As soon as I was looking for a new laptop bag, I stumbled across this really nice looking TUMI bag online. Boy, was it nice looking! But then, I kept digging a bit deeper and to my surprise, it was actually a fake! I just couldn’t believe it.
I mean, this bag was perfect in every way; from the stitching, down to the logo pattern on the zipper. Even the fabric had the same TUMI trademark patterns. I was so tempted! However, I knew right away this was a counterfeit.
It’s funny how deceptive certain replicas can be. In the end, I was lucky. I didn’t love the bag enough to actually buy it, and I’m sure I would’ve been stuck with a fake. These authentic bags really aren’t cheap, so it’s not worth the risk of getting taken advantage of.
My friend also bought a TUMI-style laptop bag online and upon inspection, it was apparent it wasn’t real. It was a clear example of knockoff designs. The bag was so obviously badly made and misconstrued, it was almost laughable. The zipper was wonky, and some of the seams were loose.
Fake TUMI bags are all over the internet, so it’s hard to figure out what is real and what isn’t. If you really want to be sure that you’re getting the real deal, it’s better to go to an authorized retailer. That way you know you’re saving your money, rather than throwing it away on cheap, knockoff products.
The designer and counterfeit markets are so similar, it’s hard to tell the difference. But there are several nuances and things that make that difference that I’ve learned to look out for. For one, authentic bags have zippers that are slightly off-centered, as opposed to the centered ones which are the telltale signs of a knockoff. Also, the stitching pattern, the fabric used, as well as the logo and the labeling are all clues as to whether a bag is real or not.
Also, I believe that genuine TUMI merchandise come with a bigger warranty coverage. That’s something that indicates the confidence and reliability of a bag that the company stands behind.
Being aware of these tips can keep me from wasting my money on something really expensive that isn’t authentic.
Now that I know how to spot a fake TUMI bag, my next step is to find the best way to store it. It’s natural for any bag, fake or not, to experience wear and tear. But careful storage can help keep a bag looking great.
I heard from a friend who had a very nice looking TUMI bag that they invested in one of those fabric bags to protect the exterior of the bag from dirt and lint. I’m sure that’s something I can look into and see if it will work for me.
On top of that, I guess it wouldn’t hurt if I invest in a water resistant spray. Not to make it waterproof, but at least somewhat water resistant. Having an exterior waterproofing will help keep the bag looking nice and I definitely don’t want the exterior of the bag to get damaged.
Another thing I looked into is using a protective bag insert, like a dust bag, or a felt bag to store the bag in. That way, the bag can be kept clean and prevent the collection of lint and dirt.
I learned that being aware of the quality and features of an item can certainly save you from getting fooled into buying a counterfeit product. Also, being mindful of the different resources we have to store the bag properly can surely help preserve the quality and eventually prevent the bag from getting damaged.