My friend, if you ever imagine buying a high-end designer bag, but at a lower price, then you may have heard of RueLaLa. Little did I know about the risks of buying a “fake” bag on the site.
The shopping process seemed straightforward. I found a bag that I wanted, checked out the seller’s reviews, noted positive reviews, and bought the bag with confidence. I was excited to receive the designer bag at a fraction of the price. What could go wrong?
I received the bag and almost immediately, I knew something wasn’t right. The quality was noticeably different. The leather looked thin and the edges weren’t finished properly. My heart sank. I realized that I had paid hundreds of dollars only to be duped by a fake bag.
The experience made me wary of buying from RueLaLa ever again. I took to the internet to research the dangers of buying fake bags. By doing my homework and carefully examining the reviews, I should have been able to tell that the bag was counterfeit. I learned that the “real” reviews are all 5-star ratings and the negative reviews mention how “fake” the bag is and how the quality is off.
Now, I take extra care when shopping on RueLaLa by doing my due diligence to ensure that I don’t make the same mistake again. I read the reviews carefully, research the bags I’m interested in, and follow consumer advice. I also only purchase bags from verified sources, which I have learned help to guarantee that I don’t fall for another fake bag.
Fortunately, I was able to return the bag and receive a full refund. There are, however, stories of consumers who have lost out as RueLaLa do not always offer a refunds, even if the item is counterfeit. They could either keep it or have it exported back to its original country, with additional costs.
When buying a bag from RueLaLa, make sure you look for signs that it is genuine. Examine the details closely, such as the branding, materials, hardware, size and even the dust bags and box. Furthermore, consider where you are buying from. Make sure to check the seller’s ratings and other reviews, and try to avoid buying from individuals or companies from overseas.
It can be helpful to do your own research on the bag that you are intending to purchase, and also about the seller. Learn more about the brand, the designer, and the style, as well as the different places to buy the bag. If you’re unsure, shop around and compare the bags that you find in stores with the one available on RueLaLa.
Think about who you are buying from. Is the seller reputable? Are they selling other designer brands that you recognise? Does their portfolio feature bags that are similar to the model you are after? Ask yourself, why is their bag a discounted price? This can be a red flag, and usually means it’s a fake.
When it comes to the actual bag, look for tell-tale signs of authenticity. Inspect the quality of the leather, zippers, seams and hardware. Check the measurements, pattern and inscription too. Do the writing, logos or monograms look grainy, blurry or strangely shaped? These signs may be good indicators of a fake bag, but do bear in mind that not all counterfeit bags will display these signs.
It pays to stay vigilant when you shop online, and this applies to any designer item. Always triple check you are dealing with a reputable seller and if the item is being sold at a discount price, be prepared to ask additional questions as it could be a sign that the bag may be counterfeit.
If, however, you are 100% certain the item is authentic, then take the plunge and enjoy owning a designer bag that will be the envy of your friends.