How to Spot a Fake Coach Bag on eBay

Counterfeit and replica handbags are everywhere – in small boutiques, at the airport, on street corners, and on eBay. Below are some tips on how to spot a fake or knock-off Coach bag before you buy it.

Counterfeit goods fund all kinds of illegal activity including prostitution, drug trafficking, gang activity, terrorism, and other types of organized crime. When you purchase a replica handbag (either intentionally or unintentionally), your money goes to support these types of activities.
Replica bags are not allowed on eBay. Yes, many are for sale, but if you are caught offering one, your listing will be removed and you may lose your status as a seller. Click here to read eBay’s policy on selling counterfeit items.

If you plan to sell one:

First, examine the signature “C” pattern of the fabric. The “Cs” will be crooked, tilted, off center, have jagged edges, or other wise just not look right. The pattern should start in the center of the front and back panels. The fabric should be symmetrical as if it was folded in half down the center seam. There should not be any breaks or gaps in the seams.

The workmanship will look shoddy. The stitching could be crooked, stitches will vary in length, and there could be overstitching. All of these are signs that the bag is a fake. Coach bags are immaculately made with all the stitches the same length, stitch lines perfectly straight, and no overstitching.

The zipper itself will be stamped with YKK.

Where was it made? Coach does not make bags in Korea or Thailand, although they do make some in China.

If you found one at a thrift store or garage sale, chances are it is fake. Don’t risk your eBay seller status by trying to sell it.

If you plan to buy one on eBay, investigate all of the above and also check out these criteria:

Proof of authenticity. Ask the seller to provide a copy of a receipt or some other form of proof. Read the listing carefully – is the word “authentic” mentioned in the listing? If not, don’t buy it.

Examine the seller’s photos. Make sure they are photos of the exact bag that is being sold, not stock photos from a website. Go to the official Coach website and examine photos of legitimate, authentic bags. Compare to the eBay seller’s photos.

Review the seller’s history, feedback numbers, the actual feedback, etc. Get an idea of who you are dealing with. Click here for more ways to check out the seller before buying from them.

[Image Source: Flickr, BagsOnly's PhotoStream]