Second Hand September: A Guide To Pre-Loved Investment Shopping
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4 months ago
Plus, the designer items to keep tabs on
When it comes to designer items, shopping can become a smart investment for you, your wardrobe and your bank account. But where do we start? We asked the experts at pre-loved luxury hub Sellier just where to start when it comes to finding the perfect investment piece.
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Pre-Loved Investment Shopping: A Guide
What Is An Investment Piece?
‘An investment piece is usually categorised by its quality – an item that you invest in with the intention of it lasting you a lifetime,’ explains Hanushka Toni, founder and CEO of Sellier. ‘Often, shoppers lean towards more versatile styles for investment pieces, such as handbags, coats or shoes, but you can also invest in items like dresses or knitwear if you feel confident in your style and opt for more timeless silhouettes and colours.’
And when it comes to finding the perfect investment piece, you can either shop new or secondhand – although Hanushka argues that going pre-loved will often bag you a better deal. ‘To me, the pre-loved market is the best place to purchase investment pieces,’ she says. ‘The fact that the item will already be on its second life, is a testament to the quality of the fabric and production, provided it is still in good quality of course. The pre-loved market also makes investing in lifetime pieces more accessible to more consumers, as the price points tend to sit lower than buying new.
‘The only qualms with buying pre-loved are concerns around authenticity, but if you use a trusted platform such as Sellier, which uses Entrupy for AI authentication as well as human authentication, you can buy with full confidence,’ she continues. ‘Provided you are confident in the authenticity of your item, using pre-loved platforms to purchase your investment pieces is a no-brainer. As well as encouraging circularity and giving pieces a second life, it also gives you access to a wider range of product, including vintage styles that may no longer be on sale.’
@belladndrs slay #unboxing #vintage #gucci ♬ Aesthetic – Audiolist Productions
Tips For Finding A Pre-Loved Investment Piece
Below, Hanushka shares her top tips for finding the perfect pre-loved investment piece:
Do Your Research
As with any big investment,. it’s always worth doing your research beforehand so that you’re prepared to make a purchase. ‘Once you’re happy with the item you are looking for, choose some trusted resellers and check customer reviews to ensure you’ll get an authentic piece,’ recommends Hanushka. ‘Where possible, choose a reseller with a physical store, such as Sellier, as you may be able to go in-store to see the piece in person for yourself, giving you total peace of mind in your purchase. ‘If you can’t get into the store, try and find some similar styles to check you’re happy with how they look in person.’
Check The Value
She also suggests checking the market value of the item you’ve got your eye on. ‘It’s worth checking on resale value – granted you won’t be purchasing with the intention of reselling, but sometimes it’s useful to keep in mind whether an item will appreciate or depreciate in value as time goes on. Generally, iconic and classic styles such as Hermes’ Birkin or Kelly retain or appreciate, whilst more trend-led styles tend to be less ideal investments for resale purposes.’
Have Fun With It
And, perhaps most importantly: have fun. It is shopping, after all. ‘The beauty of shopping pre-loved is the amazing range of products you can have access to,’ says Hanushka. ‘This makes the experience so much more fun than browsing a standard set of items on a shop floor. Some of my favourite pieces in my personal collection are super rare pre-loved styles that are almost impossible to get your hands on now.’
@isobellorna_ Pinch me 🥹 Your sign to make a wish at Hermes, you could be lucky like me!! Youtube vlog now live, link in bio 🤍#hermes #hermeskelly ♬ My Love Mine All Mine – Mitski
What Should We Avoid?
There are also a few things to steer clear of when shopping a pre-loved investment piece. ‘Entry-level, mass-market brands can offer decent products, but from an investment standpoint, they tend to have lower resale value,’ Hanushka highlights. ‘Items purchased at outlet malls, for instance, are often less popular in the resale market. There’s speculation that some brands produce items specifically for outlets, which, while cheaper, tend to perform poorly when resold.
‘Products that are extremely popular and mass-produced also struggle to retain value,’ she continues. ‘For example, sneakers once commanded high premiums, but due to oversupply, their investment potential has significantly declined.’
And finally, make sure to avoid anything ultra luxurious. ‘On the flip side, products that are too exclusive or luxury-priced can also falter in resale value,’ warns Hanushka. ‘Take the Louis Vuitton light-up bag with a battery pack, which retailed for over £20,000. Today, it trades for less than half that. Items that cater too narrowly to collectors, outside of what most people want, often don’t hold their value well.’
Which Items Are Worth Investing In?
If you’re looking for somewhere more specific to start, there are a few class pieces that Hanushka says will always be worth the investment:
Chanel Classic Flap
‘Investing in a Chanel Classic Flap from the pre-2008 era is a great choice,’ recommends Hanushka. ‘These bags were crafted with 24k gold-plated hardware, which is no longer used in modern versions, making them highly desirable. Look for one in excellent condition; minimal corner wear, unscuffed edges, and hardware that remains bright and shiny. With a finite number available, these bags continue to rise in value and are often available at a significant discount compared to new ones.’
Hermès Kelly
You can also never go wrong with heritage Hermès. ‘The Hermès Kelly is an investment piece that often appreciates significantly,’ says Hanushka. ‘Purchased directly from the store, its value can nearly double the moment it leaves. On the resale market, the classic Kelly 25 in black with gold hardware or gold-on-gold is a sought-after item, making it a worthwhile option for collectors looking for a long-term investment.’
Marc Jacobs x Louis Vuitton
Specific collection and collaborations are also a great place to start, according to Hanushka. ‘Pieces from Marc Jacobs’ collaborations with Louis Vuitton in the 2000s, particularly the Stephen Sprouse graffiti collection or the Cherries collection, are highly coveted,’ she says. ‘Popularized by icons like Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton, these bags have become nostalgic treasures. If you find one in immaculate condition, it’s worth holding onto, as they only continue to grow in popularity and value among collectors.’
Featured image: Sellier
