Where to Shop

My top recommendation: eBay. It’s where I’ve found the best prices, the widest selection, and the most reliable sellers.

Sellers I trust:

• Brand JFA

• Rebag

• Boom2Hanten

• Dct-ep

• Rise-on

Search Tips:

• Try both “Chanel handbags” and “vintage Chanel handbags.” Add specifics like color, style (“flap bag,” “camera bag”), or material (“lambskin,” “suede”).

• To narrow the search, use the price filters.

• Use the eBay app to save searches, sellers, and set alerts for new listings.

• “Buy It Now” listings are usually worth it — bidding wars rarely save you much.

Before You Buy:

• Check seller reviews and read descriptions carefully. (Tip: navy can look black in photos.)

• Many of the best-conditioned bags come from Japan, where items are often exceptionally well cared for.

• Look for serial codes in photos or product details. Full codes are often hidden for privacy — that’s okay.

• Expect slight size variations: Classic styles differ subtly across production years. Keep this in mind when comparing listings so you know what’s normal.

• See if the bag comes with its original box or authentication card. Not common for vintage, but it can add value.

• Look for a reputable seller: fewer than 50 sales + vague photos = skip.

• Don’t hesitate to message the seller for more info or extra photos to verify quality.

• Factor in import duties (often 10-15%) if buying from abroad.

• Check return policy, many sellers will allow a return which helps ease nerves.

• Confirm eBay Authenticity Guarantee– most listings are verified by third-party experts before shipping.

The great thing about eBay is that reputable sellers protect their ratings fiercely, and if anything goes wrong, eBay’s buyer protection team typically sides with the buyer.

Other sites worth browsing for comparison:

• Vestiaire Collective: Best for true vintage and rare finds.

• Rebag & Fashionphile: Ideal for newer pieces and consistent quality.

• The RealReal: Mostly newer fashion pieces. Quality can vary, and return policies are limited, so check carefully before buying.

How To Gauge Pricing

Pricing for Chanel tends to reflect real market value — there aren’t many hidden steals, but you can still find good buys. Especially if you are open to a more unique style like the accordion or a camera bag styles from the 90s.

Pro tip: Look for the best-quality listing at the most reasonable price for your desired style (or the closest comparable) and use it as your benchmark. Anything priced dramatically lower deserves a closer look — Chanel’s resale market is tight, and when a deal looks too good, it usually is.

Assessing Quality

Condition is where the real price variation happens. Here’s what to check:

• Leather: Small corner scuffs or light scratches are normal; deep scratches or discoloration can reduce value by 10–30%. Check that it hasn’t been recolored (recolored leather often looks shinier) and take note of how puffy the quilting still is- it naturally softens and flattens a bit with age.

• Shape: creases, dents, or sagging usually can’t be fixed — avoid unless you’re okay with the lived-in look.

• Interior: Minor marks are fine, but watch for peeling, odors, or visible tears. Small tears inside are usually okay if the bag is still functional — you can often save a few hundred if you don’t mind a little wear.

• Hardware: 24kt gold plating should age evenly on the chain and turnlock. Uneven fading = overuse or poor storage.

If your bag ever needs restoration, Leather Surgeons offers excellent leather spa and replating services for a few hundred dollars. I’ve had great experiences with my own bags.

Authenticity Checkpoints

Most reputable marketplaces like eBay and The RealReal offer authenticity guarantees. I’ve personally had excellent experiences with eBay’s white-glove process — they’ll even pause a shipment if something doesn’t match the description. Fakes aren’t as common as you might think; I’ve never had a questionable one. Trust your eye and your gut — Chanel’s craftsmanship is hard to replicate, and quality standards are high for a reason.

Key details to confirm:

• Chanel stamp: Inside with “Made in France” or “Made in Italy” and the little “®” mark after Chanel.

• Serial code sticker: Present and matches the authentication card if included.

• CC logo: Right “C” overlaps left at the top; left “C” overlaps right at the bottom.

• Leather & stitching: Look luxe, with high-quality stitching and aligned quilting.

• Diamond pattern: Back pocket diamonds should align perfectly.

• Hardware: Should feel substantial, not flimsy, with deep, high-quality engraving.

• Stitch count: Tiny, uniform, consistent stitches; 10+ per edge of the diamond quilting on a classic double flap bag.

• Zipper brand: Common authentic brands include YKK, Lampo, and DMC.

For extra confidence, Yoogi’s Closet has a great resource showing Chanel style markings by decade and what the serial codes should look like, so you can verify authenticity and narrow down the year of your bag.