Knock Off Handbags
 

About how much are the knock offs? Do they look the same? Why pay for more, when you can get the same thing???

You might get a better response if you post your question on a shopping website...

Also try it on "Other Topics" here

You pay less to take a chance. I have knockoff Kate Spades that I paid $15 for and have carried for years, and I have a knockoff Burberry I paid $25, and the zipper broke before I even got home.

Well, I don't really know much about designer bags, but apparantly anyone who does can tell the difference. Also, most of the Kate Spade knock offs have glued on labels...the real ones are sewn on.

One thing I want to mention is that I saw a story on the local news about how these bags are illegal. Yikes! I didn't really know that, but they basically closed down a shop in town that was selling them. Not sure about the legal specifics, but I'm sure it's a copyright thing.

If you know quality handbags you will be able to notice the fakes but it takes a lot of research, and who really has all that time? I do but nice handbags are a hobby of mine. For example, I see people spending $500 on a Gucci handbag that retails for $800. The seller says "guaranteed authentic" but I know they are fake by the hardware. For example, the stapling is in black. This season Gucci's fixtures (for lack of a better word) are only silver and gold for that particular style.

This subject has been debated loud and long on the forum. Yes, these knockoffs are illegally produced and in buying them you're supporting a criminal operation. However, that doesn't seem to bother a lot of folks. And, that's the whole story.

If you want to buy a purse that looks like a real designer purse then buy one. My son got me a knock off Prada purse in Europe. It's up to the individual...if it makes "you" happy...

"why pay more when you can get the same thing."

Because the production of knockoffs are a cash cow for organized crime and, as some evidence suggests, a funding source for terrorism. In NY, these bags are produced by illegal aliens who come from China who work for sweat-shop wages and deplorable living conditions.

Why pay more? Because the fact is, taxes pay for all those things we need/demand as a society. Education, defense, police/fire protection. The people who make these bags pay little, if any, income tax. In addition, the lost sales hurts legitimate businesses.

Do they look the same? Not exactly -- some are better than others.

Be sure to bargain -- never pay the 1st offered price.

I'm not sure the argument that the knock-offs are manufactured in NY by illegal aliens in sweat shops will fly. On several trips we saw both copies and designer apparel being produced in low wage Chinese factories. I hardly think that the $800 for a designer bag goes into the pocket of some poor Chinese workman. Take a look at the homes of designers and then take a look at the homes of Chinese factory workers. Big difference. Surely this is some of the justification that people feel when buying the copies.

You do hear of police raids and crackdowns for selling knock-off products, but I've always wondered why the merchants on Canal St. in NY can do it so blatantly day after day. Most are permanent storefront operations, easily identified by the police (since every guide book on NY points them out). Why isn't Kate Spade pressing charges there? Is it perhaps good advertising? Just wondering? New Yorkers???

Excellent points TC! Most of the great fakes are made in factories in China. My company has a China division and we are told by our locals in China that the wages paid by the "fakes" factory is the same as the "real" one.
Anyway... my daughter loves the fakes because she does not plan to use it for more than one season. Some of the sythetic purses are great copies, the leather ones are easier to tell, IMO.
Fakes with little or no hardware seem to be the best bet.

They have directly linked knock off handbags to terrorism. One of the big guys they arested recently had thousands of knock off handbags, sunglasses, and watches in his appartment.

Keep on buying that crap.

Yikes... I thought that was an urban legend and just checked snopes.com and found nothing. Further wen surfing found this document:
http://wwwc.house.gov/International_...08/johnson.pdf
Well... that's it for me and my family. We will not be buying these fakes anymore :(

The CBS Evening News did a big story on this a week or two ago which is how I found out.

I also thought it was Urban Legend.

if you search the new york times website i recall there being a huge raid in brooklyn recently and the suspect in that raid had ties to money laundering efforts on behalf of terrorists. as to the question posed earlier about why the merchants can sell so blatantly on canal street, the problem is really 2 fold. because it is an economic crime law enforcement resources are seldom given priority. and, because penalties have really not been in keeping with the actual damage these enterprises do, there is rarely an incentive to vigorously prosecute. and wages in china aside, legitimate businesses are subject to all sorts of other laws, codes and ordinances that underground businesses are not, and it is hoped that the socioeconomic and political climate in the third world rises to a level where everyone receives a decent wage. this wont happen if business don't pay taxes, insurance and comply with safety laws. [flopmeister steps down from soap box now].

They are not the same thing. There is a qualitative difference. They merely resemble the real deal. Thats it.

"business don't pay taxes, insurance and comply with safety laws"

Pay taxes where? Insure who? Comply with what safety laws? Why do you think Kathy Lee Gifford was in such hot water a few years ago? Because her clothing line was being manufactured "legally" in South American sweat shops. The big names don't do any more for local people than the little names do. I still contend that if I give $800 to Prada for a handbag, no Chinese lady will see it - not in cash or benefits. If manufactures were willing to pay proper wages and provide all the benefits you propose, they would be manufacturing in the USA. Wouldn't they?

I bought several knockoffs in China and Bangkok and I cannot tell a difference. I went to a Chanel store and they could not tell the difference. I think it depends on where you buy it from. I did have one that the zipper broke fairly quick. If you know anyone traveling these countries it is best to have photos of what you want. Also, tell them you want A quality and they will then pull out the better made ones.

You took a Chanel knockoff into a Chanel store? I have trouble believing this.

Firstly, they would confiscate the bag. Secondly, the bags are made from inferior materials and you can look at them and tell.

My first trip to NY one of my "must do" tourist things was to buy a knock off bag in Soho. I didn't buy it to "fool" anybody - it was just part of the NY experience for me. It was in a shop full of bags, not some back alley, and it was a lovely "Kate Spade" summer bag I paid $24 dollars for (negotiated down with a matching wallet). I did not go anywhere all summer without a complement on it, and I proudly told people it was my knock off from my NY vacation. Don't take yourself or status too seriously - if you really care if it is noticable as a knockoff, spend the money and buy the status.

Come on, DFINLEY... do you -really- think the clerk at a store could confiscate your property? I say let 'em try. They have no legal right to touch me or my property. Period.
What's next? Louis Vuitton Lock-up? Prada Penitentiary? Coach Community Service?

Real Prada is not made in China.
Coach makes some of their line there but the real prada and other top brands like Gucci are made in Italy and will come with a certificate and often some lines with the name of who made it in case of imperfections.
You will never see a fake Hermés!

My bag has a serial number.

Tx, yes a clerk would confiscate an obvious fake Chanel if it has 'Chanel' markings. It is in violation of copyright laws and it is stealing the Chanel name.

However, who in their right mind would show a fake to a clerk in that store?

Now I have a question, if the bag/purse comes with a the dust cover and authenticity card, could that also be fake as well? You see some of the bags on Ebay that come with an authenticity card and some that don't, is there any way to know?

Zach, there's a thread on this on the Europe forum. I told there about my friend who went on a cruise with several other women friends who all had expensive bags but with no obvious logos. She sported her Canal St. phoney Lv. They all went up for the buffet. When they returned to their seats, her bag was the only one stolen!

Sorry, Go... I just called my brother in law who is an assistant DA in Southern California and he said that a store clerk could not take your property. Law enforcement officials can take property from vendors, suppliers or manufacturers but they cannot even take them from people on the street where they are sold. Furthermore, he said you could press charges against the clerk for theft of property... possibly assault, if they used force.

GoTravel, There is no way in the world that someone in a store could confiscate your bag, nor could they call in the "authorities" to do so. They are a retailer, not a law enforcement agency. It is not a crime to carry or own a knock-off, it is a crime to manufacture or sell them.

As a youngster I worked in a store and we sold fake LV bags. Of course I had one for myself (it looked so cute with my cut off jean shorts and dirty sneakers, I'm sure). When we got raided, they took all of our merchandise, and not my own purse, despite that I asked if they wanted it. (I was shaking in my sneakers)

This was well over a decade ago. I wouldn't buy one now ... terrorists and all.

These bags are illegal to sell not however illegal to buy. The quality ranges from excellent ..to I could spot that fake a mile away. It's a matter of preferance I have both real and knock off. As far as the comment about no fakes Hermes, there are some beautiful ones and my favorite purse is a fake HERMES.
A 5000.00 dollar bag is out of the question, but a 22.00 copy is just fine. Yes I know it supports terroism, it exploits innocent chinese, some day I will probably hear on this forum they cause cancer. But when I think of the "Glass House Syndrome" I would hope that everyone on this board that chastises people lives a knoc off free life. No sharing of software, 4$ CD's, or copy of any thing. Until everyone leads a pure life with no copywrite infringement. Buying a Knock Off bag is no more illegal then copying a cd or software disk for a friend.

A Myrtle Beach merchant was arrested by the Feds for selling fake Louis Vitton bags.

I just don't get it. Why would you want a fake?

What is the purpose? Can't you save and buy the real thing or save and buy it used off Ebay?

This is from the SC Secretary of State's Website. I'll post the link.

SECRETARY OF STATE MARK HAMMOND JOINS FORCES WITH HORRY COUNTY & MYRTLE BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN COUNTERFEIT BUST



Secretary of State Mark Hammond, the Horry County Police Department, and Myrtle Beach Police Department conducted a sting on November 7th that resulted in an arrest and the confiscation of $60,350 in counterfeit merchandise. Paula Benick, owner of The Foxy Lady, was allowed to turn herself in to authorities following raids on two of her primary locations. Mrs. Benick turned herself in to the Myrtle Beach Police Department this morning and was released on $5000 bond. Benick turned herself in to Horry County Police this afternoon and was released on another $5000 bond. She will face charges in both jurisdictions.

The counterfeit merchandise included 83 ladies handbags bearing the Louis Vuitton and Coach brand names. An informant provided a lead to local authorities, and the information was forwarded to the Secretary of State?s office for investigation. The handbags were being sold at costs up to $130. Shoppers familiar with Louis Vuitton and/or Coach apparel would most likely recognize these prices to be low for authentic merchandise. Timothy Morrison, Intellectual Property Manager for Coach in New York said, ?The criminals who counterfeit our trademarks and designs ? sap the strength, vitality, and image of Coach?On behalf of Coach, Inc., I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary of State?s Office for their tireless work.?

Secretary Hammond stated, ?I cannot thank the police departments enough for all the assistance they have provided us. Chiefs Goward and Gall are to be commended for their efforts. Since taking office in January we?ve confiscated nearly $2.5 million in counterfeit merchandise. We looked at the numbers this morning and almost $1 million of that merchandise has come out of Horry County. We couldn?t do it without the help of the local police departments, and those numbers are a testament to their dedication and hard work ? and their determination to protect both residents and tourists from counterfeiters.? He went on to say, ?With the holiday shopping season upon us, consumers need to be aware of what they are purchasing. I can?t say this enough ? if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Friday?s raid is a prime example of finding counterfeit merchandise in an unlikely location. Whether they sell in a flea market or a high-priced outlet, I am committed to protecting consumers in South Carolina.?

Lt. Chuck Dunn, with the Myrtle Beach PD added, ?I applaud the efforts of all the agencies involved and we look forward to working together with them in the future to help protect shoppers in Horry County from this type of activity.?


Each charge of trafficking counterfeit merchandise carries a maximum penalty of $5000 and/or one year in prison.

For more information regarding trademark violations or to register a mark, contact Secretary of State Mark Hammond?s office at (803) 734-2170.

A photograph of the defendant is available to press via the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Contact Tony Lever at (843) 918-1985

More recently (4 yrs ago?) I did buy a fake Tag Heuer (sp?) watch on Canal St. for $8, then later showed it to the TH lady in Macy's. Y'know, she said that's where she would buy one as well. The salespeople in those stores don't really feel much of a connection to their brands, I don't think.

As far as burning CD's for a friend being the same as buying knock off purses, it's only the same if I'm a terrorist. Burning hundreds of copies of a CD and selling them is a crime, making a copy for work and a copy for home is practical.

As for knock-offs: now that ... >>I know it supports terroism, it exploits innocent chinese<<, I couldn't possibly. I'm not going to be part of the problem.

I think some people may be a little confused about what an illegal knockoff is. They ran an article about a month ago in the Denver Post about groups of women hosting "purse parties" at their homes where they sold illegal knockoffs (which were still above the $100 range since most of the real designer purses are hundreds of dollars). The purses were made over seas and then ordered by people on the black market in New York. They were then shipped all over the country to people who signed on to host these parties. These women were typically stay-at-home moms and make some serious money at this.

On the other hand, you can walk into many department stores (such as Foleys) and buy a legal knockoff. Dooney & Bourke makes purses that don't exactly imitate but very closely resemble their inspiration. They have this hideous purse that looks like the new Louis Vuitton Bag (white with colored LV's all over it). I doubt your bag would be confiscated in a store but I'm sure if they noticed they might try to find out where you got it and alert corporate. You wouldn't be a very smart cookie though to walk into a designer store with a knockoff.

Let me restate what I was saying in a prior post concerning store clerks confiscating a bag.

I'm not talking about walking up to a Macy's counter with a fake Coach bag.

I'm talking about taking a fake Chanel bag into a Chanel Boutique. If you've never been into a Chanel Boutique, they have guards/security at the front door. Now, does anyone honestly think that after you show this fake bag to a salesperson they are going to let you waltz out of the store with this fake illegal bag?

http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/shmoo8

It is legal to sell "replicas" of Hermés or LV, etc as long as they claim they are not the real thing. There are tons of sites on google where you can buy any brand, real or replica.
This url tells you a few things to look for when scouting an authentic on line.

GoTravel, Maybe Chanel has it but I'm pretty sure the Louis Vuitton store at Cherry Creek in Denver does not have a security guard. Who in their right mind would go into a store like that and announce that they have a fake? It's the people who aren't willing to go in that store that are buying the bags.

lenleigh, dfinley stated in an above post that she took a fake Chanel into a Chanel store and the clerks couldn't tell it was a fake.

Now that is someone I would fire.

I wish I could find a website with these laws.

How can it not be illegal to sell a fake Louis, with his logos all over the bag even if you inform the customer it is a fake? You are still stealing the Louis name.

Does anyone have any information on this? Like a legal source?

GoTravel:
It is indeed illegal to sell copies of any trade marked merchandise. It is called trademark infringement. People who do not believe me please feel free to call the local FBI/CIA Sercret Service. Recently there was a thread here discussing the French Police and their vigilant attempt to confiscate the fake merchandise.

Logic that I can't quite accept: It's okay to buy a knockoff because the real thing is too expensive!

lenleigh-i have seen that gosh awful purse-i laugh to myself when i see it in Foleys. What's worse is back in October my son was graduating from basic training in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri and in the Commissary they had all these little shops to buy from and there was "that" purse and my son's girlfriends' sister bought it...lol.