How to Grade Luxury Handbags

'How do you grade designer handbags?' is the most common question after people enquire about our authentication processes, so we have broken it down to help you better understand before you purchase your dream bag at The Handbag Clinic.

Our Buyers operate a 5 point grading system to categorise our bags to allow you to purchase with confidence:

Brand New: These bags have never been used and show no signs of wear. Excellent: These bags have had minimal use and show no signs of wear. Great: These bags are in fantastic condition with very little signs of wear
Very Good: These bags will show very minor signs of wear. Good: These bags will show small signs of slight damage and wear. Fair: These bags are still in great condition but will show signs of use and some damage.
We've chosen some popular styles that we know are firm favourites amongst the world of the fashion elite to demonstrate each grading visually for you:


Louis Vuitton Vachetta leather is prime example of how bags fall into the different areas of our condition gradings. The more developed the patina, typically the lower down the item will sit on our grading scale. However, we are firm believers at The Handbag Clinic that the natural process of patina can enhance a Vuitton bag as the slightly darkened Vachetta will enhance the character of the bag.

Watch how our team broke down the grading system of Vuitton's specifically, to give you more confidence when purchasing. You can talk to a Buyer today to learn more about Vuitton grading.



Looking for your next investment handbag? Check out of New Arrivals and shop with confidence now you know our grading system.

Alternatively, if you have a bag you wish to sell and don't know it's value, complete a quote today.