How To Spot Fake Handbags

Learn How to Spot Fake & Replica Bags

Counterfeit designer bag makers are getting more and more cunning, churning out fakes that look more and more like the real thing. Even if it is cheaper, spending a few hundred dollars on a replica hardly ever seems worth it. And being spotted toting a fake designer bag can be a potentially humiliating experience. To avoid such a disaster, arm yourself with these replica-spotting tips.

Research before Buying

When in the market for a designer handbag, chances are, you’re ready to spend anywhere above $200, depending on the brand. A good amount of consideration should definitely go into such a purchase, and you would do well to browse collections from reliable sources to become familiar with the genuine items before making your decision. Possibly spurred by the numerous angry designer handbag lovers duped into buying fakes, a good number of very specific guides on spotting replicas can be found all over the internet. These guides are often brand-specific and quite helpful to those loyal, stick-to-one handbag fanatics. We will go into some of the details here as well.

Consider the Source

Because replicas are sprouting up from all over, handbag shopper ought to be very careful on choosing where to get their designer handbags. Most designer brands carry their products in exclusive stores and their respective online shops, or at trusted department stores and consignment shops. When an opportunity to buy a designer handbag presents itself on the street or an online auction, there is a good chance it is a fake. There have been cases where the online sellers make it appear as though they are selling authentic items when the opposite is true. Unless you can verify the authenticity of the handbag before buying, then it is best to keep your handbag shopping to the genuine boutiques.

Give the Leather a Closer Look

Designer handbags are priced more than any other in the market because the materials they are made of don’t come cheap, either. Designer handbags may be made from a variety of leather types, including calfskin, lambskin, goatskin and patent leather. Inner linings are usually made of a good quality material such as satin. Satin linings are shiny, and often have the logo or brand name of the handbag. Straps, handles and accents are also often made of leather and not plastic, and while some may have colorful coatings, a look into the edges should bare the leather core.

Hardware Color and Sheen

Designer handbags will often have a protective layer tightly wrapped around the metal parts. This is to make sure it does not discolor before the bag reaches the buyer’s hands. Replica bags may tend to have hardware parts that do not match in sheen and color.

Proof of Authenticity

In order to protect their brand from replicas, handbag designers have taken to issuing authenticity cards along with every handbag piece. Such a card often carries an embossed designer logo, specific information about the designer handbag, and sometimes a magnetic strip or bar code. But watch out, some scammers may also offer authenticity cards with replica bags. All things considered, no matter what brand of designer handbag you’re looking for, it is best to rely on their exclusive and official retailers.

More Links To Help

• How To Spot A Fake (About.com)
• How Top Spot Fake Coach Bags
• How Top Spot Fake Louis Vuitton Bags
• How To Spot Fake Fendi Bags