How to Identify a Counterfeit Handbag or Purse

Counterfeit handbags are everywhere - on street corners, in small boutiques, and on eBay. Learn how to identify a fake bag and avoid getting ripped off.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   Counterfeit merchandise funds all kinds of illegal activity such as terrorism, gangs, drug trafficking, prostitution, and organized crime. When you buy a counterfeit item, your money isn't just going to support a local vendor or small business owner, your money is funding illegal activities.

2. 
    

   To identify a fake handbag, first, look at the price. An authentic Kate Spade or Dooney and Bourke bag costs at least $200. Gucci and Coach bags are easily in the $400 range. If you see one in a shop for $25, it is a fake.

3. 
    

   Where is it being sold? If the bag is at Macy's, Bloomingdales, Saks, or another legitimate retailer, you are ok. If it is being sold on a street corner or at a bus station, it is a fake.

4. 
    
   Donney & Bourke Fob

   Check the metal parts, Look at the zipper pull, medallion, latches, feet, or other metal parts of the bag. The name or logo should be stamped into the metal. (The counterfeiters are getting better at this.) Look at the quality of the metal - if the finish peels or flakes off, it is a fake. Also, look for spelling mistakes on the brand name.

5. 
    

   Examine the lining. The lining should be a high quality fabric like satin. The brand name should be woven into the pattern of the material used for the lining.

6. 
    

   Check the leather. Shiny, over processed leather indicates a counterfeit. Leather is heavy, so if the material feels lightweight like plastic, the bag is a fake. (Test by setting the bag upright and if it falls over, it is a fake. Real leather is heavy and will stand up on its own weight.)

7. 
    

   Examine the tag and try to peel it off. If the fabric tag on the front of a fabric bag is glued on (usually with cheap glue), it will easily peel off. This indicates a replica bag.

8. 
    

   Check out the zippers. Do they work properly, easily sliding from open to closed position? Is the brand name stamped into the metal, is it spelled correctly? Is the zipper securely sewn in?

9. 
    

   Examine the stitching. If the stitching is crooked, off-center, the wrong color, or is coming unraveled, you've got a fake.

10. 
     

    Look at the handles. Are they they exact same size? Are the sturdy or do they collapse under their own weight? Is the stitching even, straight, and centered?

11. 
     

    Don't buy anything with a tag that says "Made in China." That is a dead giveaway that the bag is counterfeit.

12. See the resources section below for more information on designer handbags.

Tips & Warnings

• The internet is full of counterfeit handbags. It is better to buy an authentic bag from a reputable retailer.

Resources

• Authentic Designer Handbag Guide
• Trendy Miche Bag

[atlantagolfshop]

on 9/11/2008 Soft and buttery - great descriptive words. Thanks for your comment and rating!

[LilBlackDress]

on 9/11/2008 I have used Coach bags for so many years that when my mom offered me one she had picked up overseas, I could just look at it and tell it was a fake. The leather didn't feel soft and buttery. The interior was hard etc.
Great pointers Suzanne!

[vzaar-Jamie]

on 9/11/2008 We'd suggest that video is one way to help drive trust and authenticity. Here is an example from a seller this week using the vzaar video service.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260285662577