The evils of counterfeiting

[classicsgirl]

We all spend a lot of time on this forum authenticating bags, so I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread asking *why* is it so important to buy authentic? I attended a seminar about this at APEC last year and it really opened my eyes to alot of issues.

Basically this is what they said in the seminar: counterfeit products are an illegal industry run by the same criminal cartels that traffick drugs, arms and people across borders. And because the industry is not regulated, they are able to use slave labour and child labour to mass produce their products - children are often used because their small fingers can sew intricate stitches.

So the main reason why I don't buy fakes, beyond the better quality of a real designer bag, is because I hate the thought of giving money to those sorts of people. Why do you do it?

Some questions to kick off:

-why do you buy autherntic bags?
-did you/would you ever buy a fake?
-would you draw the line somewhere - for example are you happy to buy counterfeit DVDs or CDs when in Asia but won't buy fake clothes and bags?
-what if it was an authentic designer sample like I've heard is available in China - exactly the same product that for whatever reason never left the factory (maybe it was stolen by one of the factory workers, or left over stock or something)?

[baby of fashion]

I think if I spend my money on fake bags I wouldnt gain anything from it.. First of all, its going to look cheap and I think make me look like a wannabe.
I know not all people can afford designer bags, but why buy a bag thats going to fall apart eventually, plus alot of people dont relate that the price you pay for a designer bag is because of its quality. Before I bought my designer bags, I would wear bags from Nine West, Bebe and other high street stores( which I've still kept), better than buying a fake bag that looks cheap!

[heather123]

I think quite a lot of urban legends find their way into the 'fake bag danger debate'. I'm lucky enough to own several authentic Pradas, Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs. I always look for authentic products from reputable eBay sellers. Although I don't like fake bags I would never dream of lining the pockets of high-end brands. If the ones I hanker after aren't on eBay I just buy something else. There are always plenty more fish in the sea. I don't buy any fake goods if I can avoid them.

[jane22]

hey I like the designs and the shape. i don't worry if some bags are originally or not . also if you buy a correct bag is oviously that some animal was slaughtered. it was horrible !!

[jane22]

hey

[declaredbeauty]

why do you buy authentic bags? I like them more.. I guess. I don't really have a reason, I buy what I like?

did you/would you ever buy a fake? I have before and wouldn't do it again.

would you draw the line somewhere I download illegally if I know I'll never buy the cd because I only like that one song but, I end up buying the cds because I hate how burned dvds and cds look. I like a nice orignally glossy case.

-what if it was an authentic designer sample like I've heard is available in China - exactly the same product that for whatever reason never left the factory (maybe it was stolen by one of the factory workers, or left over stock or something)? huh?

These things will go on regardless, so that's not really the reason why I don't buy replicas. Like someone mentioned, yea you are stealing an Designers design. But also you are killing a innocent animal when you do buy authentic. So.. I don't think most care about "ethics" or if they do, wouldn't that be kind of contradictory? I think if one must argue and judge one that buys or produces a knock-off is wrong. Then that purse must be free from any and all wrong-doings.. including telling "fibs", not driving over the speed limit, etc. IMO.

[PurpleRose]

Why do you buy authentic bags? I buy authentic bags because I like them. I don't buy fakes because they're stolen designs from the companies and people who created them. I wouldn't feel right buying or using them.

Did you/would you ever buy a fake? No and no. I'd rather carry a cheap no name bag from Target than carry a fake.

Would you draw the line somewhere? I won't knowingly buy fake anything. Downloaded songs/cds... I have MP3s that people gave to me that may have been illegally downloaded, but I've never illegally downloaded anything & don't plan to. It's certainly not worth the risk these days even if I wanted to.

Originally Posted by declaredbeauty

why do you buy authentic bags? I like them more.. I guess. I don't really have a reason, I buy what I like?

did you/would you ever buy a fake? I have before and wouldn't do it again.

would you draw the line somewhere I download illegally if I know I'll never buy the cd because I only like that one song but, I end up buying the cds because I hate how burned dvds and cds look. I like a nice orignally glossy case.

-what if it was an authentic designer sample like I've heard is available in China - exactly the same product that for whatever reason never left the factory (maybe it was stolen by one of the factory workers, or left over stock or something)? huh?

These things will go on regardless, so that's not really the reason why I don't buy replicas. *Like someone mentioned, yea you are stealing an Designers design. But also you are killing a innocent animal when you do buy authentic.* So.. I don't think most care about "ethics" or if they do, wouldn't that be kind of contradictory? *I think if one must argue and judge one that buys or produces a knock-off is wrong. Then that purse must be free from any and all wrong-doings.. including telling "fibs", not driving over the speed limit, etc. IMO.*

(*=bolding mine)

Not all "authentic designs" are created from animal products and not all knock-offs have been created without any harm to animals.

Also, can purses tell fibs or drive over the speed limit? If you're referring to the people that carry them, I don't think that's a fair comparison. A better comparison would be stealing.

[ggnh]

It’s just a matter of self conscience, if you know that the bag you are carrying was made from a child, then not. Fake bags are not bad, just if they are approved by the original seller Lyle and Scott , Oakley sunglasses, in some cases it happens, I don’t think it would be correct to buy a “original” if a human would be damaged. If you are hurting an animal or innocent people, of course not!...

[T-Girl]

Originally Posted by declaredbeauty

why do you buy authentic bags? I like them more.. I guess. I don't really have a reason, I buy what I like?

did you/would you ever buy a fake? I have before and wouldn't do it again.

would you draw the line somewhere I download illegally if I know I'll never buy the cd because I only like that one song but, I end up buying the cds because I hate how burned dvds and cds look. I like a nice orignally glossy case.

-what if it was an authentic designer sample like I've heard is available in China - exactly the same product that for whatever reason never left the factory (maybe it was stolen by one of the factory workers, or left over stock or something)? huh?

These things will go on regardless, so that's not really the reason why I don't buy replicas. Like someone mentioned, yea you are stealing an Designers design. But also you are killing a innocent animal when you do buy authentic. So.. I don't think most care about "ethics" or if they do, wouldn't that be kind of contradictory? I think if one must argue and judge one that buys or produces a knock-off is wrong. Then that purse must be free from any and all wrong-doings.. including telling "fibs", not driving over the speed limit, etc. IMO.

That's well said! You've hit it right on the nose. Many of the high-end bags are made from rare skins (python, ostrich, zebra?, whatever) and they are charging $20,000 + for such a bag. If you buy them, they need to replace their inventory. More will die with you carrying their skins around.

I try to buy at outlet malls and sales but I also try to buy authentic because they last longer and I'd rather get the genuine article for the same cost. I admit, I love leather products. I'm sorry for that. I was a vegan for 11 years but eating dull food and wearing bland clothing got to me.