How to Detect a Faux Coach Handbag from an Authentic Coach Handbag

When comparing Coach handbags, all things are not equal--especially if the item's price is too good to be true. Sometimes, however, even a faux handbag can be priced like an authentic one. Use the following tips to help identify a true Coach handbag from a replica.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. When purchasing a Coach handbag from a factory outlet, the sale tag will say "COACH" in brown letters, with the word "FACTORY" underneath in a small type font. When purchasing a Coach handbag online, inquire about its factory status and ask to see a picture of the tag.

2. The authentic Coach handbag's bar code is on the reverse side of the white tag. Make sure it is facing the opposite direction of the word "COACH" on the other side of the tag; that will cause it to appear upside down from the text on the front side of the tag. There also will be an alphanumeric sequence above the bar code that coincides with the authentic item's style number. After the style number, there will be four alphanumeric characters with a forward slash in the middle. Example: C5/MC.

3. Check the price. Does it seem too good to be true? It might be. Shop to compare like items from different vendors. You can also find the item and its price on the official Coach website.

4. Some authentic and faux Coach handbags come from China, making authenticity difficult to determine. The best advice is to stay away from distributors who get their goods from Asia.

5. If you are buying online and the seller only has a stock picture available, avoid purchasing the handbag.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the workmanship of the handbag prior to purchase if possible. Were cheap materials used? Is the signature fabric--the "C" for Coach in the signature series--sewn such that all images align? Look at the item number stamp inside the handbag. Is the stamp clean and sharp, or are the letter indentations blurred or vague? These questions could undercover imperfections that show the handbag is not authentic.
• Faux and replicated handbags are illegal to manufacture and sell in the United States.

References

• The New Fake & Replica Coach Handbags

Resources

• Official Coach Handbag Website