How a 24-Year-Old Coach Collector Drove for Uber to Fund His Luxury Handbag Obsession

A Devoted Coach Collector Shares His Story

For many American handbag lovers, Coach is the brand that opens the door to designer collecting. Its balance of heritage, everyday wearability, and approachable luxury makes it an easy starting point, but for some fans it becomes much more than an entry-level label. In this collector’s case, Coach has become the entire focus of a wardrobe that now spans 26 bags, each one chosen with intention. His path to building that collection also includes an unexpected side hustle, which speaks to just how far some enthusiasts will go to fund a true obsession.

The Basics

• Age: 24
• Gender Identity: Male
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Occupation: Retail
• Industry: Sales
• Income: $45,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

How many bags do you own? 26

How much is your collection worth? $12,386

What is your most expensive bag? The most expensive pieces in my collection are the Coach Saddle Bag in colorblock python and the Crocodile Embossed Swagger Bag.

What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Coach is the only brand I own, and it has been part of my life for six and a half years, starting with my first wallet and continuing through bag number 26. The Saddle Bags and my Tote 34 are especially meaningful to me. One piece I always come back to is the Tabac Saddle Bag, which I bought during New York Fashion Week in 2015 and had monogrammed with my initials right after it appeared on the runway. The leather and color are so beautiful that it remains one of my favorites.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was 18. It was a Coach men’s sling pack in black pebble leather, priced at $378. I still own it and could never part with it—it started everything.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was 18. It was a Coach men’s sling pack in black pebble leather, and I still own it. I could never part with it because it started everything.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? A bag can definitely affect how people perceive you, depending on the setting. At the same time, I believe the person should wear the bag, not the other way around. That is one of the reasons I love Coach: the price points are compelling and the craftsmanship is strong. I do not want to be treated differently because of what I am carrying, but if I am carrying something bold, I hope it gets noticed.

The Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? About once a quarter.

Which stores do you frequent the most? I always shop Coach.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, through Mercari and Etsy. I also browse Tradesy, The Real Real, and Grailed for exclusive or wholesale pieces, but I only buy if the price is exceptional or the piece truly wows me.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, through Mercari and Etsy. I also browse Tradesy, The RealReal, and Grailed for exclusive or wholesale pieces, but I only buy when the price is exceptional or the bag truly stands out to me.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Always. But I am usually the one pressuring others. Working in fashion means trends move quickly, and I like to get on board before the opportunity passes.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Absolutely. I avoid styles that linger too long. I focus on limited editions and pieces that sell out quickly.

Who influences your buying decisions? Friends, colleagues, and my mom—even though she always tells me I have too many bags.

Who influences your buying decisions? Friends, colleagues, and my mom, even though she always tells me I have too many bags.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? In sales, building relationships is everything. An associate needs the customer, not the other way around. We could all shop online otherwise, unless you are searching for a Birkin, Kelly, or Chanel.

Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I love seeing new colors, designs, and trends. Fashion is always changing, and I want to be part of that evolution.

The Money

Who pays for your bags? I pay for them myself. Occasionally I receive gift cards or a family member treats me, but that is rare. I have paid for the majority of my collection.

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Sometimes. If I know a collection has my name on it, I allow myself a set amount. I’ve taken on extra work to feed my addiction, and I’m not ashamed. My grandfather taught me to work hard for what I want. I know my responsibilities come first, but I’ve been known to prioritize a new bag over my cell phone bill.

The Taboo Topics

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Sometimes. If I know a collection has my name on it, I allow myself a set amount. I have taken on extra work to feed my addiction, and I am not ashamed of that. My grandfather taught me to work hard for what I want. I know my responsibilities come first, but I have been known to prioritize a new bag over my cell phone bill.

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No. Has it crossed my mind? Probably, like it has for many people. But I think that if I save the money I would spend on a counterfeit and put it toward the authentic piece, I am saving money in the end.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? It is just me, so there is nothing to hide.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I signed up to drive for Uber.

The Rest Of It

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love eating out. I hate cooking.

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love eating out. I hate cooking.

The collector’s full Coach wardrobe, photographed and shared by the owner.

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