Warning! Most designer handbags selling on eBay are FAKE. eBay are taking actions to improve this and stop fake sellers, however some listings still get on the site. Here is my advice on checking authenticity of designer bags on eBay:

If you are looking on eBay for a designer handbag bargain, be it Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel or Dior, then lookout! Most handbags (even up-to-date styles like the Chloe Paddington and Fendi Spy Bag) are not genuine. If you see a ‘bargain price’ for a designer bag (e.g. £100-£200 when the RRP is nearer to £1000) it is a fake bag, no mistake, and you are being robbed blind.

So how do you determine whether a handbag is authentic or fake? Determining authenticity can be a bit tricky because some fakes are done very well, believe it or not even in leather. However if you know what to watch for you can spot a fake in a minute!

Here are my steps to being fake proof:

1. Once you have decided that you want a particular designer bag, go into the actual store and have a really good look at that bag (either the boutique, or one of the designer department stores: Harvey Nics, Selfridges, Harrods). If you are too embarrassed, just remember that the sales assistants may appear snobby but at the end of the day they are just shop assistants, they owe it to you to be nice as a prospective customer. Check the following:
• Quality of the leather: does it feel grainy or smooth? Is it lightweight or heavy?
• Hardware: where are there engravings of the brand’s logo? What does the actually hardware itself look and feel like?
• REALLY IMPORTANT: The handbag inside lining. You must check this as this is as this is difficult to copy. Check colour, feel of fabric.
• Size. This can also be checked on any websites selling authentic goods. The following websites are good to look at:

www.net-a-porter.com

www.gucci.com

www.eluxury.com

1. Next, when you get to browsing on eBay check the following to instantly know if it’s real or fake:

• Anything from China is fake.
• Any receipts or invoices that are either shown on the listing or provided on request are an indicator that the product is real – these are difficult to forge.
• The hardware should all be quality weight pieces with no scratches or color variations. Most of the designers actually have a plastic face that goes over the hardware to protect if from damage until the bag is purchased. The brand name will be engraved not embossed on the hardware.
• Tags – Price tag with style number. If you’ve seen the real one you will instantly know if they look fake or real.
• NB. Serial number, cards and dustbag are NOT a guarantee that a handbag is authentic. These are all copied and used to sell fake bags. The only way these are useful is if you want to check the serial number/ barcode with the brand’s boutique. If however, there is a close up photo showing the actual barcode then this is a good indicator because it shows that the seller has nothing to hide and won’t mind if you go and check this out with the boutique/ stockist.
• Bag inside lining –Unfortunately you will only be able to check this out after you’ve purchased a bag. But still have a close look at the pictures in the listing. Does it feel plasticy? If so then it is most likely to be fake.

Now here is the easiest clue to remember. If the deal sounds too good to be true it is. Anything below 40% of the retail price is a big warning sign.

You might try to convince yourself that it’s okay or that this person just stumbled across a good buy. Perhaps but highly unlikely. So if you truly want to own a designer bag then you must be careful who you give your money to.

If you are in the market for a designer hand bag then be sure you aren’t throwing away your money and buy it from a reputable licensed retailer. You want your bag to last you a very long time!