Are you afraid to buy

Are you afraid to buy handbags at a discounted price (from say, eBay) for fear that they aren't the real thing and that you will get ripped off?

Have any of you had any good/bad experiences with purchasing handbags this way?

Personally, I am afraid to purchase from ebay. I think it would be fairly easy to get ripped off that way. However, I do know of other folks who have taken a chance, and ended up with a great product. *shrug* It's a roll of the dice. If you end up with the real thing for a discounted price, you win. If you end up with a cheap knock-off, you lose.

If you're afraid to purchase from ebay... You could try purchasing handbags from Amazon.com or Overstock.com.

I have had a bad experience buying a hand bag of Ebay. It was supposed to be a genuine Chanel handbag even the picture was not the right picture. When I received it the bag was definatly not a Chanel handbag. As yet I have not had any luck in getting my money back.

Oh geez, Tay! I am sorry to hear about your experience!

I have gotten some great deals off of eBay but will only buy from sellers with high ratings and lots of sells. I will never make a high-priced purchase on a designer item though.

I have sold several of my older Coach bags on eBay, but I photograph the stew out of 'em (including the stamp of authenticity inside the pocket) and I have quite a good feedback level, so I think people don't feel like they're taking a big risk on buying my old bags.

Originally Posted by pinkribbon

I have sold several of my older Coach bags on eBay, but I photograph the stew out of 'em (including the stamp of authenticity inside the pocket) and I have quite a good feedback level, so I think people don't feel like they're taking a big risk on buying my old bags.

That's a good idea! Photographing the stamp of authenticity because many are afraid to buy for fear of being ripped off.

[erindallas]

Never bought off ebay but was looking into it...will keep these tips in mind.

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by pinkribbon

I have sold several of my older Coach bags on eBay, but I photograph the stew out of 'em (including the stamp of authenticity inside the pocket) and I have quite a good feedback level, so I think people don't feel like they're taking a big risk on buying my old bags.

ey pinkribboN! do you mind if i ask for your username on ebay?? so id be alerted if you had anything for sale..at least im sure they'd be genuine! haha

I have purchased purses from HSN--I loved them all.I purchased a purse I saw in a magazine from a web-site recommended by the manufacturer.I was different looking than the pic-but well worth the price.So I decided to check out EBAY.I have only purchased wallets to start with--to check out the companies.Both companies I used sent me authentic merchandise in band new condition.So I would think they would be reputable with purses. But be careful--you dont always get a bargain.I bought 2 of the same wallets from the same ebay store on auction--paid $30 more for one than the other.Research prices before you bid--so you know what the bag is really worth.

[kitsch_k]

i wanted to bid on a gucci bag on ebay but i backed out because i was afraid of its authenticity...

Just use your common sense: if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Research other similar bags to see what their prices are/were. You can look at closed deals to see what the average closing bids were. And always look at the pictures, and compare them to photos of the real thing. I saw a Louis Vuitton bag on ebay once that lacked several key characteristics of the actual bag, so it was easily spotted as a fake.

Also, never deal with anyone with a low rating, even if they are all good. (And check to see what else they've sold. There are instances where someone sells a bunch of low value items, and then puts an expensive Louis Vuitton up for sale. This is usually a scam. Or at least a warning sign. People bid thinking they are safe because of the good rating, but it was a set up.)

That said, I've bought several bags off ebay, and have yet to be disappointed.

[kitsch_k]

good advice honeytrix!! maybe we should consult you before we buy anythign!!!

I would only buy from a seller with 100% feedback and that is certified, other than that, I can't really trust anyone out there. This one friend of mine bought what she thought was an authentic bag, the cheap ass*** seller posted REAL AUTHENTIC pictures and sent her a knockoff, thats horrible, right?

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by princessdi

I would only buy from a seller with 100% feedback and that is certified, other than that, I can't really trust anyone out there. This one friend of mine bought what she thought was an authentic bag, the cheap ass*** seller posted REAL AUTHENTIC pictures and sent her a knockoff, thats horrible, right?

hwat?!?!?! this IS horrible!!! so sorry to hear abt ur friend's experience

Originally Posted by princessdi

I would only buy from a seller with 100% feedback and that is certified, other than that, I can't really trust anyone out there. This one friend of mine bought what she thought was an authentic bag, the cheap ass*** seller posted REAL AUTHENTIC pictures and sent her a knockoff, thats horrible, right?

This happens all the time on ebay.

[kitsch_k]

i was really tempted to buy online because bags are so cheap, but the risk is really so high so i just decided to save up.

I don't believe in fakes, only authentic and I sell on ebay. It's the fakes or the people selling them rather that give me a hard time with sales! it sux really bad....this xmas was REALLY slow! But i usually only sell new and ONLY AUTHENTIC!!!

p.s. i never show the picture of the authentic coach tag b/c i've heard that the people who make the fakes use those numbers to make it more believable and rip people off, i only share to those who ask me directly during the listings. can't remember where i heard it from but i'm nervous anyways! lol

you ladies should check out Reddmark - Authentic Designer and Luxury Auctions. I tried them out. At first I was very scared because of eBay and all of the horror stories I read about fakes. I decided to do some research and read some pretty good reviews about that website. So I broke down and purchased a Fendi Spy Bag in honey from there. I took it to Saks fifth Avenue in Atlanta at Phipps Plaza....and... behold, it was AUTHENTIC. Now, I am interested in becoming a seller on there. They give new sellers a $10 credit .They also send out monthly stocklists to members with truly authentic bags with unbeleivable prices such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Fendi ... and these items come directly from Italy and they come with sanitized invoices from their companies.

I just thought I would pass the word on.. If you don't buy or sell, you should atleast sign up to get the stocklists.

Reddmark - Authentic Designer and Luxury Auctions

just thought i'd share this

YouTube - WealthTV Special: Luxury Goods & Counterfeit

Thanks for the video, it's very informative. Not only those counterfeit manufacturers getting richer, but the money they got from the consumers are also used in terrorism. And also, they don't care about the effects of those products on the health of the buyers. I wish WealthTv posted the whole episode though. It's only a 5-minute length vid.

I'm afraid of buying from Ebay so I prefer buying from my relatives or friends. Or it must be a person I know.

Just to be on the safe side, I say stick to authorized dealers. There are a lot of fakes out there.

[kitsch_k]

Originally Posted by rockssparkle

you ladies should check out Reddmark - Authentic Designer and Luxury Auctions. I tried them out. At first I was very scared because of eBay and all of the horror stories I read about fakes. I decided to do some research and read some pretty good reviews about that website. So I broke down and purchased a Fendi Spy Bag in honey from there. I took it to Saks fifth Avenue in Atlanta at Phipps Plaza....and... behold, it was AUTHENTIC. Now, I am interested in becoming a seller on there. They give new sellers a $10 credit .They also send out monthly stocklists to members with truly authentic bags with unbeleivable prices such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Fendi ... and these items come directly from Italy and they come with sanitized invoices from their companies.

I just thought I would pass the word on.. If you don't buy or sell, you should atleast sign up to get the stocklists.

Reddmark - Authentic Designer and Luxury Auctions

thanks for this link dear! i'll definitely check it out

[PurseAddict]

Originally Posted by HoneyTrix

Just use your common sense: if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

So true!! I think many people got ripped off on Ebay because they thought or believe that it's possible to get a brand new designer handbag at half price or more but the sad truth is this is highly unlikely! Slightly below retail, possible but half the price of original retail, no way!

And always look at the pictures, and compare them to photos of the real thing. I saw a Louis Vuitton bag on ebay once that lacked several key characteristics of the actual bag, so it was easily spotted as a fake.

I only buy from reputable sellers like MPRS or ALVA recommended sellers plus they have to have tons of pictures included in their listings. The more, the better.

Also, never deal with anyone with a low rating, even if they are all good. (And check to see what else they've sold. There are instances where someone sells a bunch of low value items, and then puts an expensive Louis Vuitton up for sale. This is usually a scam. Or at least a warning sign. People bid thinking they are safe because of the good rating, but it was a set up.)

Plus buying history too because they can buy a bunch of cheap stuff to boost up their rating!

[PurseAddict]

Originally Posted by Designer Addict

i never show the picture of the authentic coach tag b/c i've heard that the people who make the fakes use those numbers to make it more believable and rip people off, i only share to those who ask me directly during the listings. can't remember where i heard it from but i'm nervous anyways! lol

I use the photo editing program to cover up part of the code or stamp so the scammers can't get the full information from me Also, just to be on the safe side, I will only send the unmarked picture to the winner of the auction.

[kitsch_k]

ey guys check out the new thread in the forum..buy, sell and exchange bags thread..we can exchange bags among ourselves at least we can be more sure with the people we're dealing with

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by mrsdjray

just thought i'd share this

YouTube - WealthTV Special: Luxury Goods & Counterfeit

Thanks for sharing this video, Mrsdjray! Counterfeit designer bags are such a big hit here in my neck o' the woods. My friend's hairdresser actually has "purse parties" and sells them for a profit. I never was interested in fakes especially because of the poor quality... but now that I know that profits may even fund terrorism, I'm really against fakes!

[bagcrazy]

I have been checking out ebay, but am so afraid to buy a handbag. I don't want to get ripped off and I don't want a fake. I'm looking for things that are no longer available in the stores (Coach previous season bags/accessories), but it's just to scarry.

[elaine130]

Bagcrazy -

I feel your pain! But honestly, since about 2002, I have purchased three bags from Ebay - two Coach and one Fendi. Plus a Fendi wallet and a Coach mini wallet. I had them ALL authenticated except the wallets (they weren't that much $ anyhow, and they matched the bags well).

There are definitely some scam artists but some real honest sellers out there in Ebay, too. Like someone else mentioned, look for high ratings (especially from other buyers who bought a similar designer bag from the same seller) and read the return policy carefully - I ONLY went for the ones who promised a full refund if the bag was unsatisfactory for ANY reason, not just that it didn't resemble the pic or was defective.

I also made sure the listing said "NWT" (New With Tags) "Authentic" "New" and the actual brand name (ie., "Coach"). Sellers are not allowed to use these terms unless they are legit. I have also threatened to post really super negative feedback (a seller's nightmare) when I complained to a seller by email and demanded a refund because a Coach mini-wallet I received was all scuffed up when I got it. The seller rectified the problem immediately and sent me a new one. I've also seen some people threaten to post a website URL in the feedback which leads potential buyers to a webpage filled with pictures of bad merchandise received and horror stories. So it really is buyer beware and be informed. If you're not clear about the refund policy, ask the seller directly via email.

Plus I used PayPal, which has its own type of insurance against fraud. Each of my purchases ranged from $125 for a beautiful Coach cranberry suede hobo to the Fendi which was $225. I also have a Coach camel suede hobo that was my very first Ebay purchase. They're all wonderful and I still carry them when the season's right and get compliments.

In 2003, I also won an auction for a wonderful digital Nikon camera from a big seller with a no questions asked returns policy. It took wonderful pics for the past 4 years (I'm a photo buff), and when it broke (I accidentally dropped it), I sent it to a Nikon service center directly and they sent me a brand new camera!

So good luck, whatever you decide to do!

[pinkbag]

i have bought just one chanel bag from ebay and i got authentic stuff. however i am more happy shopping for bags from the stores as shopping online takes away much of the fun...so i dont try it much...

[r8rpwr]

No, but I sold on on eBay one time, not knowing it was a knockoff, and got my only negative feedback ever. I was really upset because I had no idea,and would have gladly refunded or adjusted the price if she had just emailed me.

I hate it when eBay buyers just leave -FB without making any effort to resolve the problem. It's wrong and just lazy!

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by r8rpwr

No, but I sold on on eBay one time, not knowing it was a knockoff, and got my only negative feedback ever. I was really upset because I had no idea,and would have gladly refunded or adjusted the price if she had just emailed me.

I hate it when eBay buyers just leave -FB without making any effort to resolve the problem. It's wrong and just lazy!

I agree it's wrong to not let the seller rectify the situation first before leaving negative feedback. I had a problem once, emailed the seller, and it was solved right away. Then I left positive feedback. Win-win situation!