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#76
Thank you. Point taken. I also never said it was JUST the Miranda. In fact I had agreed with you that the MK brand comes at different price points. Not sure why you keep replying to my post and harping on that...

While I definitely agree with your point that it may not be about prices, but about demand - I do still believe price is a big factor, the same way demand is a factor. Yes, anything can be faked - even cheaper items. BUT, the lure of a bargain is a tactic at selling a fake as the real thing. Whether it be a Chanel or an MK bag. If it's easy for me to get a deal at Macy's for an authentic MK, I'd opt for that than risk my $$ elsewhere. Unfortunately, those deals don't exist at Macy's for Chanel. The definition of a "deal" can also mean something different for everyone. So 25% off may be a deal to me, but it may mean 75% to someone else. As another user said, the demographic is also a factor, as well as the availability of the brand in the area. I imagine there are buyers at all price points and that counterfeiters have a wide market range.

Anyway, I am just expressing my opinion. There's no need to "disprove" my comment. I wasn't trying to really "prove" anything... just sharing a viewpoint - and quite a valid one at that. I am sure you just feel very strongly about the topic so I don't take it personally, but FYI your posts come across as a bit aggressive and haughty in nature. I already share many of your viewpoints, so you really are preaching to the choir.
 
#77
I think someone I know got a fake MK bag for christmas.....Do I burst their bubble or hold my tongue? It's not someone who would ever know the difference herself. (It is just a relatively affordable tote, so yes a very popular style to fake because anyone who didn't know would buy that style = more money in the counterfeiter's pockets.)
 
#78
chelleart said:
Thank you. Point taken. I also never said it was JUST the Miranda. In fact I had agreed with you that the MK brand comes at different price points. Not sure why you keep replying to my post and harping on that...

While I definitely agree with your point that it may not be about prices, but about demand - I do still believe price is a big factor, the same way demand is a factor. Yes, anything can be faked - even cheaper items. BUT, the lure of a bargain is a tactic at selling a fake as the real thing. Whether it be a Chanel or an MK bag. If it's easy for me to get a deal at Macy's for an authentic MK, I'd opt for that than risk my $$ elsewhere. Unfortunately, those deals don't exist at Macy's for Chanel. The definition of a "deal" can also mean something different for everyone. So 25% off may be a deal to me, but it may mean 75% to someone else. As another user said, the demographic is also a factor, as well as the availability of the brand in the area. I imagine there are buyers at all price points and that counterfeiters have a wide market range.

Anyway, I am just expressing my opinion. There's no need to "disprove" my comment. I wasn't trying to really "prove" anything... just sharing a viewpoint - and quite a valid one at that. I am sure you just feel very strongly about the topic so I don't take it personally, but FYI your posts come across as a bit aggressive and haughty in nature. I already share many of your viewpoints, so you really are preaching to the choir.
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I am just trying to share with you, what a luxury brand Michael Kors really is and convey the message that counterfeiters will duplicate anything and that price doesn't really matter. Can you believe they counterfeit levi jeans?? That really blew me away! Some compare MK to Guess or Tommy H, and that simply is not the case. There are many movie stars wearing Michael Kors and they are definitely a luxury item that can be very expensive.

MK really does have much more than what we usually see over and over.The only thing I am trying to 'disprove' perhaps, is they only have cheapo bags, which as I am showing you, and you can see, is not really the case. And quite frankly, you saying that is a bit 'haughty' as well and is is probably what got me going, because I really wish it was true! lol ! The MK bags that appeal to me, are WAY out of my price range. They really do have some gorgeous, super expensive bags. I agree with you as well about much of what you say. Just trying to show you some of these bags I WISH I could buy, and if you CAN, please get one and post it on here! lol! I get so tired of seeing the same ones over and over. I want to see some of their more luxury bags, and believe me, they do exist. The least expensive MK bag I have, retailed for 448.00. My usual price range is around 500. But the MK bags I really want, are all well over 1000.00!! That Janey bag is one I really want and am saving for and is 3000.00! Hoping it will ever go on sale, but I doubt it. My husband always says, "you have champagne taste, and a beer pocketbook!"lol! So true, unfortunately.

What is surprising, is that, it is actually their cheaper, more popular bags that are the most counterfeited. Because you have a valid point. These bags can be found on sale all the time. So why are they counterfeiting THEM the most?? Is what is baffling to me as well. You'd think they would copy the more expensive ones. So it just shows they go by popularity.

I just want to share with you, some of their more luxury bags hoping you will take a second look. So when I run into one, I want to show it to you. There are plenty of others I wanted to show you as well, but resisted, then finally said screw it! I have to show her THIS one! lol! Just trying to share the sheer joy of MK bags! They really are incredible bags and hoping you will check one out and get hooked like the rest of us! lol! Merry Christmas!
 
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#79
iheart_purses said:
I think someone I know got a fake MK bag for christmas.....Do I burst their bubble or hold my tongue? It's not someone who would ever know the difference herself. (It is just a relatively affordable tote, so yes a very popular style to fake because anyone who didn't know would buy that style = more money in the counterfeiter's pockets.)
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If it was me, I would try to SUGGEST that she join this forum perhaps? because if she ever tries to sell it on eBay or somewhere, she will get into a lot of trouble and maybe even lose her account. Maybe you could ASK her ( don't tell her) if she knows where it is from and if she knows for sure, if it is authentic?? Send her here to find out. That way ,we can tell her it is fake, NOT YOU, and it will take the heat off of you. Know what I mean?
 
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#80
CinthiaZ said:
If it was me, would tell her. Because if she ever tries to sell it on eBay or somewhere, she will get into a lot of trouble and maybe even lose her account. Maybe you could ASK her ( don't tell her) if she knows where it is from and if she knows for sure, if it is authentic?? Send her here to find out. That way , it will take the heat off of you. Know what I mean?
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This one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't situations. Is this person considered a close friend? If so, just tell her what you suspect because what if she tries to sell it or give it to someone else? Maybe even YOU. It will be an awkward situation either way. Some people just do not want to hear they may have been gifted a possible fake, she will also be pissed off at the person who gave it to her and possibly you TOO. People can be be touchy. If they are not close to you, just leave it ALONE. I had a lady bragging to me about an LV bag that was a cheap flea market fake. I kept my mouth shut because I don't know her. Let us know how it went.
 
#81
BAGLADY 3375 said:
This one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't situations. Is this person considered a close friend? If so, just tell her what you suspect because what if she tries to sell it or give it to someone else? Maybe even YOU. It will be an awkward situation either way. Some people just do not want to hear they may have been gifted a possible fake, she will also be pissed off at the person who gave it to her and possibly you TOO. People can be be touchy. If they are not close to you, just leave it ALONE. I had a lady bragging to me about an LV bag that was a cheap flea market fake. I kept my mouth shut because I don't know her. Let us know how it went.
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Well that is why I suggested she just ASK her, not TELL her. If you just ASK where she got it ( never saying it is fake) and then brag about the forum you belong to,where you have all of your bags authenticated, it might 'give her the idea' without you ever saying it is fake, know what I mean? It's called 'the power of suggestion'. That way you never said it was fake, you are just striking up a conversation and giving her helpful ideas, which could save her some serious grief in the future, if she ever goes to sell it. But I will edit how I worded that. Thanks!
 
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#82
SHE asked for ideas, I only gave my opinion/suggestion. Neither one of us are wrong. It IS a touchy situation, and you want to tread lightly, so your suggesting she go to the forum first IS the best plan. I only gave possible scenarios of this going bad if what you suggested is NOT followed. I only said to tell her what you think if your somewhat close to her. I'm not suggesting she just say that to someone she just happens to know......
 
#83
Her Daughter got it for her for christmas, online. As soon as she told me how it was packaged and that it came with a certificate of authenticity the red flag went up. I'm not new here, and I have 7 MK bags, most of which I personally bought at the retail store, and none of them came with a "certificate of authenticity". That is something I find counterfeiters doing all the time to make their things look more "formal" .....When she was telling me this, I only said to her I hope she got it from a good online store, there are so many fake websites out there you have to be careful.

But to continue on with the discussion, There are so many unsuspecting people out there buying these fake bags, I just saw a disgusting fake one today when I was running into walmart to grab something. They imitate the less expensive Micheal Kors because those are the ones the people in that price range will recognize the most. Sad fact, where I live people have fake guess purses. Who in the heck would counterfeit a guess purse? The point is, price doesn't matter they will fake whatever they can in order to guide money from unsuspecting consumers into their dirty pockets. :throwup:
 
#84
I guess I just disagree with a viewpoint that price wouldn't be a factor. Why go to some shady counterfeit website offering slightly discounted prices when you can buy full price or sale price at a legit retailer? Yes, I agree that some people are naive and don't know better, but I don't subscribe to the belief that a huge portion of customers of counterfeit bags (who buy from fake websites or chinatown not from ebay auctions) are innocent or ethical in this transaction. There wouldn't be a market for counterfeit bags if there wasn't some kind of demand for it. PRICE is a huge factor in the decision to purchase an item... Counterfeit or not. And PRICE is also a factor in the decision to produce and sell a counterfeit item. As someone previously said, if an item isn't popular, it's not marketable as a counterfeit, and counterfeiters would not profit - thus affecting the bottom line of price/costs. I guess I'm viewing it from a business perspective and it seems to come down to the economy of counterfeit items? It's like this tug of war between how much a counterfeiter can profit and how much a consumer can save. If someone didn't care about PRICE, they'd have no problems buying it full price at a legit retailer.

It does make sense for a cheaper bag to be counterfeited if that's what is in demand... Never said cheaper bags didn't.

I agree with all of the factors everyone has raised regarding the conditions of marketing, producing, selling, and purchasing counterfeit bags. Is it that hard to comprehend that price, price points, the lure of a bargain are valid factors as well?
 
#85
chelleart said:
I guess I just disagree with a viewpoint that price wouldn't be a factor. Why go to some shady counterfeit website offering slightly discounted prices when you can buy full price or sale price at a legit retailer? Yes, I agree that some people are naive and don't know better, but I don't subscribe to the belief that a huge portion of customers of counterfeit bags (who buy from fake websites or chinatown not from ebay auctions) are innocent or ethical in this transaction. There wouldn't be a market for counterfeit bags if there wasn't some kind of demand for it. PRICE is a huge factor in the decision to purchase an item... Counterfeit or not. And PRICE is also a factor in the decision to produce and sell a counterfeit item. As someone previously said, if an item isn't popular, it's not marketable as a counterfeit, and counterfeiters would not profit - thus affecting the bottom line of price/costs. I guess I'm viewing it from a business perspective and it seems to come down to the economy of counterfeit items? It's like this tug of war between how much a counterfeiter can profit and how much a consumer can save. If someone didn't care about PRICE, they'd have no problems buying it full price at a legit retailer.

It does make sense for a cheaper bag to be counterfeited if that's what is in demand... Never said cheaper bags didn't.

I agree with all of the factors everyone has raised regarding the conditions of marketing, producing, selling, and purchasing counterfeit bags. Is it that hard to comprehend that price, price points, the lure of a bargain are valid factors as well?
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Oh, I see what you are saying now DUH! lol! Yes, from the stand point of why BUYERS, buy counterfeits, yes, price is a factor, in that they don't want to pay full price. I was referring to why COUNTERFEITERS make fake bags and as we all agree, it is supply and demand. So yes the demand is what is causing the problem absolutely and I agree with that totally.

But I have to wonder, if these women, or anyone, really knew who was producing these counterfeits, if they would still support them? If they knew that child slave labor was used to make these bags, or any other counterfeit products, do you think they would be as willing to buy them?? I would like to have more faith in the goodness of people, that less would be purchased if they really knew the truth about this criminal black market. I really don't think that most people are aware it is even a criminal market and I wish there was a way we could make folks more aware of what they are supporting when they buy counterfeits. So many think it is harmless and that they are smarter to buy replicas and they really have no idea what they are supporting. I am still telling my friends and family about it and they are shocked when they find out the truth. Somehow there needs to be more public awareness about this subject, don't you agree?
 
#86
I definitely agree. I am hopeful that people who actively seek out counterfeit bags aren't aware that the purchase supports a network of criminal activity - child labor, copyright infringement, etc. Sadly, I think some people are aware and are just completely unsympathetic, don't acknowledge the repercussions, and have learned to ignore their conscience.

The Miranda is actually my next MK purchase and I admit the thought of the counterfeit bargain has entered my mind. But as someone who enjoys the quality of an item vs. just its brand name, there's absolutely no satisfaction in buying a counterfeit item! Sure, they can come close to the real deal, but it just isn't the same as the real thing. I do understand that something may not be affordable to everyone, but we have so many other options to achieve a similar look if something is too expensive. I'd much rather buy a no brand name version of a similar looking bag than support a counterfeit version. I am a pretty open person and rarely judge others - but when it comes to this, I raise an eyebrow to those who actively seek out counterfeit goods. Being a poser isn't classy. But who am I to judge... It's their choice in the end. I wish more people shared our ethics and values.

This topic really raises another issue about the astronomic prices of luxury goods. In terms of the actual costs of materials, production, storefront, staff, etc... Is a bag really worth its retail price or are we the naive consumers being duped?

lol I'm sure there is a counterfeit bag forum having a polar discussion and frowning on people like us who value luxury items.
 
#87
chelleart said:
I definitely agree. I am hopeful that people who actively seek out counterfeit bags aren't aware that the purchase supports a network of criminal activity - child labor, copyright infringement, etc. Sadly, I think some people are aware and are just completely unsympathetic, don't acknowledge the repercussions, and have learned to ignore their conscience.

The Miranda is actually my next MK purchase and I admit the thought of the counterfeit bargain has entered my mind. But as someone who enjoys the quality of an item vs. just its brand name, there's absolutely no satisfaction in buying a counterfeit item! Sure, they can come close to the real deal, but it just isn't the same as the real thing. I do understand that something may not be affordable to everyone, but we have so many other options to achieve a similar look if something is too expensive. I'd much rather buy a no brand name version of a similar looking bag than support a counterfeit version. I am a pretty open person and rarely judge others - but when it comes to this, I raise an eyebrow to those who actively seek out counterfeit goods. Being a poser isn't classy. But who am I to judge... It's their choice in the end. I wish more people shared our ethics and values.

This topic really raises another issue about the astronomic prices of luxury goods. In terms of the actual costs of materials, production, storefront, staff, etc... Is a bag really worth its retail price or are we the naive consumers being duped?

lol I'm sure there is a counterfeit bag forum having a polar discussion and frowning on people like us who value luxury items.
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I don't know, from my experiences , I have become totally spoiled with the real thing and I think there is no comparison. The zippers alone are enough to keep me from buying cheaper bags. lol! I hate how they get stuck and you have to fuss with them when you are in a hurry. The zippers on the quality bags just zoop! Slide right open. Then there is the linings . Yikes! Not to mention the straps falling off when you least expect it. Been there, done that, and not going there again! lol! Once you get used to quality like that, there is no going back.

You raise a real good point about us being duped into paying these prices. I would prefer to buy a used designer bag and save big dollars, than new, unless I can find a sale. I know how to clean them and make them look like new again. It is better to buy a used designer bag than a brand new replica, if you don't want spend that kind of money. Because as you say, we are definitely being duped and I don't like getting taken advantage of that way. I get a kick out of buying used and getting over on that very point. There is a huge resale market of used designer bags and the industries all hate it, and have even started selling on eBay because they know there is a huge market there. At least you still get the quality that you will never get with a replica, or a no name brand that you have no idea is going to hold up or not. I have saved myself thousands of dollars buying preowned designer bags. Some are horrified at that prospect, but it is still much better than buying brand new replicas. You just have to be careful not get stuck with a fake and that is why this forum is so precious. It really helps to solve that problem.

What I wonder, is why don't the designers start some kind of campaign about the black market counterfeit business? Think about this for instance - a commercial with little Chinese children strapped to sewing machines all hungry looking and sad, and drive home the point of what people are supporting. That may sound awful, but they do it all the time for these 'adopt a child and pay 19.00 a month' to help poor children in foreign countries. They have that 'wounded warriors' where they show soldiers in wheel chairs, playing on your sympathies. Couldn't the designers do the same thing to get the word out about the criminal counterfeit business? Why am I racking my brains to get the word out? WHAT are they doing?? I don't see them doing anything! Us ladies on this purse forum do more to stop this, than I see them doing! What's up with that? They really need to have a campaign against this criminal business.

There are children being horribly abused because of it! I would NEVER even CONSIDER giving those criminals one red dime of my money. So they can continue to abuse those poor children?? No one in good conscience could support such a thing. Did you know that the bombing of our World Trade Center was partially funded by the counterfeit handbag business?? So if there is any other forum laughing at us, they better get their facts straight! Because this is no laughing matter. This is serious criminal activity. Do a google search sometime and read what they discovered about counterfeiters and terrorism. It's a really bad thing to support. No thanks. There's other ways to have what you want without supporting them.
Thank you, Chellheart, this has been a great conversation, Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
 
#88
Be careful on eBay ladies. I have seen more fake MKs than ever! Seems all the 'Christmas gifts' are getting listed. Watch out for orange color care cards and paperwork. Sure sign of fake. I must have reported over 50 of them this past week! Uhg, :tdown:
 
#90
That site is awful! The fake mk bag that looks like a collared button down shirt is the worst thing I have ever seen, hands down! I had to laugh, even though this is a serious crime. Just terrible. The haircalf "hamilton" in weird mustard yellow? I am speechless....
 
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