Publisher's Note

  • Publisher’s Note

    Dear Readers, As the holiday approaches, let us be reminded to the through spirit of christmas. Let us be giving and be kind to one another and greet the coming new year full of hope and joy. I would to thank our writers and of course our dear sponsors who has been with us through 2019 [...]

    Read full post »


Visitors to Pinoytimes

Start of StatCounter Code End of StatCounter Code


Page added on November 16, 2009

Email this to a friendEmail This Post Email This Post                      Printable versionPrint This Post Print This Post

How to Identify an Authentic vs Replica

All designer items carry  with them  their specific product traits unique to their brands  to avoid counterfeiting and imitation. These unique features  are your ticket to identify the REAL STUFF from WANNA BE. Trying to distinguish between genuine and fake is a real task and can be difficult. Criminals are becoming  a lot smarter and creative . You may not be  aware that,  you are already  owning  fake item(s).
Buying and selling counterfeit goods is a  serious problem worldwide. This hurts  people who  make the products, the legitimate retailers, as well as  consumers who end up with bad quality counterfeit items.
Should you  choose to buy fake against authentic, you are likely supporting organized crime, child labor, and even terrorism and drug trafficking.  Be careful   when you are travelling internationally, and carrying these fake items. Once spotted, Immigration Officers will just pull you out of your  line,  make you pay the fine twice the amount of the authentic item( not the price you paid for the fake),  double your  tax and  spend some time in jail. Here in Canada, it is considered fraud and a serious crime punishable   with jail time and fine upon proof that you are indeed carrying fake/replica or imitated item(s). Furthermore, carrying  more than one item is considered  trafficking!!
Do your research. Check out the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition site (www.iacc.org) to learn about common counterfeit tricks.  According to Gieschen Consultancy, a Canadian firm specializing in counterfeit-intelligence analysis, in 2005 the top 10 counterfeited brands  in their respective ranking were:  1. Microsoft  2. Nike 3. Adidas 4. Burberry 5. Louis Vuitton 6. Sony 7. Lacoste 8. Reebok 9. Viagra 10. Benson & Hedges.
In the meantime let me help with some hints by giving you a few tips on areas to spot to prove authenticity in designer products. These will also help authorities go after  syndicated criminals who are riding on legitimate manufacturers’ success and intellectual royalty.  These made in “midnight runs at sneaker factories” are stealing  taxes from the government  and fooling costumers into buying low quality end products.

1. The LOGO or LABEL: Look for any kind of misspelling at all on tags and labels. For example the inside of the Burberry wallet was stamped “Burberrys” on the right side, rather than “Burberry”. Also, check the tags in articles of clothing.  In quality clothing such as Lacoste, the label is embroidered  not  sewn on the shirt. The weave of the fabric is thick and you cannot see the shadow of your hand if you tuck it inside the shirt.  The Chanel logo is comprised of two interlocking “C” letters that face away from each other, while Coach  interlocking “CC” not “GG” pattern  are lined up  starting in the center of the front panel  (same with the back panel).  The center seam goes straight down through the middle of the CC’s, and the pattern is aligned both horizontally and vertically.

2. Authenticity Card, Decifer   & /or  Serial Number:  Although  having card and serial numbers don’t guarantee authenticity,  having one is a good news. An authentic Chanel bag comes with an authenticity card  that is embossed  with  its  serial number. Louis Vuitton, on the other hand, contains a decifer number inside that is  unique to each  product date and batch production.  Creed  Patch in most COACH bags have a “serial number” stamped on the inside, on a square patch of leather sewn into the lining.  Some of the smaller purses (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.

3. Craftsmanship, Material and Stitching: All designer product manufacturers take pride  in the details of construction of their  items.  The layering and build of real luxury goods tend to feel more heavy and substantial.  Stitching is very consistent all through out, where as counterfeit products oftentimes do not have the care of construction ,  are sloppy, and inconsistent and very light. Let say with Chanel, the logos and quilting lines up. If   it is a quilted bag, the quilted pattern does not break or deviate on the bag. The pattern aligns from the top to the bottom of the bag as if there was no pocket at all.  Coach on the other hand, if embossed with their “CC” logo outside the bag, the lining  doesn’t have anything written on it. Louis Vuitton leather are all even in color even during prolonged use.

4. Packaging and Other Details: Designer Labels  Retailers also put a great deal of care into the packaging of their products.  Wrapping paper/tissues, shopping bags, ribbons and seals are always part of the  real value of the presentation. Most luxury items come with dust bags made from soft, thick flannel, cotton or  satin. Smaller items, like wallet, often  come with boxes, ribbons and seal.

5. Buyer’s  Protection: When dealing online ,  it’s a smart idea to shop using an online payment system such as PayPal, which offers buyers a certain amount of protection from fraud.

Remember – familiarize yourself with the outstanding quality of the products you would like to own before purchasing.  It will then be easier for you to spot a fake. Ultimately, it is your accountability to guard  yourself against  fraud . By equipping  yourself with knowledge and awareness on how to spot  Authentic vs REPLICA, you are protecting yourself  against   illegal transactions and loosing your money’s worth , reputation and integrity.  After all, it is your prerogative to decide how you want to stand out in the crowd.

Be unique, own rare finds!

Your fashion consultant and personal shopper @ www.boutiqhoo.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BOUTIQHOO is the only  FILIPINO ONLINE SHOP ( Calgary)  that carries  high end products, guaranteed authenticity, convenience, personal touch and savings.  This online-fashion sense is owned and operated by  Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski (of the Dutkoski  Consulting Associates). Marietta has also been very blessed with a lucrative business of skin care and cosmetics for 5 years.  She  enjoys engaging herself with people and their needs.  She  loves life, people, and with a mission/passion to teach/share what she learns from them.  Boutiqhoo definitely has lots to offer to all clients worldwide and looking forward to doing a lasting business with you all.









RELATED STORIES

  • No Related Post


LATEST HEADLINES

COMMUNITY NEWS

Announcement for 2020 Presidential Awards
Kababayans Benefit From Knights of Columbus Coats For Kids Program
The Voice of the Champion Season 2 Grand Finals
Golden Generations Hold Computer Training Sessions thumbnail Golden Generations Hold Computer Training Sessions

PINOY STORIES

Filipino culture takes spotlight as 2019 SEA Games officially opens

HAVE YOUR SAY

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, dolor sit ipsum.

PROMOTIONAL BLOCK

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, dolor sit ipsum.

TRAVEL NEWS



PINOY TOONS


Tags