So my friend, you know what they say – you always need to shop smarter, not harder. Right? Well, I recently took a trip to Dubai and soon realised this statement held completely true when I ventured into a bustling market. The shopkeepers were selling a variety of leather bags and I was tempted to buy one as they were of such high-quality. I immediately asked for a price quote and could not believe the deal I was getting – leather for less than $50? It seemed almost too good to be true.
Well, the old saying is true – if it’s too good to be true, it usually is. As I was examining the bag I noticed a few clues that this bag may not have been authentic. For one, the leather didn’t feel as thick and premium as I was expecting. Additionally, I could spot a few imperfections in the seam that real leather wouldn’t have. In hindsight, I should have known better than to buy it, but the shopkeeper had stocked up the shop with hundreds of these bags so I fell for it.
The moral of the story is simple – when shopping abroad, always look before you leap. Question the authenticity of the products, examine the stitching, and don’t be fooled by the low cost. It may be tempting to purchase a cheaper version of a designer item, but when it comes to leather bags you don’t want low quality fabric and materials. In Dubai, there are hundreds of shops selling fake bags, so don’t be fooled into thinking that because it looks real, it must be real.
Also, if you’re shopping with a larger group or with your family, it’s usually a smart decision to let someone else haggle for you. This is because shopkeepers may take advantage of you if you seem unfamiliar with the pricing and the market.
In hindsight, I now realize that if I had asked more questions and done more research before buying the bag then I wouldn’t have ended up with a fake. When traveling, do some research before you hit the market. Read up on the area and research about the common scams. You don’t want to be walking around with a fake item when you could have an authentic one.
Now, let’s talk about how to spot a fake bag. One of the easiest ways to detect a fake item is to look at the stitching. Most designer brands take pride in the quality of their stitching, so if the the lines of the seams look too straight and “perfect” then it is most likely a fake.
Second, pay attention to the materials used. Faux bags tend to be made with materials that lack durability. So, if the leather feels too thin and weak then it is most likely a fake. Real leather has a heavier and great feel to it.
Next, look for a badge with the name of the designer. Most real handbags will have a small badge in the inside with the logo of the designer. If you can’t find this then it is most likely a fake.
Finally, always look at the price – if it’s too low then don’t buy it. Designer bags can be expensive, so don’t fall for rock bottom prices. With the right research, you can find some great deals in Dubai – just make sure the bags are authentic.
When travelling, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Before you start shopping around for accessories and leather bags, make sure you do your research. Don’t be a victim of the scams and buy a fake leather bag when you could have picked up the real thing. Just be extra cautious and practice common sense before splurging on your leather bag!