How to Tell the difference between authentic and fake Chanel handbags and accessories

At the mall, all those trendy women sporty the quilted Chanel cambon bag and you are so jealous. But is it real? Most likely, not. Can you imagine the odds of that many women carrying around an $1800 bag in you local mall. How do you know if you what you are buying is an authentic Chanel bag?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure you are buying from a reputable soure. Whether it be a Bloomindale’s, Chanel Boutique or Ebay, be sure that you know who you are buying from. If you do buy online request additional pictures of the hologram tag, the tagging inside the bag, the hardware, and up close shots of the fabric. If it is a new or used bag ask for a copy of the receipt if at all possible.

2. Price. You are not going to get a Chanel bag for under $150 new or used, unless it is half dog eaten (literally). The lowest priced quilted cambon bag I saw at Nordstrom’s in a small rectangular camera bag style was $900. And it was small! The cambon tote seems to Chanel’s most faked bag (the quilted black bag with the white handles and CC on it). Another good example of fake Chanel going around was the pearl necklace similar to the one worn by Anne Hathaway in “The Devil Wear Prada.” This necklace was listed as authentic on major auction while in fact it was not. It was listed as $150 buy it now and the retail is over $1000!

3. Signs of Authenticity. Look for a plain white tag, style number, style name, color, barcode, and price. Authenticity card and hologram sticker with matching numbers. Black dust bag with with white CHANEL lettering on it. You may also get a gift box if bought from retail dealer or brand new from an auction web site. There are other types of authenticity checks for shoes (such as the box and no authenticity card), and accessories, which may have a black plastic card.

4. On a final note if it seems to be good to be true, it probably is.

Tips & Warnings

• Get as much information as possible on the item before make the final decision.
• Watch out for someone who sells alot of Chanel items or who has a no return policy.

Resources

• Chanel

[liljdy84]

on 10/2/2009 These are great ideas, also feel the fabric, Chanel artisans spend hours making these bags by hand. The stitching as well as the craftsmanship are absolutely stunning!! The more bags you see the more experienced you'll become in telling a real one from a knockoff, so feel free and go to the department stores and feel them, but remember it's always better to purchase from a boutique, it doesn't matter if you don't have a btq in your area they take phone orders. You'll be taken care of better in a btq even on the phone, you will experience real luxury!