On Accessories: How to Spot a Fake designer bag

How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
Make Sure You are Buying an Authentic Bag
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

If you are looking to invest in a designer handbag, make sure you are getting the real thing. By following these simple tips, you can easily spot a fake bag. If you are still tempted to buy replicas, be sure to check out these reasons why you shouldn't buy a fake designer bag.

Know your bags.
The easiest way to spot a fake bag is to familiarize yourself with what the real thing should look like. Head to the department store, boutique or the designer's website where they sell the authentic bags. Make notes about the logo placement, hardware, size, materials and other important details about the bag that you want. By doing your research, you should be able to easily spot a replica.

Pay attention to detail.
When shopping, inspect the bag closely and pay attention to the detailing. Authentic designer handbags are made from quality leather with topnotch construction. The bags are normally hand-stitched. Look at the labels, where you will find the brand names and possibly serial numbers stamped, etched or stitched. Make sure the logos or monograms are the right shape and aligned properly.

Look for documentation.
When you buy an authentic designer bag, it will normally come with a certificate of authenticity or some kind of documentation. These can be faked too but falsified certificates are usually obvious. Many designer bags also come with dust bags as well.

Is it to good to be true?
If the price is pennies on the dollar of the MSRP, it's probably fake. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If you spot a Louis Vuitton bag for twenty bucks on eBay -- it's not real. Instead of purchasing a counterfeit designer bag, save your money for an authentic one and buy a couple less expensive bags in the meantime.

Be careful where you shop.
Designer handbags are sold in boutiques and department stores, as well as on department store and manufacturer websites. They generally aren't sold in kiosks, flea markets, street stands or out of the trunk of cars. Online, go to the designer's website and find out where their bags are sold. Also avoid online auction sites. Portero.com may be one exception -- they are known as a trusted resource for pre-owned authentic designer bags.

MY THOUGHTS

if you don't have the original, how can you spot the fake ones. they are everywhere.