Avoid Buying Brand Imitation Bags Online
When most people think of fake handbags, they envision Canal Street in New York City — tables full of Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags that look authentic to anyone who doesn’t know better. But the counterfeiting industry goes far beyond shady shops and street vendors, duping consumers for billions of dollars a year.
Price
If you want to buy a designer bag without spending tens of thousands, secondhand bags are the way to go. You can find a variety of options on eBay, and the sellers often provide pictures and other information to help you decide whether a bag is authentic. In addition, used bags tend to be cheaper than brand-new ones.
When shopping for a used designer bag, look for a seller that has a reputation for providing high-quality products. It is also important to check the website for contact information, as a reliable seller should be willing to answer questions or resolve any issues.
While counterfeiters have always sought to recreate a certain aesthetic, some fakes are now so impressive that they can elicit a double-take, instead of an eye roll, from discriminating purse hounds. To determine if a handbag is real, experts recommend doing what De La Calle calls a “sandwich analysis,” looking at the exterior and interior of the bag, then comparing it to an original.
Quality
A fake designer bag may be able to accurately replicate the appearance of a real one, but it will lack the quality that makes the brand name so appealing. For instance, the metal clasps and chains on a real Hermes Birkin should be made from solid brass, while those on a counterfeit bag are usually nickel-plated steel.
Also, look for the lining’s pattern and number of pockets to make sure they match the original. Lastly, check for label and tag details like font, placement, and serial numbers. Those who make and sell fake bags are infringing on designer trademarks, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
If you want to avoid buying a fake handbag, consider a seller that offers a money-back guarantee or a certificate of authenticity. These are indicators that a retailer is reputable and accountable to customers. Moreover, they should accept secure payment methods. Avoid sellers who accept direct credit-card payments, as they may be scammers who will use your card information to steal your identity.
Design
Purchasing a fake designer bag may be tempting, especially when you see it on sale for less than the retail price. However, it’s important to remember that doing so is not only illegal but also shows disrespect for the designer brand’s design work. In addition, fake bags can be made with inferior materials and could break down quickly.
While manufacturers of counterfeit products have come a long way in replicating logos, they often miss the mark when it comes to designing the actual product. This can be seen in the stitching, simple bag zipper seams and poor quality metals. Authenticity cards are another common giveaway, as counterfeiters often add them to their products to make them look more legitimate.
To avoid being ripped off by counterfeiters, look for a reputable non-designer brand that offers high-quality handbags at an affordable price. Choosing a non-designer brand can also help support ethical production and fair labor practices. Lastly, be sure to check for the label on the bag.
Reputation
Buying fake handbags isn’t just disrespectful to the original designer’s work, it can also be harmful to your health. Imitations don’t always use the same quality materials as the real bags, which means they could fall apart faster or deteriorate from exposure to harmful chemicals. Moreover, counterfeiters often cut corners on the interior of the bag as well. For example, if a seller says that a bag is made from Montana full-grain cowhide leather, it’s probably a fake. This type of leather requires conditioning to keep it in good condition.
Authentication experts like De La Calle say that the best way to avoid counterfeits is to buy directly from brands and their authorized resellers. But that isn’t possible for a lot of shoppers, particularly since many counterfeits are sold on marketplaces or appear high in search results on Google. Luckily, there are technology solutions that can help shoppers spot these super fake bags. They can scan the bags with an AI authenticator like Entrupy and compare them to a photo of the real thing to get a clearer idea of what they’re buying.