I’ve always been a label lover, particularly when it comes to my handbags. Growing up, I was told that expensive things are worth it because they last longer. I still believe that, but in this day and age, it’s also important to know how to spot fake bags. Here’s my real persons guide to spotting fake bags.
First and foremost, do your research. Before you purchase a new handbag, read up on the specifics of the designer brand that you want. Learn about their signature prints, hardware, and materials. Doing your homework will save you an endless amount of grief, both in terms of your wallet and your feelings.
Second, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. No brand name designer will sell a purse at a fraction of its regular cost. Sure, some companies provide discounts during certain sales events, but nothing should be drastically lower than the original price tag.
Next, inspect the logos and details of the bag. If you’re buying the purse in person, always look up close for any discrepancies. Are the edges spelled correctly? Are the stitches even and balanced? Are the seams created with precision? Most importantly, do the colors correspond to the brand’s signature tones?
Fourth, consider the bag’s interior. Again, do the colors and prints match with the designer brand’s usual style? If there is a serial number, check with the company’s website or contact customer service directly whether the bag is in their database.
Finally, figure out where the bag came from. Not all knockoff purses come from sketchy street vendors. Many people unknowingly buy counterfeit bags online. If the seller’s website isn’t on the company’s official site, it’s probably a fake. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Overall, spotting fake bags can be challenging. It’s important to stay on your toes so you can better identify a real bag from a replica. If it all feels too overwhelming, there’s always the more expensive route – buy your bag from the brand’s company store. That way, you know for sure that your bag is one hundred percent authentic!
The materials used to make a fake bag are usually of lower quality, so if you’re able to actually see or touch the bag, one of the first giveaways will be the feel of the material. The logo should be embossed or engraved, with a great level of detail that is difficult for counterfeits to replicate perfectly. Pay attention to the details like zippers, buttons, snaps, etc., and make sure they are perfectly aligned. Tags and serial numbers are often faked, so try to look for small details like the font used for the text and the color of various elements of the bag.
Sometimes, looking online can be a great way to tell if a bag is fake or not. Authentication sites, such as the trusted experts at Authenticate First, will be able to confirm for you if a certain bag is real or not. You can also ask the seller questions about the bag’s origin and age to make sure it’s legitimate.
A great technique I’ve learned is to look closely at all the stitching and other details of the bag. It’s very difficult to replicate good quality stitching, so genuine bags will have even and symmetrical stitches. Fake bags typically have sloppy and uneven stitches. Also, most designer bags will have twice-stitched edges, which can be a good indicator of authenticity.
Finally, always remember that genuine designer bags don’t come in complete sets. Usually, the price tags, authenticity cards, and dust bags will be in the same set, but if you’re ever offered a bag with everything included, proceed with caution.
Overall, it’s not always easy to spot fake bags but with a bit of care and clever detective work, it’s possible to weed out the counterfeit items. When in doubt, purchase your bag of choice from a trusted source or an authenticated seller.
Still, even after following these tips, there’s always that lingering uncertainty whether a handbag is legitimate or not. That’s why expert authentication services, such as Entrupy and WhatReal, offer serial number verification services for even more peace of mind.
At the same time, if time is of the essence, you can also try some online authenticate websites and forums, such as Purse Forum, which have a huge community of experts who are willing to help. As demanding as it may seem, being a savvy shopper is all about getting educated and understanding the market.
Once you’re comfortable with the buying process, you can then wield your powers properly and become your own best advocate. Sure, it might feel time-consuming, but your wallet (and your ego) will thank you for it in times to come.