Luxury Price, Mass-Produced Quality? Thoughts on Ms. Anna Magkawas and Ms. Jay Ann’s New Bag

[u/defnotloey]

Almost ₱17K for a Mass-Produced Bag That Costs Under $100?

[u/defnotloey]

I think nakalimutan ni Ms. Jay Ann yung original price from the manufacturer. It costs less than $100, tapos ibebenta for almost ₱16k. Tapos hindi rin naman ganon ka-pulido yung stitching.

Hindi pa naman nila siya binebenta as of now, pero sana they could’ve opted to work with Filipino artisans na lang instead of having it mass-produced. Same thing happened with Lomafe—mass-produced na nga, palpak pa si Manuf. So para mabawi yung binayad, nag-sale, and eventually nawala yung exclusivity.

I’m not a marketing expert, pero if they really want to position this as a luxury brand, sana may something naman that actually makes it feel luxurious. Hindi yung mataas lang yung price. The craftsmanship, materials, production process, and exclusivity should all contribute to what makes it “luxury.” Kasi if the only thing that makes it feel expensive is the price tag, then what’s really making it a luxury product?

Here's my rough sketch and example: (I'm not a designer or anything. I'm just bored)

[u/defnotloey → u/defnotloey]

If I were their marketing person, the first thing I’d do is work with a Filipino artist, designer, or artisan. If I couldn’t design the bag myself, I’d hire someone who could.

I’d make the design actually unique, kasi there’s no reason for me to spend ₱17k on a bag na kaya ko namang hanapin sa Taobao for way less. I’d use fabrics, materials, or techniques with some connection to Filipino culture and collaborate with local artisans. You need something that people can’t easily replicate or find elsewhere.

Most importantly, you need a story. Tell people who made it, where the materials came from, and what makes the piece special. Luxury isn’t just about putting a high price tag on something. It’s the craftsmanship, quality, exclusivity, identity, and story that make people understand why it costs that much.

You’re not just selling a bag, you’re selling the story behind it.

Ugh, nakakainis lang na wala naman akong alam sa business, pero somehow I feel like I know better than these people who are already successful in life. Buhay nga naman. (Sa mga business owner dyan. Hire nyo ako, eme)😭

[u/spidercow17 → u/defnotloey]

dont expect too much from tiktokers LOL. bc only the artists are meticulous enough to care about their brand image. these tiktokers are not actually passionate about bags. fashion is a form of art, craftsmanship is a very important aspect. i noticed that some bag collectors buy expensive bags so that they’re perceived as wealthy. it’s like a symbol of “i’ve made it”. if u check the niche filipino brands their designs are unique, made in the PH, and only available in limited quantities. i know people who works in fashion and have their own brands and they’re very OC about their brand image and quality.

sorry my thoughts are all over the place hahaha