Some days I break women’s hearts. I know, you never suspected that I could be so cruel, but alas, break them I do. Here’s why. As many of you are aware, I own a large consignment shop in Rhode Island. And I break hearts when I have to tell women that the Prada/Hermes/Celine/Coach/Tori Burch handbag that they are trying to consign is actually a fake. Not surprisingly, some of these women are less-than-crestfallen, as they are already aware of the authenticity issue. But some gals are down-right devastated to learn that their bag is a fake. Maybe it was a gift? Or they bought it at a shop or on a sight that swore up-and-down that it was legit? But it’s a fake and I’m not selling it (I’ll explain more on that in a minute). Some of you may be thinking to yourself: why is this an issue, Marianne? Who does it hurt? What’s the harm? Well, there are several reasons. So let me tell you why buying fake designer handbags is bad.
#1 Reason Why Buying Fake Designer Handbags is Bad: It’s Illegal
In the United States it is against federal law to create, transport or sell fake designer handbags. Yup, that federal law! The big guys. And these bags break the law because the law protects the trademarks of the makers of the authentic bags. Coach, for example, is the only one who has the right to use the “Coach New York” trademark, which includes the little stage coach and finer details, right down to the typeface. Now I don’t want you to worry that the FBI is coming for you and that fake Channel number you bought on vacation. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that “federal law doesn’t prohibit shoppers from purchasing counterfeit products for personal use, even if they know they’re fake,” according to FindLaw.com. But these fake bags break the law, and hopefully that’s enough for you to make it a hard pass.
What Else To Consider About Fake Bags
If breaking the law isn’t enough of a reason, you may want to consider that fake designer bags:
- Are generally of inferior quality to authentic bags
- Are often produced in sweatshops where workers are under-paid and treated poorly
- Can even contain banned chemicals and materials hazardous to your health!
Who knew, right? Hopefully these facts make you keep on walking past that table in New York full of counterfeits. Or give you the courage to pass on that invitation to that “fake bag party” at your neighbor’s house. When you know the facts, it’s hardly worth it.
Insider Tip: Consignment shops are a great place to buy authentic designer handbags. You can examine them fully before you buy and you have a shop owner who is accountable for the legitimacy of the product. Online sites and thrift stores are another story entirely. Thrifts promise nothing when you buy; it’s on you. Online sites are ridiculously difficult to go back at with any counterfeit issues. They say that they stand behind what they sell, until you challenge it. So buyer beware.
So What’s Up With Us?
Now you also understand why we don’t sell fake designer handbags at Consignments Ltd. My shop falls under this category of federal law and the fines are a doozy! Just consider this, again from FindLaw.com, “Trafficking convictions carry steep criminal penalties. The maximum penalty for a first-time offense is 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. For a second-time offense, the penalty is 20 years and a $5 million fine.” First-of-all, I do not look good in orange. And secondly, there’s no way I’m compromising my value system for some wretched handbag! It’s only the real deal at my store. And I think that you should avoid ANY consignment shop that doesn’t follow this same philosophy.
For some related reads, check out my previous blogs, including: Best Travel Items to Buy at Consignment and Thrift Stores and Consignment Shop Best Buys – Fashion.
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