How to Spot a Fake Coach Handbag

Counterfeit, replica, knock off, imitation, or fake -call them what you like. But counterfeit handbags are everywhere - in small boutiques, at the airport, on street corners, and on eBay. Below are some tips on how to spot a fake or knock-off Coach bag before you buy it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to buy a fake bag. Remember, counterfeit goods fund many types illegal activity including prostitution, drug trafficking, gang activity, terrorism, and other types of organized crime. Children are often forced to work in horrible conditions for long hours producing these goods. When you purchase a replica handbag (either intentionally or unintentionally), your money goes to support this underground, black market industry. Do you want to be a part of that?

2. Counterfeit bags are not allowed on eBay - but that doesn't mean they aren't there. eBay can't possible police the millions of new listings added daily. If you are caught offering a fake Coach handbag, your listing will be removed and you may lose your status as a seller.

3. First, examine the signature “C” pattern of the fabric. The “Cs” will be crooked, have jagged edges, be tilted, off-center, or otherwise just not right. The pattern should start in the center of the front and back panels. The fabric should be symmetrical as if it was folded in half down the center seam. There should not be any breaks or gaps in the seams.

4. The workmanship will look sloppy. The stitching may be crooked, stitches will be different lengths, and there could be overstitching. All of these are indications that the handbag is a knock-off. Coach bags are meticulously made with all the stitches the same length, stitch lines perfectly straight, and no overstitching.

5. If the bag is authentic, the zipper itself will be stamped with YKK. The YKK zippers are of the highest quality.

6. Check to see where the bag was made. Coach does not make bags in Korea or Thailand, although they do make some in China.

7. Ask for proof of authenticity. Ask the seller to show you a a copy of a receipt or some other form of proof showing where the bag was purchased. Read the listing carefully – is the word “authentic” mentioned in the listing? If not, don’t buy it.

8. Examine the seller’s photos. Make sure they are photos of the exact bag that is being sold, not stock photos from a website. Ask for additional photos if you need to. If the seller isn't hiding anything, she will be glad to send more photos.

9. Review the seller’s history, feedback numbers, the actual feedback, etc. Get an idea of who you are dealing with. Contact other buyers who have purchsed items from the seller and ask questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Never buy from a seller with a zero feedback.
• Go with your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Resources

• Learn More About eBay Selling

[citymallbags]

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[coffeefirst]

on 3/25/2009 Nice read, thanks for the tips

[healthymomof5]

on 1/24/2009 great advice!5*

[ermabombeck]

on 1/6/2009 *****'s. So important to know when considering the .purchase of such an expensive bag.

[lildutchgirl56]

on 12/10/2008 Buyer beware! Thanks for this excellent discription of what to look for when buying a Coach bag. 5*