The Nest - Access All Areas

I hope you enjoyed part 1 and part 2 of my interviews with Shian - here is the conclusion!

Do you have any ideas how many bags you have sold?

That’s a good question and would take quite a lot of archive delving to find out! I do know that on an average (non promotional) day at the Nest, there are usually between 3 and 5 purchases which for one person is quite manageable. It gets a bit manic at Sale time, when I draft in hubby to help me, as purchases can spike up to 50 in a single day. Thankfully he’s now a dab hand at gift wrapping, knows his way to the Post Office in his sleep and best of all, he’s free!

What were highlights for you over the last 11 years?

Probably the launch of the website, 5 years ago. It was a bit of a leap of faith setting up on my own as having the massive audience of ebay for so long, it felt like the Nest might be forgotten or overlooked. Thankfully, my lovely and loyal rock bed of clients gave me so much support that within a few months it was obvious that it was the best thing I’ve ever done. Getting on to the first page of Google felt fabulous too as this brings in even more bag-loving folk and lots of people find the Nest via Google images, (the lamps in virtually every Mulberry Search you can do!).

 
Do you have a funny/interesting anecdote to share?
 

Two rather embarrassing incidents spring to mind…..The first one was many, many years ago when I was just starting out on ebay and didn’t have the reams and reams of tissue paper and bubblewrap that I do now. I was photographing a little Mulberry Tyler bag and the closest things to hand to stuff the bag with was from my underwear drawer. I selected some non-holey socks and began snapping away. Of course, when the bag sold and I posted it out I soon realised I’d posted all the socks out with it! The buyer was delighted with the bag and thankfully was in stitches about the socks. (I was just relieved they were some of my better pairs!)

The other incident was shamefully only a few years ago now. The Nest’s Re-use / Recycling policy basically works on the basis that, like me, most people don’t like packaging waste and are happy to receive pre-used cardboard boxes when they buy an item. Being very lucky that my local corner shop saves all their boxes for me, I rather obliviously posted a clients very lovely new LV out in one of these and looked forward to hearing from the her, (as it was a really stunning bag!). The next day she got in touch, absolutely thrilled to bits with her LV…..but…..did I realise the box was from ‘Tena Lady’. Oooops. After much effusive apologies I think my client saw the funny side! (I do now make a conscious check of the origin of the boxes I use now and make sure none of the ones from the Chemist sneak in!)

Do you have any plans for the Nest?  

Just carrying on as I’ve always done really. The last 11yrs has been amazing and I’d love to hope the next 11 will be even better. :) (I might retire then, but I doubt it!)

Well, even if our bank balances (or husbands/boyfriends...) wish you'd close up shop, we sure hope you carry on, Shian! 

Check back for some top tips from Shian on how to make your bag look its best!

Buying Pre-Loved (Mulberry and Other) Designer Bags

 
In a bid to making buying used/preloved Mulberry (and other Designer) bags easier and less daunting I am publishing a series of posts with lots of hints and tips - find them all under "what I learned". 

First part of the "series":  Trusted Sellers of Pre-loved Mulberry...or new at pre-loved prices

These are sellers of pre-loved, near-new or new Mulberry (and other designer) bags and accessories where you can be assured of authenticity. So no scary eBay bidding with hoping that what you receive is a) authentic and b) as described. As they are business sellers (and not, as most on eBay, private), they offer returns, so should a bag not suit, you can return it!

Naughtipidgins Authentic Bags

Also known as "The Nest", "NPN"

Shian who runs this site is fantastically helpful and knowledgeable about Mulberry bags and accessories. She has a real passion for beautiful bags, her photographs and description are always gorgeous yet never omit any flaws the bag might have. She truly lives by the shop's motto "Only Authentic. Only Lovely. Only Ever Honestly Described". 

When I purchased my Nightshade Blue Heritage Bayswater from her, she was fantastic in dealing with my queries re. the leather care etc. The bag was securely and beautifully wrapped. It was like opening a birthday present! Oh, and she always includes a NPN Passport, which acts as a certificate of authenticity. I also acquired a black printed Ledbury form her and did a quick video on the unboxing, should you be curious.

Shian also offers a great commissioning service, that would typically allow you to receive 75% of your sold item'sselling price . Considering eBay takes 10% commission and PayPal a 3.4% fee, this is a great option. You can also ask for a quote to have your bag bought outright from Shian though you will achieve less than selling it through commissioning.

Her site has a fab section on different leathers and their care, which is a great point of reference for any information re. this.

Shian does close the Nest for school holidays so do keep an eye on the dates publicised on her site. You can keep browsing during closure but will only be able to purchase when she re-opens. 

What's your favourite bag?
That's such a difficult question to answer and I don't actually think I can choose just one bag. Different occasions call for different bags and there isn't one single bag that can do it all. I'd still say the  2.55 Chanel 10" flap is my favorite style though... still the unbeatable classic of all time.

What's your favourite Mulberry?

Mulberry Bayswater in oak darwin with older style glossy postmans lock plate - smart everyday bag perfect for work, play or anything life can throw at you.

Papillonika Ltd 

Also known as "Aqila" ;)

Aqila who has recenly launched this beautiful webshop is another lovely and incredibly helpful lady. She sells mainly new or as new and very lightly used bags, all at a fraction of the new price and the bags and purses are sourced from authorised retailers. Find out more about her in my series of interviews with her.

What's your favourite bag?
Favourite bag at the moment is my Prada crossbody double zip tote in Nude with my 7 year old daughters hand made pom pom on!!! 

What's your favourite Mulberry?
Favourite Mulberry is definately the Del Rey and I don't know why Mulberry has discontinued this...xx  

Labels most Wanted

Also known as "LMW" 

Louise offers pre-loved bags and accessories in new/as new or excellent condition for a wide range of designer brands. She also offers a commission selling service, fees again around 25%, so well worth considering before you bother hitting eBay.

What's your favourite bag? 
Considering what I do for a living, I am actually not into bags which is probably just as well as I would want to keep them all! I use one bag at a time and then change before the outgoing one starts to show wear, so  whatever bag I am using at the time would be my favourite!
 
What's your favourite Mulberry? 
I would have to say the classic Mulberry oak Bayswater, as that is always a great seller!

All ladies above are, from my experience, very knowledgeable and approachable, so do not hesitate to get in touch with them if you have any queries. They will also be happy to pop your name on a waiting list if you're after a style that's hard to come by. 

More on buying pre-loved Mulberry in my guide on buying off Facebook groups!

Where do you shop for your pre-loved designer bags? Do you chance it on eBay? Or do you have a trusted shop you keep going back to time and time again? Do let me know! :)

Pidgeon Post

I remember somebody telling me about "unboxing" on Youtube. I had never heard about it before and, in all honesty, thought it was a bit daft when he told me. Whereas I could see the value in watching online reviews, do I need to watch others open their parcel and see what they ordered?!

When I thought about it though I thought that this could be quite useful: you get to see how a specific seller/retailer wraps and packs their goods. You get to share the excitement of a parcel received. You get a quick view on said ordered item.

So when I received a parcels from Naughtipidgins Nest, a name you may know or recognise from my "trusted sellers" list, I thought that would be a prime candidate. So without much further ado, here my first ever "public" unboxing.

Oh, and a bit of a spoiler, but this is in the box: