Every pre-loved marketplace uses condition grades — New, Excellent, Very Good, Good — but these terms aren't standardised. A bag described as 'Excellent' on one platform might be what another calls 'Good'. Understanding what to look for, rather than relying on labels, will save you from expensive disappointments.
The Standard Condition Scale
New / Deadstock: Never used, original tags attached, full packaging included. These are typically unwanted gifts or buyer's remorse purchases. Expect to pay close to retail.
Like New / Never Worn: Used once or twice with no visible signs of wear. No scratches, scuffs, or staining. Hardware is pristine. These represent exceptional value — often 15–25% below retail.
Excellent: Light signs of use. Corners may show very minor wear, hardware might have faint marks. The bag presents beautifully and is essentially indistinguishable from new in everyday use.
Very Good: Moderate wear consistent with regular use. Corner wear is visible, hardware shows some scratching, interior lining may have minor marks. Still a solid, usable bag.
Good: Noticeable wear throughout — dark corners, scratched hardware, possible pen marks inside. These bags often need professional cleaning or restoration. Price them accordingly.
Fair / Worn: Significant wear or damage. Hardware may be tarnished, leather may be cracked, stitching may need repair. Only worthwhile if the price is very low or the bag is rare.
What to Actually Look For in Photos
Always request photos of: the four corners (where wear shows first), the base (scratching from setting down), the interior lining, the hardware closeups, and the date code or serial number stamp. Any seller unwilling to provide these is a red flag.
Pay attention to the piping — the leather trim around bag edges. Peeling piping is common on certain Louis Vuitton styles and can be expensive to repair. On Chanel bags, check the top stitching hasn't pulled.
Hardware is often underexamined. Scratched hardware is hard to polish back to perfect without replating, which is costly. Light scratches on gold hardware are inevitable with use; deep gouges are a negotiating point.
How Condition Affects Value
For highly sought-after bags like Hermès Birkins or Chanel Classic Flaps, condition premiums are significant. A Like New Chanel Classic Flap might sell for 85–90% of retail, while a Good example of the same bag might fetch 55–65%.
For bags in lower demand, condition matters even more — buyers are less willing to accept flaws on a bag they can get elsewhere easily.
When adding bags to your Bagstash profile, use the condition field honestly. It helps other collectors calibrate the value of your collection and sets the right expectations if you ever decide to sell.