“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.

“Dont take this phone out to make a call on South Indiana!”

by Cary Pfeffer

If you planned on taking out your cell phone to dial 911 while witnessing a mugging in the South Loop, you might think twice if you are the proud owner of the new TAG Heuer Link Smartphone. You may need to hire a bodyguard to make your next call!

Watch Aficionado
As a watch aficionado and luxury re-seller, I get all giddy at the thought of combining technology with luxury. When platinum and diamond Vertu phones came out about eight years ago, I was intrigued but saddened. It was the phone companies letting us know that the next generation would be less interested in fine timepieces and more concerned with looking fabulous and telling time on a digital display.

A $6,700 Smart Phone?
If you’re a watch lover like myself, you need to take a look see at this TAG Heuer creation. At $6,700, admittedly, its out of most people’s idea of spending what they would on a smart phone. However, if Breitling decides to merge with the iPhone, they will probably have me at hello. Ah, my two loves (besides my wife and 2 little girls, of course)!

TAG Heuer Smartphone

Heres a snippet from Engadget, author: Tuan Mai (paraphrased):

“Although the techie crowd is going to ponder the hardware specifics of a smart phone created by TAG Heuer, perhaps the number of people who would spend $6,700 on a phone might be a bit less interested. Disappointingly, the phone is lacking in the hardware department with its mediocre Android 2.2 OS, 3.5inch (800 x 480) screen, 5 megapixel camera, and 256MB internal memory.”

A Phone That Looks Like a Watch
In spite of its shortcomings, the TAG Heuer Smartphone goes above and beyond in aesthetics and luxury. With various choices from steel, 18K rose gold, and titanium models, there is surely a style to suit any high-end buyer. Fitted with fancy leather, alligator and lizard skin, along with diamond accents, this luxurious smart phone embodies the company's beauty. The phone itself even looks like a face from one of the company’s watches!”

Turn Your “Valuables” into Cash

So, if you’re like me, a guy in his 30’s, married with two kids, a dog, and a South Loop condo under water, you’ll probably have to sell a bunch of stuff to fulfill your next indulgence. I’m sure if you take a hard look in your garages and closets, there’s plenty of unwanted “valuables” not being used which can translate to fast cash. I use the term valuables loosely because one man’s trash is NOT ALWAYS another man’s treasure.

Just be careful next time you flaunt your goods around here. Next thing you know, they’ll be selling diamond studded pepper spray for those luxury craving vigilantes.

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.