AP Photo:
Palin daugter carrying fake designer bag

Do your research. Know what designs are currently available from a given designer. Learn the colors and patterns offered.

Consider the source. Designer items are sold through authorized dealers and websites and at designer boutiques. Items sold in flea markets; on the street; at home parties; or through unauthorized websites, including ebay, are most likely fake.

Look at the price. Designer rarely offer extreme discounts on their goods. If the price seems too low, the item is probably fake.

Explore the construction. Counterfeit goods are mass produced, making their quality of construction much lower than authentic designer counterparts. Inspect seams, both inside and out, for any sign of sloppiness.

Inspect the material. Material quality of designer items should be top-of-the-line. Flimsy material or fake leather indicates forgery.

Examine the details. Designer items often feature logos on all metal pieces, including zippers, latches, and buckles. Check for imprinted logos on all metal details. In addition, flimsy closures denote forgery.

Inspect linings. Designer items are lined with high-quality materials. Thin or poorly constructed lining or construction that shows fraying or poor stitching are indicative of fakes.

Know the logo. Counterfeiters often take liberties with designer logos. Look for careless spelling, incorrect capitalization, or mistakes in a designer’s trademark picture.

Read the label. Designer labels are sewn into designer items. Do not buy an item if the label is glued, pinned, or a simple handtag. Also, read the label information to make sure that information, including country of origin, is correct.

Consider the packaging. Designers take pride in the packaging of their products, using tissue paper, authenticity cards, care information, high-quality boxes, and high-end shopping bags. An item wrapped in plastic, or put in a flimsy plastic dust bag, is probably a fake.

See also:  The true cost of designer fakes