Don't Fall for the Counterfeit Designer Handbag
12:08 AM | Author: Gilaster
By Freya Christianson

If you can't afford the genuine designer handbag you've always wanted, you might want to take a look at a designer knockoff of your dream purse. If you do, keep the following pointers in mind while shopping so you don't make an expensive mistake.

First, you should know that there are two types of knockoff handbags: one is good, and one is bad.

"Good" replica handbags, also called designer inspired handbags, don't try to pass themselves off as the real thing. You won't find a designer logo stamped on these bags with outrageous claims like "guaranteed genuine Gucci." Replicas are quality fashion items that are reasonably priced and geared to the fashion trend of the season. You'll be happy to carry a handbag like this, even if it isn't a Louis Vuitton.

The "bad" type of knockoff tries to pass itself off as the real thing. These cheap rip-offs are mass produced from poor quality materials and workmanship, and are gussied up with designer tags to fool you into thinking you're getting a Vuitton, Prada, or Coach when you're not. These bags are counterfeits and if you buy one, you're probably being ripped off, because the seller will charge you many times what the item is worth while telling you you're getting a big discount on a valuable item.

Spotting a counterfeit designer bag isn't that difficult. The first thing you should do is ask yourself if the designer would allow his or her designs to be sold in this type of retail establishment. Designer inventories are tightly controlled, and the chances of a Vuitton or Balenciaga being sold at a roadside stand or online auction are practically zero.

If you're buying a designer handbag online, make sure it's from a well-known retailer. Anyone else is in a great position to take advantage of you because you won't be able to see and handle the bag until after you've paid for it. When you buy online, you can't even tell whether a bag is vinyl or leather by looking at its photo.

Take some extra time when you shop online to find the site's returns policy. If it's not listed, or it's shorter than 30 days, then take your business elsewhere. Don't buy from stores that charge restocking fees. A store that needs to charge these fees in order to stay profitable isn't going to be dealing in genuine designer handbags.

Always pay for designer handbags online with a credit card. Your credit card issuer provides additional protection for you by letting you initiate a chargeback if the product isn't what it was claimed to be. Debit cards and direct payment services provided by online auctions don't afford you the same protection.

Online stores originating in other countries often take more than 30 days to ship their goods to you. They also operate outside the reach of most United States laws, so they're a riskier way to shop.

Finally, if you see claims like, "guaranteed genuine," you should move on. Designers like Gucci and Prada don't need to guarantee that their products are genuine, because they are genuine. - 20761

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