Fake couch bags are nothing new. They’ve been around for decades, and they are still out there today. While knowing how to tell the difference has gotten more difficult over the years, it’s not impossible. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Firstly, check the material. In most cases, a real leather bag will look and feel noticeably different from a fake one. Make sure you don’t rush this step, and closely scrutinize the bag — looking for signs of fading, flaking, or poor stitching. Pay extra attention to the straps and handles, which are usually made from a synthetic material on fake bags.
Secondly, have a close look at the manufacturer logo. If the logo is off in any way, it’s a red flag. This could include incorrect colors, incorrect font size, and an incorrect font style. Some brands also have an in-house production stamp found inside the bag. So, if the item doesn’t have it or seems to be copied onto the bag, it might be a fake.
Thirdly, inspect the bag for structural faults. Fake bag makers often cut corners and don’t warrant their products like the originals. Make sure that all parts of the bag match with each other, for example, the base of the bag should match the rest of the material.
Fourthly, pay attention to the price. For example, if you’re buying discounted designer bags from unfamiliar online stores or being offered a discount at a physical store — it might be too good to be true. A fake bag is usually cheaper, but sometimes the price has nothing to do with authenticity. In that case, you’ll need to look for other signs.
Lastly, consider the source. If you’re buying bags from a well-known store or website, you can be more confident that they’re authentic. So, make sure you’re buying your bag from approved retailers. You can always online search the store’s name to verify they have the right credentials.
Now that you know the basics of telling a fake couch bag from the real one, let’s talk about some of the more sophisticated aspects. When buying an item online, it may prove to be quite tricky to get an accurate assessment. In this case, you’ll need to rely on the website’s return policy.
Most quality websites have their products checked by an independent third party. This is a way to verify that the bag is genuine. You should always check that the website’s return policies also apply to items that might be defective or not as described.
You can also do a bit of digging yourself, by visiting online review sites and looking for customer testimonials. If there have been any previous complaints of fake products, you may want to take the hint and look elsewhere.
Generally, it’s possible to spot a fake bag simply by assessing the item in person. In addition, if the seller has an odd story about the bag or doesn’t seem overly keen to provide details, then that’s a big red flag.
Remember that, in the end, there are no guarantees. But if you go through the above steps, you’ll be able to tell a Savile Row from a counterfeit in no time — and that’s a skill you’ll certainly appreciate over time.