Today's fashion is determined by accessories. An outfit with designer labels will not make a statement without the right accessories. Purses and handbags are one of the best ways to accessorize. Investing in a quality purse with versatile styling is a great choice to optimize your wardrobe. Due to the expensive nature of designer purses, one must choose wisely… and not get scammed into purchasing a “fake” or reproduction of the original. Oftentimes advertised as ‘authentic these fakes are significantly lower in quality and are obvious fakes to the trained eye. It is often difficult to tell whether a handbag is authentic, especially when buying online.
When purchasing online insist on quality pictures and accurate description. If the aforementioned are not provided do not buy! You can definitely get awesome deals online – closeouts, last years models, gently used products… But getting an awesome deal will not compensate if you are deceived into buying a non-genuine product. Beware of street vendors and arena liquidation sales – their products will most likely be fake.
Coach is renown for quality, fashionable purses. They possess a timeless elegance and are a wise investment for a fashion conscious individual. Coach is one of the most replicated purses on the market! Buyer beware… Adhere to my 7 tips on determining authenticity and you will not be scammed.
1. Stitching – authentic Coach handbags have impeccable stitching. If there are missed stitches or loose threads the purse is not authentic. There should be no overstitching. All stitches should be in a straight line and of the same length.
2. Zipper – Coach uses quality zippers. All Coach purses will have “YKK” on the zipper pull. If the “YKK” is not there it is a reproduction. If there is a “RKK” on the zipper pull it is definitely fake.
3. Lining – one sure way to tell a fake is a low quality or missing lining. All Coach handbags are produce with a quality interior lining.
4. Trademark stamp – Replica designers have become adept at duplicating Coach's trademark stamp. It is often difficult to determine whether it is authentic. If there is a mention that the purse was made in Thailand or Korea it is a fake. Some Coach bags are make in Turkey or China.
5. Pattern – Signature Fabric – The “C” pattern will be crooked. Except for some newer patterns, like the “optic” or “scarf print,” the tip of the horizontal “C” facing the other “C” should touch. Also, the pattern should line up and start in the center of the front panel of the bag (same with the back panel). The center seam should go straight down through the middle of the CC's, and the pattern should be aligned horizontally and vertically. Also, the pattern should line up on any front or back pockets, so that it looks like there is no break in the pattern. (Note: Sometimes the pattern does not line up on side seams as this is nearly impossible to do.)
6. Serial number – Most Coach purses have a serial number stamped on the inside, on a square piece of leather. Smaller purses such as, the “clutch,” the “swingpack” and the “mini” do not have a serial number. The serial number typically consists of a series of numbers or a number-and-letter combination. The last 4-5 digits of the serial number indicate the style number of the bag. Utilize caution, many replicas will also have some form of serial number. Be sure that the serial number is stamped into the leather and not just printed. Some Coach bags will have inking, but will always be stamped into the leather first.
7. Creed – creed example – REAL: NoM05J-117 (no spaces)
FAKE: No M05J – 117 ( if there are spaces, the handbag is a fake)
It is ILLEGAL to sell replica handbags! If you discover that you bought a replica purse report it to Coach. Call Coach counterfeit at 800-396-1807 or email Coach at [email protected]
