How to Tell a Fake Fendi Purse

Don't be duped into buying a cheap knockoff. Carefully consider the following when shopping for your Fendi handbag.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good lighting
• A few minutes
• Patience

1. The old adage rings true; you get what you pay for. Real Fendi bags are expensive, but the price buys you the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. If someone offers to sell you the latest Fendi style for what seems like a very low price, it's almost certainly a fake.

2. Logo: A fake designer logo may seem like a dead giveaway, but it's sometimes not so simple. Go to the Fendi website or visit a high-end retailer to look at the official logo. When shopping for your bag, look closely at the letters. They should spell f-e-n-d-i. It seems silly, but spelling is one of the most common tricks used by counterfeiters. A keen eye can make the difference between buying a real "Fendi" and buying a "Fendl". Please note that in authentic Fendi products, the logo will always be engraved on the bag, not stamped on.

3. Leather: Carefully check the quality of the leather. The color should be rich and even, without any large blemishes or discolored areas. It should feel smooth and soft, and should bend easily. Uneven color, dark or light spots, rough texture, and stiffness are all tell-tale signs of inferior leather that would not be used in a real Fendi bag.

4. Fabric: Check the lining of the bag. Is it made of soft, smooth satin? Imitation bags will use rough, duller looking fabrics.

5. Straps, zippers, and hardware: Check the straps. They should have even stitching and should feel thick and heavy, not hollow. Zippers and metal accents should also feel substantial, and should have the Fendi logo engraved (not stamped) on them.

6. Stitching: Are the seams straight? Is the stitching even? Authentic Fendi bags will have straight seams and tight, even stitching.

7. ID tag: Authentic Fendi bags will all have an ID tag inside. The tag should be metal, and should have the logo and identification number engraved on it.

8. Consider the source: Real Fendi products are sold at high-end retailers and directly from the company. If a bag is listed on eBay or Craigslist, there is no way to guarantee its authenticity before purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't afford to buy a real designer bag, consider renting bags from an online boutique rental site.
• If you like the look of a particular bag, but don't care about the actual brand, look at similar designs made by less expensive brands.
• Buying and selling counterfeit designer bags is illegal.
• By buying counterfeit designer bags, you may be helping to promote sweatshops and third-world slave labor.