The Stats you Absolutely Need to Know before Investing in a Designer Handbag

What you need to know before pressing buy

Let’s get real: not all designer handbags are worth the hype—or the price tag. Some are timeless icons - assets, even - that hold (or even grow) in value, while others are more like a bad Tinder date—fun for a moment but ultimately a total waste of time, not to mention the outfit. If you’re going to splurge on a bag, why not make it one that could actually be a true investment? We’ve done the homework so you don’t have to.

---

The Stats You Can’t Ignore

• Hermès Birkin Bags: Did you know Birkins have an average annual return of 14%? That’s better than the S&P 500 and gold over the last 35 years. Who knew your arm candy could outperform Wall Street?

• Chanel Classic Flap: Chanel’s price hikes have been wild—and guess what? That’s driving up its resale value. On average, a Classic Flap retains 87% of its retail price.

• Louis Vuitton Neverfull: This tote is a powerhouse, holding around 91% of its original price. It’s also practical AF, which doesn’t hurt.

• Gucci Marmont: Cute but not as enduring, the Marmont averages a 72% resale value with classical or limited-edition designs performing best.

---

What Makes a Bag Hold Its Value?

1. Brand Power: Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton dominate because their names scream luxury and exclusivity. The staying power has been proven time over time, and intergenerationally.

2. Materials Matter: Premium leathers and hand-stitched details or embellishments add serious resale cred.

3. Timelessness: Think neutral colors, classic shapes, and designs that won’t look dated in two years.

4. Condition, Condition, Condition: Treat your bag like a baby—no scratches, keep the dust bag, and save the receipts.

5. Scarcity Rules: Limited editions or ultra-rare pieces (hello, Hermès So Black!) are like gold dust—high demand, low supply.

---

Bags That Might Break Your Heart

• Prada Re-edition 2005 Re-nylon Shoulder Bag: Durable? Yes. High resale value? This bag holds about 64% of value - but is very dependent on the condition you keep the bag in (they tend to discolor easily, and there are quite a few on the market).

• Gucci Dionysus: It’s bold, it’s fun, but it's specific - and its resale value is stuck at about 55%.

• Balenciaga City Bag: A 2000s street style icon that’s sadly lost some of its luster, averaging 40-50% resale value.

---

How to Maximize Your Bag’s Resale Value

1. Stick to Neutrals: Black, beige, and tan are forever.

2. Baby It: Use inserts to keep its shape, avoid scuffs, and store it properly.

3. Keep It Legit: Hold onto your authenticity cards, dust bags, and receipts like your life depends on it.

4. Let us do the work: Use the Phia’s beta plugin to show you the resale value of items as you shop

---

Investing in a designer handbag isn’t just about looking good (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it). The right bag can also be a financial power move. Do your research, buy smart, and let your accessories work for you.