Outlet bags use to always have a cut serial number tag inside. The benifit of an uncut tag was that the bag could be traded in when it was worn out on a new bag. You got half of the original value off a new bag bought through the company on a bag that is worth at least what your trade in bag was. So if you traded in an Essex that sold for $220 you get a certificate for $110 off a new bag that sells for at least $220 or greater. This is why you see so many people mention if the tag is cut or uncut. Dooney would cut the inside serial number tag so that it could not be traded in on a new bag or returned for full price to a department store.

Outlet bags are not always factory seconds. Since Dooney & Bourke have launched many new bags they often send their overstock and end of production bags to the outlet stores. These bags are in perfect condition and are not considered seconds. They are just reduced in price.

Factory seconds are generally labeled irregular inside in red ink. This means there generally is a larger fault with the bag that they want you to see before you buy it. If something has a finer flaw it may or may not be labeled irregular.

Outlet bags do not always have a cut tag. As of this year Dooney is not cutting tags inside the factory outlet bags. There may still be some employees that cut the tags that work in the outlets out of habit but the company has changed the policy. Dooney & Bourke know all the serial numbers of the bags that were sent to the outlet stores. Example Domed Satchels in the IT and Signature lines (with accessories) and Double handle Tote (with accessories). These items were sold still wrapped in the plastic so they include the registration card and sleeper bags. Dooney will allow you to register these items but they are not under warranty and not eligible for their trade in program.

Please note that you will see many QVC clearance bags come on the market. These are generally bags that have been returned to QVC because of a defect so even if they come with the warranty card they are not under warranty. They will not have cut tags but can be damaged. Dooney allows you to register your items online so just because it comes with a warranty card that is not filled out does not mean the bag has not been registered.