Why You Shouldn’t Sell (or Buy) Luxury Handbags at Estate Sales

When most people think of estate sales, they imagine hidden treasures and bargain prices. But when it comes to luxury handbags, shoes, and accessories, estate sales are often one of the worst places to buy or sell them.

At The Luxe Loop, we know the luxury resale market inside and out—from Louis Vuitton Speedys to Chanel Classic Flaps— and we’ve seen firsthand how estate sales misprice and mishandle high-end fashion pieces. Here’s what you need to know before trusting an estate sale with your luxury pieces.

Why Buying Luxury at Estate Sales Is a Bad Idea

• Overpriced Items: Estate sale companies often set prices far above true market value. For example, our team recently saw a Louis Vuitton carryall priced at $1,100 at an estate sale, even though comparable pieces in similar condition consistently sell for $400–$500 on trusted luxury resale sites like The Luxe Loop, The RealReal, and Fashionphile. Another Prada bag was seen for $700, when it was really worth around $400-$500. Estate sale companies take advantage of the fact that buyers aren't often as well-versed in going market rate of particular luxury bags, so they dramatically overprice them.

• No Market Expertise: Unlike specialized luxury resale platforms, estate sale companies don’t track resale demand, style popularity, or seasonal pricing. That lack of expertise leads to sky-high prices that prey on buyers who are innocent don’t know better.

• No Authenticity Protection: Most estate sales don’t offer reliable authentication. All sales are usually final at estate sales, so that means you risk overpaying for a piece that might not even be genuine. 

Why Selling Luxury at Estate Sales Is Even Worse

• Hefty Commissions: Many estate sale companies take 40% or more of the sale price. That’s significantly higher than what specialized resale platforms like The Luxe Loop charge. We'll never charge more than a 25% fee to sell your items.

• Underselling Potential: With the recent skyrocketing prices at estate sales, more savvy buyers aren't buying the overpriced items there. So you could be left with unsold items, leaving money on the table that should be in your pocket.

• One-Day Shot: Estate sales last a weekend, maybe less. So if your item doesn’t sell in that window, you’re out of luck. Contrast that with a dedicated resale platform like TLL, where our listings reach buyers all over the world 24/7.

The Luxe Loop: A Smarter, More Profitable Alternative

At The Luxe Loop, we make luxury resale easy, secure, and far more rewarding:

• Lower Commission Fees: Our consignors keep 75 to 85% of the final sale price, depending on the value of the item—giving you far higher earnings than what you’d earn through an estate sale.

• White-Glove Service: Simply request a free shipping label, send us your items, and we handle authentication, photography, marketing, and selling. No need to let strangers take over your home for weeks like you would with an estate sale.

• Trusted Expertise: Because luxury is our specialty, your bags and accessories are priced accurately to sell quickly and profitably.

• Fast and Easy Payouts: Once your item sells, we send your payment directly via PayPal. It really is that simple.

Final Thoughts

Estate sales may be great for antique furniture or vintage kitchenware, but when it comes to luxury handbags and accessories, they’re almost always a losing game. Buyers overpay. Sellers lose out on earnings. And both sides are left frustrated.

If you want to sell your luxury pieces the smart way, skip the estate sale route and consign with The Luxe Loop instead. We’ll maximize your earnings, protect your investment, and connect your items with the buyers who truly appreciate them.

👉 Ready to consign? Start selling your items with TLL today.