Is this purse beyond reparable?

One of my two purse contenders happens to be scratched, according to the seller. It was a store model and I don't know how it earned the war wounds that it did.

In the first photo, which I posted in a different thread, it didn't look bad enough for some of you to be put off from purchasing it. I asked the seller for additional photos, and was sent the pics below. Angie said that she would not purchase the bag in that state, which is why I'm asking whether this is beyond reparable. I tried asking at a shoe/handbag repair shop today and showed the employee the photos, but he insisted that I bring the bag in.

In terms of cost, I would be paying about 25% of what the bag originally cost. A new, unmarked bag is also available for 67.5% of the original selling price via eBay.

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10 years ago

Anonymous

It looks like a metallic finish and I doubt it can be repaired even to be less noticeable. I'd go with the unmarked bag.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. It looks as if it would be really difficult to fix that. Because of the pattern, especially. It's as if someone sliced it with an Exacto or something.

Pretty bag, though -- wow, so fresh for spring!!

rabbit

On this set of photos, as opposed to the last one, it looks like more of a stain or scuff than an open cut (assuming there isn't a cut that the seller just didn't photo closeup). If it's a stain and it's on a matte white surface, then you might be able to get it off with something (leather cleaner or dawn or a gum eraser. Or if not something more heavy duty/dangerous - acetone, alcohol, or magic eraser and then use white polish over that area.

Although I'm thinking that if it's an easy fix the seller would have already done that...

You could ask them if it's on the surface or it breaks or incises the surface, and keep email evidence.

Generally I'm cautious about taking on fixer upper projects unless I'm okay with losing the entire cost outlay on the item though, because they don't always work and sometimes get worse.

deb

I would pass on it. It is lovely.

MsMary

It's a gorgeous bag but I wouldn't buy it in that condition.

rachylou

That's looks a bad scratch. I wouldn't use it in an office, but I would tote it on public transport to the bakery.

JAileen

This Coach thread on the purseblog might be helpful. If you post the pictures and ask about the possibility of rehab. I know it's not a Coach, but it's where I learned how to rehab old Coach bags.

http://forum.purseblog.com/coa.....33400.html

gradfashionista

Thanks, all. The seller replied that it was a hairline crack that didn't pierce the surface. S/he hasn't tried to remove it.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

I'm saying this as the virtual Queen of Thrift and Second-hand shopping:

I still can't quite determine how deep the scratch goes, but I know from personal experience, that shoe and leather repair places often have difficulty matching unique metallic finishes or colors, which means you risk having a weird patch of differently-shaded leather on your bag.
You would probably have to ship it to Ferragamo for a perfect match, and that could probably mean the monetary difference between this bag, and the 67% bag.

I also think this scratch looks a little 'dry' at some of the edges, which means you would constantly have to be on top of this with a leather moisturizer or wipes, to keep it from drying out and becoming a true crack.

I would pass on this bag, unless you can get the seller to agree that she will accept a return, provided you just examine the scratch in-person, and don't try to fix it yourself.

Or be patient and wait. If this bag is on eBay, and you've already seen a second bag at another price point, it means there will very likely be more of these in the future, if you are willing to be patient. That could mean waiting another 8-12 months for this bag.

It's a beautiful purse, but I can't imagine buying something like this in a damaged condition - good price or not.

Maneera

It's a lovely bag but I wouldn't buy it in that condition...no matter what the price

LBD, thanks especially for the detailed info. I learned a lot during this process. Even though returns are accepted, part of my confusion had to do with the seller identifying it as a scratch on Tradesy, but as a crack on eBay. Upon seeing the photos, a handbag repair specialist informed me that if it's a crack, the best they could do is spray or paint over it. The colour is white, not metallic, but he said that the finish might not be the same colour and might only be temporary. So, pass indeed. Sad face.

Muffin

Although gorgeous, I think you made the right choice by passing- and now your mind is freed up to find the right one.

Ooooh, that's interesting that she's calling it a scratch on Tradesy and a crack on eBay. eBay is notoriously strict in protecting buyers. This makes me think Tradesy is not!

If it's a crack, no no no no no. Leather cracks dry out, no matter how vigilant you try to be in keeping the leather moisturized.

Save you money up, get the 67% one, or wait for another to pop up on eBay. They always do.

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