Digger:
Please tell us about the background to
vintagedesignerhandbagsonline.com and how and why you formed
this enterprise?
Annieth: I started in Internet marketing ('make money
online' stuff that didn't work) so thought I would use my
accumulated skills and knowledge to source and market
tangible goods. I started selling hair products, but this
wasn't earning enough to pay the bills. So I went in search
of a higher price ticket item. I did some research and
decided that the luxury industry was my best bet and decided
to sell handbags. I wanted to find a hungry market and meet
a need. In my research, Chanel bags caught my eye as I
noticed that they had a cult following. But I also found
countless stories of people who were the victims of fake
Chanel sellers. I thought if only I could meet that need - a
place where people could buy authentic Chanel confidently!
So I set out to find a source of authentic Chanel bags and I
did.
Digger: Without going into too many secrets, how do you go
about sourcing handbags and other items for your online
shop?
Annieth:
Initially I had one supplier, an eBay power seller who had
great ratings and great feedback. Then, eventually, I found
my own sources world wide. These were mainly licensed
established antique sellers, overseas pawn shops, clients
wanting to sell their bags. Reasons might be ranging from
divorce, wanting to pass the pleasure on or simply because
they needed the
cash.
Digger: Can you tell us a bit about the services you
provide?
Annieth:
We provide several services. Firstly customers are able to
buy. In addition:
-
We
display in-stock items as well items that are available
from our suppliers
-
We
do consignment where we sell on items for people for an agreed
commission
-
We
purchase unwanted items
-
We
also source items for customers looking for a particular
item
-
We
also authenticate items. i.e. telling if an item is real
or fake
-
We
also do pricing or valuing and provide quotes on the
value of items
Digger:
Why is the vintage look so perennially popular?
Annieth:
I have always loved vintage items from a very young age. I
think this was due to wearing lots of hand me downs or
secondhand clothes when I was young, given to my Mom. So
growing up, my fashion sense was always different and a bit
dated and without really wanting to I stood out. At a
young age I had to adjust to always looking different from
the 'in crowd'. And I still do to this very day. I have my
own unique style and today I am admired for it! I think the right mix of old and new fashion offers a sense
of uniqueness and class. Vintage attracts bargain hunters -
there is the fact that there will be those fashion lovers
who will not be able to afford the brand new fashion
as it hits the catwalks!
Digger:
What sort of feedback do you get about your products from customers?
Annieth:
There is room for improvement with our service but once the
items are recieved they are thrilled and give beautiful
feedback which warms my heart. I have made someone happy! I
think that's our company motto really - to bring joy and
happiness.
Digger: Where
is the product range developing in the future and what sorts
of requests have you had for new products?
Annieth:
I first started with Chanel which I stuck with for a while
as I had to quickly learn how to be an expert to provide a
confident service in what I was offering. I have now started
introducing other lines like Hermes, Celine, Goyard by
customer request. I introduce new lines slowly as I have to
do a lot research to increase my knowledge of the product so
that I can sell it confidently. My reputation is my priority
and is extremely sacred.
Digger: What are the most enjoyable aspects of what you do?
Annieth:
I enjoy the research and sourcing. The business has also
brought me in contact with some wonderful people, including
celebrities. I also love it when the customers get the items
and they send me great pictures and stories.
Digger:
What plans do you have for the future of
vintagedesignerhandbagsonline.com?
Annieth:
My aspiration is to become the World's largest and best
Online Luxury Vintage Store for supplying business to
business and consumers. I am also looking into having an
offline presence in the near future.
