How to Tell a fake Designer bag?

These are the suggestion i think may be useful to people who is considering an LV online purchase, collected from other forums:

1. Go to the nearest LV Boutique & get a catalog. If you do not want to get a catalog, at the very least, go to LV website and see what an authentic one is suppose to look like. You cannot compare an authentic to a fake if you are not familiar with what an authentic piece looks like. If a boutique or upscale department store is nearby, go & FEEl & LOOK at the bags, the leather, stitching, linings, etc. SMELL the bags! It doesn't matter how "mirror image" a fake is... NOTHING compares to the way an authentic LV smells & is handcrafted! Nothing can take the place of experience. It plays a major factor in knowing what is real & what is fake, but over time, these tips & the catalog; it should help you tremendously in noticing the differences.

2. Does the seller have any feedback? If he/she does not, this is where you run your greatest risk, simply because there is nothing there to base your decision on. Doesn't mean they aren't an honest seller, we all started at zero. Buyer Beware - Proceed with Caution!

3. Does the seller offer multiples of the same and/or NEW item at a low price? If they do, I am willing to bet that the merchandise is counterfeit.

4. If considering purchasing offsite, (not at ioffer) is the seller's feedback private? This is not a good sign. Why would a seller hide their feedback rating instead of allowing potential buyers to review their past transactions? Very suspicious - Proceed with Caution.

5. Is the photograph in the auction one taken online or are they photos of the actual bag that you will be receiving? If not, how do you know what you are receiving? More Caution needed.

6. Does the seller have more than 1 photo? After all, you cannot make a decision if you cannot view the item at all possible angles to visually try to authenticate it. If no other photos available, ask the seller questions. But if you receive no response... this is not a good sign. Why wouldn't seller be available to answer questions for an expensive item to help clear up any doubt or concerns a buyer might have?

7.THE ITEM ITSELF: Is there a round white tag hanging from the item? Is there white tissue and tape wrapped around the hardware or around the zipper pull? Is there a number stamped on the item tag shown in the auction? Is there white on the underside of the gift box? Is there a swatch of fabric hanging from the bag? Does the item have a big round or square leather patch on the front? The presence of any one of these things spell trouble! Run from this!

8. Does the ad state the item is guaranteed authentic? If not, ask. This is still no guarantee that you will get a refund, but if you are purchasing from a reputable seller, there is less risk of suffering a loss. DO NOT base your judgment on authenticity because seller claims that the item comes with a receipt, we all know that these can be forged & are counterfeit!!! A receipt proves nothing for authenticity purposes! LV & all top designer houses WILL NOT authenticate your handbag by putting it in writing. They will NOT give you an authentication letter, they will only VERBALLY authenticate it... no exceptions! Pricing is key as well. Check the above mentioned websites. There you will find the actual retail prices for the items, know how much the item you are interested in retails for. NO one is going to sell an authentic LV item for 80% off the retail price, no one! So remember, if it is too good to be true... IT IS! So Run! Don't think that just because the price is high then it must be authentic either. Do the research, please!

9. Does the seller have authentic & fakes listed in there store for sale? This is a big red flag. No bona fide LV reseller would even think about selling both in their storefront...PERIOD! A true LV collector would not even consider buying from a seller who sells both, that's just the way it is. It is the biggest turn-off. The buyer will feel as if it tarnishes the reputation of the seller.

10.LV does NOT, I repeat DOES NOT SELL WHOLESALE...PERIOD! In spite of all of the "wholesale lists", websites, etc. claiming to. It is non existent, no if's - and's or - but's about it!

11.Being solicited offsite to conduct business is also very shady & suspicious, be careful. Why not just do biz here? Scam, ioffer fee avoidance, ioffer TOS (terms of service) violation, doesn't want to have questions & answers viewed; sells wholesale list to exchange email addy for $0.01 - $1.00. RUN & RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! This is an entire parade of RED FLAGS... By doing these things, seller is already showing what a shady, suspicious & unethical business he/she runs.

12.Check the seller's feedback completely. See if there are any negative reflected for selling fakes, non shipment of goods or goods not as described. Do NOT assume because a seller has positive feedback that they are selling authentic items. Some powersellers are known for selling fakes but have hundreds & thousands of positive feedback. Check why & how they earned their feedback. What did they sell to earn it. They could have earned their feedback by selling $1.00 wholesale lists! Check the feedback left on other sites for this seller. Check in the search box above to see what other information you can find on the seller. Do a google search, etc. SEARCH, SEARCH & Search some more. Massive amounts of unrated sales is a waving RED FLAG as well.

13.What forms of payment are accepted by the seller? Only Western Union, no PayPal. RED FLAGS, EXTREME CAUTION NEEDED! Only use forms of payment where YOU the buyer can be protected in the event something goes wrong with your purchase.

14.How & from where is the seller shipping your item? Does the seller have item in stock or is this a "Pre-Sale?" If not in stock, how long are you expected to wait before receiving your item? If you are using PayPal, it is a MUST that you receive your item before the 30 day-to- the-minute time limit is up; if not... move on! Is insurance & tracking included? Do they have a return policy, if yes; what is it? Ask these questions if not stated on the listing. Still have doubts, keep asking the seller questions. Can't get a straight, honest answer... MOVE ON!

15.Good ole' common sense & intuition. If you are having second thoughts, whether it's a gut feeling or a little voice in your head... DO NOT PROCEED WITH THE TRANSACTION! If you do not feel comfortable about it... just don't buy it.

16.I cannot stress it enough that you must inform yourself with as much information as possible BEFORE you consider making an offer, not after. Do the necessary research (homework) prior to purchasing. This will only help you to make an informed decision, it will not safe guard you completely because internet purchasing is... Buyer Beware. But I believe it will clear up many concerns & help you to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

17.Still in doubt or have some concerns, ask us questions. You know we will help in anyway we can at anytime, but don't expect myself or other wonderful & helpful people to do your research for you... ok? That would not be fair & it is ultimately your own decision if you should decide to purchase or not.

18.There ARE great deals to be found on authentic LV handbags, but doing research is paramount! So my adivse is STAY SAFE - LOOK FOR A GOOD DEAL - BUT BUY REAL!