I love to shop but don’t want to be taken for a ride. It’s quite difficult to make sure we’re getting the real deal when buying something, and it’s even harder when you’re shopping online and don’t get to see the item first. So, I wanted to share some of my tips for smart shopping.
First off, I always read online reviews. You know that saying ‘two heads are better than one’? Well, in this case, ‘hundreds of heads are better than one of mine’, so reviews are the key here. Of course, replica bags you can’t just trust any Joe. Look for replica bags authentic reviews with people who have shared images as verification. Photos of tags, labels, logos, as well as the item in question.
These days, there are a ton of counterfeited goods, and it’s super easy to unknowingly end up with an imitation or a fake. Here my mantra is “Safety First”. Don’t buy from pop-up ads, and if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. So, I always make sure that the seller you’re buying from is a trusted one.
The best and perhaps the safest way to shop, is to go directly to the official website. That way, you can be assured that you’re not getting a counterfeit. However, I wouldn’t go for the first thing I see. Research the product, and look around for the best prices. Comparison shopping helps but be careful, remember, don’t get fooled by things that seem too cheap.
Apart from that, I also make sure to check the return policy. You don’t want to be stuck with something that doesn’t meet your requirements. Also, take a look at the payment methods the seller accepts, and double-check that the website is secure. If it’s not, don’t even bother.
One thing I always keep handy is the product warranty because no matter the guarantee, you may need to return the item or need servicing. So, I make a point of having it in writing. Finally, if I’m still hesitant, I won’t buy it. I’ll save the details for later and hunt for other options.
Now that I’ve shared my tips for smart shopping, I thought I’d add some important ones for shoppers of bags in particular. Whenever I’m buying a bag, it’s all about checking the material and the hardware. I’m always extra careful to make sure the materials feel original and that the hardware isn’t botched.
Also, I inspect the zippers, and if it has one, the logo, badge, or label to make sure it’s the real deal. If it’s an expensive and popular item, I also take a look at the stitching. It should be neat and even. Moreover, I always check the authenticity card and serial numbers, if applicable.
Another thing I make sure to do is take a closer look at the phone pockets or card slots. They should feel in-built, whereas in fake bags, they’re just glued-on accessories. And on a related note, I always pay attention to the buckles and buttons, as they should lay flush against the bag’s surface.
Finally, fake bags I take note of the smell. Usually, real bags have faint chemical smell that disappears after a while. Unless it’s a material like nylon, it’s not supposed to be super perfumed. That should be a red flag. So, these are some of the ways I make sure I’m not getting a fake bag. What do you think? Do you have any additional tips?