Real Deal Collection F.A.Q & Policies

» Are all of your items authentic? » How do you rate the condition of items for sale? » Do you sell and ship items internationally? » What payment methods do you accept? » How can I reserve an item right now while making special payment arrangements with you or creating a layaway or trade-in order? » Do you charge sales tax?

» How can I receive or use a discount coupon? » What is layaway? » How do I start a layaway order? » What are your shipping rates and policies? » What is your return policy? » What is consignment? How can I sell my bag? » What is trade-in?

Are all of your items authentic?
We at REAL DEAL COLLECTION are committed to providing a safe, online source for authenticated, pre-owned, Balenciaga bags and accessories. Our team of Balenciaga experts verifies the authenticity of each item before it is listed on our web site. Real Deal Collection is recognized as a trusted and reputable seller of Balenciaga bags at the Purse Forum and is also a member of the Fashion Spot online community. We have sold well over 1000 authentic, Balenciaga items to satisfied customers all over the world. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of an item you are considering sending to us, please E-mail info@realdealcollection.com with photos of your bag. No item will be finally authenticated until examined physically and any item that cannot be authenticated with complete confidence will be returned to the sender. If you have any questions regarding authenticity of an item in our shop, please contact us; we're happy to help you.

How do you rate the condition of items for sale?
We evaluate each item for sale on our website according to the following standards:
Like New: Merchandise shows no visible imperfections or signs of wear that would indicate use. All of our items are considered pre-owned even if they have not been carried yet.
Almost New: Merchandise is in nearly new condition but upon close inspection shows light signs of handling or storage and is just short of "like new".
Excellent: Merchandise is in exceptionally good condition for its age. Items may exhibit faint to minimal signs of use such as patina and wear relative to the age of the product.
Very Good: Merchandise is in very good condition and typically will appear lightly to moderately used. There may be some surface scratches and/or other imperfections, patina and wear related to their age.
Good, Pre-Loved: Merchandise will be in acceptable condition for use or wear. However, the item will have signs of use such as some noticeable patina, scuffs, scratches or other imperfections. Please review the item listing for specific details regarding the condition.

Real Deal Collection makes every effort to show our items as accurately as possible and depict or describe any imperfections. Please note color variations can occur due to differences in computer monitors and variations in natural lighting during photography. Please contact us if you have any questions. We'll gladly provide any additional photos upon request, including comparisons.

Do you sell and ship items internationally?
Yes! Our online shopping cart supports over 100 countries. If you encounter any problems using our shopping cart please contact us to process your order. We ship worldwide via Express Mail International with tracking and insurance. Customs duties, if any, are the responsibility of the buyer. We are happy to work with you to purchase, consign or trade-in your Balenciaga bags no matter where you live.

What payment methods do you accept?
Our online shopping cart accepts domestic and international payments directly if you are paying via a major credit card, debit card or PayPal. We can also invoice you via Google Checkout upon request, or you can arrange with us to pay via check, money order, bank wire transfer or Western Union. We can also process a credit or debit card payment over the phone or fax. Both Google Checkout and PayPal are safe and secure ways to pay without revealing your card number or other financial information. Mailed payment must be received within 7 days of the order and your purchase will not ship until all funds have cleared. If you are mailing a check or money order, please send via Registered Mail and make it payable to: Real Deal Collection, 2442 Cerrillos Rd #487, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

How can I reserve an item right now while making special payment arrangements with you or creating a layaway or trade-in order?
Simply place an order for the item(s) you wish to purchase through our online shopping cart. When prompted for payment details, choose "Layaway or Trade-In" as the Payment Method, then leave us a note in the "Special Instructions" area specifying your desired means of payment, then complete your order by clicking the Place Order button. You will not be required to pay at the time of checkout, but your item(s) will be reserved and out-of-stock. We will contact you via E-mail to settle your payment arrangements. We reserve the right to cancel your order and re-stock the item(s) ordered if there is no response from you within 24 hours of our initial contact. A layaway order requires a down payment of 30% of the order total and a trade-in order requires a non-refundable "Good Faith" deposit of $100 while the trade-in item(s) are in transit.

Do you charge sales tax?
Our shopping cart will automatically charge sales tax on orders that ship to a New Mexico address. There is no tax on orders shipped outside New Mexico or internationally.

How can I receive or use a discount coupon?
From time to time we issue promotional Coupon Codes that can be used to discount a purchase. These discounts must be entered in the shopping cart during checkout or mentioned in E-mail when placing the order. Be sure to click the "Apply Coupon" button in the shopping cart to adjust your order total. We cannot retroactively apply coupon codes to previously completed orders nor can multiple coupons be combined. To be notified of updates and special discounts, please subscribe to our E-mail list.

What is layaway?
As a convenience to our customers, most items can be purchased through our 60-day layaway plan with an initial deposit of just 30% of the order total. A second payment of another 30% of the order total is due 30 days after the initial order date. The remaining balance of 40% to complete the purchase is due 60 days after the initial order date. There are no finance charges for a layaway order, however, as a courtesy to our consignors who have agreed to offer layaway terms, the following, special conditions apply:

Layaway orders are considered a firm commitment to purchase the item(s) and a final sale not eligible for return. All layaway deposits paid are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please be certain that you are willing and able to complete the purchase within 60 days before placing an item on layaway.

We ship items purchased on layaway after the final payment has been completed. Not all of our consignors allow their items to be sold on layaway, and any items that are not eligible for layaway will be clearly indicated as such within the item description.

How do I start a layaway order?
To begin a layaway purchase create an order through our online shopping cart and during checkout select "Layaway or Trade-in" as your Payment Method and leave us a note in the "Special Instructions" area that you are purchasing through layaway. When we process the order we'll send you an E-mail with a 30% down invoice to finalize your layaway order. We reserve the right to cancel layaway orders that have not paid the initial deposit within 24 hours of invoicing.

What are your shipping rates and policies?
Within the USA we ship via Priority Mail or FedEx Ground for $10 on orders under $500, $15 on orders of $500 to $1500, $25 on orders of $1500 to $2500, $35 on orders $2500 to $3500 and $45 on orders over $3500. Upon request we can also ship via FedEx 2-Day Express for an additional $20, in the USA only.

International orders are shipped via USPS Express Mail International for an additional $30 above the USA rate.

When ordering more than one item, please add the item totals to calculate shipping cost for combined items shipped together, or let the shopping cart calculate the shipping for you. All of our packages are shipped with a tracking number and are fully insured. A signature will be required upon delivery. We cannot ship on national holidays or weekends. Delivery will be attempted on Saturday for items shipped via FedEx Ground.

Purchases paid with a credit card, PayPal or Google Checkout will only be shipped to the address stated with the payment. If you would like your order shipped to another location, such as a work address, please be sure to enter it at the time of payment or use an alternative payment method.

What is your return policy?
Real Deal Collection takes great care in accurately describing our merchandise. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, the item can be returned for a store merchandise credit in the amount paid, minus the shipping charge. Your store credit does not expire and we will work with you to find a suitable replacement or alternative for the returned item. You must notify us of your intent to return within 3 days of receiving the item and we must receive a valid tracking number for the returned parcel within 7 days of your receipt of the item. Items must be returned in the same condition as when they were received.

Items that have been worn, damaged or treated with any product are not returnable. If an item is shipped with a security tag attached, it must still be attached and intact or else the item is not returnable. Items purchased on layaway are considered a final sale and are not returnable.

Returned items must be shipped to us with a Tracking number and a Signature required upon delivery. We are not responsible for returned items that are lost in transit and not delivered. Items shipped from outside the USA may incur a customs duty or import tax if the declared value is more than $200 USD. Please clearly mark "Returned Goods" on all customs documents to help avoid these taxes. Any taxes assessed are the responsibility of the shipper and may be deducted from the merchandise credit issued for the return.

What is consignment? How can I sell my bag?
Consigning with us is easy. We do all the work for you, including: authentication, market price evaluation, professional photography, evaluation of condition, Internet listing, E-mail promotion, customer communication, secure packaging and shipping, all for a modest commission of 30% of the total selling price, plus a listing fee of $25. We cover all sales expenses such as credit card, PayPal or Google Checkout fees, shipping, and insurance. When the item sells - you get paid! There is no cost to you for any item that does not sell. Your bags will be available to our worldwide network of customers who come to us as a trusted source of rare and collectible Balenciaga bags. Because we are known as Balenciaga specialists, we consistently achieve better prices for our consignor's bags than online auction sites and other, multi-brand resellers. For more information please review our Consignment Agreement (PDF document).

What is trade-in?
Trade-in your seldom carried, Balenciaga bags to build up your collection without breaking the bank. Real Deal Collection will issue B-Bag Bucks store credit for your pre-owned bags in excellent or better, original condition. B-Bag Bucks are redeemable towards anything you want in the shop now or in the future. Your B-Bag Bucks never expire. Best of all, you do not have to wait for your trade-in handbags to sell first; you can use the B-Bag Bucks immediately upon our receipt and inspection of your trade-in bags. Depending on marketability and our current inventory, not every Balenciaga bag is eligible for trade, but generally any bag or accessory in good condition is eligible for consignment.

To Consign or Trade-In Your Balenciaga Bag(s):
Our terms are among the most generous of any consignment store, and our trade-in feature is the quickest and most cost effective way to grow your Balenciaga bag collection. We look forward to working with you to build your Real Deal Collection!