Are you carrying a fake handbag? Find out

How do you check out to see if you have the real thing? With the recession looming large and fashionable merchandise becoming far too expensive, the temptation to buy a fake product is far greater than ever before. But though this looks like a good option at the time, it is never so, because when you buy a knock-off, you encourage more illegal trade in fake merchandise and you end up demeaning the brand you admire so much. What do you do when you can’t discern between a real product and a fake one? This is where you might need help. Don’t go by the price tag alone though that is a good beginning as a genuine article does not come cheap and many luxury brands have hefty price tags. But some manufacturers may charge you heavily for something that is not real and you would not even know. The first step is to do your research. Check reviews and websites to see what your product must look like. The second step, say experts is to check the material and the stitching of the bag. If it is sloppy, loose and unraveling, it is definitely not the real thing. The inside tags must also match what you have seen on the product website. The lining of a real bag is as important as the outside. This is a clear indication of a genuine article, as much as the logo. Some accessory websites also give warnings about people trying to imitate their products. For example, one website warns buyers that their bag handles are never wrapped in plastic or bubble wrap and do not have seams running around the bottom of the bag. Always check out a product completely before buying a fake. It may come cheap but it will not last too long and will fall apart sooner or later. Also remember, you will not fool anyone but yourself by carrying a knock-off around and passing it off as the genuine thing.
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