During this time of economic turmoil, it’s easy for consumers to justify purchasing a designer replica bag at a fraction of the cost of the original. Most of us can’t fit the high cost of a funky designer bag into our budget, but we’d still love to carry that gorgeous bag we saw in our favorite fashion magazine. That’s why many people turn to buying handbags online through auction sites or other outlets.

It can be a challenge for shoppers looking to buy designer bags online, but the rewards are great if you find an authentic bag at a drastically reduced price. Be sure to do your homework before making that purchase online. Look at the seller’s credentials. How long has this person been selling? What is your feedback rating? Carefully read the comments left by your customers, both positive and negative. If a seller is using stock photos of the bag in his auction listing, don’t assume that the images actually represent what he’s selling; instead, be sure to ask for current photos of the bag. Even after asking all the right questions, it is sometimes almost impossible to tell the difference between a counterfeit bag and a genuine one. Counterfeit bags are often cleverly packaged with dust bags, care cards, retail labels, or even fake serial numbers.

If you’re contemplating buying a replica bag, you really should think about who will ultimately benefit from your decision. Counterfeiting is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, ultimately benefiting organized criminals, terrorists, and other unscrupulous groups. Law enforcement does a great job fighting counterfeiters, but the problem is growing and it is impossible to prosecute all offenders. It is our duty as law-abiding citizens to ensure that we do not contribute to the success of organizations that compromise intellectual property rights.

As a tourist visiting a foreign country, it is common to see street vendors openly displaying fake designer bags. It can be tempting to buy a bag from a seller, but be aware that if you are caught trying to re-enter the United States with a counterfeit bag, customs officials may seize and destroy it.

If you sell designer products, consider yourself a reseller. If your products are found to be counterfeit, you are subject to state and federal criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. “Not knowing” is not an excuse. If you’re sure, have it authenticated. Prevention is better than cure!

Unfortunately, today’s online market has become saturated with counterfeit bags. It is imperative that buyers have a trusted place to authenticate the designer handbags they intend to buy or sell. That’s why we at Coal Creek Auctions have decided to start offering authentication services.

Spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a designer bag you think is authentic, only to find out later that it’s a fake, can be devastating. For your own peace of mind, it is well worth the small investment to obtain a qualified proof of authenticity.