Counterfeit designer bags at my mall!!!

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Most people buying the fake bags could never afford to buy the real version or would never spend the $$ to buy the real thing. I don't think LV is losing potential customers.

ITA. I love designer bags and should I wish to save my pennies, could probably buy one. But I choose to buy cheap crap (not fakes, just cheap bags) because that's not where I choose to spend my money. I personally don't care what people carry.

Just because someone is selling knock offs doesn't mean that I'm buying them. Nor is LV losing my business. I bought a $40 bag last spring at Aerosoles and still use it every day. I toss it on the floor, it gets stepped on, etc. I won't spend LV money when I know what I'll put it through.

 

[luvsJack]

Why on earth does anyone care what kind of purse someone carries??? The only time I would even know what kind of purse another person carries (because I don't even look at the things) is when they come up to my desk to pay their tuition and put it down in front of me. And even then I would never stop and even think "real or fake"--who cares?

If you like designer bags, by all means buy them. But why sit around with someone else and play a game of picking out real and fake?? And then act like you are not a snob about the bag you carry? Puhleaze!

Counterfeiting anything is bad. It used to be expensive watches. My brother bought a fake Rolex from some guy in a truck stop one time. Looked enough like the real thing that a lawyer who owned one thought it was. DB knew it was fake, but the seller pushed it off as real.

If the person at the kiosk admitted the purse was fake, wouldn't that kind of be defeating her purpose? And if they readily admit that it is fake wouldn't that just mean it is a knock-off (as in "inspired by") rather than a counterfeit that, I would assume would be passed off as the real thing? Maybe I just don't care enough about status symbol "stuff" to know how its done.

But, just because counterfeiting is bad does not make being a snob about having the real ones good!! Like I said, if you like 'em, buy 'em; but its really none of your business what someone else buys.

 

[Magic Mom]

I also get this question alot!! " Why does my LV look different from yours?" because mine is real! is my answer. This usually happens on a military base and everyone has a coach, VB or a fake LV purse. Coach and VB are made in China, LV swears their stuff is made in Europe!! when I bought my bag at the LV shop in Frankfurt, I asked how many americans buy their stuff and the salesman told me I was the first american to buy something since he had worked there.The military gets tax forms, so we can immediately take the 19% sales tax off the purchase. They took 20 minutes to fill out the form because they had never seen it before. Buy whatever makes you happy but be aware of what counterfeits are really all about!! and yes, many are run on the same production lines in China as the real ones.

He was a very shrewd salesman. He made you feel unique and special in one sentence.

 

[Robinrs]

I didn't suggest you are. Spend your money however you choose. But when you play the little "real or fake" game it sounds very much like you only buy these things for the status associated with them.



We must all agree? In fact, I detest trademark/copyright infringement and exploitation. I also think it is very disingenuous to claim that this is the primary reason people who love these bags are upset.



I have never bought one of these bags - real or fake. I am not guilty. I consider those who rip off designers scum. However I also think those who create the market for the overpriced originals are guilty as well by turning these things into status items.



Also not true. I am a designer. I design scenery for a living and copyright my work.

Awesome post.

I guess since I'm in advertising I've never understood why anyone would purposely give FREE advertising to some designer while paying for it. Like I used to say, I don't need to put "designer whoever's" kids thru college so I can make my friend's jealous and pass some silly people's "real or fake" game.

Unbelievable shallowness while proclaiming care for the poor children that may be making them.... what the????

 

[luvmy3]

Make fun of stuff....

Make fun of OP....


Which one is better?

Oh come on, you know a fake purse can't defend itself, someone needs to be there to stand up for them

Why on earth does anyone care what kind of purse someone carries??? The only time I would even know what kind of purse another person carries (because I don't even look at the things) is when they come up to my desk to pay their tuition and put it down in front of me. And even then I would never stop and even think "real or fake"--who cares?

If you like designer bags, by all means buy them. But why sit around with someone else and play a game of picking out real and fake?? And then act like you are not a snob about the bag you carry? Puhleaze!

Counterfeiting anything is bad. It used to be expensive watches. My brother bought a fake Rolex from some guy in a truck stop one time. Looked enough like the real thing that a lawyer who owned one thought it was. DB knew it was fake, but the seller pushed it off as real.

If the person at the kiosk admitted the purse was fake, wouldn't that kind of be defeating her purpose? And if they readily admit that it is fake wouldn't that just mean it is a knock-off (as in "inspired by") rather than a counterfeit that, I would assume would be passed off as the real thing? Maybe I just don't care enough about status symbol "stuff" to know how its done.

But, just because counterfeiting is bad does not make being a snob about having the real ones good!! Like I said, if you like 'em, buy 'em; but its really none of your business what someone else buys.

Its possible that the woman was selling inspired bags (same styles, but without the logos) but the OP said that the bags did have the logos, so the woman admitted to selling counterfeits.
I'm not a snob about my handbags, I carry Coach and D&B bought on sale or at the outlet and like a pp said they are the poor girls designer bag I could care less what other people carry, but if you knowingly buy a counterfeit bag (not an inspired), then you support illegal activity and I certainly wouldn't hold in you in very high character, especially if you had been informed what buying counterfeit means. If that makes me a snob, then I can live with that

 

[connorlevismom]

Why on earth does anyone care what kind of purse someone carries??? The only time I would even know what kind of purse another person carries (because I don't even look at the things) is when they come up to my desk to pay their tuition and put it down in front of me. And even then I would never stop and even think "real or fake"--who cares?

If you like designer bags, by all means buy them. But why sit around with someone else and play a game of picking out real and fake?? And then act like you are not a snob about the bag you carry? Puhleaze!

Counterfeiting anything is bad. It used to be expensive watches. My brother bought a fake Rolex from some guy in a truck stop one time. Looked enough like the real thing that a lawyer who owned one thought it was. DB knew it was fake, but the seller pushed it off as real.

If the person at the kiosk admitted the purse was fake, wouldn't that kind of be defeating her purpose? And if they readily admit that it is fake wouldn't that just mean it is a knock-off (as in "inspired by") rather than a counterfeit that, I would assume would be passed off as the real thing? Maybe I just don't care enough about status symbol "stuff" to know how its done.

But, just because counterfeiting is bad does not make being a snob about having the real ones good!! Like I said, if you like 'em, buy 'em; but its really none of your business what someone else buys.

You took the words right out of my mouth!

I never pay attention to what people are wearing or carrying. I don't really care. The only time that I would notice is if it is extremely skimpy or bright colored. I don't care how people spend their money. Most people would look at me and think I am "poor" because I wear jeans, sweatshirts, tennis shoes and carry a $50.00 purse. I chose to spend my money other places.

Judging people buy what labels they have is just disgusting IMO. Playing a "real or fake" game with your 16 year old daughter does nothing but teach her how to be a snob. You cannot tell me you really use it as a "lesson". I don't think that anyone here buys that at all.

Kristine

 

[luvmy3]

The funny thing is, the people who carry real designers bags are being called snobs here, but the fact is, its the ones who carry the fakes that are the snobs (as in wanting the labels so that everyone thinks they have the label). My friend buys counterfeit stuff all the time, she has a bunch of fake bags, and buys her dd fake bags and just got her a pair of fake UGGs. I keep telling her that they are fake, and illegal etc, but she says she doesn't care. She isn't willing to spend the money for real and she wants the label because she wants people to think she has the real thing, to me thats a snob.

 

[phorsenuf]

It's the attitude the OP is teaching the daughter that got under my skin. That's where my issue is. To me it seems she is raising a snob.

I know a lot of people that carry designer bags, both high and low end, but they certainly aren't snobs. And I know some that carry them that truly are snobs.

 

[Magic Mom]

The funny thing is, the people who carry real designers bags are being called snobs here, but the fact is, its the ones who carry the fakes that are the snobs (as in wanting the labels so that everyone thinks they have the label). .

Maybe, or maybe they just like how the bag looks. There was a Kate Spade bag I saw that I absolutely loved several years ago, but they weren't making it anymore.I didn't care about the designers name, I just loved the color and style of the bag. I looked online for knockoffs, but never found one. It had nothing to do with being a poor wannabe, I just loved the bag.

 

[OK!]

Coach, D&B, Burberry etc. are what I call the "poor girl's designer bags". Chanel, Prada and Fendi...now we're talking.

To the ladies who play the real or fake game, I'd love to spot you and snicker over your real, but cheap, pseudo designer bag. I may even let you smell my Yves Saint Laurent.

Then color me poor and happy about it!

 

[luvmy3]

Maybe, or maybe they just like how the bag looks. There was a Kate Spade bag I saw that I absolutely loved several years ago, but they weren't making it anymore.I didn't care about the designers name, I just loved the color and style of the bag. I looked online for knockoffs, but never found one. It had nothing to do with being a poor wannabe, I just loved the bag.

I get that people can love a bag, and want to buy it because they love the way it looks not for the name on it. However, if its a fake, its illegal to sell and by buying that bag you love, you are supporting illegal activity. I myself, would find another bag I loved just as much that wasn't an illegal counterfeit because buying that one wouldn't even be an option.

ETA, the snob referrences was about people like my friend, who buy fakes strictly to make others think they have the real thing. I'm willing to bet that that more people buy fakes for that reason and not the one you described. There wouldn't be a market for them then because they could just make cool bags that everyone loves without those fake labels. They are being bought because they have that label on them.

 

[connorlevismom]

The funny thing is, the people who carry real designers bags are being called snobs here, but the fact is, its the ones who carry the fakes that are the snobs (as in wanting the labels so that everyone thinks they have the label). My friend buys counterfeit stuff all the time, she has a bunch of fake bags, and buys her dd fake bags and just got her a pair of fake UGGs. I keep telling her that they are fake, and illegal etc, but she says she doesn't care. She isn't willing to spend the money for real and she wants the label because she wants people to think she has the real thing, to me thats a snob.

I am not calling either person a snob because of the bag they carry. I am calling the behavior of playing games like "real or fake" snobby behavior. By buying the bag for her daughter, that does not make her or her daughter a snob. Buy playing this game with her, that does.

I don't carry either a real or a fake and like I said, I don't care what people buy.

It is not about the bag, it is about the behavior.

Kristine

 

[OK!]

I am not calling either person a snob because of the bag they carry. I am calling the behavior of playing games like "real or fake" snobby behavior. By buying the bag for her daughter, that does not make her or her daughter a snob. Buy playing this game with her, that does.

I don't carry either a real or a fake and like I said, I don't care what people buy.

It is not about the bag, it is about the behavior.

Kristine

Very well stated.

 

[LindaR]

Wow, I knew when I left last night that this was going to get silly!! *I* was the one who originally said that I play the "Real or Fake" game with my daughter. Big deal! It is people watching. It is a discreet conversation between two people.

Ok, grab your panties and bunch em up real tight........we also discuss what people wear!!!

My daughter is studying French, marketing, and fashion so this makes sense to us. Example: "What do you think of the outfit......guy at your two o'clock...good mix or mess?"

In MY mind, discussing or owning handbags, whether designer or non-designer, should not warrant the "attacks" and "judgementmal" comments that are here. Do you people go into each thread and "attack" the folks who stay at deluxe resorts instead of values, simply because YOU don't see the need for them to spend THEIR money how they choose?

Do you walk up to the person getting into her Lexus and verbally bash her because YOU don't think she should spend that much money when a Chevy will do?

There are a few people who, it seems, joined this thread simply to bash, not contribute an opposing point of view.....just to bash and ridicule.

I don't see where anyone is any "better" than anyone else.

 

[luvmy3]

Wow, I knew when I left last night that this was going to get silly!! *I* was the one who originally said that I play the "Real or Fake" game with my daughter. Big deal! It is people watching. It is a discreet conversation between two people.

Ok, grab your panties and bunch em up real tight........we also discuss what people wear!!!
My daughter is studying French, marketing, and fashion so this makes sense to us. Example: "What do you think of the outfit......guy at your two o'clock...good mix or mess?"

In MY mind, discussing or owning handbags, whether designer or non-designer, should not warrant the "attacks" and "judgementmal" comments that are here. Do you people go into each thread and "attack" the folks who stay at deluxe resorts instead of values, simply because YOU don't see the need for them to spend THEIR money how they choose?

Do you walk up to the person getting into her Lexus and verbally bash her because YOU don't think she should spend that much money when a Chevy will do?

There are a few people who, it seems, joined this thread simply to bash, not contribute an opposing point of view.....just to bash and ridicule.

I don't see where anyone is any "better" than anyone else.

I talk about what people wear and their hairstyle and since I'm a shoe girl I always notice the shoes. In fact I was just at the mall the other day and a girl was there in a very short miniskirt, fishnet stockings and these boots that looked like amputated wooly mammouth legs. She looked like a prostitute that worked the carnival
Anyway, we as a society dress and accessorize so that people will notice us, and we are all guilty of noticing, thinking and even commenting once in awhile.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Ok, grab your panties and bunch em up real tight........we also discuss what people wear!!!

My daughter is studying French, marketing, and fashion so this makes sense to us. Example: "What do you think of the outfit......guy at your two o'clock...good mix or mess?"

This reminds me of something. Anyone remember back in the day when The Dis tried to have a web page devoted to bad fashion at the WDW parks? I think they put the brakes on it before the first edition due to public outcry.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

This reminds me of something. Anyone remember back in the day when The Dis tried to have a web page devoted to bad fashion at the WDW parks? I think they put the brakes on it before the first edition due to public outcry.

Oh I remember that! Wasn't it "Dame" something or other?

 

[CapeMayMommy]

I have a lovely Coach knock-off. MIL bought it for $20 from a lady who walked into the nail salon while she was getting her fill-in. I wouldn't have bought it for myself for $20 or $2000. I just don't care enough about handbags to bother.

what she said.

I have been to China. The expensive stuff and the inexpensive stuff are both made by women toiling at their sewing machines. They still go home poor every night.

You're paying for the "concept" and the label---which in my world are not worth $1500. It's a pocketbook, for crying out loud.

 

[luvsJack]

Oh come on, you know a fake purse can't defend itself, someone needs to be there to stand up for them



Its possible that the woman was selling inspired bags (same styles, but without the logos) but the OP said that the bags did have the logos, so the woman admitted to selling counterfeits.
I'm not a snob about my handbags, I carry Coach and D&B bought on sale or at the outlet and like a pp said they are the poor girls designer bag I could care less what other people carry, but if you knowingly buy a counterfeit bag (not an inspired), then you support illegal activity and I certainly wouldn't hold in you in very high character, especially if you had been informed what buying counterfeit means. If that makes me a snob, then I can live with that

Maybe so, I just would have never though a mall would allow someone to sell counterfeit bags. Knock-offs, yes; counterfeits no.

Maybe just putting the logo in a different place or slightly off center makes it a legal knock-off as opposed to getting it exactly the same making it an illegal counterfeit? Like I said, I don't know a lot about such things; wouldn't be able to tell the difference (except of course that real ones are bought in high end stores and fakes are bought in kiosks or from trunks of cars or from guys at truck stops--which seems to be a much easier way to tell than to play very snobbish games at the airport)

I can't imagine that so many people are actually buying true "counterfeit" bags as opposed to knock off bags.

Having an issue with counterfeit bags does not make you a snob; worrying about what other people carry and knowingly sit there and make judgment on someone's purse, does.

Also, someone can sit and argue about counterfeits being made in sweat shops all day long, but it has been pointed out many times that many of the originals are made in the same places. I would not buy anything that I KNEW was created, even partly in a sweat shop (I probably do buy things that I don't KNOW are, but once informed would stop). Its being real or counterfeit has nothing to do with that. I would care much more about where something is made than whether or not LV or D&B or Coach or whoever is losing money over the sale.

 

[freckles and boo]

Wow, I knew when I left last night that this was going to get silly!! *I* was the one who originally said that I play the "Real or Fake" game with my daughter. Big deal! It is people watching. It is a discreet conversation between two people.

Ok, grab your panties and bunch em up real tight........we also discuss what people wear!!!

My daughter is studying French, marketing, and fashion so this makes sense to us. Example: "What do you think of the outfit......guy at your two o'clock...good mix or mess?"

In MY mind, discussing or owning handbags, whether designer or non-designer, should not warrant the "attacks" and "judgementmal" comments that are here. Do you people go into each thread and "attack" the folks who stay at deluxe resorts instead of values, simply because YOU don't see the need for them to spend THEIR money how they choose?

Do you walk up to the person getting into her Lexus and verbally bash her because YOU don't think she should spend that much money when a Chevy will do?

There are a few people who, it seems, joined this thread simply to bash, not contribute an opposing point of view.....just to bash and ridicule.

I don't see where anyone is any "better" than anyone else.

Oh for goodness sake, it doesn't have anything to do with bags or cars or deluxe hotels. You openly stated that you look down your noses at people who don't dress or accessorize the way you think they should and then you get bent out of shape because people call it shallow and snotty? It is what it is. And don't assume those "discreet" conversations aren't overheard. Often, those conversations are meant to be overheard. It is a juvenile activity that most of us give up once we realize what is really important.