While items such as jewellery, watches and diamonds are commonly itemised, handbags are often disregarded.
With the rise in the handbag market, means the rise in reported thefts. Some people are looking to track their handbags using Apple Air Tags and Bluetooth devices. That concept is in the early stages of developing a tracking system for handbags.
One thing to consider is fake handbags. Knowing if a handbag is real requires knowledge of the brand specific characteristics as counterfeiters have become increasingly clever and sophisticated.
A combination of observations can help determine a handbags authenticity. This includes things like craftsmanship and quality. When handbags are made they go through very strict checks through quality control before they are able to leave the factory. Stitching, loose threads, frayed edges and inconsistent spacing are all considered in quality control. There should be no signs of glue. Zips, buckles etc should feel high quality and logos of branding should be precise, clear and positioned correctly. Any branding that is wonky or badly spaced should highlight a quality control issue or the possibility of a fake item.
Additionally materials used make a difference too. Genuine bags will utilise the best materials – leathers, exotic skins, calfskins etc. This gives the bags a high quality feel, a unique scent and a specific texture. Serial numbers, authenticity cards should be in certain format relevant to the brand. For example Louis Vuitton use date codes but Chanel have serial numbers and an authenticity card.
With escalating retail prices of bags and extensive waiting lists to obtain one, the resale market has boomed. Certain brands and models of bag have meant that they have become collector items that have soared in value, way beyond their original retail cost – now making them investment assets.
Considering all of the above information, if you own a collection of handbags but lack a professional valuation, your bags may not be valued correctly or insured. If you ever needed to replace a bag due to theft, it quite likely might have to be purchased on the second hand market where it could cost significantly more than the retail price.