Condition Ratings play a very important part in the resale process of handbags and while each company may grade their handbags a little differently, whether it’s a letter ( A, B, C, D) or a word (excellent, good and fair), most all mean the same thing.

We have used Louis Vuitton to demonstrate the differences between conditions as this is the most well known brand on the resale market.

GRADING AREAS

The over-all aesthetic of a bag should be considered when grading a bag and any bags that are a light color will be held to a higher standard due to any flaws easily seen. Odors will effect the condition rating even if the exterior is graded higher. 

Hermes and Chanel bags are also held to a higher standard due to their price point.

• Corners
• Loose Stitching
• Discoloration
• Color Transfer
• Patent Scuffing
• Suede Wear
• Missing Fur/Patches/Bald Spot

• Darkening Handles
• Exterior Marks (Pen/Dirt)
• Interior Marks
• Water Spots
• Wax Edges
• Tarnished Hardware
• Fading

• Scratches (Exterior)
• Scratches (Interior)
• Pony/Calf Hair Damage
• Metallic Wear
• Interior Peeling/Flaking
• Glue Stains
• Python/Snakeskin Scales

• Missing Crystals
• Missing Sequins
• Missing/Loose Rhinestones
• Missing/Loose Embellishments
• Missing Beads
• Indention Marks

A / Excellent
Condition will show very minimal wear, usually due to handling or storage and may come with some or all of its original packaging.

A- / Excellent
Condition may show extremely minor wear which may include: minimal marks on leather, very light corner wear, minimal interior spotting and/or hardware scratches due to use or aging

B+ / Great
Condition may show small watermarks on leather, light corner wear (rub marks), minimal interior spotting and/or hardware scratches due to use or aging.

B / Good
Condition will show moderate wear due to use and may include: watermarks or wear on leather trim, normal corner wear, interior spots, minimal structure loss, slight hardware scratches or fading and may have slight fading of material

B- / Good
Condition will show general wear from use with and may include: heavier watermarks or staining on leather trim, corner wear, interior staining and hardware scratches along with the fading of canvas but still in general good condition. 

C+ / Fair

Condition will reflect heavier wear due to use that may include: surface scratches, darkening of handles, loose threads, pronounced discoloration, scratches, marks, and/or stains along with other wear.

C / Fair

Condition may be at a functional level and will have noticeable signs of wear and/or missing appendages that may include missing straps, zipper pulls, exposed piping, stains on the exterior and/or interior and other damage.

C- / Fair

Condition will be at least a functional level and will have noticeable signs of wear and/or missing appendages that may include missing straps, zipper pulls, exposed piping, stains on the exterior and/or interior and other damage.

D / Unusable
Condition will not be functional and will have noticeable signs of wear and/or missing appendages that may include missing straps, zipper pulls, exposed piping, stains on the exterior and/or interior, mold, cuts and other damage. 

 Click here to download the one page condition grading cheat sheet.