At first, she seemed a bit hesitant about the idea of not getting the replica bag but after we had a long chat about the consequences of getting fake bags, she came around to my point of view. I explained to her that although the replica bags might look almost exactly like the original ones, it’s not advisable to buy replicas because they are made from inferior quality materials. This means that the bag won’t last as long and won’t look as good over time.
The conversation flowed and I felt like I was getting through to her. I tried to paint a vivid picture of the long-term health of her wallet by showing her examples of exorbitant repair costs and how the same money could go towards a bag that would last longer and look better. Plus, I mentioned that any non-factory-made bags are likely to reduce in value quickly, making it harder to resell it when she wanted to upgrade.
Then, I gave her an example from my own life about how I had recently bought a brand-name bag and was really happy with it. I explained that I’d known where it came from, and what it was made of, and that these were two important factors when investing in any item. By elaborating about my story, I could tell that my friend started to understand the importance of researching both the design and provenance of any item that she wanted to buy.
We discussed how buying authentic designer items was a way of choosing a bag that was stylish, yet practical and financially wise for the long haul. I suggested that she go to a store to look at the original bag in person and get some advice from the shop attendant on the longevity and quality of the bag. My friend thanked me and said that she felt more encouraged to pay a bit more for something nice, that it wasn’t just about aesthetics but also about making a wise investment that was worth the money.
With this, I thought it was great to see her open up to the idea of doing her due diligence with any big purchase she made in the future. So, we continued to talk about the importance of going with original designs and real materials. I pointed out how it was essential to know the designers and manufacturers and their processes behind the item she was buying. We discussed how most name brand items are well-made and use real, high-quality materials, which contribute to the bags lasting longer and holding their value.
We talked about how whether she was buying a collectible or a fashion item, being aware of the provenance of the artwork or the item was essential. Knowing the scripts, art, colors and other important and interesting features can tell buyers much more than just the origin of the product. Moreover, these were all things that have to be taken into consideration when investing in replica bags, and other products.
In addition, my friend and I discussed the importance of considering the labour used to create these kinds of items. Knowing that the item had been sustainably and ethically created was important to her, so I was glad she knew the difference between replicas and real items. She mentioned how relieved she was that she was investing her money in something that was made under fair and legal standards.
All in all, we both agreed that getting real bags would make more sense from a financial and ethical standpoint. We ended our conversation with a promise that she would do her research before buying her bag and keep me informed. I hope she manages to find exactly what she’s looking for!