How to Verify Authenticity and Spot a Fake

As a trusted eBay seller with 100% positive feedback, you can rest assured that anything and everything I wear, use, buy or sell is absolutely 100% authentic, not counterfeit, real, genuine and exactly as described.

I take great care to not only describe items exactly as they are, but I am also a devout follower of fashion and only indulge in the real deal.  Most of my items are either my own personal belongings, which I have lovingly looked after and only part with when they sit in my wardrobe and no longer come out to play – usually because, although I still love them lots, they just don’t get the wear they deserve, or they belong to friends and friends of friends, all of whom are big spenders!

I specialise in selling designer goods for several reasons a) I love it!, b) everyone else loves it! and c) I can be 100% certain of the source i.e. I can spot the genuine article a mile away! - this is because the people I get my goods from are mainly friends and friends of friends - all of whom are big spenders! 

Due to the large number of fakes on eBay, I felt it was beneficial to spend some time verifying the authenticity of my wares, because sadly, the majority of so-called “authentic, designer” items on eBay are fakes, which spoils it for the genuine sellers of genuine designer goods, not to mention the poor customers who get taken in.

Designer goods are high fashion, beautifully made, unusually designed, limited edition accessories.  It’s not just about the name - you’re also paying for the craftsmanship.  As such, they have a certain “Je ne sais quoi” about them and come with a high price tag, as you would expect.  For me, designer bags are my one penchant because of the way they make me feel – like a million dollars!   You can always spot the ladies with designer handbags because the handbags get a chair all of their own!

Because of the exclusivity designer goods afford, you can’t expect to pick up the real thing at a bargain basement price – when designer pieces are no longer current models, much like limited edition classic cars, they become vintage items and hold their value due to the rare commodities that they are.

• In order to reassure you that my items are completely genuine, I’ve put together some information that will help you to ensure you get the real deal.
  Some things to watch out for when you’re looking at purchasing a “designer” anything:
  If it looks too good to be true, it usually is – ask yourself this, why would the proud owner of a very expensive £800 bag sell it for £200 or less?  You will only get an authentic designer item very cheaply if:
  

                a) it’s several seasons old
                b) if someone’s having a clear out
                c) if it’s not new
                d) if it’s in bad condition

Even then, it’s unlikely that the item will be at bargain basement prices unless it’s been well worn as designer pieces are highly desirable items and retain their value because of their exclusivity. 

I usually price my items at approx. 40-50% of the original price, dependant upon the condition – although most of my items are not usually current season, most of the pieces I sell are timeless classics.

• Sometimes sellers use photographs of authentic goods to advertise fakes so watch out for this – look out for pictures that have been taken by the seller in their own home as opposed to professionally done. 
  

• Sellers that sell fakes don’t usually respond to emails and will usually have messages in their trading terms telling you not to ask questions about the items authenticity as they guarantee it – if this were truly the case, there should be no problem with you wanting to ask questions – designer items are very expensive and the buyer should be able to ask as many questions as they need to rest assured that the item that they’re purchasing is the real thing.  A good, honest and trusted seller will be happy to answer any questions.

• Many sellers describing their items as “authentic designer” are telling the truth – think about this one for a minute – isn’t every item by an authentic designer?  Albeit if the designer is an unknown from the Far East?!
  

• Don’t be fooled by sellers who say that they have a receipt or authenticity cards (handbags) as these can be faked too – you can get anything designed, replicated and printed these days – examine the receipt carefully and ensure that the serial number on the authenticity card matches the serial number on the bag which matches the serial number for the model and colour (each colour of each model has a specific serial number which is the same for every bag that season, colour and model).

• Be wary of people selling lots of the same item.  A seller with the real thing will usually only have one piece that’s usually from their own private collection or that they’re selling on behalf of their friends – as such, I usually only have one-off’s.

• There are several grades of designer fakes – i.e. a grade 1 is the best quality fake and will fetch a high price, some of these are quite convincing so it’s important that you thoroughly research the item you’re interested in purchasing.  Get to know the features (different items have different features), once you know what you’re looking for, you can spot a fake a mile away – even if it’s a good one.  Check out the lining, the zips, the handles, the buckles, the hardware, the branding of the hardware and where it is located, the serial number and where it is located (e.g. not all bags have serial numbers, for example Mulberry) – the serial number is usually specific to the colour, e.g. a brown Chloe Paddington will have a different serial number to a black one, the stitching, the colours it is made in (most fakes are sold in colours that the originals were never made in), the labels, the quality – it’s all in the detail, that’s what you’re paying for – one you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be a dab hand, it’s easy once you know!

• If it’s a current model, go into a stockist and examine the item carefully.  Alternatively, check the retailers official website and look carefully at the pictures.  If it’s not current, Google the name of the item and look at every detail.

• Genuine designer brands are rarely made in the Far East - to be absolutely certain, you could always contact the manufacturers and ask them where their goods are made.

You can always contact the retailer or a stockist and ask any questions you wish.  They’re usually happy to point out distinguishing features to be aware of – for example the Chloe Paddington has a dull padlock – the fakes have shiny padlocks – although they don’t like to give away too much so as not to assist the counterfeiters.

Don’t be tempted to buy anything off eBay as you will lose your Buyer’s protection and always pay by PayPal as you’ll be covered in the event that the item is not as described.

Use your common sense and read the seller’s feedback carefully – if in doubt, do not buy.

When you receive your item, examine it thoroughly, it should be beautifully made with no defects.  If it’s leather, check that it is actually leather and not imitation.  You can spot a real one a mile away by the look and feel and by now you should be well equipped!

If you do get caught out, do something about it – report the seller to eBay, PayPal and the police – this is fraud, misrepresentation and theft - it takes business away from the sellers of the real thing, cheapens the Brand and leaves many buyers very unhappy.

Ultimately, it’s up to you – do your homework and know what you’re looking for, then you will be able to buy with confidence and get yourself a true bargain!