How to Buy (or Sell) a Chanel Handbag at Auction
Heritage Auctions holds four to five Luxury Accessories sales each year and though they have plenty of Hermès Birkins and Louis Vuitton duffels on offer, Chanel bags always make up a big chunk of their sales.
Their first Luxury Accessories auction of 2017, which takes place on February 2nd and 3rd in New York City (bidding is already open online), includes over 40 lots of Chanel handbags, gloves, and other items. The auction house's consignment specialists are experts in Chanel accessories, so we spoke with Barbara Conn, the consignment director for luxury accessories, to find out everything you need to know if you want to sell a Chanel handbag at auction.
What are the most important things for someone to know if they want to auction one of their Chanel handbags?
Keep the dustbag and box that the handbag originally came in.
The handbag collector buying at auction, just like the handbag collector buying at retail, wants the item complete-dustbag and box are always appreciated. While not having these pieces rarely excludes a bidder's interest for a specific item, I recommend to those who are considering selling in the future to store their handbags in the Chanel dustbag to maintain it's condition.
Keep your bag as clean as possible.
Although it doesn't happen often, it's disappointing to look at a beautiful bag that has an ink stain on the inside. If you're really looking to recoup your investment at auction, delivering a bag in Pristine, or never-carried condition will bring the peak price. What is wonderful about Chanel is that the desire for their handbags is vast and a celebrated caviar flap bag, even with some wear will bring value.
What are the most popular Chanel handbag styles at auction?
Unquestionably, rare runway handbags and limited edition styles command the greatest attention among collectors. Exceptional pieces will always achieve exceptional results. However, Chanel's demand reaches beyond their legendary flap bags.
Do you sell any other Chanel products?
Our auctions have included Limited Edition quilted bicycles, Surfboards, an acoustic guitar with a lambskin quilted case, snow ski's and of course, their renowned jewelry.
What is the most expensive Chanel bag you have sold?
In 2016, the most expensive Chanel bag we sold at auction was a matte brown crocodile medium double flap bag that sold for $23,750.
What color Chanel handbags are the most popular right now?
Beautiful colors and exotic skins are consistently popular, which speaks to the desire to find rare and exceptional pieces. While black remains traditional and a staple piece, color often brings a premium. We probably auction the greatest volume of black flap bags, of all sizes, as collectors and stylish women always want the iconic and timeless design as part of their wardrobe.
Some of the handbags in your Luxury Accessories auction start their bidding at just $500. Is it really possible to buy a Chanel bag for that price?
While it's unlikely to acquire a rare item or pristine condition Chanel handbag for $500, there is something for everyone in our auctions, which adds to the anticipation and excitement.
What are the most popular Chanel handbag styles at auction?
Boy Bags are particularly inspiring, the combination possibilities of size, color, skin continue to attract collectors of all ages. One of my favorite Boy Bags we've brought to auction featured lambskin leather and stingray, and sold for $5,625. Whether its a Boy Bag or a classic 2.55 flap bag, what really drives bidders to our auctions is rarity. Once a limited edition or runway style sells out, there is an immediate jump to the auction market, to locate these pieces.
How do Chanel bags do compared with other brands like Hermès or Louis Vuitton?
Chanel consistently attracts substantial demand in our luxury accessories auctions. While Hermès leads the landscape for holding value, Chanel is always part of the conversation.
Which Chanel handbags get the best return at auction?
If you can get your hands on a runway bag , and then keep it in its original packaging, you're going to make a splash at auction. If you're buying, with the intention to carry for a season and then offer at auction, again, maintaining it's condition will allow you to recoup the greatest portion of your investment.
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