“There is gold in them thar bags!” (Chanel, Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Hermes, that is!)

by Cary Pfeffer

Home-Bound Treasures
Everyone is always looking for hidden treasures in their drawers. Money is tight and folks need to free up some dollars. With gold prices topping $1600 an ounce, people are draining their jewelry boxes and running to the nearest pawn shop or “cash for gold” outfit.


Sell that “Murse”
I'm here to say forget the gold! It's pre-owned luxe handbags that have the hidden resale value! I've been selling designer goods and luxury items online for over seven years now. Other than Swiss timepieces, never have I seen such a cash cow as a premium, lovingly used tote, satchel, clutch, messenger bag, top handle, pouchette or murse. Yes, I said murse, or man-purse. Men nowadays also have great bags which can hold their own on the secondary market.

Handbag History 

A murse is a man purse.

I know what you're thinking. What does a man know about handbags? Well, when you are working with them on a daily basis, learning about styles, stitching and serial numbers, you become a quasi-expert. Plus, it helps to have a stylish mother-in-law who constantly carries the perfect pocketbook.

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Whether you own one Coach, Gucci, Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, Bottega masterpiece or ten, I can research it’s current resale value. Styles change quickly.  And although some bags are classic and timeless, the time has come to part with your old friend. Whether your bags were a well thought out indulgence or an impulsive decision that seemed good at the time, I’ll be able to find a loving new home for each.

Bottom line: it’s time to clean those closets and reap the rewards ladies and gents. I offer FREE closet evaluations throughout Chicagoland. And if you mention this South Loop Connection posting, you’ll get an additional 5% of each sale back into your pocket.


Cary Pfeffer, a South Loop resident, is the owner of I-Net Sales Partners, designer / luxury online re-seller, “I can turn your pre-owned designer items into cash.” Check out his Web sites: www.i-netsalespartners.com and  www.luxebuster.com.