Tokyo, the city of fashion. And when it comes to fashion, often times, it means designer bags. Everyone from the high schooler to the professional, dreams of the coveted branded bag, and with Tokyo’s reputation of being the epicenter of fashion, it’s no surprise. However, recently, my friends and I encountered something peculiar when we went on a shopping spree in the vibrant city.
We noticed that there were a lot of shops around the area selling the same designer bags and all of them with much lower prices than expected. Which only raised one question: “Are these real designer bags?” We were walking around the area for a while, when suddenly one of my friends gasped.
It turns out, that she had spotted the exact same bag that she’d bought back home in our local store. We decided to take a look at the store’s price tag, and it was almost 3 times less than the one we’d bought. Intrigued, we decided to buy one just to confirm our suspicions.
Sure enough, the bag was a fake one. We decided to confront the store-owner about it, but he was unapologetic and kept repeating that they were real and original. That’s when we realized that in Tokyo, there was a black market of designer bags flowing. The only warning I can give to all of the aspirational designer bag owners out there is to be aware.
With designer bags being a luxury item in the eyes of many, it’s becoming easier for fake ones to sprout up everywhere. If you’re buying a designer bag, do your due diligence and don’t be seduced by a tempting price tag.
Now that my friends and I were aware of fake designer bags in Tokyo, we decided to avoid the area altogether. We moved to the more upscale districts and were happy with the bags we bought. Plus, the peace of mind that it was original was worth it.
We explored the city a little more and discovered many stores were selling original designer bags. And that’s when I realized how much of an impact a single fake bag can make. If we had bought the fake one, we would’ve been very disappointed.
The same thing goes for online shopping. Be extremely vigilant and look for the authenticity stamps on the bag. If one isn’t present, it’s probably not real. Plus, be very careful of the prices. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Speaking of prices, one way to get the designer bags without spending too much is to look at factory outlets. All the leading brands have outlets with discounted prices, so you’re still getting your brand, but at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t forget to compare the prices online too. Many stores offer discounts for online purchases, so you can get a good deal and save money, plus you don’t have to move from your own house.
It’s always important to double-check the bag you are buying, even ask the store-owners to provide the authentication certificate which is issued by the brand itself. Read through all the paperwork carefully, and look for any discrepancies. If something strikes you as odd, don’t be afraid to ask for a refund or exchange.
Another way to ensure you’re buying a real bag is through auction websites. Many verified auction websites allow you to bid on the man bags. However, do keep in mind that it’s always a gamble, as you are unable to inspect the bag before you actually receive it.
Still, if you look at enough reviews and find a reputable dealer, it’s still quite possible to get authentic designer bags without breaking the bank. Plus, the feeling of having won a bid and scoring a good deal is quite something else.
When you’re weary of buying a fake, the best option is to go to the stores that are certified to sell the designer bags. Stores like those are usually located in shopping malls and always provide a plethora of options as well. You can directly inspect the item and have peace of mind that it is the real deal.
In addition to shopping malls, you can find multiple popular designs at airports too. All highly rated airports have designer outlet stores that are certified to sell the original bags. The airports are also bustling with activities and you will rarely fall short of choices.
In the end, it all comes down to being aware of the situation. Even if you’re a certified shopaholic, know the difference between a fake and a genuine. Not only are the fake bags a lesser quality, but they shine a bad light on the whole industry too.