In today’s economy, the growing number of imitation designer handbags continues to rise. For the woman still looking for authentic designer handbags, this can present a challenge. Fear not, there are ways to identify an authentic designer bag. We are here to help! Below are some of the designer bag brands we carry and how you can tell the real thing from the fake and avoid a disappointing purchase.

Bags B. Makowsky: B. Makowsky bags are known for their supple leather, thick hardware, and distinctive lining. Most imitation bags are not made from this same soft genuine leather and will not have the characteristic satin lining. Look for these features when shopping for B. Makowsky bags. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Michael Kors Bags: Michael Kors is known for its signature square buckles, snaps, or accents on the bag. All Michael Kors bags have these square details. Knockoffs either don’t have these accents or often forget to use the logo on the hardware.

Marc Jacobs Bags: Marc Jacobs zippers have slanted “i”s. If the bag has vertical “i’s”, it is probably a fake. Authentic Marc Jacobs bags do not have blank zippers. Please note that a Lampo zipper will be used on some of their E/W (East/West) bags. Lampo makes a Lampo zipper and it will have the zipper branding on the back or under the zipper. Fake Michael Kors bags often have a metal or leather tag hanging from the bag. These never appear on authentic Michael Kors bags. Avoid bags with labels that say “Authentic Marc Jacobs.” Some replica manufacturers use this to trick consumers into thinking they have purchased an authentic bag. Each Michael Kors bag must have a metal tag on the inside that says Michael Kors and must not have a serial number or identification number. This is not a feature of Michael Kors bags.

Brahmin Bags: Rest assured, imitations of Brahmin bags have yet to be discovered. At one point these bags were assembled in China, so don’t be alarmed if you find an authentic one that says “made in China” as these are authentic bags.

Cole Haan Bags: Cole Haan is known for its soft and supple leather handbags. When you fold the leather, you should not be able to feel any wrinkles. If the leather has a plastic or rough feel to it, it’s probably fake. Cole Haan bags cost between $300 and $12,000, so if someone sells them for $25, it’s most likely a fake.

There are a few steps you can keep in mind when shopping for a discount designer bag:

• Please read the bag description carefully and ask questions for anything that may seem unclear. If the description states that the bag is a “replica” or “designer inspired,” then the bag is not authentic.
• Consider the price of the bag. If the price seems too good to be true, it most likely is. If the bag is selling for 25% of the original retail price, it is most likely a fake. Also keep in mind that there are authentic brands online for 40% off or even a bit more, so you’ll need to research them further.
• Determine if the dealer is a reputable dealer. Some things to ask yourself are: Do they have a reasonable return policy? Does your website look professional? Are you selling other products besides designer bags?
• Look for key trademark features that are noticeable to specific designers. We have listed some of these traits above to help you identify them by brand.
• Designer bags are usually made of fine leather and soft fabrics. If the bag is made of cheap leather, it’s probably a fake.
• Check the seams to make sure they are even and straight. Fake designer bags often have crooked or incomplete seams. Authentic bags will have even, straight seams.

Most importantly, if you’re not sure, ask the dealer if your bag is authentic and what their return policy is. If they are willing to offer a return policy or a 100% satisfaction guarantee, designer bags are usually authentic. We hope we’ve helped provide you with the tools you need to shop for authentic designer handbags.