Get to Know Your Favorite Brands
One of the first steps to spotting a counterfeit designer handbag is to familiarize yourself with the brand you’re interested in. Every fashion house has an iconic style, logo, and other significant details. Spend time researching what makes your desired bag special before heading to your local Azusa pawn shop.
| Designer Brand Logos | Brand logos on counterfeit bags may be slightly off in terms of spacing, font thickness, or alignment. |
| Signature Details | Spot inconsistencies in signature details like canvas patterns and hardware designs. |
Examine the Material and Craftsmanship
A real designer handbag is a work of art, made from the finest materials and impeccable craftsmanship. When you pick up a designer bag, does the leather feel like high quality? Does it seem durable?
| Leather: | Designer brands use premium leather that develops a rich patina over time. Fakes may use synthetic leather or low-quality materials that feel stiff or plasticky. |
| Stitching: | Designer handbags have flawless, even stitching, with no loose threads or uneven patterns. Counterfeit bags often have irregular stitching or loose threads, which can be a major red flag. |
| Lining: | The interior lining of an authentic bag is made from high-quality fabrics, and the stitching is just as perfect as the exterior. If the handbag doesn’t feel luxurious or the stitching seems off, it might be bootleg. |
Take a Closer Look at the Hardware
Authentic designer bags use hardware that is sturdy, well-made, and typically engraved with the brand’s name or logo. This includes zippers, clasps, and metal embellishments. Real designer handbags often have heavy, solid metal hardware, while counterfeit bags may use lightweight or cheap metal that feels flimsy. The zippers on designer bags are typically made by luxury zipper manufacturers and glide smoothly without getting stuck. If the zipper feels cheap or rough, it’s a sign that the bag may not be authentic.
Consider this example:
On an authentic Chanel bag, you’ll find the logo engraved on the zipper or snap closure. If the logo is missing or appears smudged, it’s likely a fake.
Identify the Brand’s Signature Features
Every designer has unique features that make their handbags special. Knowing these signature details will help you distinguish a real designer handbag from a counterfeit one. Get a better idea from these classic examples:
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas
- Chanel Quilted Pattern
- Hermès Lock and Key
Ask for Authenticity Cards and Dust Bags
When shopping at a pawn shop in Azusa, it’s essential to ask about the original packaging and documentation that may come with the handbag. Most designer bags come with authenticity cards, dust bags, and sometimes even a box. Asking for these items is an easy way to verify the authenticity of the handbag in question.
Many designer brands, such as Chanel, include an authenticity card with a serial number that matches the one inside the bag. Designer brands use high-quality dust bags made from soft cotton or flannel. Some designers, like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, include serial numbers or holograms inside the bag.
Although not every pawn shop will have the original packaging, it’s always a good idea to ask just in case.
Look Into the Seller’s Background
Another important factor to consider is the reputation of the pawn shop where you’re shopping. Reputable pawn shops take pride in offering authentic designer handbags and will often verify the authenticity of items before putting them up for sale as a method of quality control.
Ask where the handbag came from. Did the pawn shop acquire it from a reliable source, or was it brought in by an individual? By shopping at a trustworthy pawn shop, you’re more likely to find authentic designer handbags that have been pre-inspected by qualified experts. You can also judge a pawn shop’s reputation by their online customer reviews!
Go With Your Instincts
At the end of the day, trusting your instincts is crucial when buying a designer handbag from a pawn shop. There may be times when you have checked all the boxes but something still feels off about the situation, like if the price seems too good to be true which may indicate a red flag.
If the price of the handbag seems much lower than the market value, it’s worth doing some research. Compare the price of a similar handbag in resale markets or luxury consignment stores. Pawn shops aim to offer fair prices, not ridiculously cheap ones that will have you second-guessing the authenticity.
Sometimes, your gut feeling is the best way to shop. If you’re unsure about a handbag, it’s better to walk away and continue your search than to end up with a counterfeit that you will soon regret.
Find Your Dream Designer Handbag at Azusa Mega Pawn Today!
Ready to add a stunning designer handbag to your collection? Azusa Mega Pawn offers a wide selection of authentic luxury bags at unbeatable prices. No matter the kind of bag you’re looking for, our experts are here to help you find the perfect match. Stop by our shop today or call (626) 334-2274 to ask about what brands we currently have in stock. Shop our designer handbags online with free shipping on select items!