Are Handbag Connoisseurs Being Taken Advantage Of?

Have you ever paid way more for your designer bag than you knew it was worth? Did you mind at all? Have you ever thought that the retailer is perhaps taking advantage of the designer handbag lovers simply because they know we love them enough to pay top dollar for them? Today while I was out running a few errands, I decided to stop at one of my favorite clothing stores to see if they had any new handbags in or if they had marked down their bags at all. Well, they had and they did. I found this cute little olive green bag that’s obviously an after-season item, but I loved it nonetheless. I did the “try-on” in the mirror to see how I looked in it. Fabulous of course. And, for only $10, I scooped it up right away. The bag is cute, the right color and will undoubtedly make me a happy girl when I pair it up with my outfits. The store manager had marked this purse and other items down for quick sale, knowing that they would still make a profit and maybe even get repeat, loyal customers. Which brings me to the question of retailers doing the right thing…

Handbag connoisseurs love handbags, whether they’re designer bags or not. We are able to just simply spot taste go for it, no matter what it costs. (Remember my post about garage sales?) Anyway, I question whether or not designer handbag makers are taking advantage of handbag lovers because they can. I am the first to admit that I have paid hundred of dollars for a bag before. I loved it, wanted it, had to have it so I got it. I don’t do this very often as I can’t afford it, but I have before and will again. Sometimes though, handbag designers aren’t necessarily putting all of the “lush” into their bags that warrant us paying top dollar for them.

What do you think?

I read this article by a Paris-based journalist from the Australian News who almost confirms my suspicions. She flat out told a designer retailer that she would not be shopping with them anymore because his prices on a particular luxury item had increased and there really wasn’t a good reason to justify it.  I am not happy with the notion that designer’s take advantage somewhat of our “vices” and figure we’ll just pay whatever their asking price is, no matter what. It’s just not right. I do, however, believe in paying for quality. No problem with that. But what I do have a BIG problem with is when retailers jack up their prices for no good reason. It’s just not right. What I would give in to and consider is if the retailer added something to the bag or even to the purchase itself to warrant the increase. But just to go up on the price because the market will bear it is not only shameful but cuts into the spirit of the enjoyment. Do I realize it’s a business? Sure I do. But does the manufacturer or the retailer realize that an unhappy customer can mean a gone customer? It’s just not right. Right?