Online shopping has given us great opportunities to be able to buy the items we want and need at great prices. It’s a shame that with all the good things people find a way to take advantage of others.
Selling Coach products online is big business. If you are looking to purchase a Coach product online, you should do your homework before making your purchase. You need to make sure that the money you are paying is for an authentic Coach bag, not a fake Coach bag.
Here are some tips to help you shop for the real deal.
Tip #1: C Pattern Layout
If your bag has ‘c’ or ‘cc’ style stitching, you will be able to use this pattern to inspect for authenticity. Look at the bag to verify the following.
A. Pattern c should go up and down.
b. The pattern will be centered on the front and back panel of the bag.
vs The stitching will go directly across the ‘c’ or ‘cc’ pattern without cutting through the letters.
d. Look at some photos online of the c pattern on the style of bag you want to buy.
There must be a consistency with the pattern.
Tip #2: Leather Serial Number Tag
There is a serial number that exists on most real Coach bags beginning with ‘No’ found on the inside sewn on leather tag. On some of the smaller authentic wallet sizes there is no leather tag. These styles would include the clutch, swingback, and mini. I have also seen counterfeits that have the tag sewn on that begins with a No followed by a serial number. However, when you compare the fake tag to the real one, the quality of the leather and print makes it apparent which one is real. Words on the label must also be capitalized.
Tip #3: Know the real deal
I suggest you visit real Coach retail stores to start learning what an authentic Coach bag looks and feels like. Pay attention to the appearance of the leather, the lining, the zipper, the seams and the leather label. As you become more familiar with the real Coach bags, the fake ones will become easier to spot.
Tip #4: Poor Craftsmanship – Leather is assembled
See the seam on the bag. Stitches that are a different width or have threads coming out of the seam are a great way to spot a fake. On a real Coach bag, the stitching is flawless.
Tip #5: Coaching Style
To be a true Coach bag it must be a Coach style. This one can be a bit tricky as Coach releases new styles throughout the year. I see the internet as a great way to help you determine if the style you are looking at is a real style. Ask your question in a forum or blog and learn from others.
Tip #6: Zip
Inspect the bag’s zipper. In a bad Coach imitation, you can simply tell the difference by looking at the zipper. A Coach bag will use a ‘YKK’ engraved zipper. Look for the engraving. If you’re still not sure, close the wallet several times to see how well the wallet closes.
Tip #7: C not G
I think this one should go without saying, but it’s worth mentioning as it may be working for some people. The Coach brand begins with a ‘c’, not a ‘g’. It’s incredibly silly to me, but some Coach knockoffs have the stitching of a ‘g’ or ‘gg’, not a ‘c’ or ‘cc’.
Tip #8: Packaging
I’ve seen some auctions with photos of handbags with handles wrapped in plastic. To my knowledge this would also be a sign of a fake Coach bag.
Tip #9: Read About Us or Seller Information
Retail websites that simply don’t say what they’re selling are usually selling counterfeits. Read about the retailer. Do a Google search on the retailer to see if people are happy with the service.
If you’re looking to buy on eBay, buy from someone who has a great track record selling Coach handbags. eBay does not allow sellers to sell counterfeits and monitors this issue, but sellers can still go undetected.
Do your homework so you can enjoy an authentic Coach bag at a great price. Happy shopping!