Vera Bradley Quality - Has it Gone Down Lately?

With Vera Bradley bags pouring off the shelves it has been hard for store owners to keep the bags in stock. But the high demand for the purses has caused a different kind of problem for the Vera Bradley company. An issue has been raised as to the quality of the make of the purses in the past few months compared to the quality and craftsmanship of the handbags a few years ago.

There have been rumors that since the demand has been so high the company has had to make a few compromises with the quality and has outsourced some of its work force, resulting in less than superior work. Because the demand is so high, the company can barely keep up with it, and the two choices are to make the customers wait an extra few months so production can have a chance to catch up, or to outsource the job and let overseas companies start making the bags so they can keep up with demand. Obviously the latter choice would result in inferior quality but is it what the company is really doing?

At the risk of bringing down their reputation Vera Bradley bags have seen a steady decline in the thickness and durability of the fabric they use. With many complaints surfacing we will have to see if they will do anything about it, but in the mean time there are a few ways you can make sure your Vera Bradley bag will last you a long time to come.

First of all, make sure the Vera Bradley bag is truly a Vera bag and not some knock-off. Anytime you have a popular product there will be imitations made of it to try to capitalize on it's growing demand. Some cannot tell the difference, but the colors will not be as brilliant and the patterns will not join right at the seams. Usually a cheap fake VB purse will also Be very thin and feel flimsy. And of course, always look for those VB tags that help to ensure you are getting the real thing.

Also, if you don't want to run the risk of getting a cheap quality Vera Bradley purse, try getting an older style or pattern. These are readily available online and you can buy a retired Vera Bradley purse which are known for both their durability and fine craftsmanship. Many are resorting to the older Vera Bradley products until the quality issues are resolved or the rumors quelled. The "old bags" are known for their sheer ruggedness and that is why you will still see so many of them around. Those old purses just will not quit. Getting a retired handbag is a great option for those not only concerned about quality but also for those who love the nostalgia of the good old days and the good old patterns.

Even if the quality of Vera Bradley products has subsided slightly in one way or another, their creativity and imagination in making beautiful handbags and exciting new patterns has only increased. The reach of the company has gotten wider with every passing month, and as demand continues to rise they will make adjustments in the quality area as well.

J. Souza. For retired and new Vera Bradley patterns check out http://www.BuythatPurse.com