These days, unfortunately, spotting fake COACH bags is getting more difficult, especially for those who are new to buying COACH bags. And even more disturbing is that unsuspecting ebayers are paying hundreds of dollars for these! Here are some tips I have found useful.

1.  Although many Coach bags are made in china, don't buy one that ships from China.  From my experience, they have been replicas.

2.  Be cautious of sellers who keep their feedback private. There is probably a good reason for it!

3.  SIGNATURE styles:  Signature styles are symmetrical, meaning that the Signature C's line up perfectly.  Look down the center seam on both sides of the bag.  It should look like one continuous piece of fabric with the center dividing the bag like a mirror image.  If the C's are off alignment, I bet my right arm it's a fake.

4.  Most fakes are not all suede or leather. These materials are not cost-efficient for replica makers.  Usually if a replica is claiming  the bag is leather, it is fake leather, and it will be obvious when you see it.

5.  I have seen many fakes that have plastic wrap over the entire handle(s). Coach sometimes puts protective wrap around the buckles, but rarely the handles.

6. Patchwork totes: even though they are made up of many little pieces, the same color pieces are in the same position on every bag.  If you search for Holiday Patchwork tote for example, you will see how different each tote looks. That is because many are fakes!!!

7.  Know which type of lining the inside of the bag should have.  If unknown, try searching for other bags on ebay of the same style and compare linings. Sometimes, just the lining is all that gives the bag away.

8. Beware of similar trendy styles, but in weird colors that Coach never made. For example, the Poppy style only came in white leather, and signature C.  Pink "leather" for instance,  was never made in this style.

9. One more thing to add. Some sellers are getting really clever, they steal photos of authentic bags and use them in their listings. To protect yourself against this new trend, look at the other items the seller has for sale, LOOK AT THE BACKGROUND! Do all the backgrounds look different? if so, the photos were most likely stolen.

I hope this helps. I am really good at spotting fakes. If you have any questions as to whether the bag you considering is a replica, I am happy to give you my opinion.  My User Id is jakekitty24