Knockoff Handbags

Knockoff Handbags Explained

Knockoff handbags are purses meant to imitate popular and expensive designer handbags. Knockoffs are available in two forms. Some "designer" handbags are full-out rip-offs of the original product, mass-produced imitations created with cut-rate materials. Others are considered "designer-inspired." They mimic the famous look of Prada, Kate Spade, and many others without ever claiming to be the genuine article. They also avoid using logos and proprietary tags. They're meant to be cheap alternatives for customers who desire the look of a designer wardrobe without a designer budget.

Counterfeit Handbags

Counterfeit handbags are sold outside of traditional stores, in roadside markets and online auctions. Sellers of counterfeit handbags hope you'll be swayed by the promise of a low price and won't look carefully at their products.

Avoiding Counterfeit Handbags

First, you should be aware of the source of a potential knockoff purse. True designer goods are sold at boutiques and high-end department stores. You're not going to find a genuine Louis Vuitton purse at a Tupperware-style home party, a flea market, or among the wares of a New York street vendor.

Buying Online

Buying designer handbags online can be especially tricky. If you're buying directly from the manufacturer or a well-known retailer like Macy's, then you'll find the same products you could buy in a store with the convenience of having them delivered right to your door. However, less-scrupulous online sellers can take advantage of the fact that you never see the handbags before you purchase them.

Otherwise savvy buyers who would stay far away from a vinyl bag with poorly-stitched seams at a local market won't realize the problem until they've already paid.

Tips to avoid buying a counterfeit online:

• You should pay for all online purchases with a credit card, so you can initiate a chargeback if you receive counterfeit merchandise.
• Be particularly wary of sellers outside of the United States as you will have even less recourse if you receive a knockoff handbag.
• Be aware the extended shipping time of a purchase outside the US may also put you outside the timeframe for lodging a complaint or asking for a refund.

What's the Harm?

So what if you walk into the transaction fully aware of the nature of the knockoff handbag? What's the harm in owning a fake Birkin bag? When you purchase a counterfeit item, you're taking money away from the rightful owners of that design or trademark. You may also be funding a shady operation, involved in more distasteful crimes than selling a few fake purses. In addition, do you feel comfortable giving your credit card information to a company already openly dealing in an illegal business?

You're also not getting the quality you deserve for the price. When you buy a designer handbag, you're not only paying for the name but quality construction and materials. Real designer goods are costly not just because of the logo printed on them. Companies like Gucci and Coach have earned their reputations with years of fine craftsmanship and customer service.

If you truly crave a designer handbag, why not save your money until you can own the real thing, a classic piece you can treasure for years?

Designer-Inspired Handbags

Designer-inspired bags, also called designer replica handbags, allow you to own the latest handbag looks for a fraction of the price. If a design is hot, you're sure to find imitators cropping up everywhere. These imitations are available from discount retailers and online stores alike.

HandbagsatWholesale.com and Fashion Heaven are just two of the many online retailers offering designer replicas. If you're looking to impress a Hilton and only want a designer bag as a status symbol, you're not going to fool anyone for too long with your faux Balenciaga. However, for most people, a taste of designer style is enough.