How to Identify Authentic Designer Handbags

It is every woman's dream to own an authentic designer handbag - be it Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Fendi, Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors. Because these designer handbags are made of only the finest quality materials, it can cost somewhere between hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, there are many fake handbags being sold in the market today. It can also be tricky at times to spot the difference of an authentic from a fake handbag. Therefore, one should be extra careful when buying a designer handbag. After all, who would want to spend tons of money only to find out that the handbag she purchased is not authentic? It's a comfort to know that there are several guidelines to help you identify an authentic bag from an imitation and here are some of it.

1. Buy from authorized sellers of designer goods. Your best bet would be high end or small boutique shops. When buying online, you will have to be even more careful. Shop online in certified designer products seller including Blue Fly, Neiman Marcus, Marissa Collections and Net-A-Porter. Be wary of online stores which offer unusually cheaper prices for designer handbags. If it really is authentic, do expect that it would cost quite a lot of money.
2. Inspect the bag closely. You will be able to tell from the stitches if the bag is authentic or not. There should be no loose stitches and most of the time, the color of the stitch matches that of the bag. If there are metal pieces, there should a logo engraved on it. Take a look at the handbag's hardware. Authentic handbags have protective plastic on it which is only to be removed by the buyer. Hardware should be free of scratches as well.
3. If the bag is made of leather, feel it. Authentic handbags are made of fine and quality leather. It is easy to tell a fake one as it usually is hard or too shiny.
4. Look for an authenticity card. Most designer labels include one in their bags. This includes information about the purchased bag. It also has a magnetic strip bar code on it.
5. Most designer handbags have serial numbers so check if the bag has one. Depending on the designer label, the serial number can be seen on the inside of a pocket when turned inside out or on a small tag inside the bag.
   

When you are keen on buying an authentic designer handbag, you have to be ready to spend a lot of money even if it is on sale. What's important to keep in mind is that buying a designer handbag is not merely a splurge but an investment.