Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about buying authentic vintage designer bags, including authenticity, condition, shipping, and returns. We specialise in pre-owned luxury handbags that are carefully inspected before sale, with detailed photos and descriptions to ensure transparency when purchasing vintage pieces online. Our collection includes sought-after brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Coach, and Chloé, with worldwide shipping available.

Authenticity & Product Details

Learn how we authenticate vintage designer bags, what “vintage” or “pre-loved” means, how we grade condition, and what to expect with your purchase.

  • Every piece is verified through our rigorous in-house authentication process, developed from years of hands-on experience with thousands of vintage designer handbags. Our collection includes vintage bags from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Coach, Chloé, Miu Miu, and Balenciaga, and we examine materials, stitching, hardware, date codes, serial numbers, and brand hallmarks.

    We offer a lifetime authenticity guarantee - if a piece is ever proven to be inauthentic by a recognised third-party authenticator, we will provide a full refund. This guarantee remains valid for the lifetime of ownership.

    Rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot. Read verified customer reviews

  • All our items are vintage and pre-loved, carefully inspected and graded so you know exactly what condition to expect.

    Condition Grades

    Very Good: Pre-loved with minimal signs of wear and subtle imperfections.

    Good: Shows visible signs of use, including marks or patina.

    Fair: Well-loved vintage pieces with noticeable wear, marks, or aging, while remaining fully functional.

  • All of our pieces are vintage and pre-loved, so original packaging may not be available. If a bag comes with its original dust bag or box, this will be clearly stated in the product listing.

    Our luxury cotton dust bags are available to add at checkout, or are complimentary on orders over £250.

    Every order is securely packed and shipped via tracked, signed-for, and insured delivery to ensure safe arrival.

  • All of our pieces are vintage and pre-loved, meaning they have been previously owned and carry the character of their history. Each item is carefully inspected, authenticated, and graded to ensure quality, while retaining its unique vintage charm.

    Buying pre-loved designer pieces allows you to enjoy timeless style, often from limited collections, while embracing sustainable fashion practices.

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Condition & Care

Understand how vintage bag condition is assessed and how to care for, store, and maintain pre-owned luxury handbags.

  • Vintage and pre-loved bags may show minor signs of wear such as light creasing, small marks, or gentle patina on leather. These characteristics are normal for vintage pieces and are part of their history and character. Any notable wear is highlighted in the product description and photos.

  • Vintage designer bags are made with high-quality materials and can last for many years with the right care. To keep your bag in the best condition:

    • Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
    • Keep the bag lightly stuffed with tissue or a bag insert to maintain its shape
    • Avoid prolonged contact with water, oils, perfumes, or cosmetics
    • Handle leather gently and wipe hardware or surfaces with a soft, dry cloth when needed

    Regular, gentle care helps preserve the structure, leather, and hardware of vintage bags so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

  • Light cleaning can be done using a soft cloth or specialist leather care products. For deeper cleaning or restoration, we recommend using a professional leather specialist experienced with luxury handbags to protect the materials and finish.

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Ordering & Payment

Information about placing an order, accepted payment methods, and what happens after you complete your purchase.

  • We accept secure payments via major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, and Klarna. All transactions are encrypted and processed through trusted platforms, ensuring your personal and payment data remain safe.

    Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard & AMEX - processed via Shopify’s PCI-compliant checkout.

    PayPal: A familiar, convenient option for fast online payments.

    Apple Pay: One-tap checkout for iPhone users, keeping payments private and secure.

    Shop Pay: Save your payment information securely for faster future checkout, protected with encrypted tokenization and two-factor authentication.

    Klarna: Split your purchase into flexible payments (subject to eligibility and terms) - select Klarna at checkout for simple financing.

    Stay updated on new payment features by joining our mailing list or following us on Instagram.

  • Orders are typically dispatched within 1 business day. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email confirmation with tracking details so you can follow your delivery.

  • Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email with your tracking details so you can follow your delivery. All orders are sent using tracked and insured shipping services for peace of mind.

  • If you need to cancel or amend your order, please contact us as soon as possible. We process and dispatch orders quickly, so changes can only be made before the order has been shipped. Once an order has been dispatched, it can no longer be cancelled or modified.

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UK Shipping

Details on delivery within the UK, including shipping costs, dispatch times, and tracked services.

  • All UK orders are shipped via tracked, signed-for, and insured services to ensure safe and timely delivery.


    Free standard shipping on orders over £200 via Royal Mail 48 Tracked & Signed.
    £3.95 flat-rate shipping on orders under £200.

    Next-day delivery available at checkout for priority orders (order by 3pm, Monday–Thursday).

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

  • Yes. Next-day delivery is available at checkout for £13.95. To qualify, orders must be placed before 3pm Monday–Thursday. Orders placed after the cut-off time or on weekends will be dispatched the next working day.

  • UK deliveries are sent using tracked services, and you can follow your parcel using the tracking link provided after dispatch. While most orders arrive within the expected timeframe, occasional delays can occur due to courier processing or peak delivery periods. If your parcel appears delayed, please contact us and we will assist in tracking your delivery.

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International Shipping

Information on worldwide delivery via UPS and FedEx Express, including shipping regions, timeframes, and customs considerations.

  • Yes. We ship vintage designer bags worldwide using UPS or FedEx Express services.

    • Fully tracked, signed-for, and insured delivery
    • Dispatch within 1 business day
    • Typical delivery: 2–4 business days depending on destination
    • Tracking details are sent by email once your order ships

    Shipping information by region is listed below. Duties, taxes, or customs charges may apply and are the buyer’s responsibility.

    For country-specific shipping information, please see the sections below or refer to our Shipping Policy.

  • Yes, we ship across the European Union, including Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

    Shipping is €11.95 per order. All orders are sent via UPS or FedEx Express, fully tracked, signed-for, and insured.

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email. Typical delivery time is 2 to 4 business days after dispatch.

    Orders may be subject to local taxes, customs duties, or import charges, which are the responsibility of the buyer.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

    For returns, any duties or import charges paid on the original order are non-refundable, and return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

  • Yes, we ship to the United States.

    Shipping is $19.95 per order. All orders are sent via UPS or FedEx Express, fully tracked, signed-for, and insured.

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email. Typical delivery time is 2 to 3 business days after dispatch.

    Orders may be subject to local taxes, customs duties, or import charges, which are the responsibility of the buyer. Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to carrier processing or customs clearance.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

    For full details, please refer to our Shipping Policy or contact us.

  • Yes, we ship to Canada.

    Shipping is $22.95 CAD per order. All orders are sent via UPS or FedEx Express, fully tracked, signed-for, and insured.

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email. Typical delivery time is 2 to 3 business days after dispatch.

    Orders may be subject to local taxes, customs duties, or import charges, which are the responsibility of the buyer. Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to carrier processing or customs clearance.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

    For full details, please refer to our Shipping Policy or contact us.

  • Yes, we ship to Australia.

    Shipping is $29.95 AUD per order. All orders are sent via UPS or FedEx Express, fully tracked, signed-for, and insured.

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email. Typical delivery time is 3 to 4 business days after dispatch.

    Orders may be subject to local taxes, customs duties, or import charges, which are the responsibility of the buyer. Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to carrier processing or customs clearance.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

    For full details, please refer to our Shipping Policy or contact us.

  • Yes, we ship to New Zealand.

    Shipping is $32.95 NZD per order. All orders are sent via UPS or FedEx Express, fully tracked, signed-for, and insured.

    Orders are dispatched within 1 business day, with tracking details sent by email. Typical delivery time is 3 to 5 business days after dispatch.

    Orders may be subject to local taxes, customs duties, or import charges, which are the responsibility of the buyer. Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to carrier processing or customs clearance.

    Each item is carefully packed to protect your vintage, pre-loved designer piece.

    For full details, please refer to our Shipping Policy or contact us.

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Returns

Our returns policy, including eligibility, timelines, and how to arrange a return if needed.

  • Returns are accepted within 14 calendar days of delivery.

    Items must be unused, in original condition, with all original tags attached, and returned using a tracked and insured service.

    Return instructions

    • UK: Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm®
    • EU: Tracked and insured return service

    Due to international shipping and customs processes, returns are not accepted from destinations outside the UK and EU unless the item arrives damaged or significantly not as described.

    If your item arrives damaged or not as described, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and we will arrange a resolution.

    Refunds are issued to your original payment method once the returned item has been received and inspected. Return shipping costs and any unpaid international duties or import charges remain the buyer’s responsibility.

    Exchanges can be arranged by contacting us at howdy@thanksitsvintage.co.uk before returning your item.

    For full details on eligibility, timelines, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to our Returns Policy.

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Buying Vintage

Helpful insights into purchasing vintage designer bags, including value, collectability, and why many buyers choose pre-owned luxury.

  • Many vintage designer bags hold their value well due to craftsmanship, limited production, and ongoing demand for classic styles. Pieces from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, and Coach are often sought after in the resale market.

    While values can vary depending on condition, rarity, and style, vintage designer bags can be both a collectible fashion piece and a long-lasting wardrobe staple. Vintage bags are often made with durable materials and craftsmanship designed to last, making them a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion

  • Vintage designer bags offer styles that are often no longer in production, making them a great way to find something a little different from current collections. Many vintage pieces also reflect the design and craftsmanship of earlier eras, using better quality materials and construction methods such as hand stitching.

    For many buyers, vintage bags simply offer timeless style and character, with pieces that feel more individual and unique than buying new.

  • Several factors can make a vintage designer bag more collectible. Certain styles become especially sought after when they represent iconic designs, distinctive details, or pieces from earlier collections that are no longer produced.

    The brand, rarity, and overall condition of a bag can also influence its desirability. Classic models from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, and Coach often remain popular over time, particularly when they are well looked after.

    Design elements such as signature patterns, unique hardware, or limited production runs can also add to a bag’s appeal among collectors.

  • In fashion, an item is generally considered "vintage" once it is around 20 years old or more. Vintage designer bags often come from past collections and may feature materials, designs, or details that are no longer produced today.

    Because vintage pieces have been previously owned and used, they may show light signs of age or wear, which are part of the character of a vintage item. Each listing includes detailed photos and descriptions so you can clearly understand the condition before purchasing.

  • Many vintage designer bags are known for their strong materials and traditional construction, particularly pieces made in earlier decades. Brands often used thicker leathers, durable canvas, and solid hardware designed to last.

    While quality can vary by brand, model, and age, well-kept vintage bags often remain in excellent condition many years later, which is why they continue to be popular in the resale market.

  • Prices can vary depending on factors such as brand, condition, rarity, and demand for a particular style. Many vintage bags are no longer produced, meaning the number available on the market naturally becomes more limited over time.

    This scarcity can make certain pieces more sought after, particularly if they come from well-known collections or feature distinctive designs. Well-preserved examples of popular models are often the most desirable among buyers and collectors.

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Sustainability

Learn how buying vintage designer bags supports more sustainable fashion by extending the life of existing luxury pieces.

  • Buying vintage designer bags helps extend the life of existing luxury pieces rather than creating demand for new production. By choosing pre-owned items, you are helping keep well-made bags in circulation for longer.

    Vintage bags are also often made with durable materials and craftsmanship designed to last, meaning they can be used and enjoyed for many years. This makes buying vintage a more considered alternative to fast fashion.

  • Buying vintage keeps existing items in use for longer, helping reduce the need for new production. By choosing pre-owned pieces, you support a more circular approach to fashion, where quality items are reused rather than replaced.

    Vintage designer bags are often made with durable materials and craftsmanship designed to last. Because they can be used for many years, they can also offer a lower cost per wear, making them a more considered alternative to frequently replacing lower-quality items.

  • Pre-owned luxury allows you to access high-quality designer pieces at a more accessible price, often including styles that are no longer available in current collections.

    Many buyers also appreciate the character and individuality of vintage pieces. Choosing pre-owned items helps extend the life of well-made products, making it a more considered way to shop for luxury fashion.

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About Thanks, it's Vintage

More about our business, where our vintage bags are sourced, and how to stay updated on new arrivals and collections.

  • Our vintage designer bags are sourced from a network of trusted suppliers, collectors, and established resale channels. Each piece is carefully selected and inspected before being offered for sale.

    We focus on sourcing authentic vintage pieces from well-known luxury brands, with every item reviewed to ensure it meets our standards for authenticity, condition, and quality.

  • The best way to stay updated is by joining our mailing list, where we share new arrivals, collection drops, and updates from our latest vintage finds.

    You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok to see newly listed pieces and highlights from the collection.

  • We add new vintage designer bags every week. Our collection is updated regularly as we source new pieces, so it’s worth checking back often to see the latest arrivals.

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