Chanel’s New Bag Repair Policies Are Super Strict

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This could be bad news for anyone with a well-loved or pre-owned Chanel bag, or ​really anyone with​ a Chanel bag at all. PurseBlog reports that Chanel recently changed its policies and will no longer refurbish or refinish bags that are more than five years old or that don't have a proof of purchase.

That means if you don't have proof of purchase from a Chanel boutique or authorized Chanel retailer, the brand's repair department will refuse service for refurbishing and refinishing. Don't worry if you threw away your receipt four years ago, though. PurseBlog reports Chanel will be able to look up purchases in their system. But that probably doesn't help anyone who purchased a bag on the resale market.

This policy went into effect as of October 1st, and many Chanel fans on the PurseBlog's forum are upset, posting nearly 360 comments about the new policy in one thread. One poster wrote: "this is ridiculous!!! obviously most bags under 5 yr old does not need any repair or spa!!! even with receipt, it is useless..."

Another said, "Lots of considerations here about the new Chanel policies... so basically a bag from 2010 will not be considered for a repair.. Chanel bags are meant to last a lifetime with reasonable usage & for so many, passed on from generation to generation."

Considering the price of Chanel bags keeps rising, it's no wonder Chanel shoppers are angry that the label won't refinish and reburbish something some consider an "investment" handbag that's meant to last forever.

What is Chanel's rationale for the policy change? PurseBlog's Megs Mahoney Dusil writes: "The person I spoke with explained Chanel prides itself on being able to take care of a bag properly and bring it back to its original state, and that Chanel would not want to cause additional damage to a bag that is older than five years and shows more age and wear during the refurbishing process. Chanel must be fielding many calls about its new policy; each rep seems ready to answer if you have any questions."

Update: Chanel sent an email to Racked to clarify its new bag policies. The statement reads: "Chanel is absolutely still repairing bags over five years old. Occasional repairs are still performed by our Fashion After Sales, regardless of the bag's age.

The change to our policy is on two paid services only.

- Refinishing: The process of re-applying pigment to the exterior of a handbag or small leather good.

- Refurbishing: A complete overhaul service including refinishing, hardware changes, stitching and/or piping servicing.

These two services are still offered with the following updated policy:

- Must be verified as purchased from an authorized CHANEL Retailer location either Boutique or authorized Multi-Brand Retailer.

- Must be five years of age or under from date of purchase.

Like all brands, our service offering is evolving to remain consistent with our customers' expectations and needs as this service was rarely used by our clients. This policy does not impact any other repair services currently offered for which there is no change."