Actually, I'm sorry to say that buyers don't always know they are buying fakes. In most cases, probably yes, but there are people that honestly think they are getting a good deal and don't know any better. That's the sad thing!! I have never had a flea market vendor lie to me about their items being auth when they are not, but I have heard people tell me that they were told their bag was real at both flea markets and purse parties. I just try to let them know and suggest they report the vendor to the authorities...and get it confirmed directly with
Coach.
I have sympathy here because back a while ago I had to tell a girl her bags were fake, and I felt AWFUL. Why?? Because this girl was given two signature stripe bags from her father who paid AUTH RETAIL price for the bags. After he died, she wanted to clean out her closet (still very upset over the death) and was in the process of selling them on Ebay. Well, I had to tell her the bags were fake and she could not sell them on Ebay (or anywhere else)...and that it was illegal. I felt awful...she was shocked, and in tears... especially since her father had been taken advantage of (and not to mention the fact that he just died).
I know we all do it, but it's probably best not to judge the situation until you have all the facts. The truth is some people do NOT know the difference between a fake and auth. bag. Although I can't understand why, I've certainly proven that point with my own extended family. It might be unethical to buy, and yes, the fakes ARE disgusting, but it is not illegal to buy them. When I tell my family members everything, they still continue to carry and purchase fakes (because they cannot afford the real ones). I even give them real bags for special holidays and b-days, and they STILL buy the fakes! I personally would not carry a fake bag, but I just choose to let them be and concentrate more on how to stop the sellers. If there are no fake bags to purchase, then people won't buy them.
I have been reporting any counterfeit site or auction that I see in hope that the authorities will shut them down, but unfortunately, I get tired to taking the time to do all that because it seems like even Coach doesn't respond.