New local e-commerce site, Luxity, buys and sells authentic second-hand designer handbags and other luxury items.
The Cape Town-based start-up was founded by 28-year-old entrepreneur Luke Calitz and launched last year. The site went live with only 25 items and now stocks between 160 and 180.
The inventory includes a range of handbags, clutches, shoes, scarves and sunglasses from coveted brands such as Prada and Gucci. Each item is authenticated by the Luxity team and the company offers a lifetime return policy if the buyer ever discovers they were sold a fake or counterfeit item.
Calitz says Luxity's authentication process is a "trade secret" but says factors such as design, year and model, stitching, materials used, packaging, dust bags and documentation play a big role.
Louis Vuitton is the most popular brand on the site. "Items such as a Louis Vuitton Neverful or Speedy have never lasted more than 24 hours on the Web site," says Calitz.
"Due to the scarcity, Chanel handbags ? especially the classic flap bag ? are our fastest sellers. We once sold one within five minutes and the waiting list is long."
Some of these items do not even make it to the Web site and are bought up beforehand, he says. This is because when a new item comes in, it is first sent to the site's VIP members on WhatsApp, then posted on social media, and only then uploaded to Luxity.co.za.
Calitz says he was inspired to launch Luxity after noticing how clothes had the power to change his mom's mood and give her confidence. He wanted to make handbags, accessories and shoes by luxury designers available to more people so they could also experience their 'power'.
The pieces are bought from a diverse group of sellers, says Calitz: "From the everyday fashionista who is clearing out her closet, to inheritance pieces, or even just ladies who want to sell last year's design/model in order to purchase seasonal items or the latest trends."
There are no other sites that offer this service in South Africa, apart from individuals who sell items on classifieds sites like Gumtree or OLX.
A selection of items currently available on Luxity include:
Item | Estimated retail price | Luxity price |
Louis Vuitton | R37 000 | R25 000 |
Celine | R45 000 | R30 000 |
Prada | R28 000 | R19 000 |
Yves Saint Laurent Chocolate overseas tote | R22 000 | R18 000 |
Herm`es | R34 000 | R16 000 |
Giuseppe Zanotti Python peep-toe wood stacked slingback platform heel | R11 000 | R6 500 |
Jimmy Choo | R6 000 | R2 500 |
Gucci | R6 000 | R4 500 |
Louis Vuitton | R7 000 | R4 650 |
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