The key players

Hermes is the dominant brand in terms of secondary market performance and collector seriousness. Chanel, particularly the Classic Flap and the 2.55, has a strong secondary market and more accessible primary market pricing. Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bottega Veneta have collector followings but less established secondary market premiums. Christie's and Sotheby's both run dedicated handbag sales that have established auction price records for exceptional pieces

Fashionphile is the largest authenticated resale platform for luxury handbags in the United States. The RealReal is the largest consignment platform for luxury goods broadly. Rebag specialises in handbags with strong authentication and buyback programs. Vestiaire Collective is the dominant European platform.

CollectorGrade take

The auction records from Christie's and Sotheby's handbag sales are the price reference for the top of the market. Before buying or selling at the premium level, research the auction results. They are public and set the market.