I was at the mall the other day when I saw a Prada bag in a shop window. I had to do a double take – it was a stunningly gorgeous bag! Even though it was priced at almost a thousand dollars, it was a definite must-have. When I asked the shop assistant if I could see it closer, I had a hunch that it might be a fake. And that hunch was absolutely right!
The bag had all the features, materials, construction and design of an original Prada bag, but it was not. You know how sometimes when you’re in a rush and you just want to get something because it looks good? Well, that’s what happened to me. I was sure I could get this bag at a bargain, without knowing that it was not the real deal. It was such an ugly feeling, I felt so deceived.
While the bag looked real – it was all inside details that showed me it was a fake. The stitching was crooked and the fabric was of poor quality. The hardware was cheap and had a slightly different colour than a genuine Prada bag. I felt so embarrassed and was quickly brought back to reality.
That experience taught me a hard lesson to always read the label when buying designer and always check the craftsmanship and materials to make sure it is genuine. I started researching more and discovered that as much as 30 to 40% of the designer bags in circulation are fakes. That requires consumers to exercise caution.
I also found it quite interesting that it is not only designer replica bags that have fakes, but other designer items such as clothing, watches, glasses, and even jewellery. It can be really hard to tell the difference between a real item and a fake.
To be on the safe side, I always try to buy my designer items directly from the manufacturer. I don’t want to risk getting ripped off and buying a fake. Plus, if I buy directly from the manufacturer then I know I’ll get the best quality and louis vuitton outlet an excellent value for money.
For example, when it comes to Prada bags, there are lots of sites that claim to offer “authentic” Prada items. But, I’m careful to research the brands, not just the items, before I make a purchase. I want to make sure I’m buying from an authorized seller and not a manufacturer of fakes.
I understand that a genuine designer item can be expensive but it will also last me longer, stand the test of time, and look fantastic even years down the line. So, I try to invest in genuine designer items as much as I can. That’s my way of ensuring I stay safe from fake items rubbing shoulders with genuine designer goods.
I also make sure to keep a check on the resale value of my designer item. If I ever want to resell it, I want to know if it will retain its value. Unfortunately, fake items tend to depreciate in value extremely quickly. So if I ever want to resell my investment it’s best I stick with genuine designer goods.
Finally, it’s just always good practice to do my research and always buy from an authorized seller. That way, I know that I’ll get exactly what I pay for and never have to endure the humiliation of buying and using a fake.
Fake designer items are endemic in today’s shopping malls and stores. People need to be mindful of what they are buying. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Unless you buy directly from Prada or an authorized seller, you could end up paying for a fake – and no one wants to get fooled like that.
The only thing you can do is to become educated and aware of the ways to check for authenticity before you purchase items. It’s essential to be aware of the signs that can signal a fake. This is especially important if you’re buying second-hand or on the resale market. It’s always worth getting a second opinion from an expert or a friend who knows about designer goods.