Knock off purses. Why?

[tasha99]

OK, I just read this whole thread and this is what I don't get. The main purpose for buying a designer bag is for the prestige - it shows people that you can "afford" said bag. OK, that's fine, whatever floats your boat.

In this thread people who buy these designer bags are called things like "shallow" or "materialistic" by others who say the fake bags are just as good.

So if you are buying a fake designer bag, what is the point? I would think it is to convey the same message as the person who buys the real bag - prestige. So, if you want the prestige too (for a fraction of the price) should you really be calling those who buy the real thing shallow? Seems hypocritical to me.

No. Maybe the person just liked the bag or thought it was fun. When I was in Korea, I don't think anybody really thought a private in the army had a Gucci bag. I didn't think the guys I worked with really had Rolexes either, lol.

My opinion on this is who cares? If you want a real bag, get a real bag, if you want a fake, get a fake. Someone who gets judgmental about someone else's choice (whether real or fake) has wayyyy to much time on their hands to ponder stuff that doesn't matter.

 

[OKWAnneMarie]

People buy fakes because they don't know or care. They don't know that they're supporting criminal activity, or they do know and don't care. Many people see knock offs and a victimless crime, because the harm isn't something you see first hand. I think there are some people also don't know enough about brands to know if something is a knock off. They see a bag they like and they buy it, with no ill intention at all. This doesn't mean there isn't harm caused, but it is unintentional. I also think there are people who desire the brand, the prestige of the brand, without paying for it. They know it's a knock off, but their desire for the brand name over rides any ethical questions about getting it illegally. They figure if the companies did not charge the dear earth for the privilege of wearing their name there wouldn't be knock offs, fakes or counterfeit goods. There are many reasons people buy fakes.

What really irks me is the people who brush off the importance of it being illegal. Like it or not, it's against the law. The criminal groups that produce and sell fake goods also support terrorism, human trafficking/slavery and illegal drugs production and distribution. "According to Gieschen Consultancy, a Canada-based counterfeit-intelligence monitoring service and consultancy, more than 5,000 incidents of counterfeiting and piracy were documented from October 2004 through mid-January 2006, totaling more than 1.41 billion seized counterfeit items worth an estimated US$ 4.13 trillion." That's a lot of money taken out of the economy and put into the hands of criminals. "According to the New York City Police Foundation, an estimated $1 billion in New York City alone is lost in tax revenue from counterfeit purchases—money that would otherwise benefit the city's community."

* http://www.straight.com/article/new-york-knocks-off-fashions-big-names

Another great source: http://www.iacc.org/counterfeiting/counterfeiting.php

As for the comments about not caring about brand names at all, that's fine. But I don't think that gives anyone the right to put down someone else who does get enjoyment out of them. I love my Dior bag. But I also drive a used Echo. I would never put my money into a new car. I would never buy a gaming system, or sports tickets, or fine china, or a large screen tv. Those things don't matter to me and wouldn't mean anything to me. But I do like my purse. To me it was worth the money for amount of joy it brings me. And what better use it there for money?

I agree. Many people think nothing of buying a knock-off and supporting illegal activity, BUT, if you told them that you didn't tell Disney that your child just turned 3 years old right before your trip, they would BITE YOUR HEAD OFF! Or, God Forbid, have 5 people in a room meant for 4! Not that I condone these things, either, but people should realize the types of criminals they are supporting when they buy knock offs.

 

[Scurvy]

No. Maybe the person just liked the bag or thought it was fun. When I was in Korea, I don't think anybody really thought a private in the army had a Gucci bag. I didn't think the guys I worked with really had Rolexes either, lol.

My opinion on this is who cares? If you want a real bag, get a real bag, if you want a fake, get a fake. Someone who gets judgmental about someone else's choice (whether real or fake) has wayyyy to much time on their hands to ponder stuff that doesn't matter.

Perhaps that is part of the problem. It ought to matter to people that they are buying illegal goods and supporting those who are stealing from others. I am surprised it doesn't matter to you. I imagine if someone stole your television and they were selling it cheap on the street you'd probably think that mattered. I suspect that if you wrote a novel and I made copies of it to sell to people cheaper than the copies you were selling you would probably care about that. Clearly you don't care about counterfeit or stolen bags because they don't affect you. It doesn't matter that those who buy counterfeit or stolen bags are supporting criminal activity, just as long as they are getting a good price on their knockoff bags, because apparently that's the only thing that matters. That seems like an awfully selfish attitude, frankly.

 

[dzorn]

Well, living better, means spending more. Lets not go to extremes like flying private jet to MCO but better house, better clothes, better education and so on is defenition of living better. And yes, helping society is one of it as well. As for your friend, he inherited money, right? Just waiter and multimillionaire does not come together, unless there some really good tips(just having fun).

I found this very sad that someone actually believes this.

I could care less how someone spends their money providing it is a legal purchase. There is nothing wrong with designer inspired bags as long as they are not claiming they are orginal. If you have the money and wish to buy an orginal go right ahead if that makes you happy.

Denise in MI

 

[bumbershoot]

I can spot a fake LV from a mile away. Even DH now can spot the fakes. If you are carrying a fake LV you must know that we all can tell it is fake and we are laughing at you for being a poser.

So strange to take the time to evaluate if something someone is carrying is "real", and then to laugh at them.

We carried Ralph Lauren, and we also carried Gucci sunglasses. The price point for the Ralph Laurens were about $50-$60, the Gucci were $200-$250.

I know it was wrong of me, but I had to laugh whenever people came in and had to have the Gucci sunglasses because they were, "sooooo much better."

The reality? Both lines of sunglasses were produced with the same materials, in the same factory, by the same company. The company then PAID Ralph Lauren and Gucci for the right to put their name on the glasses.

Were people actually getting more for their money? No way. They were paying for a name. And, in actuality both lines of sunglasses were lacking key features that other brands had (read: they were pretty crappy).

Love that!

So who makes the best sunglasses? As in...best for your eyes? Which is, at least for me, the whole point of sunglasses...

I'd rather carry a $20 bag b/c I can afford it, and its cute.... than some fake one bc it says coach on it just B/C it says Coach on it.......... KWIM???

JCPenney, Rosetti brand, 19.98, man-made, cute!

Can't stand leather purses, not a surprise since I'm a longtime vegetarian (sometimes I have to deal with leather on my athletic shoes, but it's nowhere else in our home or car...almost all my shoes are from Payless..of course, shoes are tricky anyway b/c of my hobbit-shaped feet, LOL), and I'm so glad I found my cutie Rosetti purse! Going to get some other colors of it as soon as I can.

 

[Purseval]

Yes like that I like the Tack bag(over/under) and doesn't appear to be navy is it the "air force" blue??
How did you get the pics on here???

I'll take a few separate pics of that bag and post them tomorrow. I made the other pic I took smaller and put it back in my original post. You take a picture then use a hosting service to post the pictures here. The one I like better lets you post a small picture then click on it for a larger version, those are the ones you saw. Tinypic (the one I deleted then put back in a smaller format) just lets you post the picture.

 

[mumom95]

OK, I just read this whole thread and this is what I don't get. The main purpose for buying a designer bag is for the prestige -

I would have to disagree with this. The main reason I buy a designer bag (well Coach, which to some is still a cheap bag) isn't for the prestige, it's for the quality and the reputation of the company.

I had a Coach purse that I have used almost every day for the past 18 months. It had a small tear on the top. I was at the Coach store looking at purses and the sales lady saw it and said "your purse has a tear, would you like a refund?" I was shocked, I told her I'd carried the bag for a year and a half it was probably just normal wear and tear. She said it didn't matter, she would either refund me the entire price of the purse (I didn't need the receipt) and she would take the purse or I could keep the purse and get 40% off a new purse. I doubt I could take a purse I bought at Kohls or JC Penny back after 18 months of constant use, no receipt and get a refund.

 

[OceanAnnie]

OK, I just read this whole thread and this is what I don't get. The main purpose for buying a designer bag is for the prestige - it shows people that you can "afford" said bag. OK, that's fine, whatever floats your boat.

In this thread people who buy these designer bags are called things like "shallow" or "materialistic" by others who say the fake bags are just as good.

So if you are buying a fake designer bag, what is the point? I would think it is to convey the same message as the person who buys the real bag - prestige. So, if you want the prestige too (for a fraction of the price) should you really be calling those who buy the real thing shallow? Seems hypocritical to me.

I don't know if you were quoting me or not. But I did use the words, "fraction of the cost". My bag is a designer bag that I got on sale.

 

[tasha99]

Perhaps that is part of the problem. It ought to matter to people that they are buying illegal goods and supporting those who are stealing from others. I am surprised it doesn't matter to you. I imagine if someone stole your television and they were selling it cheap on the street you'd probably think that mattered. I suspect that if you wrote a novel and I made copies of it to sell to people cheaper than the copies you were selling you would probably care about that. Clearly you don't care about counterfeit or stolen bags because they don't affect you. It doesn't matter that those who buy counterfeit or stolen bags are supporting criminal activity, just as long as they are getting a good price on their knockoff bags, because apparently that's the only thing that matters. That seems like an awfully selfish attitude, frankly.

That's a very Western way of thinking. The places I have seen counterfeit materials don't have the same concept of copyright/trademark. The truth is, the counterfeits do not actually take much market from the real thing. A 20 year old soldier would not buy the same bag as a middle aged, middle class housewiife anyway.

 

[KellyNY]

I found this very sad that someone actually believes this.

Really? So when you talk to your kids about importance of education, so they could get a better job and have a better life, what exacty do you mean? It is up to you to spend your money on education of future generations, or vacation, or wine, food, bags, houses, cars, retirement, charities, but the key word is SPEND.

 

[luvmy3]

That's a very Western way of thinking. The places I have seen counterfeit materials don't have the same concept of copyright/trademark. The truth is, the counterfeits do not actually take much market from the real thing. A 20 year old soldier would not buy the same bag as a middle aged, middle class housewiife anyway.

Not having the same concept does not make it okay that they are breaking the law. Its sad that people like you justify with it with such ridiculous reasons

 

[Scurvy]

That's a very Western way of thinking. The places I have seen counterfeit materials don't have the same concept of copyright/trademark. The truth is, the counterfeits do not actually take much market from the real thing. A 20 year old soldier would not buy the same bag as a middle aged, middle class housewiife anyway.

That might explain why bootleg DVDs and other pirated products from China are such a problem for so many companies. Maybe those who don't understand the concept of copyright/trademark have an excuse as to why they support the criminals who produce the counterfeit goods. However, since most of the posters on this thread who are defending counterfeit products actually seem to be "Westerners", I doubt that the fact that it's a "Western way of thinking" really factors in.

The truth is, that even if those who are buying the counterfeit purses would never have bought the real thing, the counterfeiters are still stealing designs and violating copyright and it's still illegal. You might want to refer to some of Ember's excellent posts on this thread to see some of the other lovely things that the money spent on counterfeit goods supports.

 

[Ember]

My opinion on this is who cares? If you want a real bag, get a real bag, if you want a fake, get a fake. Someone who gets judgmental about someone else's choice (whether real or fake) has wayyyy to much time on their hands to ponder stuff that doesn't matter.

That's a very Western way of thinking. The places I have seen counterfeit materials don't have the same concept of copyright/trademark. The truth is, the counterfeits do not actually take much market from the real thing. A 20 year old soldier would not buy the same bag as a middle aged, middle class housewiife anyway.

It does matter, just not to you. Counterfeits are a serious and very dangerous problem. You can choose to bury your head in the sand but that doesn't make the problem go away. Just because you aren't taking away from big business doesn't mean you aren't supporting criminal activity. What's sad is that the knock off that 20 year soldier just bought may very likely have provided funding to the criminals in war he may be fighting.

It's easy to ignore a problem when it's not affecting you. But those who do care aren't somehow wrong for doing so. It's not a small problem either, it's a global issue involving billions of dollars.

 

[cbg1027]

My question is why buy the real or fake bag when the logo is plastered all over it? LV, Coach, D & B....?

I don't get it. Why advertise for the company? Seems like they should be paying YOU to carry it and advertise for them!

When I see someone with purse with a logo plastered all over it, it makes me think they just want others to know how much they spent on the bag.

 

[ShanPooh]

Oh boy!
After reading this train wreak of a thread, I'm going to take my wallet (not purse) and skedaddle.

 

[tasha99]

It does matter, just not to you. Counterfeits are a serious and very dangerous problem. You can choose to bury your head in the sand but that doesn't make the problem go away. Just because you aren't taking away from big business doesn't mean you aren't supporting criminal activity. What's sad is that the knock off that 20 year soldier just bought may very likely have provided funding to the criminals in war he may be fighting.

It's easy to ignore a problem when it's not affecting you. But those who do care aren't somehow wrong for doing so. It's not a small problem either, it's a global issue involving billions of dollars.

Omg, I was the 20 year old soldier, and it was sold to me by a Korean person. It put food on their table and was probably made in their little shop (you could usually get anything made up because they had the fabrics right there). It is a crime in America; not in every country. It may be a crime in Korea today, but I don't think it was back then--we were outright told we could transport a reasonable amount of stuff like that for personal use back the the states, but that they wouldn't ship large quantities (so even the us govt didn't seem to care.)

 

[CrazyDuck]

I buy my wife fake purses and tell her they are real... This summer I'm taking my kids to Shijingshan and will tell them it's Disneyland... I doubt they will be able to tell the difference: http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/05/02/disneyland-in-china/

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I buy my wife fake purses and tell her they are real... This summer I'm taking my kids to Shijingshan and will tell them it's Disneyland... I doubt they will be able to tell the difference: http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/05/02/disneyland-in-china/

THAT is hysterical!



Not that it should matter to anyone else, but I buy purses because of the way they look. Quality is important, too. So this limits me to a couple of companies that I actively seek out to purchase from. D&B, Coach, and Brighton are my usuals. I prefer that there be no logo fabric, mostly because I prefer leather. I will not spend a lot of money on them either as I always buy on sale (Macy's puts D&B on sale sometimes) or outlets. I never think twice about whether anyone can tell if it's fake or not. (Really, how snobbish is that to say you can spot a fake a mile away. I can't believe this as I have seen some pretty good fakes of these brands which I am very familiar with. Unless of course you examine it inside/out, which would probably get you smacked.) So I will pay up to $200 for a nice leather D&B. No vinyl or cloth bag is worth that much. I ordered a gorgeous huge D&B bag from QVC that ended up being $270 and I couldn't stand how much it cost once I got it so I sent it back. I once bought a fake Dolce and Gabbanna at a flea market because I thought it was really cute. I know nothing about this brand and don't know or care if it was a direct knock off. I would have bought it without the logo on it. I got more compliments on that $35 purse than any of my others put together.

I spend a lot on sunglasses, too. I buy Serengetti-around $150 discounted-because I wear them every day and I can definitely tell the quality when I look through them. I spend very little on clothes or shoes.

 

[Miss Ree]

I have a 1996 R701 Carrier bag in the Fir Green with the Burnt Cedar trim that still has the white factory sticker behind the credit card flap. I've never carried this bag since it took me forever to find the Burnt cedar trim I was looking for and I am keeping it for our 20th anniversary since I the day I got this bag hubby and I got engaged DH and I don't mean Dear LOL dropped it a couple years ago getting something out of the closet and scuffed the duck but other then that it still looks like it just came from the store.
I have 2 of the Calvry body bags(dooney's answer to the fanny pack) that I use as when we go on vacation as well a fanny pack they were a gifts from my mother and grandmother so to me they are priceless.

But I don't do and won't do counterfit/fake bags.

I have a Aigner that I carry for everyday and save my D&B's for special occasions.
I also have some Rosetti wallets etc that I use and carry alot.

I don't care what kind of purse anyone carries, where they bought it or what they paid for it so long as it isn't illegal!!!

 

[luvmy3]

Omg, I was the 20 year old soldier, and it was sold to me by a Korean person. It put food on their table and was probably made in their little shop (you could usually get anything made up because they had the fabrics right there). It is a crime in America; not in every country. It may be a crime in Korea today, but I don't think it was back then--we were outright told we could transport a reasonable amount of stuff like that for personal use back the the states, but that they wouldn't ship large quantities (so even the us govt didn't seem to care.)

No, its a crime to steal a copyright, trademark, patent or anything else that falls under intelectual property in ANY country where those things have been filed by a company.