New bag isn't fit for purpose - options?

[Wrapunzel]

I bought an HC bag online for about £200 for a wedding abroad, received it in late April and unwrapped to admire how gorgeous it was, then put it away until the wedding (late May). I didn't transfer my stuff into it until I got to the venue as I was solo parenting small kids who were flower girls (DH was best man) so had loads of stuff for them in a big bag.
When I put my phone in, there wasn't room for anything else apart from a lip pencil and credit card. I had to give DH my standard sized lipgloss, no space for sunglasses or keys (former not as important, but keys?!). Rather ambitiously, it has three pockets as well as the credit card holder.

The design is basically flawed, in my opinion. I have a few other nice bags and they all expand at the bottom, but this one tapers. When you put anything in it to close, the flap then doesn't reach and the tiny little magnetic nub pops out of the holder.
The 30 days to return expired already (before the wedding) and I did use it that day as I didn't have an alternative with me at the venue. It has a couple of little marks inside now so I'm assuming I don't have any recourse as it can't be sold as brand new. I feel so disappointed as it's so beautiful, but not really useable. I took my phone out and carried it in my hand in the end as I couldn't be arsed wrestling with it to attempt to close it!
Two of the reviews say they had problems with it too but still gave 4 and 5 stars.
I assume I have no recourse to return (and HC are ignoring me), just wanted to vent and see if anyone else had any ideas.
https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/highbury-clutch-bag-white-croc?&variant=42272610615492

I had that problem with a vintage Chanel bag my partner bought me. Couldn’t fit anything in it! Gave it away in the end.

i imagine the best thing to do is put it up on eBay or vinted and try and get as much money as possible for it. It might wear in and soften down but doubtful you’ll ever be able to fit much in.

The seller won’t help as you bought it too long ago and have now used it as well so I’m afraid that ship has sailed.

Thanks I suspected that might be the case! I'm going to stick to mulberry in future! Buy cheap(er), buy twice I guess!

I get that it's frustrating, but come on ... presumably there were measurements showing the bag's dimensions when you bought it? You should have checked that what you wanted to carry in fitted when you received it.

You went past the return period AND you've used it. Of course it's not returnable. Chuck it on Vinted/eBay and learn your lesson - we've all done it.

Stick it on eBay with lots of photos and a full description, including dimensions and a photo of the inside of the bag. I wouldn't bother with Vinted. Buyers offer peanuts even for designer/higher end stuff and there's too many scammer loopholes on there. You'd probably get a fair chunk back on eBay.

It's quite clear from the pictures that it won't expand at the bottom - it looks to be made from one piece rolled around.

Meh. Expensive mistake.

Buy cheaper?

That tiny bag is crazy expensive for the size of it and the use you would get out of it!!!

Fair enough @MuscariFan
Tempted to ask my saddle fitter if she could remove the middle pocket as it might fit a lipgloss and keys in then or let DH loose with a Stanley knife on it.
The dimensions are on the website but not an inside view, I just assumed that a bag at the price point would be designed well!

Yeah, now I look at it on there the design is obvious. Will be more careful in future

It was a relative comparison to mulberry, hence the cheaper rather than cheap

I’m sympathetic. I bought a similar bag many years ago. It was only very inexpensive luckily, but was a similar sort of bag. I really liked it, but barely used it as it held so little. I dreaded taking anything out of it as it was too difficult to repack and close it. I agree with others that your best bet is to try and sell it on.

The bag is visibly very small from the picture, and its visible that it wouldnt expand because of the design. Surely you could see/feel how small it was when it arrived. It wouldn't surprise me that it doesn't fit much tbh.

It is fit for a purpose (carrying very, very small items), it's just not fit for the purpose you bought it for. I'd ebay it and chalk it up to experience.

It's not that small! It's more the clasp being stubby, the bottom being tapered and the inside pocket being chunky that leads to a perfect storm.
As a PP or two have said, expensive mistake. Won't buy a bag online again unless I've seen it and tested it.

It is in legal terms fit for purpose because it is a bag and works as a bag.

It wasn't fit for the purpose you wanted it to be used for though which doesn't make it not fit for purpose so please don't try to say this is the case if asking for a refund.

Ha, good advice! Wouldn't want them to think I'm a doofus as well as Mumsnet s&b thinking that!

It’s fit for purpose if you are Thumbelina.

Tiny bags are one of my pet peeves! If you love it and can get someone to alter it for you, try that.... But, if that goes wrong then you won't be able to resell.

You need an iPhone mini! I have a similar sized bag and with a smaller phone it fits my essentials. We all have different needs

This is where I miss my lovely dad, who could sort anything. DH is a bit more trigger happy with tools