Stop Faking It With Designer Bags
June 20, 2008 Style
How to Tell If Your Designer Bag is a Fake
When you live on a budget yet insist on looking stylish, your eyes are always peeled for bargains. Hence, the endless eBay search. But haven’t you noticed that many of those listings for designer goods, particularly bags and accessories, happen to look a little off? It’s time to learn the cruel truth: you’re carrying a fake.
As certain designers become households names (Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci), more people crave their goods. Thus, the counterfeit bag industry grows every day as another sucker buys a non-label. If your bag is being sold by a seller from an Asian country, there is a good chance it’s a fake. Since countries like China have vague intellectual property laws, they can get away with manufacturing replicas and selling them.
Always go and try to find the bag in person first. Check out the details very, very closely, because that’s where it matters. What is the exact color? How do the seams meet? What is the writing inside of the bag? Commit to memory the leather, hardware and markings, as well as the bag’s pattern. If they don’t have a brick-and-mortar store near you, go online and find it.
When buying a bag online or in person, look at the wrapping — if it’s plastic, it’s probably a fake. If the whole thing is wrapped, it might be a special order for a brand new “it” bag. Being the savvy shopper you are, you’ll know if it’s a new release. Otherwise, plastic and paper are telltale signs of fakes.
Lastly, if the seller has a whole bunch of bags for sale, it’s a red flag. I mean really, who has 20 Prada purses lying around the house that are ALL the same? Stay away and look for a seller who’s trying to clean out their closet or a seller with many bags in different styles. Never be afraid to ask questions or request more photos. If these aren’t answered, skip it, no matter how good of a deal it looks. Happy shopping!
