Do you think it's possible to buy a fake LV bag from the LV store?
- Thread starter nadiap
- Start date
I clearly stated that it was a Michael Kors bag and which store it was purchased from. I was trying to give an example of a time I experienced something similar in a different situation. There seem to be so many unspoken rules here at this forum. I rarely post and it's discouraging to be called out for something so innocent. I don't think this is the way to encourage others to post. It certainly has given me pause about ever posting again.
No, they generally don’t do it in front of you, BUT they don’t ‘usually’ do it “later”.
What would be the point? They inspect it prior to giving you the new bag/store credit/whatever you’re looking to get. Because if you bring back a bag that’s used, they deny the return. Maybe if you’re VIC or a movie star or something they might take your bag back no matter how many scuffs or dog hairs are in it, but we normals, no
There wouldn’t be a way to deny a return if they never look at the return until after the returner leaves as a matter of course.
Oh I don’t mean they don’t check for stuff like does it look used. They do a quick check on that and refuse returns for used bags would not be surprising. I meant like a full on authentication checking all the little details - that could easily be intepreted as insulting and even discrimination for some so that’s what I meant about possible complaints and problems if they did that. This thread is about possible (good) fakes not about obviously used bags so I was thinking along that line.
Honestly even if they get a super fake they later find out about I think it’s better for a big company to accept that cost and just destroy the fake bag - I believe there are some data on this and it’s in the long term less costly to do it this way (accept and question later, flag frequent abusers and ban them - rather than be strict on the first try to everyone). It’s why companies like amazon, Nordstrom, etc basically asks no question when you want to return - but if you keep doing it hundreds of times they will blacklist you.
Simply using ‘used’ as one example among others. The point was that they ‘generally’ inspect the return, thoroughly, while you are there. Not necessarily right there in front of everyone, but also not after they’ve sent you on your way. My previous comment was that yes, strictly playing the numbers, and since they sometimes bend their own rules and DON’T fine-tooth-comb it then and there, they cannot have NEVER taken a fake back. A good fake, anyway. But as far as a fake getting through all the many subsequent bottlenecks in addition to that first one to get successfully resold to a second person...again, purely statistically it ‘could’ happen, and people who want to say otherwise just are blindly defending a system that is made of humans, not infallible superbeings...but the ODDS of this happening more than, you know, once in a hundred and thirty-nine years or whatever, is small, so for purposes of living our lives, we can totally shop in an LV boutique and not worry about that. I mean, you might fall into a sinkhole tomorrow that opens up in the parking lot where you work. But is this really a worry you need to be planning for? No; the odds are against it.
IMO, no I do not think it is possible. I wouldn’t think twice about this ever happening.
LV may not complete a thorough inspection on every return prior to processing the return, but they do keep track of people who have excessive or questionable returns. This type of behavior can lead to someone being permanently banned from shopping at LV. A couple of weeks ago, foxylv on IG wrote about how/why people may be banned from shopping at LV (https://www.instagram.com/p/BsT08zIh508/utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=apv8kp377qsq). Each store is equipped with surveillance that date/time stamps transactions (returns/purchases). There is surveillance in backstock and even when items are gift wrapped and prepared for shipping.
In 2016, I recall a scammer who was found guilty of defrauding several retailers by buying authentic handbags but returning non-authentic handbags. LV was not a retailer mentioned in this fraud scheme. https://www.vibe.com/amp/2016/12/woman-lands-in-prison-after-returning-fake-designer-bags
Non-authentic LV handbags have a very distinct smell and feel. SA/CA are very familiar with the brand, quality, and craftsmanship. I have been a client at LV since 2001 and am also very familiar with the brand. I have a rapport with several SA/CA and trust that all employees at LV operate with the highest level of ethics and integrity. I shop with confidence.
LV may not complete a thorough inspection on every return prior to processing the return, but they do keep track of people who have excessive or questionable returns. This type of behavior can lead to someone being permanently banned from shopping at LV. A couple of weeks ago, foxylv on IG wrote about how/why people may be banned from shopping at LV (https://www.instagram.com/p/BsT08zIh508/utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=apv8kp377qsq). Each store is equipped with surveillance that date/time stamps transactions (returns/purchases). There is surveillance in backstock and even when items are gift wrapped and prepared for shipping.
In 2016, I recall a scammer who was found guilty of defrauding several retailers by buying authentic handbags but returning non-authentic handbags. LV was not a retailer mentioned in this fraud scheme. https://www.vibe.com/amp/2016/12/woman-lands-in-prison-after-returning-fake-designer-bags
Non-authentic LV handbags have a very distinct smell and feel. SA/CA are very familiar with the brand, quality, and craftsmanship. I have been a client at LV since 2001 and am also very familiar with the brand. I have a rapport with several SA/CA and trust that all employees at LV operate with the highest level of ethics and integrity. I shop with confidence.
lol I’m not the one who thought I need to worry about it. I was commenting in because I thought it surprising people thinking they didn’t see their bag get inspected and that meant they could have people return fakes. I was saying that I would be surprised if they made the client see them go inspecting for fake, because then the client would potentially feel insulted. Not sure we are talking about the same issue here...like I would totally believe that they do more before they sell it again so there are more bottlenecks.
No, I follow you, I’m pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down
But we all are also saying things for the benefit of the OP
Thank you all for your comments. It makes me happy to hear that most likely the item is inspected very carefully in the back after the customer leaves before being placed back into available stock. By the way, the Etui Voyage which I bought online (and returned) had very slight signs of wear after I inspected it carefully. Perhaps it was ordered and returned by several customers. In any case - it seems that it's best to buy in person at LV store. I'm fortunate to live within a 40 min drive from the closest LV store.
You are being waaay too sensitive. THAT comment gave you pause about posting again?? All they said was your comment is not about LV and we are in an LV forum!
You bought what you believe to be a fake MK from a third party site, not even from MK directly. The OP was asking about the possibility of buying fake Louis Vuitton from Louis Vuitton directly.
Nothing is impossible, but I can't imagine a fake being sold from a store directly. I only buy new because then there is no question that I'm buying an authentic product.
I'm sorry one of your first posting experiences turned out to be not that positive. I hope you don't take it to heart too much. Gotta just learn to ignore certain comments after awhile.
I thought your post was very interesting from a different designer experience....I hope you continue to post.....
Slightly off topic, Overstock is a second hand retailer that has been known to sell fakes. However, I wouldn't trust MK either. I brought in an authentic older MK Hamilton purchased on Net-A-Porter to a MK boutique for repair. A SA insisted it had to be fake because she never saw that color. I told her where it was purchased and everything changed.
Back on topic, I'd like to think LV inspects any bag before resale, making the chances be slim to none you'd buy a fake.
I don't think so. I assume they inspect the returned items after the customer has left the store.