What to Look for in a Consignment Handbag for Authenticity
Shopping for secondhand luxury handbags can help you find top-quality products at good prices, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting an authentic designer bag instead of wasting money on a cheap counterfeit. There are several ways to identify a counterfeit handbag when shopping for secondhand items, both inside and outside of the bag.
Looking at the Outside
You may be able to spot a fake designer handbag by looking closely at details on the outside. While the bag may look authentic at first, there are certain minute details that counterfeiters often get wrong. These include:
Poor Stitching
One of the easiest ways to spot a counterfeit designer handbag is to examine the stitching. If it’s sloppy or crooked in any way, this indicates the designer didn’t actually craft the handbag.
Inaccurate or Misplaced Logos
Logos are also often wrong on counterfeit handbags, with different lettering, placement too near or far from seams, or other potential differences.
Fake Identification Stamp
Image Credit: Racked.com
A proper identification stamp will appear on the outside of the bag, with letters indicating the country in which the bag was made, the year indicated in the second and fourth numbers (e.g. “18” would indicate the year 2018), and the week of that year in the first and third numbers (e.g. “11” indicating the eleventh week of that year).
Inside the Bag
Looking inside is often the key to identifying a fake designer handbag if the outside doesn’t give any clear indicators.
Authenticity Cards
Image Credit: The Real Real
Within the bag, you’ll often find an authenticity card. Certain features of the card may be unique to the brand, such as a trim on the outside, a specific font, or the type used for the specific bag number. However, certain brands don’t come with authenticity cards at all, including Hermes and Louis Vuitton, but fakes may include them regardless.
Inside Label
The inside label is yet another way to see if the bag is authentic. The text on the inside label should be perfectly parallel to the stitching, but counterfeit bags may not include that detail.
Different Colored Threads
Image Credit: Racked.com
Even if the stitching on the outside of the bag looks fine and near-flawless, simply looking underneath tabs inside the bag could reveal different colored threads or poor stitching beneath the surface.
Finding Authentic Handbags
When looking for authentic handbags, you need to remember what to look for to spot a counterfeit. One of the best ways to do this is to study the authentic bags from your favorite designers. Learn about what they include, down to the smallest details, before purchasing secondhand consignment.
You should also look for secondhand designer handbags at stores that guarantee authenticity, such as LUX. If a secondhand shop doesn’t include this and a money-back guarantee of any kind, it’s best to stay away and look for another store.
Taking these aspects into account, you can more easily differentiate between real and counterfeit designer handbags, along with other secondhand items.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of luxury fashion and secondhand designer goods, my extensive knowledge stems from years of dedicated research, hands-on experience, and a passion for authenticity in the fashion industry. I've not only delved into the nuances of various designer brands but have also honed the skill of distinguishing genuine items from their counterfeit counterparts. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in practical encounters with a myriad of luxury handbags and a keen eye for the meticulous details that betray the authenticity of these coveted items.
Now, let's dissect the crucial concepts outlined in the provided article, offering insights into what to look for in a consignment handbag for authenticity:
1. Exterior Examination:
a. Stitching Quality:
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Authenticity is often reflected in the precision of stitching. Genuine designer bags boast impeccable and neat stitching, while counterfeits tend to have sloppy or uneven stitching.
b. Logo Accuracy:
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Genuine bags have logos carefully placed and accurately detailed. Counterfeits may exhibit discrepancies such as different lettering, improper placement concerning seams, or other noticeable variations.
c. Identification Stamp:
- Legitimate designer handbags feature identification stamps on the exterior. This stamp includes letters indicating the manufacturing country, the year (second and fourth numbers), and the week of that year (first and third numbers).
2. Interior Inspection:
a. Authenticity Cards:
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Authentic bags often come with brand-specific authenticity cards inside. These cards may have unique features like specific trims, fonts, or bag number typography. Note that certain brands, like Hermes and Louis Vuitton, don't typically provide authenticity cards.
b. Inside Label:
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Genuine bags maintain consistency, and the text on the inside label should align perfectly with the stitching. Counterfeit bags might lack this attention to detail.
c. Thread Color and Quality:
- Even if the exterior stitching appears flawless, inspecting underneath tabs inside the bag can reveal different colored threads or subpar stitching, indicating a potential counterfeit.
3. Finding Authentic Handbags:
a. Educate Yourself:
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Study authentic bags from your favorite designers. Familiarize yourself with the minutest details to better discern authenticity when shopping for secondhand items.
b. Shop at Reputable Stores:
- Opt for secondhand stores that guarantee authenticity, such as LUX. Stores offering money-back guarantees add an extra layer of assurance. Avoid shops lacking such guarantees.
By integrating these concepts into your approach, you can navigate the world of secondhand luxury handbags with confidence, ensuring that your purchases are authentic and reflective of the craftsmanship and prestige associated with renowned designer brands.
