Dear Budget Fashionista,
On eBay, I notice several sellers (particularly in the designer handbags section I am shopping) who have multiple “new: with tags” items. They have serial numbers and authenticity cards. Should I celebrate a great find or still be wary of these sellers?
Still be wary.. very wary…. Actually having tags/serial numbers means nothing at all on eBay because all you need is a color printer and photoshop to create fake tags and you can make up a serial number.
Some quick tips
-Ask the person if they would send you the serial number, so that you can contact the company to make sure it’s authentic.
-Ask for a clear photo of the tags and cards and then head into a store to compare them to the real things.
- Now if the person has the receipt of purchase from the store they bought it from and it willing to copy it and send it to you via email before you bid, then I would celebrate.
Founded in 2003, TBF is a fashion blog dedicated to helping you live your best for less. We give you the 411 on the latest fashion trends & tips and sample sales. 
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I got ripped off on ebay last year-“authentic ” Coach bag. It was so obviously fake as soon as I opened the box. It had tags, etc, but there were some mistakes-ie “manufactured” in China, as opposed to hand crafted, hideous, cheesy lining. The seller denied it and even tried to give me a bad rating as a buyer on ebay, but ended up refunding my money and taking back the bag. Buyer beware on ebay!
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My last job was working for an attorney who worked trying to combat sellers/manufacturers of counterfeits for a number of major luxury brands. Almost all of the bags you’ll see on internet sales sites are fakes – it’s easy enough to fake authenticity cards and receipts as well as everything else. In fact, some of the brands that are sold with fake authenticity cards don’t even use cards like that (or dust covers, etc.) on their authentic items. Be *very* wary buying on ebay and other online sellers.
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Good advice. I also got scammed with a fake Coach in the past. Will keep info in mind for the future.
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I GOT CHEATED BY A VENDOR ON E-BAY. THE PERSON HAD A GOOD RATING?? I BID FOR AND GOT A PINK CHANEL BAG…AUTHENTIC…HA!! I HAVE A WRITTEN LETTER FROM CHANEL EXPLAINING THAT THE BAG IS INDEED A FAKE AND WOULD I SEND THEM THE SELLERS ADDRESS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE SELLER MANY TIMES AND ALSO PHONED…NO REPLY….EBAY WAS NO HELP..THEY DO NOT WANT TO GET INBETWEEN THE SELLER AND BUYER. I’AM STILL TRYING TO GET MY MONEY BACK…$$$ VERY UNHAPPY…. I HAVE NOT USED EBAY SINCE.
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Is there anyone out there who doesn’t care if something’s fake, as long as it looks like the real thing?
We’re making a documentary for Channel 4 about counterfeit goods and would love to speak to anyone who loves fakes!
E-mail me on fhamilton*at*blastfilms.co.uk.
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