Buying online
So what if you are shopping online and come across a great deal on designer apparel or accessories? How do you know you're getting the real thing?
Read the fine print.
Some etailers or items for sale in an auction will lure you in with words that you're likely to search for like Chanel or Gucci. Many sites also use overkill -- "authentic," "genuine" and other enticing adjectives -- to describe their fashion items.
It's only by reading carefully through the descriptions will you see comments like "Inspired by..." to let you know that the merchandise isn't an exact copy (whichtheetailersclaimgives them immunityfrom trademark infringement.)
Many of the better knockoffs come with packaging, locks, etc. to look (and sound in description) exactly like the real thing.
Ebay.comhas rules posted forbidding the sale of counterfeit goods, but it's not unusual to see Louis Vuittons on the site for less than $100.
The only way to know if it's real?
Only buy the goods from an authorized dealer (a department store or a company outlet). Many labels sell directly to the public on company-owned sites such as Gucci.com, eLuxury.com (Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, etc.) and Coach.com.
If in doubt about an outlet, contact the designer directly and ask if you're buying from an authorized dealer.
1-800-report-a-fake
Manufacturers spend millions of dollars a year battling the counterfeit problem.
Labels like Coach and Kate Spade have information set up on their websites for you to report anyone who is selling knockoffs of their goods; these sites also have more detailed ways for you to spot fakes of their labels.
