Here's a thread I started yesterday. Hope this helps.
Warning: this is kinda long..
Anyway, for the past few days, I have been saddened seeing many of you buying defected LV's. I understand it is disappointing to discover your purchase has a defect after spending a ton of $$$ on them. Here's how I make my purchase at LV and, just to let you know in advance, I am a little OCD with LV's. First, I go into the store and ask to see a specific bag. Two things tend to happen; either the SA will take a display bag and show me or take one out of their mysterious drawers. I clearly state to the SA that I don't buy displays and ask for a "fresh out of the drawer" bag. Once he/she gives me one, I immediately check it one square inch at a time and I kid you not, I take anywhere from 10-15 minutes just checking every inch of the bag both exterior and interior including the handles and stitches (make sure nothing is loose). I also check and make sure that the Monogram or Damier pattern is perfectly AND I MEAN PERFECTLY aligned. I purposely tell the SA to feel free to help other customers; this gives me more time to check my bag. If the bag is perfect, I'll ask for a second one just to compare. It is not unusual for me to ask the SA to take out two, three or sometimes four bags for me to compare. I usually take the one that's recently made (check the date code) and with the lightest vachetta. I know it's tedious but I HAVE NEVER EVER returned any purchases because of a defect. I also buy LV's to give as gifts to mom, brother, and 2 best buddies and I certainly don't want to give them defective products. Hope this helps.