How to Spot a Fake Fendi Handbag?

Here are few approaches I found on internet to identify a replica or fake Fendi Handbag. I enlist some methods below for your references. If you'd like to buy a genuine Fendi Designer bag, you must ensure that the product you are getting is authenticate and not an elaborated copy.

Determining the authenticity on Fendi Bags, or any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.

One of the best ways to ensure your new Fendi handbag is authentic is to look at the bag itself. Fendi handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on the leather.

Look at the hardware. The hardware should match in color and sheen. Many manufactures, including Fendi, Fendi and Fendi, protect their hardware with a cover that is to be removed only after it has been purchased. The brand name or logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on Fendi, Fendi, Fendi.

Inspect the material the lining, hardware and accents are made of. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice shine to it and most designer handbags have the name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some purses have straps that are specially coated and seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal a leather core.

If there is an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a little card that usually has the manufactures logo embossed on the front and has some information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many manufacturers, including Fendi, Doir, Gucci, Kate Spade and Coach, use these cards.

How to spot a fake COACH bag

You wouldn't think anyone would bother to make fake COACH bags because the originals are relatively inexpensive - at least compared to other high-fashion bags such as Prada, LV, etc.  But as you know, people will do anything to make a quick buck.  Fake COACH bags are a little difficult to spot, but here are some tips based on my personal experiences and observations:

Please note: I am not affiliated with Coach - I just love their products and hate to see people get taken advantage of...

Photos:  Also please note that the photos you see to the right are not my photos - they are listings

from other sulit sellers - so they may or may not be authentic.  I have no control over what listings appear there - sulit chooses them based on the content of this guide - i.e. regarding coach purses and wallets.

1.  Signature fabric:  The "C" pattern will be crooked.  Except for some newer patterns, like the "optic" or my new favorite "scarf print," the tip of the horizontal "C" facing the other "C" should touch.  Also, the pattern should line up and start in the center of the front panel of the bag (same with the back panel).  The center seam should go straight down through the middle of the CC's, and the pattern should be aligned horizontally and vertically.  Also, the pattern should line up on any front or back pockets, so that it looks like there is no break in the pattern.  (Note: Sometimes the pattern does not line up on side seams as this is nearly impossible to do.)  The best way to tell is to go to the COACH website and look at the real thing, and then compare it to what you're looking at on sulit and see if the pattern is different. 

2.  Sometimes the "CC" will actually be a "GG" - how much more obvious can you get!  And no, this does not mean it's a Gucci!  (I'm not as familiar with Gucci products, but if someone is selling you a "COACH" bag which is imprinted with the letter "G" then logically it must be fake.)

3.  The stitching or general construction of the bag looks sloppy - this is a sure sign because COACH does not make sloppy products!  Each stitch should be the same length as every other stitch, it should be in a straight line, and there should be no "over-stitching". 

4.  The bag does not look like any other bag you've ever seen - if it looks "sort of" like a bag you've seen but something is "off" - be careful! 

5.  fake:  The seller is listing an unusually large number of the same exact bag.  This is a red flag because there are websites where you can purchase good-quality fakes, and I have seen these fake s listed on sulit claiming to be authentic.  Note that fake are usually made of fabric, as leather is more expensive and therefore all-leather bags are less likely to be fake.  (However, I have seen fake Coach bags made of all-leather.  The all-leather fakes are usually very easy to spot - i.e. the quality of the leather is VERY poor, the fixtures are all wrong, etc.)

6.  Photos:  Beware of blurry photos or stock photos (a stock photo is one that has been cut-and-pasted from the COACH website, usually with a white background) - this does not necessarily mean the bag is fake, but if you see either of these types of photos, I would contact the seller and ask if they can send you a photo of the actual item they're selling.

7.  Authenticity:  Take note if there is absolutely no mention that the bag is authentic!  If so, ask the seller to verify that they are offering an authentic product.  If they fail to respond to your request, this may be a sign that they don't want to incriminate themselves.  But be careful!  Just because the seller claims it's authentic does not mean that it is.

8.  Credo Patch:  Most COACH bags have a "serial number" stamped on the inside, on a square patch of leather sewn into the lining.  Some of the smaller purses (the "clutch," the "swingpack" and the "mini") do not have a serial number.  The serial number typically consists of a series of numbers or a number-and-letter combination.  The last 4-5 digits of the serial number indicate the style number of the bag.  Careful, though, as fake COACH bags also have a serial number - so just because the bag has a serial number does NOT mean the it is authentic.

**UPDATE**  If the patch is not stamped - in other words, embossed into the leather - but is simply printed in ink - beware!  The only bags I've seen with the credo patch printed in ink are the newer lines, like the Legacy, where the credo is lettered in gold-colored ink - and even then, it is still stamped into the leather before it's lettered over in gold.

***UPDATE REGARDING "SERIAL NUMBERS"***  History:  Bags from the late 1960's did not have any serial number.  Coach added serial numbers to the creed in the 1970's - each bag had a unique number - a "serial number" in the true sense of the word.  This was apparently true through the 1980's, and it was not until the 1990's that Coach introduced the modern "registration format" of letters and numbers, with the last four digits indicating the style number of the bag - or, in the late 2000's, the last five digits.

9.  Fixtures:  The "COACH" logo should be stamped on most of the metal hardware - except the older "classic favorite" styles.  **UPDATE** The newer COACH bags do not have the COACH stamp on any of the nickel/brass hardware, such as, the Legacy bags.  But keep in mind that COACH still makes their regular 'trendy' line of bags, although the newer ones do not appear to have COACH stamped on the hardware (perhaps they are doing away with this).  This is a situation where, because the style of a particular bag may change from year to year, you'll need to find a photo of the authentic product - and make sure it's the same style number - to compare with photos from the auction.   

10.   Zippers:  Although the zipper pull on a real COACH bag will be made of leather or a series of rings, the actual zipper mechanism which pulls the two sides of the zipper together should be embossed with the letters "YKK".  This is the highest-quality manufacturer of zippers and COACH uses this brand.  Sometimes it's hard to see, especially on a photo.  Even in person, you may need a magnifying glass to see the YKK, especially with very small zippers.   Note:  I have never seen a regular zipper pull on a Coach bag - in my experience, they are either made of leather, a single ring, or series or rings.  This is one of the wonderful ways Coach makes their products unique, down to the very smallest detail!

11.  Lining:  If the outside of the bag has the CC pattern, the lining will NOT have any pattern.  If the outside of the bag does NOT have the CC pattern, the lining will most likely have the CC pattern (although sometimes neither the outside nor the inside will have the CC pattern).  You will NEVER see a bag with the CC pattern on the outside AND the inside - this is a sure sign of a fake bag.  Also, the "classic favorites" style bags do not have a lining at all.  (Note:  Legacy bags all have a the same multi-colored striped *real* silk lining, no matter what the exterior color or pattern is.)

12.  "Made in China":  I've been asked this question often - if it says "Made in China" does that mean it's fake?  The answer is no - Coach does make some bags in China.  I have also heard that Coach has made bags in Turkey.  However, I have also heard that Coach does NOT make bags in Korea or Thiland - so if you see a "Made in Korea" or "Made in Thailand" tag then you'll know it's fake.   Bags sold on the "DHgate" website (and similar sites) are NOT authentic!!! 

13.  Other Auctions:  I've received a lot of questions about bags on Overstock.  They have an "auction" section similar to sulit, as does MSN, Yahoo, and others.  I would use the same caution in purchasing from any auction.  Bags sold at "purse parties" are not authentic!

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15.  Seller Feedback:  Finally, don't forget to look at the seller's feedback - what is their rating?  If it is not 100% (or at least 99-plus) then  make sure to read their feedback comments.  If a seller has sold thousands of items, chances are someone has left negative feedback, which does not necessarily mean the bag they're selling is fake.  Sometimes buyers get anxious and leave negative feedback without giving the seller a chance to remedy the problem.  So it's always a good idea to check feedback ratings to see what type of negative feedback was left, and if the seller made any reply to that feedback.  And as always, ask the seller questions if you have any doubts or need any additional info.  If the seller responds with a suspicious explanation, I would be very cautious about bidding.     

16.  Vendors:  And remember - shop for COACH items in department stores and familiarize yourself with the outstanding quality of their products.  It will then be easier for you to spot a fake one.  Also note that Coach does not sell products "wholesale" or through any vendor other than department stores, Coach retail or outlet stores, and the Coach website.  So if you run across a website claiming to sell authentic Coach merchandise, they are most likely counterfeits.  These fake websites will usually have some type of "disclaimer" stating that their products are "inspired by" Coach.  This "disclaimer" is usually in fine print or on a separate page - but beware! - some websites do not have any such "disclaimer" and I can't understand why they haven't been shut down yet.

Good luck and have fun shopping!  :o)

THREE (3) EASY STEPS TO SPOT A FAKE HERMES BIRKIN BAG

If you love to shop online for high luxury accessories such as I do, then these three easy steps will help educate you on how to buy authentic Hermes handbags and other merchandise online.  Follow these three easy steps as a guide to buying Hermes online.

A few notes on Hermes birkins is that the waitlist is CLOSED, so be prudent when a buyer has 10-50 or more Hermes birkin bags, even if there feedback is perfect. Also know that fake bags can be made to ressemble authentic ones. Todays technology and easy access to all things globally speaking, makes it easier for those in the business of making fraudulent merchandise to duplicate almost to the "T" authentic merchandise.

So, with that said, here are the three steps that I hope will assist you with your future online purchases of authnetic Hermes birkin bags:

1. PHOTOS: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FINER DETAILS OF THE PHOTOS USED - NOTICE THE ZIPPER, THE ACCENT OVER THE E ON THE HARDWARE AND LEATHER IN THE WORD HERMES. STUDY DETAILED PHOTOS FROM SUPER POWERSELLERS WHO HAVE SOLD LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF THESE BAGS FOR YEARS. PAY ATTENTION TO ANY VARIATIONS ON SMALLER SELLERS WHO ARE ALSO SELLING THE BAGS.

2. LEATHER: WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT HERMES USES THE FINEST LEATHERS AND SKINS AVAILABLE,  AND OF THAT, ONLY 2% OF THE SKINS EVER PASS THE DETAILED INSPECTION OF EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE LEATHER. IF IT LOOKS CHEAP, IT PROBABLY WILL BE A FRAUDULENTLY MADE HANDBAG.

3. PRICE: EVERYONE WANTS A GOOD DEAL WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING LUXURY, OVERLY PRICED AUTHENTIC MERCHANDISE. UNFORTUANTELY, SINCE THE HERMES BIRKIN WAITLIST IS CLOSED, THIS IS SIMPLY NOT POSSIBLE.  IF THE PRICE IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT ALWAYS PROBABLY IS.

Older birkins that have been well used can range from $3,999-5,999 depending on the wear and tear to the leather, fabric, hardware and stitching. Newer birkins will most likely be close to the retail value or double. For instance, $6,999-12,999 is reasonable depending on how much profit the buyer is trying to make from the deal. This may help, but unfortunately, there are more bags being resold and resold that I believe the market is crowded with resellers of high end luxury that you may not be able to find a birkin just bought from the boutique. Be patient and keep looking. Thank.

HOW TO SPOT A FAKE CHANEL

31_rue_cambon  recommends   *chanel*dreams,  kamaoles,  a trusted power seller   and frenchmaison  as CHANEL resellers, always authentic and fabulous, NO FAKES from these sellers, bid and buy with confidence   If   you need authentication services,     I am always happy to look at any auction for authenticity,  please email me and I will take a look, if photos are necessary for more information, I will send mypersonal email to you and can let you know what i think, at no charge to you. 

BONJOUR CHANEL FANS!   Chanel the international luxury goods company, founded in France by Gabrielle "Coco' Chanel in 1911 continues today as one of the world's preeminent fashion houses.  "Coco" Chanel was the couturiere extraodinaire for the modern woman of the 20th century. The 1st quilted Chanel bag designed by Gabrielle herself, was created by hand in 1955 of quilted leather or jersey.  She designed and wore all of her own jewelry which was made mostly of "faux" stones.  She adored jewlelry and wore scads of it all  at once , adorning her neck and wrists. She was partial to several strands of faux pearls and was almost never seen  without a cuff bracelet on each wrist.   She commisioned the Gripoix family run business of jewelry designers to produce her designs and to this day they are still commisioned by the House of Chanel.  Presnet day designer Karl Lagerfeld  has kept Chanel at the top of the international fashion houses.  Chanel is still located today at  27, 29 and 31 Rue Cambon in Paris where the ready to wear boutiques are located with Haute Couture on the 1st floor of 31 rue Cmabon.  Gabrielle Chanel's apartment which is located above 31 rue Cambon  is carefully preserved as a shrine to her. 

Chanel  herself always said," THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE  AND THE 2ND BEST ARE EXPENSIVE ! " 

Chanel Maison De Couture strictly controls all design, manufacturing, distribution and advertising to ensure the highest level of quality of its products. The House of Chanel is owned by the Wertheimer family and is the only couture house to remain in private  hands.    The Chanel line includes clothing, fragrance, cosmetics, leather goods, watches, accessories, costume jewelry and fine jewelry. May I say, they are all FABULOUS !

These products are sold through a network of CHANEL Boutiques and very select high end retailers.  They do not  allow their items to be sold on websites, discount stores, wholesalers and  you cannot purchase Chanel items on the Chanel.com website.   Do you really think any high end designer makes quality merchandise for sale in their boutiques at top $$$$ and  also sells to websites at a fraction of the prices,  NO WAY, they don't need too and  would ever do so.  Any website that claims  they buy overstock, discontinued or 2nd/damaged, is misleading the buyers, !

CHANEL stricly prohibits anyone infringing on the integrity of their famous trademark and FULLY prosecutes anyone who does so!  They have a legal department dedicated to removing counterfeit items listed on and other websites to protect innocent buyers who think they are getting that deal of a lifetime.  If the bag is selling for cheap, or way below retail, it is most likely a fake, even a used CHANEL will hold its value and will sell for close to retail as when new.

CHANEL uses high quality calfskin on their bags NOT LAMBSKIN. They do use many other leathers and fabrics but the Cambon line is entirely made of calfskin.    Cambon bags are made in Italy, not France although CHANEL DOES  manufacture items in France. The new  "COCO CABAS" line was also made in Italy, not France and I have verified this over and over with CHANEL.  They do not sell 2nds to outside sources and any bag that is not PERFECT is shredded and destroyed to prevent anyone including employees of CHANEL to resell them. They also do not allow  websites to offer their bags for sale, such as  sacbelle.com  or  fetucci.com  . I have looked at the bags on these websites and even called their customer support,  they claim they scour the world looking for overstock on these bags and santch them up and offer them for 1/4th the cost, simply not true.  When did you ever hear that Chanel was "Overstocked"  on bags.    There are alot of them out there, claiming they buy in bulk and can sell these bags for way below retail, simply not true. CHANEL controls where their products are sold and sets the retail price.  You can buy in bulk, almost MIRROR image high end designer bags from Asia for very little money and then re-sell them for thousands, I have the catalogues and sellers names who are doing this. pictures can be deceiving or even stolen, you do not always get what you see.   They claim they are real, when they are not.  Ebay works very hard at trying to keep all counterfeits off and removes listings daily, but some will slip thru the system.   Not all sellers are out to make a quick buck, there are many reputable sellers, you just need to do research before making that important purchase.  The Cambon line was also sold out and discontinued in the fall of 2006. 

Right now, the most commonly used counterfeit serial numbers on CHANEL  bags are :7244764,  8947749,  9316391,  9395451, 9395455,  9675223, 9777617,  9889754, 9892039,  10218184, 10380486,  10501946, 10995820,   11062948 and  10803549.  Even counterfeits come with a serial number card and matching # inside the bag.  The card should be black and gold,  not laminated in plastic and the hologram inside the bag will pull apart if removed, thus ruining the tag. Please avoid purchasing a bag with one of these serial #'s.  They are counterfeits.  The tags, and authenticity cards provided with each bag is made to the same specifications today as they were 25 years ago, they are not changed yearly as some sellers will tell you.  They do not make several different styles of authenticity cards.  BLACK with GOLD trim and lettering.

Know the bag you are trying to purchase, is it smooth calfskin or the CHANEL caviar leather (pebble grain in the leather).  Know what lining it should have and so on.  The more you know, the less chance you will have of getting ripped off.

Check the sellers feedback. Sellers should be willing to discuss the authenticity of the bag and its origin of where they obtained the bag.  Be aware of sellers who claim to have bought several from any website selling high end designer items at a much lower cost.  I do not know any fashion house that wholesales or sells 2nds to outside sources. CHANELS only come from their own boutiques and selected high end stores, such as Neiman, Saks, Bergdorfs and so on.   

CHANEL and other high end designers DO NOT authenticate items for buyers in writing, they will offer a verbal to you but beware of those sellers offering refunds if you have a letter from a boutique manager stating the bag is not authentic,  CHANEL NEVER offers written proof.

Chanel shopping bags are black with the word C H A N E L written across the front, nothing more, same for the dust bags  and boxes that come with your bag. Wallets and small leather goods do not come with dust bags, they are wrapped in black felt and placed in a Chanel box.

The inside hologram sticker will match the authenicity card, it will also come apart if you try to remove the serial # sticker.  They started using this type of sticker in the later 1980's, before that the sticker was plain and placed in the bottom of the bag.

The hang tag is made of white paper with the style #, style name, bag color, bar code and the price listed on it.

CHANEL did not make the little metal dog tag or small coin puse attached to many of the fakes.  The COCO CABAS bag DOES come with a matching make-up pouch. It is attached to the leather strap inside the bag.

Please visit the International Anti-Counterfeit Coalition, IPCybercrime, CounterfeitChic & FakesAreNeverInFashion . com to learn more & show your support! 

Happy shopping and Merci Vraiment, I hope this information was helpful to those who love CHANEL as I do

One of the most obvious signs of a counterfeit Chanel handbag or purse is a misspelling. Other common issues with fakes would be a bad stitching, sub-standard materials, packaging and details. Go over the label carefully to spot any discrepancies.

You know you will not get your dream Chanel handbag for that rock bottom price so don’t ever feel tempted to check “in case it might be the real deal”.

. Always look for an authorization tag. New Chanel handbags and purses have an eight digit code that you can register, but older ones have a six or seven digit code. Another give away is the CC icon. The top of the right C should over lap the left and the bot tom of the left C should over lap the right. Also look at the stitching. Look at the tag on your purse. If it is written in English but backwards (that's how the Chinese read) then it is fake. It should also say CHANEL France or Italy.

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