Where can I find a knock-off of this purse?

[4greatboys]

Okay I ended up going to the mall to see some of the bags in the giraffee print and they are so pretty in person. The one I really liked was $450. No way am I paying that though.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I saw that large giraffe print on some bags at the flea market today. Some had red trim, too. I didn't see if they had that style, but a flea market would be a good place to look for a knock off.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I buy knock-off's (aka "fakes"-- they have the name brand logo on them) at local purse parties. Many name brands are available in various colors & styles as a knock-offs. I've purchased 1 coach bag, 2 Prada bags and one Dulce & Gabbana. They look pretty authentic, but like a PP stated, someone who carries the original would be able to tell the difference. I'll tell ya though, I get so many comments on my purses, mainly because they see the brand plate.

Just the other day I was going into the courthouse and had to put my purse in a tub to go through the x-ray machine. When I was waiting for my purse on the other side, the security guard asked, "Oh, I have to ask who owns the Prada?" I said it was mine. He said it was really nice and that his wife would love something like that! I just say thanks and chuckle because I paid $40, not $1400 or more.

Be careful about those parties, I saw a 60 minutes spot where a bunch of soccer moms were arrested along with the seller at one of those parties for dealing in fakes.

Just for the record, I don't care if someone buys a fake or not, just wanted to warn y'all. In fact, I bought a cute "Dolce and Gabana" bag today at a flea market for $35. I don't even know what a real one would look like, I just liked the purse.

 

[JayhawkMomma]

I just wanted to let you know that purse parties are illegal as are the purses that are sold at them. Lots of those knockoffs sell for $100 or more at parties. You can go to a Coach outlet and get a genuine purse for $200 or less, why in the world would you spend your hard earned money on something that is subpar and will fall apart in 1 month? Not to mention, the knockoffs are made by people of not so ethical means, do you really want your money going to support criminal activity?

Just my opinion.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Be careful about those parties, I saw a 60 minutes spot where a bunch of soccer moms were arrested along with the seller at one of those parties for dealing in fakes.

Just for the record, I don't care if someone buys a fake or not, just wanted to warn y'all. In fact, I bought a cute "Dolce and Gabana" bag today at a flea market for $35. I don't even know what a real one would look like, I just liked the purse.

I just wanted to let you know that purse parties are illegal as are the purses that are sold at them. Lots of those knockoffs sell for $100 or more at parties. You can go to a Coach outlet and get a genuine purse for $200 or less, why in the world would you spend your hard earned money on something that is subpar and will fall apart in 1 month? Not to mention, the knockoffs are made by people of not so ethical means, do you really want your money going to support criminal activity?

Just my opinion.

Wow! I did not know they were illegal!! Nevermind..

 

[Minnie's Pal]

They are not illegal unless they carry the name brand they are knocking-off. (In other words, posing to be the real thing when they are not.) Otherwise, why (for instance, after a big awards show) do all of the morning talk shows immediately show you what stores are carrying the closest knock-offs to the prettiest dresses of the nights. Just like the purses, they look almost like the original but when it comes right down to it - they are not.

 

[HayGan]

The purses at ioffer.com look decent have got really high shipping costs.

I looked at blueskyimports.com and they have some decent looking knock-offs. I notice this is a wholesale website that has a $100 order min.

Did you do a search at ioffer.com for Dooney Giraffe? There are a number of nice ones that have much lower or actual shipping charges.

I found this one http://www.ioffer.com/i/Dooney-Bourke-DB-Giraffe-Zebra-print-handbag-P1080379-60779491
that is only $29 and shipping is actual shipping. There are plenty you can get for around ~$55 when you look a the total cost.

 

[ibdamamma]

They are not illegal unless they carry the name brand they are knocking-off. (In other words, posing to be the real thing when they are not.) Otherwise, why (for instance, after a big awards show) do all of the morning talk shows immediately show you what stores are carrying the closest knock-offs to the prettiest dresses of the nights. Just like the purses, they look almost like the original but when it comes right down to it - they are not.

**getting flame suit on**Actually, I would really hate to burst your bubble here, but I am advocate against fakes and knockoffs. I once got burned from Ioffer and other sites. This was many years ago but to let you know some facts about how illegal and wrong it is to be involved with the knock off industry.

If a manufacturer uses and promotes bags that have the dooney logo or other designer logo it is counterfiet unless it is manufactured by dooney itself. Therefore its illegal. Purse Parties are also illegal because they are counterfiet goods being sold. My girlfriend went to a purse party and had the nerve to tell me a coach bag with those god aweful yellow tages ment it was real. No, sweetie its fake. You pay so much for fakes when you can buy the actual thing at the outlets or used on ebay for much cheaper than a place like ioffer. With a little sweat you can find a real one at a good cost. Also, designer inspired is totally different than counterfiet. If you see a bag you like, you can find a similar one without all the signage of the original designer and that is called designer inspired and therefore legal.

Mychildmama on ebay has one of the best reviews to read and educate yourself against fakes.

Americans today are so oblivious to counterfiet industry.


**off my soapbox now**

 

[dakcp2001]

I work in an office park, and they have vendors that come to sell stuff in the lobby, usually on pay days, and we had some purse knock off people that used to come. I am SO not into purses at all (althought hat giraffe one was cute)so I never looked at them to see if they were "good" or not.

One employee had some type of fraudelent credit card use after buying one so she waited for them to come back and called ther police, and they like abandoned ship before the cops arrived. Like literally left all their stuff and took off. So I am sure they were not only into knock off purses,but also inton using your credit card. Definately not the type of people you want to do business with, in my opinion.

Dont you watch Sex the City? Did you see the episode where they went to LA, and went to buy a knockoff purse from someones trunk? Lol. From my experience, sketchy people sell sketchy purses.

 

[Minnie's Pal]

**getting flame suit on**Actually, I would really hate to burst your bubble here,

The only part that flames me is the above comment. (I've yet to know a person that knows it all - including myself.) Corrections are fine (I have no problem admitting I'm wrong if found so), it's the words used.

I assumed only the company name, logo, company specific symbol, etc. could be trademarked. (I didn't think anyone can trademark a giraffe print.) I figured if you bought something that looked close to an original, as long as wasn't advertised in any way as an original, you were in the clear.

So is Good Morning, America hosting illegal material when they show you where to buy the knock-off designer dresses on post-awards show morning? (Honest question...)

 

[Feeln'Froggy]

There is one on my local craigslist pm me and I will send you the link.

 

[JayhawkMomma]

The only part that flames me is the above comment. (I've yet to know a person that knows it all - including myself.) Corrections are fine (I have no problem admitting I'm wrong if found so), it's the words used.

I assumed only the company name, logo, company specific symbol, etc. could be trademarked. (I didn't think anyone can trademark a giraffe print.) I figured if you bought something that looked close to an original, as long as wasn't advertised in any way as an original, you were in the clear.

So is Good Morning, America hosting illegal material when they show you where to buy the knock-off designer dresses on post-awards show morning? (Honest question...)

Designer inspired is not illegal. Most, not all but most, purse parties sell replicas with the trademarked name/logo/fabric. She could buy a generic purse that is a giraffe purse and it is fine, I don't know where she would find one but buying a purse that says Dooney and Bourke with giraffe print is illegal. If you buy one knowingly off of ioffer or somewhere else and it's shipped to you, you are actually committing mail fraud. Chances are you won't get in any trouble just buying one purse but it *is* illegal. And you're supporting criminals.

 

[The Iron Giant]

Chances are you won't get in any trouble just buying one purse but it *is* illegal. And you're supporting criminals.

Yes... much better to support the companies that charge $500 for a purse.

 

[Minnie's Pal]

Designer inspired is not illegal. Most, not all but most, purse parties sell replicas with the trademarked name/logo/fabric. She could buy a generic purse that is a giraffe purse and it is fine, I don't know where she would find one but buying a purse that says Dooney and Bourke with giraffe print is illegal. If you buy one knowingly off of ioffer or somewhere else and it's shipped to you, you are actually committing mail fraud. Chances are you won't get in any trouble just buying one purse but it *is* illegal. And you're supporting criminals.

Thanks for the clarification. I would never knowingly do something illegal. I'd rather be safe than sorry so I guess I'll never have my giraffe purse.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

Rent one from:

http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/ui/...Id=18&attributes=Brand&values=Dooney & Bourke


It will be out of style soon. Get the real thing for a week or two

just my 2 cents, but it seems ridiculous to pay the money to only rent the bag for a few weeks or a month when you can pony up a little more and get a good designer Insprired one to keep forever... Maybe I just don't understant the appeal

 

[IDoDis]

How do you learn about purse parties?

I get invited to them just like I would get invited to a Pampered Chef party. I'm not really sure how you would find someone who deals with these purses in your area though. A lot of it is word of mouth. If you find someone with a replica purse, ask where they got it and try to track down a phone number for the hostess who can then give you the contact info. on the purse lady she did the party for.

I just finished reading the other posts and didn't think the purses were illegal because they were not being passed off as original and there are slight differences to the purse (they are not "exactly" the same). Everyone at the purse parties knows they are designer inspired bags. I hope we weren't breaking the law and will look into this more.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

They are not illegal unless they carry the name brand they are knocking-off. (In other words, posing to be the real thing when they are not.) Otherwise, why (for instance, after a big awards show) do all of the morning talk shows immediately show you what stores are carrying the closest knock-offs to the prettiest dresses of the nights. Just like the purses, they look almost like the original but when it comes right down to it - they are not.

Exactly..I agree about the Oscar dresses, that's what I have always said about them..they can be close, but not carry the designer label.

The piece I saw on 60 minutes (this was about 10-15 years ago BTW) was where they were selling copies of handbags that normally go for thousands of dollars, and these women were paying hundreds...too rich for my blood, like an above poster said if you visit an outlet, you can get a Coach or D&B for about 30-50% off. I think the women knew they were fakes..I dont' know how that would make someone innocent as opposed to someone buy a fake that thought it was real?

It probably boils down to how close the copy is to a particular style of the designers line, and if they have the labels, hardware and logos all over the bag..spelled correctly.

I wish I could remember what happened to those women, it seems like the police were most interested in the dealer..


ETA...Out of curiosity, I googled "designer purse parties" and found a bunch of sites..looked at some of the bags, and I don't think there is a problem with being arrested. These handbags may be inspired, but they look nothing like the originals..definitely not copies..I hope they don't charge much for them, they don't look very expensive..

 

[ibdamamma]

I am a design major, the term knock-off is used in the fashion industry very loosely compared to what I have learned how everyday people use it. For instance, if I were a buyer/wholesaler, I would go buy pieces from another brand and copy it. maybe not the same color or exact print but almost identical and it would be considered a knock-off. But in no way would we use another persons logo/trademark to sell our own merchandise. We would make it with cheaper fabric etc to make a better profit. Thats why when they do the GMA after awards shows, they are showing you a replica so you can have the same for less compared to spending thousands of dollars. I can bet you the replica doesn't carry the Prada or Chanel insignia.

You step into a whole new ball game with using someone else's trademark though it may not be what the original design looked like. Prime example is Louis Vuitton. Some replica's or counterfiets make bags LV never even manufactured or designed.Here is an article I found about the reprocussions of selling fakes and counterfeits:

Yesterday, a French court ordered eBay to pay almost $40 million euros (over $60M US) in damages to Louis Vuitton for allowing the sale of fake LV items.

The court has now stopped eBay from selling four kinds of perfumes, which are Givenchy, Christian Dior, Guerlain, and Kenzo.

They will also not be allowed to sell six LVMH brands.

The court determined that eBay had committed "serious errors" by allowing the sales of fake LVMH goods.

They also said eBay violated the perfume sales distribution network, which was setup by Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior Couture.

Of course, eBay said they are going to launch an appeal, believing the court did not uphold copyright law.

A spokesperson for eBay has said, "This decision is not based on combating counterfeit material. It is based on LVMH's desire to protect its commercial practices and exclude competition. This is being done at the expense of the consumers and sellers to whom eBay is always offering opportunities."

Hmmm. They have a point!

The case, which started a year and a half ago, stated that eBay knowingly allowed the sales of counterfeit products on its site.

The court also issued eBay a cease and desist order preventing it from running ads for the perfume and cosmetic brands. If they don't oblige, they'll face a fine of 50,000 euros per day, over $78K.

Gosh. Why can't they run ads??? That seems a tad excessive, no???

A rep for LVMH says, "It is a major first because of the principles that it recognizes and the amount sought."

I am sure most of the fakes from Ebay come from Ioffer, so I am sure it is being monitored to start the legal process with them. People would like to believe that they can sell replicas or counterfeits because they label it correctly BUT it is still illegal. I have seen many news stories of women getting jail terms because of it.

I am not rich, I am not poor but I do have a purse addiction and I have no problem saving for the bag that I want. My husband and I work very hard to purchase the things we do. I also, don't have a problem going to the outlets or purchasing an authentic used bag from ebay or elsewhere. You just have to know the brand and be careful. Get more opinions. I just sold 2 leather coach bags for $75 in awesome condition because I know people out there are looking for coach but cheap. So I don't mind selling it for less if it keeps people from buying the counterfeits. To me, buying fakes just proves that you have no respect for others. The funds that are cycled through counterfeits goes to many organized crime outlets and terrorists, robs the U.S out of billions in revenue/taxes. So what, you have Mercedes taste on a Toyota budget. If you want it, save for it.

This is just my opinion so take what you must from it

 

[famy27]

I attended a "purse party" not long ago. The purses presented were all allegedly "inspired by" Kate Spade, Coach, Chanel, etc, but they had the actual logos, trademarks, and certificates of authenticy attached/sewn in. This is counterfeiting. Even if the design is not identical, it is still counterfeit and infringes on the trademark of the company.

I work at a law firm and know a good bit about intellectual property laws. Buying one purse won't get you into trouble, but selling them (and even hosting a party) can. This is a federal offense with jail time as a possibility.

I confronted the "purse lady" about it, and she claimed it was legal because they tell people the bags are knock-offs (not a valid argument, I can't commit a crime but get away with it by telling you that's what I'm doing) and also because she is incorporated (again, I could incorporate and then start selling perscription drugs. That wouldn't make it legal )

My advice is to steer clear of any purse parties. If you see a purse with a designer label for $40-75, and they tell you it is fake, it is an illegal counterfeit. Better to save up a buy a real one. I saw an adorable Kate Spade at a retail store on sale for $60. A much better deal!

 

[trip]

Interesting that this topic should come up. In our area, there has been some
ICE investigations about this.

http://www.ketv.com/news/17008759/detail.html

Fake Bags Target Of Federal Investigators In Omaha

POSTED: 8:12 pm CDT July 27, 2008
UPDATED: 9:02 am CDT July 28, 2008


OMAHA, Neb. -- Think twice before you accept an invitation to a purse party.

They're popular but illegal, federal agents said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are cracking down on the distribution and sale of counterfeit handbags, which are knock-offs designed to look like expensive bags. ICE investigator William Wallrapp said counterfeit purses are big business and they may be funding even bigger criminal activity.

Most of the purses look like handbags that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The fakes cost a fraction of the price of the real bags.

A KETV NewsWatch 7 hidden camera was rolling at a designer handbag party in west Omaha. Replicas of favorite luxury brands, including Coach, Prada and Chanel, were offered for sale. Wallrapp said some saleswomen are making six figures by selling them.

"It's a lucrative trade," Wallrapp said.

The purse parties are now being watched by federal investigators.

"If we find out about these crimes, we're going to investigate them and do our best to see that they're prosecuted," Wallrapp said.

ICE recently busted two women in Scottsbluff on suspicion of selling the counterfeit goods. Kelli Larson and Jodene Burkhart were forced to forfeit more than 900 purses, wallets and sunglasses. An indictment said that the women made more than $200,000 selling the knockoffs, and now face a $2 million fine and several years in prison.

Agents also seized more than 1,200 fakes from a woman in Lincoln.

"She was going to make tens of thousands on those, probably," Wallrapp said.

Wallrap said that people who buy and sell the knockoffs don't fully understand the business behind them. He said many times organized crime rings from across the globe make the fakes.

"The majority of these items are manufactured overseas and they're imported or smuggled into the U.S.,” he said.

The money generated selling shoes, sunglasses and purses funds more serious criminal activity, the agent said.

“People involved in the narcotics trade or weapons trade or money laundering are in those trades to make money. They get involved in counterfeiting for the same reason,” Wallrapp said.

The counterfeit business also takes billions away from legitimate companies. Industry and trade associations estimate that counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy up to $250 billion a year and a total of 750,000 jobs. About 5 percent of all merchandise sold worldwide is counterfeit, industry estimate show.

"That's a big impact on our economy and our citizens," Wallrapp said. “It's not something you should be involved in."

Knockoff purses can range in price from $15-$95.

In an effort to crack down harder on counterfeiting, Wallrapp said that the government just opened a center in Virginia where several agencies work together under the same roof to solve the crimes.

There are legitimate purse parties. Watch KETV NewsWatch 7 at 5 p.m. Monday to learn more.