TIPS TO SPOT COUNTERFEIT FAKE COUTURE DESIGNER BRANDS : eBay Guides

COUNTERFEIT GOODS ARE A THRIVING BUSINESS, so what can consumers do to avoid purchasing and/or selling counterfeit designer couture goods?  Most people think of counterfeits synonymously with luxury items such as purses, watches, perfume and clothing.  But these are only the tip of the iceberg, constituting about 4% of that illegal trade.  The global counterfeit economy means those fakes can find you.  

The United States says China is the No. 1 offender when it comes to counterfeit goods.  Others include South Korea, Pakistan and India.  The estimated global trade in counterfeit goods is over $650 billion per year including $80 billion in New York City alone.  The effects of the counterfeit market has effects on humanity.  Here are a few points to ponder.

• The global counterfeit world has been linked to:
• Terrorist organizations
• Child labor
• Drug trafficking 
• Organized crime
• Deaths from fake medicinal products. 
• Deaths from faulty automobile products.

HOW CAN A CONSUMER KNOW IF A PRODUCT IS COUNTERFEIT?

Using some good old fashioned logic can go a long way. Consider these simple points:

• If the price is too good to be true, it's probably a fake.
• Is the seller located in a foreign country that is considered to be actively involved in the sale of counterfeit goods?
• Is the seller listing numerous (hundreds) items of the same designer, claiming they are authentic? Are they listing hundreds of items of the same style but different color?  This is a big tip-off that you are about to be ripped-off.  
• Is the seller only selling brand new couture, designer items?  Be suspicious of these sellers.  What is their source?  How are they able to acquire their product?  Couture designers do not allow just anyone to sell their products, some of which are licensed.  There are few legitimate middle men online sellers.   
• Volume Authentic couture designer items are sold in reputable, respected and well-known upscale boutiques and high-end stores.  While you can find genuine designer apparel on ebay, you need to be careful.  The key word here is Volume. 

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU MAKE A PURCHASE. 

• Become familiar with the designer label you want to purchase.  Check online stores, educate yourself on the specific designers collections, and prices.  Compare this to the items you are considering buying online. 
• Check out your seller carefully, look at what, and the quantity they are selling on their site.  This is where the above tips come into play.  
• Review the sellers feedback, not just the percentage, but the comments and review what they sold.
• Be suspicious of sellers who only sell one thing and in numerous quantity.  Question the seller about where they obtain their goods.  Don't be afraid to ask.  It is your right as a consumer.  
• Where is your seller located.  This can give your valuable information about their supply source.

I HOPE YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION USEFUL IN YOUR PURSUIT OF THE REAL COUTURE