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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.

How to Identify an Authentic vs Replica

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