Coach Handbag - Authentic Vs. Fake
Although Coach has branded its merchandise, the company logo alone cannot distinguish an authentic handbag from a fake one. Buyers must know precisely what traits for which to look to determine if a bag is a genuine Coach handbag. Because Coach merchandise is usually expensive, confirm an item's authenticity before purchasing. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Company
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In 1941, Coach began as a small shop. Six family members made leather goods by hand in a small loft in Manhattan. Slowly, customers began to return for the fine craftsmanship they found. As of 2010, Coach is a widely recognized brand of accessories for women and men. The company produces everything from handbags to fragrances, and along with partners, Coach also sells watches and footwear. The company that grew from that single shop now hosts stores in more than 20 countries, including the United States, and it continues to expand.
Authentic Bags
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Coach handbags are known for their quality; therefore, authentic bags can be identified through a few notable high-quality markers. All Coach handbags have a leather patch sewn inside, which clearly identifies the bag as a Coach bag and usually has an identification number. Since 1994, the identification number consists of the month and year the bag was produced, and then a hyphen, followed by the style number of the bag. Consisting of three to six numbers or letters, Coach assigns this style number to identify the handbag in stores or on its website.
Other markers set authentic bags apart from the fakes. The thread is of high quality, and Coach always uses thick double stitches. The hardware is also high-quality metal, never tin. Because it's a solid piece of metal, the finish should not chip or flake. The zippers are always a specific "YKK" brand, and snaps should fasten securely.
If a handbag has the signature C's on it, they are lined perfectly in sets of two that match up on the center seams on the front and back. The lining of the bag will always be solid colored for these particular bags.
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Fake Bags
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Counterfeiters employ many techniques to make their handbags look authentic. Identification numbers and logos will not always prove a bag's authenticity. However, the quality of the handbag will usually reveal a fake. The stitch work is messy, and the lining is made of cheap, thin fabric. The finish on hardware peels off, and patches look lightly stamped or difficult to read. Fake bags are also often covered with plastic, especially on the handles.
Where to Buy
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Official Coach merchandise can only be guaranteed in Coach stores, factory stores, Coach catalogs, authorized department or specialty stores, or the Coach website. Coach does not officially sell its handbags through individuals, street vendors, unauthorized retail locations, Internet auctions or private parties in homes. An authentic bag is rarely less than $100, but factory outlets sometimes offer a much reduced price.
Report Counterfeits
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Coach asks that people report counterfeiters or vendors who knowingly sell fake Coach handbags. Not only are the sales of fake bags detrimental to Coach's business, but buying from counterfeiters encourages the use of sweat shops and the abuse of labor laws. If you find what you think is a fake bag, note the location, the quantities and styles of handbags, and any other details possible. To report a counterfeiter, call 800-396-1807 or email Counterfeits@coach.com.
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