If there’s a bag bucket list, a Louis Vuitton purse would most likely be in it. However, because of the popularity of the brand and the number of people coveting their creations, con artists are getting more and more creative at creating counterfeit pieces, claiming false promises of authenticity, and robbing people off their money.
If owning a Louis Vuitton purse is your dream and you plan on purchasing one soon, look into these ten factors so that you’ll know whether you’re looking at the real deal or not.
1. Price
Louis Vuitton bags are luxury items. They are status symbols that are made with the finest materials and intricate craftsmanship. That being said, Louis Vuitton bags come with a hefty price tag. If a seller is offering you a new LV purse priced at $300 or less, then it must be a fake. Remember, if the offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.
2. Tags
Louis Vuitton bags come with tags, but they are never attached to the bag. An indication of a counterfeit LV purse is a tag attached to the handle or zipper. Tags that come with authentic pieces are usually inside one of the bag pockets or placed in an envelope that comes with the receipt. In addition, be wary of tags that looks inexpensive or cheap.
3. Hardware
Stay away from bags that have hardware made of gold-plated plastic. Louis Vuitton only uses gold or brass metal on their bags. In addition, zippers should also have LV neatly imprinted on them.
4. Stitching
As mentioned, Louis Vuitton prides itself for impeccable craftsmanship. Stitching on authentic bags will never look sloppy or frayed. Louis Vuitton seams their bags perfectly and they do it in a very precise and even manner.
5. Lettering and Monograms
LV monograms are placed carefully and meticulously done. If you see a crooked or distorted monogram on a bag, chances are it is a knock-off. Meanwhile, it’s also important to note that some Louis Vuitton bags may have inverted LV monograms, especially if the leather was wrapped around the bag structure. It is common in LV Speedy, Keepalls, and Papillons.
6. Trim
Trimmings in an authentic Louis Vuitton purse is made with Vachetta leather, which is a type of material that naturally tans as the bag ages. Fake LV bags has tan trimmings or fake ones that appear as aged, but will not change in color as time passes.
7. Interior Lining
Fake Louis Vuitton bags have linings that are made from cheap materials such as plastic or suede. Meanwhile, authentic LV purses are built with linings in different types of textile such as canvas, cross-grain leather, polyester, or microfiber suede depending on the model.
8. Handles
Handles of authentic LV bags arenot wrapped in plastic, because real cow leather doesn’t need such.
9. Date Code
Date code is another detail that can define the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton bag. This code may include two letters followed by three or four numbers or simply a combination of three numbers. Ask the seller where it is located.
10. Dust Bag
Louis Vuitton bags usually come with a dust bag, and it is not made in cheap materials either. If the dust bag appears to be cheap or has round edges, chances are the bag is a counterfeit. Dust bags of authentic LV purses are usually printed with the standard LV or Louis Vuitton logo.
Additional Tips
Buy from a Reputable Seller
If you want to get the real deal, your best bet would be to go to the actual store of Louis Vuitton. This way, authenticity will be the least of your concerns and you can be assured of quality service.
However, if you’re trying to look for more affordable options, you can also go for sellers of pre-owned designer bags or other dealers of luxury items. However, going this route will require more research and work.
In order to check the credibility of a seller, check client reviews, ask for a lot of detailed pictures, and see if there’s a return policy. If a seller is reluctant to provide necessary information, chances are, there’s a likelihood that they’re selling counterfeit items.
Know the Ins and Outs of the Bag Model you Want
You need to know the necessary details about the model of the Louis Vuitton bag you’re set on buying. Doing so will help you be familiar with the features you need to pay attention to and helps you be attuned to what makes a bag authentic or not.
It pays to do your research, especially if you are going for a limited model. Some con artists would claim that a Louis Vuitton purse is from a new collection that’s just about to be released. If that’s the case, go elsewhere because they’re probably offering you a fake purse. Limited edition LV bags will only be released on actual retail stores.
Be Wary of Wholesale Lists or Closeout Sales
Louis Vuitton doesn’t have outlets nor to they sell defective bags at lower prices. In fact, if your purchase an item from them and you returned it because you think it’s defective, they will take it back and simply destroy it. They will never resell returned bags.
More so, Louis Vuitton doesn’t conduct sales nor seasonal price cuts. They also don’t have outlet stores where they sell past models, and they definitely don’t do wholesale.
So, if you ask a seller why their prices are low and they give you any of the reasons above, they are most likely selling counterfeits.
So know as much as you can about Louis Vuitton, because that’s your best defense against fakes.
Trust your Gut
If you think something’s off with the purse being offered to you, regardless of whether or not you spotted a sign of it being fake, don’t be swayed into making a hasty decision. Have it checked by a professional. An easy way to verify a bag’s authenticity is to go to an actual store and compare details and prices.
A Louis Vuitton bag will be a valuable possession both for its price tag and the event, memory, milestone, or emotion attached to it. If you’re planning to add an LV purse to your bag collection, make sure that you’re getting the real deal and not simply throwing hard-earned cash for a cheap knock-off.
Meanwhile, you can also use a luxury bag as a financial hedge during times you’re strapped for cash. Companies like Biltmore Loan purchases designer bags or lends on them. You’ll definitely get a good offer when what you have is an authentic piece. If you want to know about the bags we buy or the loans we make, please get in touch with us. You can visit our offices in Scottsdale and Chandler, give us a call, or get a free appraisal through the form on this website.
