcement, Rebag had been selling on other platforms, including thredUP, eBay, and Bloomingdale's.
Note Rebag might list the same bag on one or more of these platforms, yet the cost of the bag differs as well as the return policies among the platforms. Keep in mind it is not always easy to identify if the bag across multiple platforms is the same bag. The return policies are highlighted below. Again, before buying, be sure to understand and ask questions about the return policies for each platform.
For bags sold on the Rebag platform, it permits U.S. returns for a full refund (excluding Outlet items) if the return is requested online through the buyer’s Rebag.com account within 7 days of in-store purchase or delivery of an online order (as proven by the tracking number).
Initial shipping costs are nonrefundable. There are not any return fees for Rebag+ members. A return fee per item does apply for all others, with return fees ranging from $25 for items up to $999 increasing to $100 fee for items $8,000 and over. It is also important to note that those buyers with return rates greater than 30% in a 12 month period, return fees will be doubled and additional restrictions, including the right to purchase, will be implemented.
The return policy states: "No returns on this item because it is final sale" Note though when I reached out to thredUP customer support through a chat, I was told if I wanted to return a Rebag item I should reach out directly to Rebag. Due to the conflicting information, I'd reach out to both parties for written clarification of the return policy.
Per the eBay website, "Seller does not accept returns. Refer to eBay return policy for more details." Yet, when clicking on the link, it brings you to a page that could lead you to believe returns are possible. The content on the top of the landing page states: "Condition of returned items policy." Before clicking on "Buy It Now" I'd be in touch with eBay and Rebag to get a written confirmation of the return policy.
The return policy for Rebag items purchased on Bloomingdales.com (This policy likely extends to Rebag boutiques in Bloomingdale's.) is vague, as there are few specifics. Bloomingdales.com states: "All refunds are up to the discretion of the seller. Merchandise must be returned with all original vendor tags intact and must be in saleable condition." Leaving it up to the discretion of the seller is not helpful guidance. This lack of clarity creates significant uncertainty for buyers.
Of note is the website is clear that all returns are to be sent directly to the third-party seller and not be returned to a Bloomingdale's store.
There is minimal information about the return policy covering a bag purchased from Rebag on the Walmart Marketplace. The website indicates: "Return within: 14 days after item is delivered." That appears to be clear. However, it then states: "To initiate a return or to get information about any additional policies that may apply, contact the seller." This statement does not include what conditions need to be met in order to return the bag. This lack of clarity leaves buyers with significant uncertainty and potential risk when purchasing a potentially high-value bag.
So, is it possible to return a pre-loved luxury bag after unboxing it?
The answer is likely no, though there might be exceptions. Purchasing a pre-loved luxury bag involves both emotional appeal and, for some, practical considerations. It’s important to keep your emotions in check during the purchase and take the necessary steps to avoid disappointment if the bag turns out to be non-returnable.
Full Disclosure: The content in my blog is based on my personal opinions and experiences. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Specific research for this post was conducted between March 6, 2025 and March 11, 2025. This is not a comprehensive review describing all aspects of each company's return policies and aspects of the policies might have been updated since this post was published. All opinions are my own, and I have not received any compensation for writing this post. The images not related to Rebag in post were generated by Gemini AI Pro.
