The truth is that Ebay is overrun with 'fake' merchandise. And hi-end designer handbags (such as Prada, Tods, Celine, etc.) make up a significant portion of this regrettable problem.

There are a number of things that pop-out as 'red flags' when viewing these items.

1. These companies do not produce a large quantity of items. They are hi-end items with limited production. This adds to the mystique and hi-cost. If you see a large quantity of a particular item at one time from a seller - chances are the items are not authentic - even if they are from 'past' seasons .

2. Even the best sellers with very good or near perfect feedback may not know if their merchandise is real or not. They make think that because their merchandise is from 'Europe' - it is 'real'. However, unless they can indicate and prove that these items are from a specific source APPROVED by the manufacturer such as the manufacturer's store or outlet - it is likley the merchandise is not authentic. You should insist on receipts or verifyable sources before investing considerable money. (Unfortunately - it is also easy to reproduce dust bags and 'authenticity' cards. For instance, if the bag is 'white' and the authenticity card say 'nero' - it is not authentic.)   

3. The quality of  producing replicas is visually good. They are often genuine leather, with imitations of logos and interior linings that are very hard to distinguish from the 'real' thing. However, the quality of the hardware and the construction is usually not. And this may not appear until after you have used the items. In reality the 'street value' of these items is under $ 100.00 - at best.

Ebay may be a good place for quality replicas with a few exceptions. BUT - the honest truth is that if you desire a genuine, authentic designer bag - you need to purchase it at an outlet authorized by the manufacturer.  

GOOD LUCK !!

(and let's see if Ebay has the guts to print this for their viewers .......)