QUICK TIPS to AUTHENTICATE that DESIGNER BAG (GUCCI, PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL, MARC JACOBS)

IS THIS BAG AUTHENTIC?  Your first clues...

-Quality of craftsmanship.  High-end bags should be well-made from quality materials and have no flaws or inconsistencies in the workmanship. 
-Where, when, and for how much was this bag purchased?  What is the backstory?  Receipts are helpful to both buyers and sellers.   Authenticity Cards are also good, but can be faked.  
-Do some research.  There is so much information online about luxury handbags: manufacturer and retailer websites, blogs, chat rooms, fashion sites, etc.  Do a quick web search using whatever information you have to find out the style name and go from there.  Compare measurements, hardware, logos, lining fabric, and other specifics.

-GUCCI sells lesser quality bags at their outlet stores, but most high-end companies do not compromise their line this way and do not sell "seconds".  These are almost always fakes.
-There are some specific clues to look for in every line. 
PRADA - The PRADA logo is very distinctive, especially the "R".  The enameled nameplates should have match the backing fabric and the letters will have a raised texture. 
-GUCCI - Serial #s are usually stamped on the back of a leather tag stitched inside the bag.  Observe the distinctive shape of the "G" and pay attention to linings.  GUCCI uses a diagonally textured fabric in their most common "classic" bags.  Higher-end and seasonal bag linings vary.  
-LOUIS VUITTON - Look for even stitching, symetrical placement of the LV logo, and round O's in the logo are the first clues.  Most LV monogram bags have brown canvas lining and LV logo brass hardware and all bags made since the early 80's should have a date code stamped in leather somewhere.  LV bags made in the US may vary slightly from LV bags made in France, Spain, or Italy in their quality and materials used. 
-CHANEL - Whether there is a leather tag stitched inside or the leather lining itself is stamped, the CHANEL logo should be clear, straight, and evenly placed.  "C" is diagonally slanted at either end and all CHANEL bags should have a hologram sticker with serial # that can also help you date the bag.  The interlocking "CC" logo should show the right-hand C overlapping at the top and weaving under at the bottom. 
-MARC JACOBS - The back of the zippers should be stamped RiRi or Lampo in most cases.  For some reason, most MJ bags have very impractical lining fabrics, such as cream colored suede, or white canvas.  Recently, Marc Jacobs has introduced some less expensive bags that are made in China and do not use these type of zippers.  These bags are impossible to authenticate without a receipt and are not a good investment if you plan to re-sell the bag at some point. 

PS... Read my other guides for BUYING and SELLING designer bags on Ebay!!