Hello, just a short guide on avoiding fakes, and a few care tips:

Avoiding Fakes:

1. An authentic LV should have a datecode, which is two letters followed by two numbers, these represent the month and year, such as April 2006 would be CA 0046. (Month year month year) MYMY.
2. If a seller cannot proide you pics. of datecode DO NOT BUY
3. If it's too good to be true, than it probably is.
4. Be aware of discontinued purses in relation to the date code. (Ex : A Vernis Louis Vuitton color Rose Pink cannot have a date code after 99.)
5. Any seller that shows a hanging tag is a fake seller!!
6. No Louis Vuitton ever came with a green and gold envelope.
7. Louis Vuitton dustbags never read Malliter, only LV or Louis Vuitton
8. No plastic wrap comes on any Louis Vuitton, unless the seller put it there to protect it, (which is hardly ever)
9. Pay attention to the proper place of datecodes (should ity be imprinted, on a tab, under a d-ring, etc.), stitches (Speedys have certain number of stitches across the handles), and lining materials (should it have red interior, brown cloth, or beige alcantra ?)
10. Never buy from private feedback, and NEVER use money transfer.
11. The only place to buy an authentic Louis Vuitton (brand new) is the actual store, and eluxury.com
12. There is no wholesale LV, (or even discounted)!!

Care Tips:

1. Magic Eraser works on very dirty dark patina handles, spot test first, don't rub too vigorusly, and condition with Apple Leather Conditioner after.
2. Use a type of leather protecter on the handles such as Apple Guarde, (do not use on Vernis) to protect from rain, or grease. Make sure to cover up everything else with a cloth.
3. A Bleach pen can work on white zipper tape, I used it on my MC cles, towards the top it was very dirty, just be careful to not get any on the silk screened colors (very delicate).
4. Never wear a dark new shirt with a Vernis item, and avoid sunlight, magazines, and newspapers. Vernis has color transfer issues, which means that the color can actually transfer on to your beautiful vernis :(
5. Avoid dogs (they love Louie's) and hot cars!
6. Always store in dutbag, away from light. Stuff if you would like to retain the shape (I do this with my Speedy 25)
7. And my final most important tip, don't be TOO careful, you'll never enjoy it, when you think it looks really bad, sell it!

PLEASE VOTE IF YOU FOUND MY GUIDE HELPFUL!