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Culture

How do I Recognize Fake Designer Accessories?

Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco
Updated May 17, 2024
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Fake designer accessories are far more common than most people believe. Bags are the most common of all the fake designer accessories sold worldwide, with wallets and sunglasses following at a distant second and third. If you are in the market for a designer product, here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your wallet.

First of all, this rule of thumb applies: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fake designer accessories are often sold at great discount prices if compared to the original. If somebody offers you a $2000 US Dollars (USD) bag at the bargain price of $100 USD, you can be certain the bag is not real. Be aware of people claiming to have secret access to designer bargains or selling a wide variety of "designer" products at places like eBay.

The Internet has become a haven for fake designer accessories. EBay and other auction sites prohibited the sale of counterfeit merchandise, but that doesn't mean the accessories don't find their way there anyway. Sellers are clever, and will find a way to either disguise a bag or downright lie about it. Another possible sign of fake designer accessories in eBay is a seller that is located in Asia, especially China and Korea, as many, of the counterfeits come from there.

To avoid fake designer accessories, do your research. Make sure you understand what a real bag is supposed to look like beyond the obvious design. Are there markings or stamps anywhere? Is there a production number printed on the inside of the bag? Does the bag comes in a special type of packaging or is there a box or outside bag provided? What about the material itself? Is it soft or rough? Are there subtle color variations? Most fake designer accessories look fairly real and you will need to train your eye if you want to be able to tell the difference.

The most important thing you can do to avoid fake designer accessories is to ask questions. An honest seller would not mind telling you where he gets his discounts or who he is associated with. Sellers who avoid your questions may have something to hide.

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Discussion Comments

By jabuka — On Jun 14, 2008

Some fake, or knock-off designer goods are really made so that without careful inspection it is difficult to know whether it is a knock-off or the real thing. Any sloppy workmanship in less visible areas is a sign of a fake.

Logos are another sign of a fake or the real thing, are they spelled correctly and are they capitalized. Is there a logo on all the metal pieces, such as zippers.

Packaging is another giveaway. Luxury goods are usually packaged in quality wrapping, not some inexpensive plastic wrap.

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