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Guide to Spotting Authentic Luxury Bags

Authentic luxury bags are subject to counterfeiting, just like any other valuable asset. It can be devastating to learn that you have invested hard-earned money in a product that was not genuine. Luckily, we see a lot of designer handbags here at Qollateral and know exactly what to look for when distinguishing between genuine bags and fakes. This guide will teach you everything you need to know in order to authenticate luxury bags. Ready to sell or find a luxury handbag loan?
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Why Does Luxury Bag Authentication Matter?
Counterfeit items, in general, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It’s important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible when investing in one to ensure you get the most out of your hard-earned money, particularly if you plan to sell your assets one day or use them as collateral for a short-term loan. Imagine taking the leap and investing $7,500 in a pre-owned Chanel bag only to find out later that it was counterfeit and ineligible for a short-term loan. It would be a significant financial loss for the average consumer.
Furthermore, even unknowingly investing in fake handbags tarnishes the brand’s reputation by encouraging more poorly made knockoffs. The allure of brand recognition is understandable, so we’ve gathered everything you need to know about luxury bag authentication in this comprehensive guide.
How to Spot Fake Designer Bags
Buying directly from the designer brand or an authorized retailer is the best way to ensure authenticity, but when purchasing from the secondary market, you need to know how to spot fake designer bags. Look out for the following signs:
- Hardware: Counterfeit bags often have cheap, poorly made hardware. When operating zippers or clasps, the hardware on a fake bag will feel flimsy and less smooth than on genuine designer bags. If the hardware is plastic or has bad engravings, it’s likely fake.
- Stitching:Fake bags often have uneven, sloppy stitching with loose threads. Genuine bags will have even stitching with a precise number of stitches per inch, which may be difficult to identify without expertise.
- Company Logos: Monograms and logos are some of the most distinguishing design elements on many luxury handbags. They can also be an excellent indicator of a fake bag if you know what to look for. For example, repeating patterns on fake bags are sometimes spaced unevenly or poorly applied. Additionally, embossed logos might appear incomplete or will be printed onto the bag instead of embossed altogether.
- Material: Imitation leather on counterfeit bags often feels rigid or oily, lacking the softness and smooth texture of authentic luxury leather.
- Serial Number/Date Code:Genuine bags usually have a unique serial number or date code, often inside the bag, detailing its production date. If the serial number is printed instead of embossed, it’s likely fake.
- Other General Mistakes to Look For: Typos, incorrect country of origin, incorrect lining pattern or color, missing or extra pockets, or pockets in the wrong place.
How To Authenticate A Handbag
In most cases, you can feel the quality of a real bag the moment you pick it up. They will feel more supple and might even have a more substantial heft because brands use only the highest quality materials and manufacturing techniques to produce them. Fine details will be crisp, intentional, and precise.
- Hardware: The hardware on an authentic handbag will be perfectly polished with clean, even edges. Additionally, engravings will be sharp, with no blurred lines or inconsistent spacing.
- Company Logos: The first step is to make sure that the bag should be decorated with logos or monograms in the first place. Printed monograms on a real luxury purse will have an even and rich application. Furthermore, embossed logos will be deliberately stamped with fine, clean lines.
- Material: First, ensure the material is correct, whether canvas, suede, leather, etc. If it is leather, the easiest way to distinguish real leather from fake or poor-quality leather is to feel it. Does it feel dry, soft, and flexible, and does it have clean, even edges? These are indicators of quality leather.
- Serial Number/Date Code: Depending on the brand, the date code or serial number will be printed somewhere other than the lining, such as a leather tag. Additionally, the code will follow a very specific arrangement that is relatively easy to confirm by doing research first online.
- Stitching: Authentic designer handbags feature even, precise stitching with clean edges and no loose threads, reflecting the craftsmanship and attention to detail of skilled workers.
Designer Handbags Qollateral Accepts
We see a lot of high-end luxury bags and other valuable assets here at Qollateral. Below are a few of the most common. Contact us if you do not see your brand on the list below to determine if it qualifies for a high-offer loan.
- Chanel
- Hermès
- Louis Vuitton
- & More
Conclusion
Ultimately, our goal is to help consumers invest in authentic, valuable assets. With the help of this guide, you’ve determined that your luxury handbag is authentic. Now what? Learn more about Qollateral and how to borrow against your luxury bag.
Contact us to book an appointment with a skilled appraiser.
Call or text: 212-287-5257
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