Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Pay attention to the quality
• Method 2 of 4: Pay attention to the seller
• Method 3 of 4: Pay attention to the details
• Method 4 of 4: Pay attention to the design
• Tips

When buying an expensive branded bag, such as a Louis Vuitton, it is important to do some research so that you know you are getting value for money. By examining the quality and appearance of a bag, you can distinguish fake bags from real bags.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Pay attention to the quality

Genuine Louis Vuitton bags are made with great care.

1. Examine the stitching. It is best to do this yourself, but if that is not possible, ask the seller for as many close-up photos as possible. Sloppy stitching can indicate a fake bag. Another way you can tell a fake bag from a real bag is the number of stitches per inch (SPI) on the seam. SPI (stitches per inch) indicates the number of stitches per inch on the stitching seam. A high SPI count indicates greater overall seam strength (and thus a higher quality handbag). Authentic Louis Vuitton bags have a higher SPI count than the counterfeits.
2. Stay away from bags with an irregular pattern. Authentic bags have similar patterns, which go well together and are proportional. A bag with a pattern that is not even is probably a fake.
3. Look for the upside down LVs at the back. Not all authentic bags have upside-down LVs, but many bags do, especially if the design is made from one continuous, seamless piece of leather. This is especially true for the Speedy, Keepalls and Papillons styles.

Method 2 of 4: Pay attention to the seller

A seller's reputation is a big influence when buying an authentic bag.

1. Research the seller, especially if you're buying a bag through an online auction or similar online meeting place. Look at the seller's feedback. Find sellers who have a high percentage of positive feedback. Avoid sellers with negative feedback, no feedback or private feedback.
2. Avoid sellers who don't have a return policy.
3. Read between the lines. If a seller's product description makes you hesitate to buy the item, trust your gut.
4. If you can't personally examine the bag, look for listings with detailed photos. Only buy a bag after you have at least a photo of the front and back, the base, the lining, the date code and the stamp Louis Vuitton Made in have seen.
5. Ask the seller for additional photos. Sellers can use photos of genuine Louis Vuitton bags to sell counterfeits.
6. Look for deals, but be wary of sellers offering a bag at a significantly discounted price. A real bag, which is sold for hundreds of euros, cannot be offered for less than 100, especially if it is a new bag.
7. Avoid sellers who claim to have "new collection" bags that are not available in the store yet.
8. Avoid sellers who claim to have bags from a "wholesale list" or "liquidation sale". Louis Vuitton does not offer a discount, has no sales and does not sell through wholesalers. Any seller who claims otherwise cannot be trusted.
9. Do not buy Louis Vuitton bags from street vendors. The company does not allow street vendors to sell their products.

Method 3 of 4: Pay attention to the details

The other way to recognize the authenticity of a bag is in the details, such as the zippers, the lining and the date code. Every design is different, but there are similarities in designs, which can also help you recognize a real Louis Vuitton.

1. Avoid bags with an attached label. Official Louis Vuitton bags have no labels. The label is often located in a pocket opening of the bag. Be especially careful with labels that look cheap and are attached with only a thread.
2. Inspect the lining. Imitations often have cheap plastic or suede lining. Depending on the specific design, a real bag is lined with a variety of textiles, such as canvas, fine micromonogram textile, cross-grain leather, polyester or microfiber suede.
3. The handles of fake bags are wrapped in plastic. Oxidizing natural cowhide leather does not need a protective plastic and the bags that come with plastic are fake.
4. Check any buckles and closures present. The metal parts of real bags are brass or gold; the buckles of forgeries are made of plastic coated with gold paint.
5. Look for zippers with the LV logo on the zipper.
6. Examine the "Made in" label. Initially, authentic Louis Vuitton bags were only made in France. Over the decades, the company has also manufactured bags in the United States, Spain, Germany and Italy.
7. Check the date code. Most bags made after the early 1980s are stamped with the production code. Since the 1990s, the code has consisted of two letters followed by four numbers. Before the 1990s, the code consisted of one or two letters, followed by three or four numbers. There were also simple three number codes.
   • Look in the right place. The date code is located under the D-ring.
8. Know the specific parts of a particular bag. Although Louis Vuitton bags are similar, no two designs are the same. Research what lining, studs, base, and other details, such as a particular style, the bag should have. Check the company's website or inquire at the nearest boutique.

Method 4 of 4: Pay attention to the design

The design of a bag should be the first indication of its authenticity. Some counterfeit designs are obviously bogus, but others require careful inspections to determine this.

1. Find out if the bag has an authentic design. If you don't recognize the Louis Vuitton design, chances are it is a fake bag. When in doubt, check the design through a boutique, catalog, or Louis Vuitton's official website.
2. Designs that look real but are fake. Multicolor, Cherry Blossom and Cerises designs are not available in all bag styles. Vintage bags are often a scam.
3. If you are buying a bag with a monogrammed trademark, make sure the letters are clearly printed in gold with brown lines through the LV. Avoid solid colored monograms or monograms with a green color.

Tips

• Don't be fooled by extras. Counterfeiters also counterfeit dust bags, receipts, gift boxes, authenticity cards, packaging, and care instructions booklets. Adding these extras does not guarantee authenticity.
• Search the internet for photos of fake bags and photos of real bags to get an idea of ​​what a fake bag looks like compared to a real Louis Vuitton bag.