The "SMART GIRLS" Guide to Buying Real Designer Handbags on eBay!

IS IT REAL OR FAKE? BE A "SMART GIRL!"  FOLLOW THESE 15 STEPS BEFORE YOU BUY TO MAKE SURE THAT **YOU** WON'T FALL VICTIM TO A FRAUDSTER!

We at COACH SUPER STORE began our eBay career selling authentic designer handbags and accessories...and we have learned the ropes! Now, the torch and breath of our experience as both a buyer and seller on eBay has been passed on to our sister store LUXURY BAGS AND MORE who proudly sells only 100% authentic handbags, accessories and more! Millions of positive feedback notations on eBay show that most transactions leave both buyer and seller happy.  Sadly however, there are some fraudsters who misrepresent their products or sell fakes or knockoffs to the detriment of unsuspecting buyers.  Fortunately, there are several steps you can take BEFORE YOU BUY to ensure that you will receive an authentic item, as represented.  Take the 15 step "SMART GIRLS" approach and increase your odds of complete satisfaction!

1. Shop in retail department stores and familiarize yourself with the products and craftmanship of the upscale designer brands you like.  Then, look on eBay for the same product at a bargain-THIS IS THE FUN PART! If you're not familar with an item up for auction then contact the retailer directly and inquire to see if the item is a legitimate product made by the manufacturer.  It is usually very easy for the "SMART GIRL" to tell if an item is authentic, but sometimes the fakes are quite convincing...especially to a buyer who is unfamiliar with the brand (see below.)

The photo shown below is of a FAKE Louis Vuitton handbag:  This bag is in a briefcase style not even manufactured by LV.  In this case, the print is replicated very well and can be found out only by counting the number and postition of the "LV's on the bag in comparison to an authentic one-if one were made!  It is important to be familar with the product and pay attention to the details of the brand in question.           

A good way to avoid your chances of getting a fake is to look for new designer styles and products.  Fraudster's are often slow to copy/duplicate, distribute and sell their fakes so if you are interested in a newer item, the chances are better that it is authentic.  Again, knowing your brand and their new and older styles is helpful!

2. When you spot a designer item you are interested in on eBay, check to see if the seller is selling more than one of the same item.  While multiple listings of the same item from the same seller are not a telltale sign that the seller is a fraudster, you should proceed with caution.

3. Pay special attention to the seller's advertising! This is especially important! Also note where the item is coming from.  Proceed with caution if the item is coming from overseas (i.e. Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, etc.) where selling fakes is a notoriously common practice. PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER, that many upscale designer items are actually made in China, Italy, Mexico & the U.S.A.  This can be evidenced by a "Made in China, etc." tag or marking inside.  Don't be alarmed that this is evidence of a fake item, as most upscale brands manufacture in these countries.  These three pictures are from REAL handbags:

4. Look for an authenticity guarantee from the seller!

5. Look for clear and direct descriptions.  Be aware of carefully scripted language designed to deceive such as "designer brand XYZ inspired" or just like designer brand XYZ."

6. Pay attention to the condition noted (new, gently used, etc.) Look for key terms such as "1st quality, irregular, etc." Also note that some designer brands make a special invisible indentation or "X" inside select items (see photo below.)  This mark indicates that the item was not purchased in a retail store.  This is not an indication that the item is not authentic or 1st quality.  Many 1st quality items are sold to discount or outlet stores as overstock and manufacturers do not want these items to be returned at their retail stores for full credit.  Spotting this "X" can be a good authenticity clue for a "SMART GIRL."

7. Look for items with tags, booklets, care cards and warranty cards to support a claim of authenticity.  Also look for or request designer tissue paper, dust cover bags and gift boxes that often accompany upscale designer items.

8. Always buy items that have actual photos.  Look carefully at these for authenticity patches, serial numbers or other quality/authenticity clues.  Beware of items with stock photos not supplied from eBay (i.e. a stock photo for a DVD or book.)  Stock photos are pictures copied directly from a department store or retailers website (i.e. Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Burberry, etc.) Instead email the seller directly and request an actual photo of the item offered.  If they don't have one or you don't get a response, then perhaps they either don't want you to see the auctual item or what they have is not authentic.  Beware however, that some sellers will send pictures of an authentic item and will send you a fake.  If you do get pictures that are blurry, be skeptical.  You deserve to be able to see a clear picture of the exact item you are interested in.

Pay attention to any plastic packaging on hang tags, around the edging or on the handle straps...many counterfeit makers distribute their fakes with this plastic protectant and the seller leaves it on figuring that the unsuspecting eBay buyer will take this as an authenticity clue-but NOT YOU!

You should inspect the fabric and stitching which is never irregular or sloppy on upscale designer items.

The photo shown below is of a REAL Coach signature handbag:  Notice the distinct pattern of "CC's" in harmony with each other, even across the middle seam.  Beware of fake look-alike fabric in a "CG" pattern! The stitching is consistant and strong and a high quality sheen can be seen across the water and stain resistant Italian jacquard print fabric.

Additionally, look for serial numbers, patches, designer engraving, etc. as shown from the REAL handbags below.  Notice the unique serial number on the Dooney & Bourke handbag at left (which can be verified by calling D&B) and the uniform stitching and special circle mark on the Coach handbag at right.

9. Inquire to see if the seller maintains gift receipts or other proof of purchase.

10. eBay now requires all sellers to indicate their return policies.  Look for sellers that readily offer a return or exchange policy.  Those sellers that value customer satisfaction will usually offer some sort of policy that ensures your satisfaction.  An "All Sales Final" policy is basically "If You're Not Happy, You're Up the Creek" policy.  Proceed with caution if this policy is in place.  If there is no policy noted or an "all sales final" notation, inquire with the seller prior to purchase and maintain any correspondance with the seller promising your satisfaction.

11. eBay sellers typically must use PAYPAL.  This service is fast and easy and offers a safer online experience by offering both buyer and seller protection policies.  Look for eBay & PayPal buyer protection amounts on the right side of the listing page under the sellers name & feedback score.  If the amounts are high, that's a good sign.  Be sceptical of any seller that requests a non-PayPal payment method-there may be a reason they are trying to get around using PayPal.  Always deny any seller that requests your bank account or routing information.  Don't send payments in the mail if requested by the seller.  If there is a legitimate reason that you are paying by way of check, always be sure to reference the eBay item # on the notes section.  That way you can prove that your payment was received successfully & the seller has been paid for that particular item.

12. eBay sellers now have more responsibility in that they are responsible for the item until it arrives to the buyer.  For this reason, most sellers will include insurance and tracking at now charge.  If they don't...consider requesting insurance and tracking from the seller prior to purchase.  This protection ensures that you are covered if the package never arrives, gets into the wrong hands during transit or is claimed to have been sent as represented and ends up arriving as "something else."  You'll have some recourse if the fraudulent seller actually knowingly misrepresented the item and then claims that he/she can not take responsiblity for the item after it left them.

13. Look at a seller's feedback, DSR scores and length of time as an eBay member! This is especially important! If a seller has an established selling history and a high positive score and good buyer comments, it is a good indication of their good selling practices.  On the other hand, a pattern of negative feedback or a "private" rating is reason for concern.  Good sellers have good feedback and nothing to hide, period! Also, look for the POWERSELLER logo! These members have an established reputation for high volume and responsible selling practices.

14. Prior to purchase, contact the seller to verify that they are offering an authentic item, as advertised.  It can never hurt to begin a dialogue with the seller.  Take notice of their communication prior to purchase.  Did they respond quickly and answer all of your questions? If so, then this is a good indicator of how the rest of the sale may go.  If they fail to respond to your request at all, this may be a sign that they have something to hide and don't want to incriminate themselves! Take your business elsewhere.

15. Always feel free to ask questions! Asking for clarification, assurance or additional information is your entitlement.  If you get your item and you're not sure if it's the real deal or simply want confirmation of its authenticity, take it to a retail store or department store authorized to sell the item.  Compare the two items and get the opinion of the staff.

BE A "SMART GIRL!" TAKE THE TIME & EFFORT TO COMPLETE THESE 15 STEPS BEFORE YOU BUY & YOU'LL DECREASE THE ODDS THAT YOU'LL BE A FRAUDSTER'S VICTIM!

Have a Fun, Safe & Smart Experience Shopping for Designer Handbags & Accessories on eBay!

By COACH SUPER STORE