Replica Handbags

What are Replica Handbags?

A replica handbag is a product that is manufactured to imitate the style and appearance of a renowned brand name. Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are popular designers who are frequently the target of replica manufacturers. These replica handbags are usually convincing, sometimes to the point that only designer employees can recognize the difference.

Let the Buyer Beware

Americans live in a consumer-oriented society. We are always trying to get the best for our money, so the replica industry often convinces customers that a handbag that looks just like a designer handbag is every bit as effective in the fashion world. More importantly, most replicas cost one fifth the price of an original. The common consumer does not find it fathomable to spend upward of six hundred dollars on a Prada backpack; but fifty dollars for a virtually undetectable fake Prada item is more than reasonable.

Your friends may tell you, "It's ridiculous to spend hundreds of dollars on a baguette, when you can buy a fake that looks nearly the same."

But people forget that the power of designer goods is found in the quality and luxury of the product, not just in the name. If the name of "Louis Vuitton" could be slapped on any T-shirt or pant leg nationwide, it wouldn't be long before the upper class shunned the designer and moved on to the next up-and-coming name. So, owning a fake Prada will never hold the personal satisfaction of having a Prada original hanging in your handbag closet.

But Why do Originals Cost So Much?

Many people live under the notion that high-level designers inflate their goods so heavily that these companies make 300 percent profits on every item they manufacture; basically they believe that when you buy designer, you are merely buying a name with no quality advantage over lesser designers.

This assumption is false.

Nearly ever good manufacturer inflates his prices. However, when you buy high-level designer goods you are purchasing high-level materials that are rarely featured in low-level goods. A fifty dollar handbag will not come equipped with the very finest Japanese silk lining and the solid 24 karat gold hardware that will be featured by the season's latest Fendi satchel. If these materials were provided in a fifty dollar handbag, the company who manufactured this diamond of a bargain would go under in no time.

More importantly, high-level designer goods are often manufactured by hand. In fact, according to the December 2006 issue of Harper's Bazaar, for a pair of 850 dollar Prada flats, it takes a skilled team of six people working an entire day with a single piece of crocodile skin to make those fabulous shoes. Decent products take a decent amount of work, and no sewing machine operated by an underfed five-year old will rival the craftsmanship of Prada professionals.

So when you purchase a 900 dollar handbag you are paying for a name that represents quality crafting and luxury materials. No replica can boast the same claims.

Accidental Replicas

Many people who purchase their designer merchandise online fall prey to the replica industry. Where replica handbags are concerned, it is not uncommon to find designer goods at horrendously slashed prices. But when you see a Marc Jacobs hobo being marked down from 950 dollars to 89.50, your suspicions should arise.

Nearly all the bags on ebay are replica handbags. Even authenticity cards can be counterfeit. It is best to purchase your designer goods from reputable department stores or directly from the designer retailers.