3 Simple Ways to Ensure You Are Buying Authentic Luxury Goods!
Making sure you are maximizing the value of your hard-earned money is critical, and part of that is feeling confident you're getting the real deal when shopping for your next designer handbag or jewelry piece online. Doing your homework is important and these are the top 3 things you can do to avoid counterfeit items:
1. Research and Buy from Reputable/Knowledgeable Retailers
Reviews matter; use online sellers that have positive reviews, always be wary of strange URL's, limited or blurry photos, descriptions lacking critical information, and no guarantee of authenticity mentioned. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is! Even the largest auction and consignment sites have trouble with counterfeit luxury items slipping through.
2. Check Serial Numbers, Quality and Craftsmanship
Most luxury goods, depending on the designer, have a serial number associated with them, and verifying these details by checking online databases to confirm their legitimacy or even a simple web search may reveal important information about their authenticity.
Luxury handbags are very well crafted, so make sure to inspect stitching, leather and other materials such as hardware, logos, and overall construction. For example, a luxury bag should have flawless stitching, with logos and branding perfectly placed, easy to read and well spaced.
3. Get to Know the Specific Item(s) You Are Interested In
As they say, don’t boil the ocean, it’s worthwhile to research specifically the brand and item you are interested in, this way you will not be overwhelmed with all the research. Keep it simple, find a bag or 2 that you love, research the bag name (that goes a long way) and go from there. For example, if you are interested in a Balenciaga Work Bag or a Gucci Jackie, start with searching on the bag type, look at forums about the bag nuances and gather all the information you can to make an informed buying decision.
By staying vigilant and doing a bit of research, you can ensure that you’re investing in genuine luxury items that make you very happy!
