Here you'll find the answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions. If your question isn't listed or if you'd like to reach us for further clarification, please email us at vintagedooney@hotmail.com. We promise to get right back to you.
But in my experience, the number inside the vintage bags is NOT the same number as the one on your registration card. So if you still have the card, you can contact Dooeny & Bourke (www.dooney.com) and ask them to look up your registration. They can then provide you with the identifying factors, including the number on the back of the sewn-in tag. Dooney & Bourke bags sold for between $200-$380 in the 1980s and 1990s which invited knock offs and fakes to flood the market. But it only takes a few seconds to spot the difference in materials, workmanship and feel of the great Dooney & Bourke handbags, briefcases, totes, wallets and other items in the All Weather Collection.
#1-Do you offer a money back guarantee if an item I purchase is not a genuine Dooney & Bourke product?
Jo's answer:
'Absolutely!!! Enormous efforts are taken to make a complete examination during the authentication steps I perform with each Vintage Dooney treasure which arrives at my Vintage Dooney Studio.
If you should ever ever receive a fake Dooney, email me pronto and all of your money will be cheerfully refunded upon positive ID of the counterfeit bag. Personally I detest poor quality or shabby handbags precisely as you do and that's exactly what fakes are! Just as Dooney & Bourke themselves demand high standards in the making of Dooney products, (I am not an employee of Dooney & Bourke) I seek to sell only the best Vintage Dooney.
As a side point, did you know it is against federal law to sell counterfeit name brand purses such as Dooney & Bourke?'
#2-Why are some of your Vintage Dooney bags considered 'Bargain Bags'?Jo's Answer:
'When I began forming a 'green living' business plan, it became strikingly clear to me that Vintage Dooney enthusiasts come to my store from all walks of life and various budgets. Thus my goal as an emerging 'Go To' Vintage Dooney store became crystal clear.
VintageDooney.com could fulfill the needs of gals on a tight-budget as well as ladies seeking to acquire 'Like New' or 'Seldom Found' Vintage Dooney Bags & Accessories!
For Vintage Dooney collectors on a tight-budget Bargain Bags are just as fashionable, divine & dreamy as all others sold here in my store.
In Bargain Bags you'll find Vintage Dooney's which have seen a bit more use or signs of use or have a small repair or are missing a duck fob for instance.
You will never see Dooney's which have been abused or torn or otherwise damaged by neglect.
You will always know the reason I place these Bargain Bags in mydeeply discounted section of VintageDooney.com.
They are guaranteed genuine Dooney & Bourke. Remember, your purchase is final as there are no return for refund on Bargain Bags.
Vintage Restoration of all Vintage Dooney products require a generous amount of time to achieve the desired results. Each restorative detail is carefully carried out in total harmony with the original colors, hardware and leather condition. This results in a Vintage Dooney product that has been brought back to it's former gorgeous appearance, or at the very least, as close to it as possible considering its pre-use. Buy with confidence! Enjoy with pride!
• Complete inspection for damage, missing parts, marks, soiling, odors and wear is performed when receiving our Dooney's and again before listing them for sale and again before shipping them to you.
• Deep Cleaning with high end quality cleaning and restoration products obtained from all over the world and chosen for their superior performance and ingredients. Just as Dooney & Bourke chose to invest additional effort to design their Vintage Dooney line from leather hides they placed in huge oak drums filled with natural dyes derived from natures own bounty to produce rich lasting colors, we at Vintage Dooney have developed an incredibly effective exclusive restoration process. It may take more time, effort and expense than conventional restoration, but we believe it's well worth it to create a superior restoration.
• Environmentally friendly, chosen from the earth describes most of the fine restoration products used to bring you the Vintage Dooney you purchase with confidence here in our online store vintagedooney.com.
• Authentic genuine Dooney & Bourke products: we have a money back authenticity guarantee on everything you purchase from us even on our sale and bargain items!
• All items in our store are previously owned unless we state they are brand new. Thus, you will expect some signs of prior use such as slight variations in coloring, minimal interior marks or soiling which cannot be removed.
• We will state the presence of any significant noteworthy wear or repair made and the price will reflect this.
• We are required to state Vintage Dooney is not in any way associated with Dooney & Bourke and we are not employees of Dooney & Bourke.
Vintage Dooney
Exclusive Restoration Excellence
Quality Classics
Our selections are as superb as they are distinctive. Each individual genuine vintage Dooney and Bourke bag is professionally cleaned and restored through a multi-step process. We pride ourselves in offering only the finest pieces. Rich, all weather leather with no broken or missing parts. We’re so sure you’ll fall head over heels in love with your purchase, that we offer an iron-clad guarantee. Don’t love it? Send it back. Your satisfaction is my top priority.
The Vintage Dooney Look
Charming, Gracious, Unique, words we use when shopping for our Vintage Dooney Handbags, Sling Bags, Satchels, CrossBody Bags, Dooney Totes and Accessories such as Dooney Bourke Wallets, Dooney Duck Keyrings & Wristlets.
Puruse our online purses and oodles of old-world quality made & restored Vintage Dooney leather bags, then take advantage of our Free Shipping on Orders $100 or more!
Likewise, for ladies shopping to acquire a captivating or astonishingly gorgeous like new or excellent condition Vintage Dooney, we have an array of these collectible Dooneys just for you!
Find out about and use our dooney and bourke trade-in program.
Why buy from Vintage Dooney?
What payment options do you accept?
Can I place my order over the phone?
What is a 'Bargain Bag'?
How do I know the difference between an authentic BAG and a counterfeit?
How do I know the difference between an authentic WALLET and a counterfeit?
How can I tell where my bag was manufactured?
Are Dooney & Bourke zippers made of metal or plastic?
What is a 'drop length' and how is it measured?
- Dooney & Bourke use only genuine brass metal parts for their Dooney Duck Fob, Closure, & D-Rings. Note: A few later on were made with nickel metal parts or partial brass parts.
- Only genuine brass D-shaped rings are used to attach leather straps to Dooney Purse. They do not use O-Rings, as many counterfeit bags do.
- Most vintage Dooney purses have brass rivets with the Dooney Bourke name stamped on them. Watch for the correct spelling of the brand name as well.
- All piping on an authentic Dooney bag will be genuine leather, without exception.
- All trademark Duck seals are sewed on, never glued.
- Dooney and Bourke All Weather Leather items use top-quality leather and as such are neither hard nor very stiff like theimposters.
- Each and every authentic AWL vintage Dooney bag from 1983 and on will have the famous Dooney Duck FOB.
- Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags will always have the genuine brass Dooney Duck FOB attached to the Dooney bag, with a small piece of genuine leather.
- Vintage Dooney Bags will never attach the Duck FOB with a chain or fake leather strap.
- Vintage Dooney bags will never have the Duck FOB attached directly to the zipper.
- Vintage Dooney Bag Duck Fobs will be heavy for their size because they are made of genuine brass.
- Vintage Dooney Bag Brass Duck FOBS will never have a duck on both sides.
- A leather Dooney & Bourke tag sewn to the inside or inside the leather is stamped with the Dooney & Bourke name.
- Vintage Dooney wallets and billfolds always have their trademark name somewhere inside the wallet. Zip-Along Wallets : A heavy brass zippet zipper pull that goes around three sides of the Vintage Dooney Bourke wallet.
- A duck emblem is sewn on the FRONT of the Vintage Dooney wallet.
- Zip-Along Dooney Wallets : Removable strap allowing you to carry the wallet as a clutch purse.
- Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : 2 Durable belt loops so wallet can be worn on a belt
- Most Vintage Dooney Models: Outside snap pocket for quick place to stash a list or receipt or credit card
- Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : Heavy duty zipper
- Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : Accordion-style opening with secure middle zip section plus
- Credit Card and Drivers License Slots
Why buy from Vintage Dooney? top
We're passionate about purses. And quality. And we know Dooney.
When you purchase a Vintage Dooney from our boutique, you're investing in one of the finest collectible bags ever made.
We hide no damage or broken parts on bags.
Your bag is guaranteed to be 100% genuine and authentic Dooney and Bourke All-Weather Leather, unless otherwise stated in the item description.
We take extra care to provide thorough descriptions and several picture for each item available. We promise prompt and complete answers to all of your questions.
Your bag will have been completely inspected for flaws and damage as well as professionally cleaned and restored to the fullest extent possible using only the finest leather care restoration products.
We pride ourselves in our exceptional customer service and appreciate your business.
You can read more, here.
What payment options do you accept? top
As a convenience to our beloved customers, we offer several convenient ways to pay for your Vintage Dooney purchase.
1. PAYPAL
Use the Buy it Now button and you'll be redirected to Paypal where you can make a secure SSL payment. You can make a one-time payment through Paypal even if you do not have an account with them.
2. CREDIT CARD
To make a purchase over the phone with a credit card, please contact me at 417-671-8064 during regular usiness hours.
3. CHECK or MONEY ORDER
If you prefer to send your payment through the mail, please drop me a line with the item(s) you would like and I'll email you an invoice along with payment instructions. Please note: personal checks must clear the bank prior to the shipment of your item. Delays of 3-4 weeks are not uncommon.
*Please do not divulge any credit card information within an email or on the voicemail.
Can I place my order over the phone? top
Absolutely! If you'd prefer to make a credit card purchase over the phone, you can reach me at 417-846-6544 during regular business hours.
You can also email me with the URL of the item you'd like reserved along with a phone number and a good time to call and I will return your call to complete the transaction.
Remember, we also accept Paypal, checks and money orders as alternate payment options.
*As an added level of security, I ask that you do not divulge your credit card information in an email or on an answering machine.
What is a 'Bargain Bag'? top
At Vintage Dooney we pride ourselves in maintaining stellar standards among the inventory we offer. When we happen upon a bag that's been deeply loved and perhaps shows more evident signs of use or one that's missing a piece or part of some variety, we offer it for sale in our 'Bargain Bag' section.
Each Bargain Bag has been individually and thoroughly cleaned and restored as much as possible. Any issues with the bags will be clearly noted and disclosed. Click here to shop Bargain Bags.
How do I know the difference between an authentic BAG and a counterfeit? top
Authenticating a Dooney and Bourke bag is easier once you have the item itself in hand. Pictures can be deceiving. Buyer beware when shopping on ebay and other similar online venues.
Dooney & Bourke is consistent in their impeccable quality and components. Look for the following identifying characteristics:
Fobs:
Trim & Shoulder Straps:
Without exception, every authentic AWL vintage Dooney bags will be trimmed or piped with 100% genuine cowhide leather. This is also true of the straps.
Stitching:
Vintage Dooney Bags are always stitched with small tight straight stitches & with with their trademark yellow thread. Dooney & Bourke yellow stitching will fade sometimes with years of cleaning & use.
These are the main items to be aware of when attempting to authenticate a vintage Dooney item. And remember, if the price seems to good to be true... it just might be. If you are able to purchase a Dooney bag at an exceptionally low price, the chances are higher that it's a replica.
Dooney has published a note regarding the severe impact that counterfeiting is having on the industry as a whole. You can read more, HERE.
Reporting Counterfeits:
All of the Dooney items you find on Vintage Dooney are 100% authentic. We certify all of our items to the best of our ability. On the very off chance you receive what you believe to be a counterfeit from us, please bring it to our attention immediately.
How do I know the difference between an authentic WALLET and a counterfeit? top
Authenticating a Dooney and Bourke wallet or billfold is easier once you have the item itself in hand. Pictures can be deceiving. Buyer beware when shopping on ebay and other similar online venues.
Dooney & Bourke is consistent in their impeccable quality and components. Look for the following identifying characteristics:
Vintage Dooney Bourke Zip-Around Wallets in excellent condition are highly sought after and will always cost nearly as much now as they did when they were crafted back in the 1990’s.
These are the main items to be aware of when attempting to authenticate a vintage Dooney item. And remember, if the price seems to good to be true... it just might be. If you are able to purchase a Dooney bag at an exceptionally low price, the chances are higher that it's a replica.
Dooney has published a note regarding the severe impact that counterfeiting is having on the industry as a whole. You can read more, HERE.
Reporting Counterfeits:
All of the Dooney items you find on Vintage Dooney are 100% authentic. We certify all of our items to the best of our ability. On the very off chance you receive what you believe to be a counterfeit from us, please bring it to our attention immediately.
How can I tell where my bag was manufactured? top
You can identify the country of manufacture by examining the cloth Dooney & Bourke serial number tag sewn inside. An authentic vintage Dooney bag will always state where the bag was manufactured or assembled.
Please note: If you do not see a Made in USA or other reference to where the Vintage Dooney Bag was made, it is not a genuine article.
Vintage Dooney Bags were only manufactured and assembled in 5 places in the world: USA | Costa Rica | China | Italy | Mexico
In the mid-1990's Dooney & Bourke removed the MADE IN THE USA on some of their Dooney bags as they began to be assembled overseas.
Labels:
In 1986 Dooney & Bourke changed their cloth label to begin making all vintage Dooney bag labels in red, white and blue.
Note: If you cannot locate a tag inside or if your tag is glued on as opposed to sewn on, you have a counterfeit bag. You may contact the company t report it, HERE.
How to read the labels:
A traditional cloth tag sewn inside your Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag will read DOONEY & BOURKE, INC. MADE IN THE USA
If your Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag was MADE IN THE USA- the serial number will start with A or B.
If you have an Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag which was assembled/made in COSTA RICA OR CHINA OR ITALY OR MEXICO, it will have the traditional cloth tag sewn inside but will read: DOONEY & BOURKE, INC. (without the MADE IN USA).
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags when made in ITALY or MEXICO will have an additional leather tag sewn inside and will read DOONEY & BOURKE MADE IN ITALY OR DOONEY & BOURKE MADE IN MEXICO.
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags when made in CHINA or COSTA RICA will have an additional cloth tag sewn inside and will read MADE in CHINA or MADE IN COSTA RICA. (there are some exceptions to some of the Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags having 2 tags inside. Sometimes Dooney & Bourke printed the serial # on the back side of the traditional DOONEY & BOURKE, INC tag).
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH C it was assembled-made in COSTA RICA
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH H it was assemble-made in CHINA
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH I it was assembled-made in ITALY
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH J it was made in CHINA
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH K it was made in CHINA
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH L it was made in CHINA
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH M it was assembled- made in MEXICO
Are Dooney & Bourke zippers made of metal or plastic? top
Dooney & Bourke All-Weather Leather handbag zippers are neither plastic nor metal!
Surprised?
Dooney & Bourke searched far and wide to find a material to make their zippers from which would resist weather and heavy wear. If you own a Dooney & Bourke All-Weather Leather zippered bag you know these Dooney purses do just that!
Unlike metal zippers, these Dooney & Bourke Satchel purse zippers will never flake, discolor, rust or scratch Also by using this material combination to make their heavy-duty satchel zippers, Dooney and Bourke is able to custom dye them to match their harness leather trim! It's easy to see why Dooney & Bourke Collectors keep buying these quality bags--20 to 30 years after they were first made. Plus, it's one more step to help save our environment.
Dooney & Bourke Handbag Fact: It is very rare to find a Dooney & Bourke Bag with a broken or malfunctioning zipper unless it has been heavily abused. Dooney & Bourke Heavy-Duty zippers are made from the very same material as those used on life jackets, tents, and boat covers. The zippers are made from a material called Vislon and nylon webbing.
What is a 'drop length' and how is it measured? top
Use the following image to assist you in measuring the strap drop for any of our bags.
PLEASE VISIT MY NEW BLOG DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO VINTAGE DOONEY & BOURKE HANDBAGS http://vintagedooneybourke.wordpress.com/
Hi Paula,
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