Tips on How to Avoid Buying Fakes ...

I understand that most people would want to save money (if it is possible) when buying branded bags and accessories. I would do the same if I could save myself from paying full retail price. Unfortunately, with replicas flying around in the market, it is hard not to fall into a trap set up by unscrupulous resellers. If you buy replicas knowingly, then there is no issue.

The information on this page is compiled mainly for those who wish to find a good bargain on authentic items. Please read the following general guidelines before you decide to buy a branded bag from resellers.

#1 Avoid seller with zero or no feedback when buying through auction sites

Check the resellers' feedback. As a rule of thumb, I will never advise anyone to buy branded items from resellers who have zero or no feedback, no matter how many branded items they have in their listings. First, you do not know if these resellers are selling authentics or replicas. Some resellers do copy other people's pictures for their listings. Second, you don't know how reliable the resellers are. The pictures might show authentic items but what about the actual items?

This point may hurt those resellers who sell authentic items but it is inevitable because most replica resellers fall into this category.

#2 Do not buy from resellers who post only 1 or single picture

I will not buy from a reseller who only post a single picture of the item. I would want to see a complete pictures of the item, comprehensive description (condition or flaw) as well as the items included with the purchase.

#3 Always buy from a reputable resellers

Reputable resellers means resellers who have earned a track record of selling branded items (bags, wallets, etc.) and not shopping bags, dust bags, ribbons, boxes, etc.

#4 Do not fall for a low price

Some replicas resellers use pictures of authentic items and sell them at a low price to lure buyers. Authentic items in new condition and low price just don't fit together. Please exercise caution when you come across this kind of offer.

At auction sites, some reputable resellers do list their items at a low starting price to attract bidders. Again, please review the listing carefully and make sure you know what you are bidding on.

#5 Pay for your high-value purchases using credit card(s)

Always pay for your high-value purchases with credit card(s). Some credit card companies cover for your online purchases. If you purchase on eBay and pay via PayPal, you will be covered under their buyers' protection policy.

#6 Receipts and packagings do not guarantee authenticity
Many people have wrong conception that existence of receipts or complete packaging guarantee the authenticity of an item and vice versa. I've seen replicas resellers post picture of original receipt and packaging with fake bags. Not just bags are faked but receipts as well. Yes, there are fake Hermes receipts that I've seen with my own eyes. So, please be aware of this.

Non-existence of receipt or packaging does not mean the item is not authentic. Again, please check resellers feedback or reputation as well as any information pertaining to the item.

#7 Get assistance if you feel unsure
There are websites that provide guidelines on how to spot for replicas and forums (i.e. the Purse Forum) that provide free assistance in authenticating branded items. You can also go to websites (MyPoupette and Carol Diva) that provide authentication service at a nominal fee.

Last but not least, have a safe shopping!

Fake Hermès Birkin Bag?

When it comes to branded bags and accessories, there are bound to be fakes produced using cheap and low quality materials. As the time goes by coupled with increasing intelligence, replicas have now become better in quality and appearance. These replicas are referred to as 'super fakes'. To some people, these super fakes may look like real ones. However, no matter how good a fake bag is, it still has some flaws.

I used to post pictures of certain areas on bag that can determine its authenticity. Unfortunately, with the fakers moving about everywhere on the internet, I've decided not to do so anymore. The information can be misused to produce better super fakes. I detest fakes and I do not wish anyone to be fooled into buying one. It requires many years of experience and handling of numerous Hermes bags before one can identify fakes.

An authentic Hermes bag is crafted from the best material by a skilled craftsman. Any imperfection on the bag is unacceptable and will be destroyed at the workshop. Each bag produced will undergo a strict quality control and will be inspected by a master-craftsman.

I've been around on eBay for too long to see how many people were scammed into buying fakes and paid high price for them. It's painful lesson learnt in a hard way so I would like to help by providing basic information whenever it is possible. Since there are many Hermes bags that have been faked apart from Birkin and Kelly, I'll segregate the information in different section for easy reference.

There are a few things to note before buying an Hermes Birkin bag. These information will be updated accordingly whenever I come across new findings.

#1 Items that are never present on an authentic Hermes Birkin bag
An Hermes Birkin bag purchased directly from the stores will not have a leather hang tag shown at the picture below.

Authentic Hermes Birkin does not have a leather hang tag

An authentic Hermes bag does not come with an orange Hermes card like shown below. I've seen the same card on other fake Hermes wallets.

An orange Hermes card from a fake Birkin

#2 Shape and overall appearance

An authentic Hermes Birkin bag will not look out of shape. Everything should look proportional. I doubt anyone would want to spend thousands of dollars on bags that look like they've been run over by a truck.

Fake yellow Birkin

The following pictures show fake Birkin bags in crocodile and ostrich leather. Even the leather look so plastic. Can you see how out of shape the crocodile Birkin bag is?

Fake crocodile Birkin

Fake ostrich Birkin

#3 Date stamp and craftsman ID

This is a date stamp on a fake Birkin bag. Surprised? Even fake Birkin bags now have a date stamp and a craftsman ID.

Date stamp on a fake Birkin

Date stamp on a fake Birkin

#4 Shape and stitching on clochette

Shape and stitching on the clochette can give an indication on the authenticity of a Birkin bag. Clochette on fake Hermes Birkin bags have poor stitching and an awkward shape.

Clochette on a fake ostrich Birkin

Clochette on a fake Hermes bag

Clochette on a fake Hermes bag

#5 Receipt

Presence of receipts does not constitute the authenticity of an Hermes bag. There are fake Hermes store receipts and I have seen them before.

#6 Packaging
Some sellers do include complete Hermes packaging (dust bag, box, ribbon, rain cover, etc.). They might have collected the original packaging and put them up for sale together with a fake bag so some people may think that it is authentic Hermes bag.

How does a fake Birkin bag look like?

Fake Hermes Birkin Bag #1

Examine the pictures below. You think it is an authentic Hermes Birkin bag? You are absolutely wrong! It is not a super fake but it's quite a good copy.

Handles are a bit off

Heat stamp position is a bit off

Uneven stitching

Zipper pull is wrong
Stitching at the edge of pocket is wrong

Stitching on handle is wrong

Fake Hermes Birkin Bag #2

I found another fake Hermes Birkin bag. This one is better than fake Hermes Birkin bag #1 and comes with complete packaging. It even has a printed Hermes boutique receipt! The seller has zero or no feedback, by the way. So, you are advised to avoid zero feedback sellers at all cost.

Don't be fooled by the appearance

Complete packaging & accessories (Unfortunately, the dust bag looks fake)

A printed receipt from Hermes store (Impressive!)

Stitching on clochette is terrible

Oooops, the leather zipper pull looks fake

Something doesn't look right

Unclear back picture of the bag

The handles look too long

The four corners look wrong

Fake Hermes Birkin Bag #3

Here is another fake Hermes Birkin Bag. Ciel color was introduced in 2009 and the fake version is out within a year time. That's pretty quick, don't you think? 

Handles look off

Okay, there's a protective felt just like authentic Birkin
So what? It's still a fake

The clochette strap looks funny

Stitching looks fake

Stitching on pocket looks strange

A fake Birkin bag does come with a pack of rain cover

Fake date stamp

Side view of the bag

Back view of the bag

Corner view of the bag

The other corner view of the bag

Plastic protective sticker on the feet. Wow!

Please read these general guidelines here if you want to avoid buying fakes when making an online purchase. Don't waste your hard-earned money without knowing what you are buying.