shopping -knockoff handbags

[t-bone]

Hello....we are going on the 7-day western dcl, and i was wondering which port is the best port to buy (imitation) handbags?
thanks

 

[jel0511]

First off, you do know that buying imitation handbags is illegal, right? Anyway, I can't recall at any of the Western ports that had them. I believe they only have them in the Eastern ports.

 

[Honu]

Buying them isn't illegal. Immoral, but not illegal. Selling them is illegal.

You are allowed to own and bring through customs a maximum of 2 counterfeit items. This includes handbags, glasses, clothing, watches, etc. Any more than 2 items and it's considered trafficking.

IMO owning and carrying fakes is really tacky, but to each his own.

 

[Pacha]

Buying them isn't illegal. Immoral, but not illegal. Selling them is illegal.

You are allowed to own and bring through customs a maximum of 2 counterfeit items. This includes handbags, glasses, clothing, watches, etc. Any more than 2 items and it's considered trafficking.

IMO owning and carrying fakes is really tacky, but to each his own.

Actually it is a little more confusing than just one item (see 4.1 below).It is one article of each type as long as it is for personal use. The following is from the U.S Customs prohibited/resticted goods page.

Pacha

PERSONAL USE EXEMPTION: UNAUTHORIZED TRADEMARKS

1. PURPOSE. To clarify Customs policy with respect to the proper application of the personal use exemption.

2. AUTHORITY. Generally, Section 526 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. §1526) and section 42 of the Act of July 5, 1946 (60 Stat. 440; 15 U.S.C. §1124) (the Lanham Act) proscribe the importation of goods bearing counterfeits of trademarks which have been registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and recorded with U.S. Customs.

3. BACKGROUND. According to the statute (19 U.S.C. §1526(d)(1)), such restrictions do not apply to the importation of articles accompanying any person arriving in the United States, when such articles are for his personal use and not for sale, provided such articles have been approved and enumerated by Customs, and that such person has not been granted a 1526(d) exemption within 30 days immediately preceding his arrival. However, 19 U.S.C.§1526(d)(4) also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out that law.

4. ACTION. Customs officers shall permit any person arriving in the United States, to import one article, which must accompany the person, bearing a counterfeit, confusingly similar, or restricted gray market trademark, provided that the article is for personal use and not for sale.

4.1 Customs officers shall permit the arriving person to retain one article of each type accompanying the person. For example, an arriving person who has three purses, whether each bears a different unauthorized trademark or whether all three bear the same unauthorized trademark, is permitted one purse.

4.2 Imported items over and above one article are subject to disposition under either 19 CFR § 133.21 (counterfeit) or 19 CFR § 133.24 (gray market and confusingly similar). Under 19 CFR § 133.21, counterfeit items, in the absence of permission from the trademark owner, must be seized and forfeited. Gray market or confusingly similar goods are subject to detention under 19 CFR §133.24(a). Upon such a detention, Customs officers should orally advise the person(s) arriving that the articles are subject to detention and that in accordance with 19 CFR §133.24(c)(2), such articles may be:

4.2.1 Exported or destroyed under Customs supervision; or

4.2.2 Imported if the mark is removed or obliterated to Customs satisfaction; or

4.2.3 Released if permission to import the goods is obtained from the trademark holder.

 

[Honu]

Thanks for the code. I work with someone that was behind a lady going through customs with a bunch of purses and watches in her suitcase. Customs told her she was only allowed 2 gray market items and then the agents escorted her off somewhere. Not the way I would want to end a vacation.

I'm a bit surprised that any are allowed. Seems it would make sense for the government not to allow any products through if they are truly serious about stopping the counterfeiters.

 

[fairytalelover]

.

IMO owning and carrying fakes is really tacky, but to each his own.

Not everyone can afford a $500 bag. So I see nothing wrong with buying fakes. YOu like the way it looks but cant afford to fork our hundreds of dollars then get a fake. Not a big deal IMO.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Who cares whether its moral (???) or otherwise. It's not illegal to buy a knock-off in St. Thomas. So, if someone wants to, let them, if someone doesn't, that's okay too.

Why is everyone so sensitive?

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Someone had posted before that knock-offs help fund terrorism.

I don't want to help terrorists, but do have a hard time believing that every single fake, whether it be sunglasses, watches, handbag, etc. benefits terrorism.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I ended the previous thread too early.

The original poster had an honest question. (Welcome to the Disboards! ) I don't recall seeing any on the Western. Nassau has the straw market. St. Thomas has certain items as well.

 

[t-bone]

Thank you Mickeyhugger, I was beginning to get a little turned off by the replies. I really did just have an honest question, I didn't mean to offend anyone and the prevoius reply that we all can't afford a $400.00 bag was right !!thanks-

 

[suejmj]

I am not one to get caught up or respond to the "silly" and "off the track" threads but I cannot stop myself from replying to this one.
The question was where can you get imitation purses. I am amazed at how the responses are not replies to offer assistance but to speak to t-bone as though she were a child. I am finding so much of this lately - and quite frankly I am getting "turned off". It's like the old game of telephone we played as children where you start with one statement and by the time it makes it's way to the last person - it is a completely new statement.
Let's stick to the question....and quit passing judgments.

 

[dreamflight99]

I just disembarked the West Coast Cruise, and saw LOADS of faux bags at every port. Most were generic LV type bags in the monogram canvas or mulitcore. ALSO...the codes and rules governing these fakes are so defined, it's easy to pass with a simple "purposeful" flaw. IE...the bags I looked at in the Port of Mazatlan, had the NAME MISPELLED on the buttons and zippers! IT READ "LUIS VUITON" instead of the AUTHENTIC "LOUIS VUITTON" making them LEGAL for RETAIL SALE! (Hence: FAUX, not COUNTERFEIT). Also, they had tags which act as "disclaimers" stating they are NOT authentic designer bags (as if anyone believes they are!!?).

I do not care if anyone purchases or carries a faux bag...("knock yourself off...or out, etc!!"). I buy originals for myself, as I personally enjoy investing in a bag which will last forever. There is simply no comparison between a fake/counterfeit and the real thing (IMHO). It takes more than 6~months to make ONE genuine Louis. But, as someone wrote...not everyone can afford the real thing. If the fakes are acceptable replacements, it's their personal choice. Hope you find the bags!

 

[Honu]

Thank you Mickeyhugger, I was beginning to get a little turned off by the replies. I really did just have an honest question, I didn't mean to offend anyone and the prevoius reply that we all can't afford a $400.00 bag was right !!thanks-

Sorry if it seemed I was berating you. I thought telling you that you may have issues bringing counterfeit items back through customs was being helpful. Although my admitted tone was harsh, I truly would hate to see anyone get in trouble at customs because they didn't know.

The bottom line here is that in buying these items you are supporting organized crime. I think that's something that should be considered when buying these items.

 

[dreamflight99]

The bottom line here is that in buying these items you are supporting organized crime. I think that's something that should be considered when buying these items.

ITA...and here in California, it seems rampant. I'm sure it's like this in every city. I know for sure, the designers/authorities do NOT support such sales! For the record, while in Europe we were forewarned by the authorities that purchasing ANY "counterfeit" item and attempting to transport it across the immigration port was considered a major offense, and anyone caught doing so would be fined and/or jailed, (and the merchandise confiscated and destroyed). Didn't bother me, the LV merchandise we purchased in Paris was authentic...from the LV store directly across from our hotel. They would not even permit "handling" of the bags in the store, as the "OIL" from skin can compromise the integrity of the leather, etc. The manner in which they display the bags, and bring them out for viewing (if you're interested in a purchase) is controlled by supervising associates. Also, LV's NEVER go on sale, and are NEVER discounted. Therefore, even old LV's hold their value.

 

[justmestace]

$400? WHERE?!? MY LV's run me $2,500 and UP!! I do have some D&B's, Kate Spades and others which are $400! LOL. But even my Burberry's begin at $1000!? I bought this one in SF last month, cute and FUN!--I was on a "waitlist" for it!). I can always tell a fake from a real bag, even from a distance. There is simply no comparison.

DF99

Just wondering if you know how this sounds to the families that have to save for years just to be able to go on a cruise?? Fine, you have money. I think anyone who has read your posts has figured that one out. I'm betting that there are people on these boards who have as much, but don't "advertise" it, but a lot more who don't have as much, and are not the least bit impressed.
BTW....were you in the Walt or the Roy on the June 4th cruise? (I'm fairly certain it wasn't the Roy)

 

[Jennifer48]

Yet again another thread that gets off the track of the original post. All T-bone wanted was to know if any of us knew what good ports to buy the faux designer bags at. She didn't ask anyones opinion if they thought this was smart or not. So what if you think it is illegal, immoral, unethical or WHATEVER. Let her do what she wants. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but I just don't think its nice that everyone is judging her because of the question that she asked. We don't even know if she is going to buy one!

 

[Regina]

Holy Guacamole! I'm wearing a pair of fake Chanel earrings that I got in Mazatlan last month, and my DD's are always on the prowl for fakes when we take them cruizin'. (Although they've gotten a bit spoiled since Mom discovered the Coach outlet.) Please don't report me to Immigration.

You'll find that whichever port you go to, there will be fakes for sale. Heck, go to NYC for that matter and you'll find them there too.

I don't remember specific shops in the ports. They're all over the place. The quality is often about sub-ten, but if you just want one for fun, go for it. Just stick to the Disney recommended shops when making a serious purchase.

 

[Pacha]

Well, personally, I would be carefull about what I bought that was a knockoff. For sunglasses and most clothing items I probably would if it was something I was looking for. Now electronic items I probably wouldn't because of the quality.
As for the people bashing the OP...First off if you read my first post (#4) you will see that you can LEGALLY bring in 1 article of each type of knockoff. So if our government says it's legal to buy and bring back to the U.S. a knockoff purse (or whatever), then who are you to condemn or judge them. If it is legal to do by the laws of our country, then the moral issue is really gray. And to say that by doing so they support organized crime or terrorism...well if our government allows it then they are supporting it also.


Pacha

 

[starwood]

Isn't there a difference between fake and counterfeit. A fake is sold with the knowledge that it is not the real thing but looks similar. A counterfeit is idential down to the trademark name on it.

 

[gepetto]

I'm betting that there are people on these boards who have as much, but don't "advertise" it, but a lot more who don't have as much, and are not the least bit impressed.

I don't know why she does that...and the way she types the really EXPENSIVE stuff in BOLD PRINT or ALL CAPS just to make sure everyone sees it.