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AUTHENTICITY
On its website, Louis Vuitton provides almost no information on its repair policy or process. Customers are simply told that its products are made to last, but its Care Services advisors are available to assist should a repair be needed. At best, Louis Vuitton’s repair policy is cryptic.
To help, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about it. Before you bring your damaged piece into Louis Vuitton for repair, read everything we know.
November 02, 2021
Does Louis Vuitton have a repair center?
There is no such thing as a Louis Vuitton repair center. All repairs are processed through Louis Vuitton’s stores.
What if I do not live near a Louis Vuitton store?
If able, you should always make a repair appointment with a Sales Associate at your local Louis Vuitton boutique. To figure out which is in closest proximity to you, use the store locator. If you live too far away, you can mail your damaged piece to the nearest store for review. A Sales Associate will then communicate with you via e-mail or phone regarding the possibility of repair.
Does Louis Vuitton offer a guarantee or warranty on its leather goods?
No, it does not. Though, Louis Vuitton will cover the cost of any repair that is due to a manufacturing error. This includes, but is not limited to, loose stitching and broken hardware. It is at the discretion of the Sales Associate to determine whether the damage is the result of a manufacturing error or wear and tear. Louis Vuitton does not cover the cost for the later.
Do I need to have the sales receipt to get my item repaired?
No, you do not need any proof of purchase. As long as it is authentic, the item itself is enough. If the Sales Associate determines it is fake, you will be kindly informed that it was not manufactured by Louis Vuitton and a repair will not be possible.
Will Louis Vuitton repair a pre-loved item that I bought through a reseller?
Because Louis Vuitton does not require a sales receipt, it is just as easy to request a repair on a pre-loved piece. Again, as long as it is authentic, it does not matter if you were its first owner or not. However, if the style is very vintage, Louis Vuitton may no longer have the original parts to fix it. If this is the case, Louis Vuitton will not repair the piece.
What if the canvas is cracked?
Louis Vuitton will not repair cracked canvas. As cracks compromise the structure of the entire piece, Louis Vuitton determines it is best to just buy a new one.
If the canvas is cracked, Louis Vuitton will also refuse to repair anything else on the piece – even if it is not related to the cracked canvas and is positioned far away from it.
Cracks can occur for many reasons. Though they are most commonly the result of improper care and use over time, there are many vintage items that never crack. More recently, Louis Vuitton has changed its canvas, opting to use a less durable and more vulnerable variation. Because of this, cracks happen on certain – newer – styles more frequently. Louis Vuitton is aware of this and recognizes these styles as defective. If you bring one in with cracks, Louis Vuitton will most likely offer you a free replacement or exchange for a different style altogether.
When you notice that the glazing over your canvas is starting to peel, take your piece in for repair immediately. The glaze protects the canvas, preventing cracks from forming.
If somewhere else has previously repaired the piece, will Louis Vuitton complete future repairs?
Due to the cost and amount of time it takes to get anything repaired by Louis Vuitton, many seek out the services of unauthorized leather shops instead. Be aware: if you decide to do this, Louis Vuitton will never complete another repair on that piece again. Once unoriginal parts are used, Louis Vuitton no longer recognizes it as authentic.
Photo by Getty Images
On average, how long does a repair take?
Generally, the reparation process is not quick. The amount of time it takes depends on the severity of the damage. If it is a minor repair, Louis Vuitton will outsource it to a local specialist, who is knowledgeable of the brand’s heritage and authenticity standards and can replicate its high-quality work. You can expect this to take at least a couple of weeks. If it is a major repair, it will be sent overseas to Louis Vuitton’s Care Center in France. You can expect this to take upwards of one, two, or even three months. Only zipper pull repairs are done immediately in the store.
Photo by @mandisfashionworld
How much does it cost to repair a bag at Louis Vuitton?
Louis Vuitton has never published a repair pricelist. According to the damage on the piece and location of the store, prices vary considerably. Louis Vuitton will not give a price quote over the phone. A Sales Associate must evaluate the piece first.
A high-end luxury brand, Louis Vuitton prides itself on its customer service. It assesses repairs on a case-by-case basis, so exceptions are often made.
Written by
Anna Villani
Anna Villani is a fashion writer based in Copenhagen
The people pictured are not associated with The Archive
or The Vintage Bar, and do not endorse the products shown.
I'm an expert in luxury fashion and specifically knowledgeable about the repair policies and processes of high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the industry, including the intricacies of repair services, brand authenticity, and customer experiences.
Louis Vuitton, being a renowned luxury brand, maintains a somewhat cryptic repair policy, and I'll break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
-
Repair Center and Process:
- Louis Vuitton does not have a centralized repair center; instead, all repairs are handled through its stores.
- Customers are encouraged to make repair appointments with Sales Associates at local boutiques. If that's not feasible, damaged items can be sent to the nearest store for review.
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Guarantee and Warranty:
- Louis Vuitton does not offer a general guarantee or warranty on its leather goods.
- However, the brand covers the cost of repairs resulting from manufacturing errors, such as loose stitching or broken hardware.
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Proof of Purchase:
- No sales receipt is required for repair; authenticity of the item is sufficient. If deemed fake, repair is not possible.
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Pre-loved Items and Vintage Pieces:
- Louis Vuitton will repair pre-loved items, as long as they are authentic.
- For very vintage styles, original parts may be unavailable, leading to potential refusal of repair.
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Cracked Canvas:
- Louis Vuitton refuses to repair cracked canvas, considering it a compromise to the entire piece's structure.
- Cracks may result from various factors, including changes in canvas material for newer styles.
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Previous Repairs and Unauthorized Shops:
- If a piece has been repaired elsewhere, Louis Vuitton may decline future repairs.
- Using unauthorized repair services with unoriginal parts can lead to non-recognition of authenticity by Louis Vuitton.
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Repair Duration and Cost:
- Repair time varies based on the severity of damage, from a couple of weeks for minor repairs to several months for major ones.
- Louis Vuitton does not publish a repair pricelist, and costs depend on the extent of damage and store location. Price quotes are not given over the phone.
In conclusion, Louis Vuitton's repair policy reflects its commitment to high-quality service and authenticity, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. Customers should be aware of the brand's criteria for repairs and understand the implications of using unauthorized services.
