by Barbara Kasey Smith

Created on: July 27, 2010

How to tell if a Louis Vuitton handbag is fake?

*Watch for counterfeiters:

Designer bags are popular throughout the world and the counterfeiters are having a ball copying them and putting them on the streets, on Internet auctions and at local flea markets. If you're looking for a Louis Vuitton handbag, remember...the only place to buy your authentic Louis Vuitton bag on the Internet is through their offical site or through Eluxury.com, Louis Vuitton stores, High-end department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue. All of Louis Vuitton sales associates are trained and will be able to spot a fake. If you've bought a Louis Vitton handbag, and you've got any doubts, check with a Louis Vuitton sales associate by bringing the handbag into the store and they'll be glad to inspect and examine it for you.

*Louis Vuitton takes pride in their high-end luxury materials:

All authentic Louis Vuitton's are crafted from high-end luxury materials and this is attested by the price tag in their authentic stores. Never believe a handbag is the authentic because a trusted and established consignment seller can get fooled too and sell you a fake. Take the time to check and inspect the handbag thoroughly before purchasing it.

*Ways to spot a fake:

It can be easy to spot a fake Louis Vuitton handbag if you know what you are looking for. Remember, there are many on-line websites that state their Louis Vuitton's are genuine authentic handbags but they're fakes. Many fakes are floating around on eBay and other websites so "beware". A true authentic Louis Vuitton handbag will have the following characteristics:

(1)  Louis Vuitton handbags are not discounted, they have "no" outlets, sell at wholesale prices or have their products in open air market places.

(2)  Tags are "never" attached to a Louis Vuitton bag. They may come with tags but they are simply placed in the purse or dust bag.

(3)  Hardware used on the handbag is also an indicator...a fake bag will often have painted gold plastic while Louis Vuitton has gold or brass metal hardware.

(4)  If a handbag is in question as to a style that cannot be found in Louis Vuitton's website, it is a fake. Louis Vuitton does not have new styles coming out every season.

(5)  Louis Vuitton is sewn perfectly and you'll never see loose threads or ends on one of their authentic handbags.

(6)  A monogram is placed carefully and is consistent on pieces. It looks the same on each style bag and it will never be crooked or cut off.

(7)  If a handbag is low priced, it is a fake. Louis Vuitton's handbags are expensive and never sold at a low price.

(8)  Louis Vuitton handbags are made from the most costly materials in top-quality leather, boa, lambskin, camel or crocodile. Fakes are being made from pleather and vinyl and they'll appear rough and stiff while a real Louis Vuitton feels soft and smooth and the trim is done Vachetta leather and will tan naturally as the bag ages. Fakes are trimmed in a light tan and it does not change with age.

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