Chanel is the most respected and appreciated label in women's fashion today.  The ready-to-wear line is regarded as akin to haute couture clothing.  Today, women rush to their Chanel boutique, be it one of Chanel's own stores or in a high-level department store, to buy the newest items.   True Chanel fashionistas purchase the hottest items at full retail, often placing their orders at the trunk show, and the items never hit the floor.   These women spend a lot of money and they get first choice of items when Chanel items go on sale.  

Next on the heirarchy are the people who purchase significant volume of sale items.  These buyers have developed relationships with Chanel sales people and are called when the presell of sale items commences.  Ebay sellers tend to fall in this category.  Because of their volume of purchase and the relationships they have built with salespeople, they are able to choose among the choicest pieces that are on sale.  By the time the big purchasers get finished with their purchases, there is virtually nothing left on the sales floor. 

A purchaser of Chanel clothing on Ebay has a rare opportunity to obtain select Chanel clothing at a great discount price.  By and large, a person seeking to buy one piece on sale would not have the opportunity, if it were not for Ebay sellers.  These pieces come from the best retail stores in the US -- Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman -- and are in perfect condition. 

I have been new Chanel items for many seasons and if it were not my business, I would definitely buy from an Ebay seller.  I am amazed at the pieces and prices of items being sold.

I do have some advice when purchasing:

1. Know your seller.  I recommend only purchasing from sellers that sell a large number of current season items.  They know the items.

2. Read the sizing recommendations.  Chanel does not cut all size 40 the same.  Certain jackets are cut smaller than others.  A competent seller will make note of the sizing variation. 

3. Look for a return policy.  Chanel can easily be altered to fit (Chanel is designed for easy alterations).  However, if the fit is impossible, you should have some ability to return it due to the price.

4. Ask questions.   Be comfortable with the seller and make sure that she/he answers your questions completely and on a timely basis.

5. Buy it when you see it.  The choicest items sell pretty quickly on Ebay.  Suits and jackets move the fastest.  Often, there is only one of an item available.  So, if you see something you really want, buy it. 

Hope this helps.  Please ask any questions.  Judy