TIPS FOR BUYING AUTHENTIC DESIGNER BAGS on EBAY(Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, etc.)

Authentic designer handbags have considerable resale value and can be a very good investment if cared for properly.   These tips should help you feel more at ease about buying an authentic bag.

(When you're ready to sell it, check out my other guide: SELLING YOUR AUTHENTIC DESIGNER BAG on eBay.)

TIPS FOR BUYERS:

If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.  Use your common sense. 

There are no good deals on CHANEL bags.  They are extremely desirable and retain their value.  Obsessed fans will buy real CHANEL bags in almost any condition.  There are tons of people shopping for them all the time, and if no one is bidding, there is a reason.

Research the seller's feedback and auction history.  Look for experience with other high-end items.  Do not buy from any one who keeps their feedback private.  They obviously have something to hide. 
 
Ask questions.  Where and when did they get the bag?  How much did they pay?  These are things you can research.  If the photos are bad or there aren't enough, ask for more.  Anyone trying to sell you a $2000 handbag should be gracious enough to send more/better photos and have enough money to either own a good camera or to pay someone who does.

One day Buy-It-Now auctions and any listings from China, Hong Kong, etc. should be questioned.

Anyone selling more than one CHANEL bag, especially "New" or "New With Tags" should be questioned.  There are not that many licensed CHANEL dealers. 

Don't freak out.  If a seller won't answer your questions, send you a clear photograph, or if you have any reservations at all, don't bid!!!  There will always be more bags on eBay (I promise) and trying to get your money back from a con artist may not be as simple as what is promised in the auction.  The guarantees and return policies are likely to be as phony as their bags. 

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 back story?  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.

TIPS FOR SOME POPULAR DESIGNER BAGS
-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 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, symmetrical 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.