How to Tell if your Designer Handbag is Authentic

With so many PRADA items being sold on eBay it can be tough to seperate the real ones from the fake ones. While eBay takes measures to remove these items, ultimately it is up to the shoppers to educate themselves on what is a real PRADA item and what is fake.

The #1 thing to look for in a PRADA item is the seller's reputation.

Above all, the seller should be accomodating, answer all questions, and guarantee the authenticity of their products. Here are guidelines to follow:

• Authenticity cards do not make an item authentic. If they can fake the wallet, they can just as easily fake the authenticity cards. Keep up to date on what the newest Prada authenticity cards look like, and make sure the card description matches the product you are purchasing.


• Translate the Italian words on the back--for example, "nero" means black. If you're purchasing an orange bag and it reads "nero" on the card, there's a problem.


• Does it have a Prada logo on the interior that is aligned correctly? Is it crooked?


• If the item has a "triangle" PRADA logo, make sure the logo is fastened to the item, not glued. Pay CLOSE attention to the logo and compare it to an authentic logo, in person if possible and note small differences like font, curvature of the letters, size, etc.


• Is the hardware or button snaps engraved w/Prada logo?


• If it is leather, is it REAL leather? If it is nylon, is it REALLY nylon or some plastic material? Does the material have an odd odor? This may be a sign of fresh glue or a cheap synthetic material.


• Are there frayed threads, poor or large stitching? Is the signature pattern on the interior pockets (if applicable) straight? Check all pockets.

Does the item have glue showing on interior pockets? Check carefully behind the logo and all pockets.

• Does it include an authenticity card? If so, does the title match the wallet?


• How is the seller's feedback? Read it to see if other customers are dissatisfied. Read more than one page if you can! Do they guarantee the authenticity?


• How long have they been a seller? Where are they shipping from? Internationally?


• Research the product before buying...make sure there aren't near a hundred of the same item, this is a sure sign it is a fake. You'll hardly ever find Prada on sale, and when it is, it's usually just a few. Prada also really has no true outlet like Coach and other designers.


• Are they selling this item in huge volumes? Are there many of the same wallet/bag on ebay? Prada doesn't wholesale.

Be cautious, do your research and be smart!

Sellers of Coach merchandise on eBay should be accomodating, answer all questions, and guarantee the authenticity of their products. Here are guidelines to follow:

• Is the Coach item genuine leather or suede? Ask the seller if you're not sure.


• Does the seller answer your questions or just ignore you? This may be a sign of the service you should expect as well as a hint of the authenticity.


• Is the item in question sold by reputable sellers? Are the sellers auctioning off many, many of the same item? Coach doesn't wholesale.

Is the item in question sold by reputable sellers? Are the sellers auctioning off many, many of the same item? Remember, Coach doesn't wholesale, so how are they getting them?

• Do the sellers GUARANTEE the authenticity of the item?


• Where are the sellers located?


• How long have the sellers been selling?


• Have you checked the seller's other items? Check their completed items and items through their feedback page to see if they have sold Coach before.


• Has the Coach item been actually a style Coach has manufactured?


• Are the handles covered in plastic? This usually is not done by Coach retailers.


• If the bag has signature print, is the print straight or are the C's crooked, or even actually G's or O's? Is there signature print on the interior and exterior? This is never done by Coach.


• Does the signature print line up horizontally or vertically? All Coach products line up horizontally.


Is the stitching perfect? Coach always checks this before releasing product!!

• Check the interior leather "Coach" creed/registration tag, and make sure the serial number matches the one on the tag!! FYI Coach is usually Made in USA, China or India, and the tag states this. Check the tag for words that are spelled incorrectly.


• If the item has a dustbag, make sure it's really a Coach dustbag! Not all bags come with dustbags, and dustbags can be replicated.


• If the item comes with Coach care guide, is it stapled perfectly or is it sloppy? Does it look like a mass-produced photocopy? Not all Coach items have one of these included, and it's usually discretely tucked away for the buyer to read after purchasing, not displayed prominently. It is not a sign of authenticity, either.


• Does the seller accept PayPal? This will protect you from losses. If the seller doesn't accept PayPal, you might start to wonder "why do they accept only money orders?" What protection do I have if I pay with a money order? The short answer is not much! Bidpay is another service used similar to PayPal, but the loss protection is minimal. Serious sellers will offer PayPal also.


• Is the hardware engarved with the Coach logo? Do the zippers have "YKK" engraved on them? Check the zipper, ask for pictures of the zipper if you have to. This too, can be duplicated by counterfeiters, but not many will attempt to do this.


• Don't assume if the item is new with tags that it is real! Coach sometimes REMOVES the tags from their products in stores, and tags are easily produced by counterfeiters. Read the listing, check the feedbacks, compare with other products, and check for all of the signs of an authentic item listed here!




Off-eBay Sites for your Coach Purchases

Avoid buying Coach products from other auction sites--the security and protection on eBay is better and more fine-tuned.




eBay removes listings of fraudulent items and is familiar with some counterfeit products, removing them if necessary. Also, the buyers and sellers on eBay can police listings for counterfeit items as well, adding an extra layer of protection. You may not find this protection elsewhere.



Still, never let your guard down-- many, many counterfeits slip through since the styles are changing all of the time!

Above all else, educate yourself on the seller by reading their feedback, make sure they don't have too many negatives, read the comments, and ask questions. If you're suspicious, move on, and if you know it's fake, report the item!

Like any designer brand, Burberry doesn't wholesale. Huge quantities of an identical item will most likely not be authentic.

Handles wrapped in plastic are usually, but not always, a sign of a counterfeit bag.

Nova Check

The "Nova Check" styles are the most commonly replicated. These will be asymmetrical if fake. The lines should line up perfectly, even upon close inspection. The "Nova Check" is plaid and includes the three thick black stripes as well as white and red.

Stitching

The stitching should be perfect. Check the seams, and check the knight if it is on the bag, and see if it is perfect. It should look solid and well-made, not sloppy. Be sure that there are no glue strands, or glue odor (or any odor really for that matter) on the bag. This is a sign of poor quality and more importantly, a fake. Check behind the logo tags, behind any stitching, seams or handles.

Hardware

Scrutinize the hardware of the bag. Burberry has been known to put their logo on zipper pulls inside and out. By looking at some authentic ones in stores, you may find some major differences.

Check the font of the Burberry logo, everywhere it is present and check the font exactly for width, type, size...there are some small differences such as with Prada where the "R" is not curled as much in the counterfeits.

Burberry is a difficult brand to spot the fakes online. Stock photos are usually a good tip-off of a fake item. As always, check the seller's feedback! See if they are selling mulitples of this item (are they selling many of the same item?). And yes, Burberry doesn't wholesale their products, so keep that in mind.

Feedback

If you are purchasing a Burberry bag on eBay, check the seller's sold items in their feedback as well to see how many have sold and if other customers are satisfied. Feedback is the #1 way to tell if an item is fake, other customers will tell you in the forum! Avoid "0" feedback sellers if they start selling multiple designer items right off the bat, too risky.

Check where the seller is located. Is it realistic someone overseas would be selling this item to you and still be able to make a profit at the price they are offering it? If it's very cheap and it seems to good to be true, then it probably is!

There are so many different designers to choose from and so many online retailers that carry seemingly everything, it can seem daunting to even try and keep up with the new brands, let alone the old ones! Here are some tried and true staples of our eBay store and their background information.

COACH

Established in 1941, Coach specializes in leather products. They offer an extensive line of high-quality handbags that produce a desirable patina (an aged look of enhancement) on the supple leather with age. Other products such as designer clothing, wallets, umbrellas, belts and more are offered, for men and women. Affordable luxury, a high-end fashion bag that everyone wants and can own.

BURBERRY

Founded all the way back in 1856, Burberry is best known for its classic check/nova-check pattern. Handbags and fragrance along with designer clothing are Burberry's specialties. The knight symbol is the company logo, found on most products. Based in London, Burberry is a very popular brand to carry!

PRADA

Founded in Italy in 1913 and known for their couture with an overall more bohemian style. Hugely innovative and copied, Prada is a very desirable high-end brand in the fashion world. Prada has more recently branched off with Miu Miu and Prada Sport, simpler items for everyday use.

DOONEY & BOURKE

Founded in 1975, known for its vibrant, bright colored handbag collections and all-weather products, as well as high-quality canvas bags. Based in Connecticut, the company has grown significantly and offers high-end bags at a modest price for consumers. Dooney & Bourke's logo is the duck, found on the leather or metal hangtags, in reference to the water-proof leather (like a duck's feathers).

COLE HAAN

Founded in Chicago in 1928, Cole Haan specializes in footwear but also offers unique leather, suede and other types of handbags, wallets and other leather goods. Releasing brand new products every season, Cole Haan describes themselves as "a dynamic luxury brand, defining the ultimate in artisan quality and detail chic, on-trend fashion 'downtown' style that is unique and eclectic and beautiful products that people love to own."

BETSEY JOHNSON

The label known as Betsey Johnson was started in 1978, the progression of the boutique founder Betsey Johnson owned called Betsey Bunki Nini in the Upper East Side of NY. Not for the fashion faint of heart, the Betsey Johnson collection has the same whimsical, over-the-top exuberance as its spirited namesake designer-a woman who cartwheels down the end of her fashion show runways. Recently she has ventured into handbags which have been wildly popular.

THE SAK-

Founded in 1989 in the United States, The SAK prides itself on producing its line of accessories crafted from unique textiles using distinctive, richly textured weaves. The SAK is hugley popular at retail stores and online as well, being the 4th largest handbag company in the United States.

FURLA

Started in the 1970s, Furla is based on elegance, femininity and artisanal details. The Furla handcrafted Italian brand is known for its affordable luxury. Stores are in 64 different countries, and Furla has been one of the first brands to create a franchsing network. Furla's line includes stylish sunglasses, hats, scarves, watches, wallets, handbags, footwear, belts and more.

MICHAEL KORS

This label was started in 1981 by Michael Kors after designing clothing for a famous N.Y. boutique. Starting with womens clothing, the label soon branched out into womens handbags, shoes, belts, eyewear and most recently, the mens collection. Known for chic, luxurious American sportswear, Michael Kors has been worn by many celebrities and remains a very popular, innovative brand.

DKNY

Founded in 1984 by chief designer Donna Karan, DKNY is "the energy and spirit of New York. International, eclectic, fun, fast and real. DKNY addresses the real-life needs of people everywhere, from work to weekend, jeans to evening. Both fashionable and friendly, DKNY consistently delivers its unique mix of style around the world." It was acquired in 1996 by LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton). Karan's concept is based on seven easy pieces, where a handful of interchangeable items work together to create an entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening, weekday to weekend, season to season. "I'm designing for an international man and woman. A creative person who never knows where a day is going to take them," says Karan.

VICTORIA'S SECRET

Retailer of lingerie, beauty products, clothing, handbags, and more, features top name fashion models for its catalogues and commercials. Started in 1977 by Roy Raymond, Victoria's Secret has been owned by the Limited and most recently Bath & Body Works. Recently starting the PINK line, geared towards college students to much acclaim. The brand has been widely applauded for its classy accessories and apparel worldwide.

KENNETH COLE

Known as Kenneth Cole productions and started by Kenneth Cole, the company was founded in 1982 and started the first store in Midtown Manhattan. Kenneth Cole Productions continues to declare "What you stand for is more important than what you stand in" and "To be aware is more important than what you wear." The distinctive flair to the Kenneth Cole line will be sure to make a statement.

JUICY COUTURE

Started in Pacoima, California, by Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy, expanding onto the east coast in 1999. Juicy is known for their contemporary, casual, and comfortable styles. Their slogan, "Choose Juicy," has become widely popular on their products, and their handbags are no exception to their increasing popularity.

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