Have you ever seen the authorities search for knock off purses in Italy?
 

As you may have read from my trip report, my 13 year old daughter really wanted to buy a knock off purse in Florence; I explained the situation to her and left if up to her and she decided against the purchase. I was really hoping that as we were leaving Italy, someone would search us or look in our bags, or somehow indicate that they were looking for knockoff merchandise (so I could say to her "Aren't you glad you didn't buy that purse?"). But nothing. Have you ever seen anyone at an airport or train station get in trouble for trying to leave with knockoffs?

Getting caught isn't the point.

Of course, not, but it would have been such a good visual for my DD to see some lady hauled away or something.

How would customs inspectors know that your daughter's knock-off bag was bought in Italy? If I were questioned, I would say that I bought the bag in the U.S. How could they prove differently? It is not like you would have a receipt for the bag hidden in your wallet.

missypie, I won't repeat it all, but read my response to your trip report.