Quality Checklist for Selling Used Designer Backpacks

If you're looking for stylish extra storage on the go, a designer backpack is just what you need. No matter where you're going—whether it's commuting to work, going on a college campus, or planning for your next big vacation—this accessory will keep all of your essential items in one place and still look great.

Used designer backpacks are an excellent (yet cost-effective) option for anyone who wants quality and style without the price tag. Before selling your used designer backpack, you should do some research to ensure you're getting paid the most money when you make the sale. This blog post will give you a detailed list of all you need to check before sending your used designer backpack to your potential buyer.

Quality Checklist

Straps

The straps on your bag are a vital part of its overall look and feel. Make sure yours are in excellent shape before offering them for sale. Are they frayed or worn? Are the buckles and clasps still functional? If the straps are unusable, have them repaired by the brand, if possible, or try to find a luxury repair specialist in your area that can faithfully restore the straps' functionality before listing them for sale.

Material

The brand's reputation is only one factor determining your resale value when it comes to leather backpacks. Another is the condition of the leather itself. Is it faded, cracked, or discolored? These blemishes can affect the resale value of the leather. Most luxury buyers prefer to purchase supple, even-colored, and fresh-looking leather.

For cloth materials like nylon and canvas, look for fraying, loose threads, and holes. These should be repaired promptly before selling so that you don't sacrifice value. As with the straps, have these repaired by the manufacturer or a luxury specialist who can restore them to a more marketable condition.

Inner Lining

The inner lining gives your backpack its structure and provides a place to hide the bag's seams. It can be vulnerable to rips and tears from constant use, depending on the material used. Some luxury brands prefer a more refined silky lining for a more luxurious aesthetic, while others may use a slightly tougher material like nylon, polyester, or canvas.

Inspect the inner lining with a flashlight and feel around with your fingers for any signs of tears or holes. If you notice anything like dirt or other particles at the bottom of the lining, vacuum the inside of the backpack before listing it for sale.

Zippers

Zippers are just as important to a backpack's functionality as the straps are. However, zippers can easily break, get stuck, or misalign if not handled carefully. When possible, try to have the original zipper repaired to maintain the backpack's integrity.

If a replacement is needed, try to find one from the manufacturer or one that matches the original as closely as possible. Most brands use specific zipper styles, so it can be easy to tell if one has been replaced with another material, affecting the resale value.

Emblems

We have already provided some tips on evaluating a designer backpack, but now we want to talk about one particular area that can be overlooked: the emblem. Many designer backpacks will feature the brand's emblem in a prominent location, such as the front face of the bag. This is an iconic symbol, and even if your backpack is scratched and scuffed up, it can still be salvaged if the emblem is in fine shape. 

Examine the emblem for any scratches, cracks, or other signs of damage. If you are selling a luxury article, you want it to look as good as possible! A damaged emblem can dramatically lower the price you can get for your item. Designer emblems can often be found online from other resellers. You may want to purchase a replacement emblem and have it swapped for the damaged one before selling it.

Extra Accessories

Every designer backpack has its own unique story, and for a true collector, that story is just as important as the craftsmanship, materials, and wear. By maintaining the complete set of accessories, you ensure your bag retains its original story—and you guarantee that you can offer potential buyers that entire experience.

If you can confirm that a complete set of accessories came with the bag when it was first purchased, you can make sure you can include them in your consignment listing. This makes your item much more valuable in the eyes of luxury collectors—who will go to great lengths to add a well-kept bag with all of its original elements to their collection.

Sell Your Used Designer Backpacks with a Trusted Consignment Service

Luxury brands do not have to come at a luxury price. If you're interested in selling your used designer backpack, contact OnQue. OnQue is a consignment service that customers and designers alike trust. We offer the best prices available in the industry, and we make selling your backpacks simple and easy. Contact us today to learn more about how you can sell your used designer backpacks!