Why Do People Buy Fake Designer Bags Or Fake Designer Anything?

[Manelieht]

Maice what do you mean by bag to bag existence? Just asking because my English isn't good enough to understand the meaning.

I want my husband to have a career he loves more than I want a Chanel bag. I'm not sure obtaining luxury goods should be the motivating factor in anyone's life. Work hard and if it happens one day, great. But I'd hate to think of people shunning professions like firefighting or teaching or social work because it won't get them to a Gucci bag.

I agree with this. Also I'm personally not a work animal, I used to work in a demanding job in NYC and got home after 8PM every day with barely enough time to cook and go to sleep. I was able to afford lots then, and had 30K saved, but I wasn't happy. My Ex husband was a work animal - work now, have fun later...he never went out either. I decided this is not for me.
I switched to a career and salary far below my qualifications, but I can enjoy life now. I also work part time to have lots of time for my son and any future children.

I just want to say that at the end of the day, what I am saying here is - live within your means. If you cannot afford luxury goods on a regular basis - then don't buy them on a regular basis, until you can afford them. If you are unhappy with your life because you cannot get the things you want - then work on changing it. That simple. Either accept it, or work to change it. Don't live beyond your means. That's something I feel strongly about.

I am one of those people who can't afford luxury on a regular basis. I get bags for special occasions using saved up and/or gifted money. But because I don't have the luxury budget, I really only splurge on bags. Sometimes I get a shoe or coat that is over or around 100, but other than that I usually buy H&M, Zara or make my own clothing.

 

[Maice]

Maice what do you mean by bag to bag existence? Just asking because my English isn't good enough to understand the meaning.


I agree with this. Also I'm personally not a work animal, I used to work in a demanding job in NYC and got home after 8PM every day with barely enough time to cook and go to sleep. I was able to afford lots then, and had 30K saved, but I wasn't happy. My Ex husband was a work animal - work now, have fun later...he never went out either. I decided this is not for me.
I switched to a career and salary far below my qualifications, but I can enjoy life now. I also work part time to have lots of time for my son and any future children.


I am one of those people who can't afford luxury on a regular basis. I get bags for special occasions using saved up and/or gifted money. But because I don't have the luxury budget, I really only splurge on bags. Sometimes I get a shoe or coat that is over or around 100, but other than that I usually buy H&M, Zara or make my own clothing.

Bag-to-bag existence is my term for saving up for one bag and purchasing it, then saving for the next bag, and so on. I couldn't think of a better term This is not a bad thing at all, as I said - I can respect that. I just think it's better for people to look at the big picture and strive for a better life over-all, if they really want to live a more expensive lifestyle. This mainly came up for me in the context of people buying fake designer items - I think a lot of them are not satisfied with what they can afford, and thus opt to buy fake designer goods. Some even try to pass off their knock-offs as authentic.


I think it's good that for example, in your case, you know what you can afford, and you live within your means. That's pretty much all I'm after, and again, this thought came about in the context of people who buy fake designer goods. If people make the decision to prioritize other things over making a lot of money, that is fine and good, as long as they are happy with it and understand the pay-off (not being able to live as luxurious a lifestyle as others). So again, for me, it's about people living within their means. If they're not happy with what they can afford now, then they should work hard and do something about it. If they really feel they can't, then there must be acceptance. If not, people will just get buried in debt, and/or be miserable with their lives.

 

[Manelieht]

Oh, I understand. Basically what I am doing most of the time is bag to bag existence. I have paid in installments before also (not credit card, online shops offer for you to pay in small rates within 12 months), which I think is a great option for anyone who can afford to pay 8-230 Eur towards a bag a month, but not paying a large sum.

Pretending that fakes are real is not good. Maybe some are embarassed, but it gives off that vibe that you are trying to be someone you are not. This reminds me of a German fashion blogger that pretended all her fake designer goods are the real thing. The fakes (bad fakes, not superfakes) were spotted though and it was a whole big drama.:/

 

[Nanciii]

Oh, I understand. Basically what I am doing most of the time is bag to bag existence. I have paid in installments before also (not credit card, online shops offer for you to pay in small rates within 12 months), which I think is a great option for anyone who can afford to pay 8-230 Eur towards a bag a month, but not paying a large sum.



Pretending that fakes are real is not good. Maybe some are embarassed, but it gives off that vibe that you are trying to be someone you are not. This reminds me of a German fashion blogger that pretended all her fake designer goods are the real thing. The fakes (bad fakes, not superfakes) were spotted though and it was a whole big drama.:/

So you think your possession defines who you are?


Happiness is not about how much you have, but how little you need.

 

[Manelieht]

So you think your possession defines who you are?


Happiness is not about how much you have, but how little you need.

I'm confused as to why you would think that? Maybe you can explain your chain of thought?
I basically just mean to say they want to pretend they are rich, which is totally unnecessary, because being rich does not make you a better person.

I'm not wealthy and have no shame to admit it. If you read above, I explained how I chose to not earn much and buy many expensive things to have more time with my family. I can write a book about "how little you need". You really quoted the wrong person...the kind that sports H&M on a daily basis

 

[Nanciii]

I'm confused as to why you would think that? Maybe you can explain your chain of thought?
I basically just mean to say they want to pretend they are rich, which is totally unnecessary, because being rich does not make you a better person.

I'm not wealthy and have no shame to admit it. If you read above, I explained how I chose to not earn much and buy many expensive things to have more time with my family. I can write a book about "how little you need". You really quoted the wrong person...the kind that sports H&M on a daily basis

Because you said when people buy a fake bag, then they are pretend to be someone they are not. It sounds to me like the authenticity of your handbag is the determine factor of who you are.


Happiness is not about how much you have, but how little you need.

 

[Manelieht]

Because you said when people buy a fake bag, then they are pretend to be someone they are not. It sounds to me like the authenticity of your handbag is the determine factor of who you are.

?? That seems very far fetched don't you think? Especially considering all the other things I wrote.
Pretending to be someone you are not can mean a lot of things, in this case pretending to be rich (for whatever reason people do that).
I'm still not quite sure why you assume I would think 'the authenticity of your handbag defines you'...we wrote a few pages back about fakes and all which should make you understand I think quite the opposite.
I don't even own any expensive designer bags, don't you think someone who thinks an authentic designer bag defines a person would at least carry pricey stuff and not H&M and Zara bags?

 

[Nanciii]

Okay, then I guess the answer is No. I just wondering how many people think a designer bag equals to a rich life style. Certainly there's a correlation between wealth and spending pattern, but that's why we are so deadly wrong sometimes. A poor person carries a expensive handbag, so it must be fake? A rich person will never carry a fake bag? A person carries a fake bag so it must mean she wants to pretend to be rich, that she is trying to fit in somewhere she does not belong? I don't think so.

To put it as record, I don't support fake, I don't like fake, all my collections are authentic, I don't consider myself poor, but I certainly not consider myself rich.

We are so quick to judge people by their superfisal looks and possessions, we sometimes lose track of what is most important, which is what makes us happy and our life meaningful.

 

[Maice]

Okay, then I guess the answer is No. I just wondering how many people think a designer bag equals to a rich life style. Certainly there's a correlation between wealth and spending pattern, but that's why we are so deadly wrong sometimes. A poor person carries a expensive handbag, so it must be fake? A rich person will never carry a fake bag? A person carries a fake bag so it must mean she wants to pretend to be rich, that she is trying to fit in somewhere she does not belong? I don't think so.

To put it as record, I don't support fake, I don't like fake, all my collections are authentic, I don't consider myself poor, but I certainly not consider myself rich.

We are so quick to judge people by their superfisal looks and possessions, we sometimes lose track of what is most important, which is what makes us happy and our life meaningful.

I think that this whole discussion has to be taken in the context of the original topic - why do people carry fakes? It's a fair assumption that many people who do carry fakes, are probably superficial, in that even if they cannot afford the real thing, they would rather buy knock-offs versus buying similar designs that are authentic from other "lower-end" brands. And, we must accept the fact that luxury items (not just handbags, though those are counted in that classification) are a status symbol for a reason. I am not saying it's right that it is so, but that is the reality. And, this is what leads some people to buy knock-offs... that perceived "status symbol".


And yes, there are people who are not necessarily wealthy who save up for expensive bags (what I call "bag-to-bag existence") - and there is nothing wrong with that. Again, in the context of people buying fakes - I am guessing they settle for knock-offs because they cannot afford the real thing. They can do something about that - either save up (bag-to-bag), or work to improve their lives. Why do I say that? A lot of those who buy knock-offs aspire for something more (that they cannot have), so why don't they just try to do something about it? Or, if not, then accept what they can afford. For sure, there are rich people who buy fakes nonetheless (thinking they saved or are clever in doing so)... but they are probably not the majority of those who do.


Many points here are speculative, since I do not own fakes either. But, isn't that the point of this thread? To speculate on why people buy fakes? And my guess is that majority of those who do, do so because of their wrong concepts on wealth, status, and what luxury handbags represent.


So, in closing - the people who respond in this thread do not think that way. The speculation is, those that buy designer knock-offs, do.

 

[JessLovesTim]

I went to jury duty a month ago and had my LV speedy with me. There were so many fake LVs surrounding me at jury duty. I counted more than 10 fakes. I love LV, but it really turns me off when there are so many fakes out there. I read somewhere that 99% of LV bags are fakes. I don't know if this sounds silly or anything, but I felt like my bag was kind of degraded being around so many fakes. I don't know if this article has already been posted on here but I think it is interesting:
http://voices.yahoo.com/6-reasons-not-buy-fake-designer-handbags-4529317.html
Personally, I think having fakes is tacky, especially if it is extremely fake. I think some women buy so many fakes is so they have the appearance of being wealthy. I bought a fake Prada when I was in high school because I didn't know any better. I felt so fake with it and it soon broke. I also kind of felt like how Carrie from Sex in the City felt when they drove to the Valley to look at designer knock offs after Samantha go the Fendi. I didn't have that attachment and love and excitement like I have for my current purses. I almost was ashamed when I would wear it, because I felt like people knew it was a fake. I saved up my money to buy a coach. Coach was really popular when I went to high school. I had a sense of achievement, because I had saved to buy a quality, authentic bag. I had that purse for almost eight years and it never broke, not one stitch out of place and this was a purse that I used almost every day. The only reason I stopped using it was when I got my speedy. Quality is always better than quanity- I wish I had learned that earlier.

 

[Nanciii]

I think that this whole discussion has to be taken in the context of the original topic - why do people carry fakes? It's a fair assumption that many people who do carry fakes, are probably superficial, in that even if they cannot afford the real thing, they would rather buy knock-offs versus buying similar designs that are authentic from other "lower-end" brands. And, we must accept the fact that luxury items (not just handbags, though those are counted in that classification) are a status symbol for a reason. I am not saying it's right that it is so, but that is the reality. And, this is what leads some people to buy knock-offs... that perceived "status symbol".


And yes, there are people who are not necessarily wealthy who save up for expensive bags (what I call "bag-to-bag existence") - and there is nothing wrong with that. Again, in the context of people buying fakes - I am guessing they settle for knock-offs because they cannot afford the real thing. They can do something about that - either save up (bag-to-bag), or work to improve their lives. Why do I say that? A lot of those who buy knock-offs aspire for something more (that they cannot have), so why don't they just try to do something about it? Or, if not, then accept what they can afford. For sure, there are rich people who buy fakes nonetheless (thinking they saved or are clever in doing so)... but they are probably not the majority of those who do.


Many points here are speculative, since I do not own fakes either. But, isn't that the point of this thread? To speculate on why people buy fakes? And my guess is that majority of those who do, do so because of their wrong concepts on wealth, status, and what luxury handbags represent.


So, in closing - the people who respond in this thread do not think that way. The speculation is, those that buy designer knock-offs, do.

I watched a lot of videos on YouTube, especially handbag related. After I watched all the "what's in my bag", "open box", "review and reveal", "my collection", "wear and tear" videos, I started to watch "replica" videos.

At first I was surprised by the "courage" those women/men had to make a video like this, then I was amazed by how people react when they finally got the dream bag they have been longing for, even with a $50 replica. I saw a lot of cute, kind, happy people, and they are just as happy and satisfied as those girls who spent thousands on real authentic handbags.

There's a woman said "I got to do what I can do to make myself happy, fake it before I can make it, right?"

This got me thinking, what's really so wrong about that?





Happiness is not about how much you have, but how little you need.

 

[Maice]

I watched a lot of videos on YouTube, especially handbag related. After I watched all the "what's in my bag", "open box", "review and reveal", "my collection", "wear and tear" videos, I started to watch "replica" videos.

At first I was surprised by the "courage" those women/men had to make a video like this, then I was amazed by how people react when they finally got the dream bag they have been longing for, even with a $50 replica. I saw a lot of cute, kind, happy people, and they are just as happy and satisfied as those girls who spent thousands on real authentic handbags.

There's a woman said "I got to do what I can do to make myself happy, fake it before I can make it, right?"

This got me thinking, what's really so wrong about that?





Happiness is not about how much you have, but how little you need.

From my end... it would be that they are supporting an illegal industry that funds other illegal activities (child labor, drug smuggling, terrorism). Of course, they are probably not thinking that way - they probably don't even know that aspect of it.


At the end of the day - wouldn't it be better for them to just buy authentic goods from cheaper designers? Not all designer brands cost thousands of dollars. They can get good, quality bags that are authentic for a few hundred dollars (sometimes even less). Or, yes, they can just save up for the real deal (even if it costs thousands of dollars).


Of course, we cannot say that people who by knock-offs are bad/evil. I would say they're probably misinformed, if that would be my word for it. I don't agree with it, I don't support it, and it's their money and their lives, yes - but again, in the context of this thread, we just want to understand why they do it. We're not tagging them as evil. We're just trying to understand their thought process, and I'd say that based on what I think I know at this point, I just don't agree.


We can agree to disagree anyhow, right?

 

[Manelieht]

Okay, then I guess the answer is No. I just wondering how many people think a designer bag equals to a rich life style. Certainly there's a correlation between wealth and spending pattern, but that's why we are so deadly wrong sometimes. A poor person carries a expensive handbag, so it must be fake? A rich person will never carry a fake bag? A person carries a fake bag so it must mean she wants to pretend to be rich, that she is trying to fit in somewhere she does not belong? I don't think so.

To put it as record, I don't support fake, I don't like fake, all my collections are authentic, I don't consider myself poor, but I certainly not consider myself rich.

We are so quick to judge people by their superfisal looks and possessions, we sometimes lose track of what is most important, which is what makes us happy and our life meaningful.

I get that judgement because I dress fashionable, or because I like pretty bags. No one would suspect a tomboy-ish nerd under this that hangs out with Metal dudes, unfashionable people etc. It ain't easy.

I don't think that someone who carries a fake necessarily "wants" to look rich. But it can give off a vibe that they do if they lie about the authenticity. That was my point.

I watched a lot of videos on YouTube, especially handbag related. After I watched all the "what's in my bag", "open box", "review and reveal", "my collection", "wear and tear" videos, I started to watch "replica" videos.

At first I was surprised by the "courage" those women/men had to make a video like this, then I was amazed by how people react when they finally got the dream bag they have been longing for, even with a $50 replica. I saw a lot of cute, kind, happy people, and they are just as happy and satisfied as those girls who spent thousands on real authentic handbags.

There's a woman said "I got to do what I can do to make myself happy, fake it before I can make it, right?"

This got me thinking, what's really so wrong about that?

I posted about the other side of replica bags a few pages back. It certainly seems it isn't all "child labor, unfair wages and cheap production". Some goods are produced by fairly modern companies (like the one my coworkers family works for). Someone mentioned a book about this too. Maybe go a few pages back if you are interested.

I don't buy fakes for several reasons, but I'm not totally opposed to people wanting to buy fakes or carrying fakes.

 

[chubbym0nstar]

I have a collection of some lovely authentic bags (LV, Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi and Prada.) I've paid full price either at the store or online. I save my money and make these purchases or I ask for cash gifts from family to use towards the purchase on my birthday and Christmas. Sometimes I use my bonus at work. It all depends. I live within my means, fix the house, travel and send my child to a private out of state university.


I also have some high quality "fakes" or "replicas" as I like to call them. Here is why:


I often like a bag in multiple colors and some bags are too pricey (10K). My Birkin is a replica, and you cannot tell! It is a lovely bag and I would love to be able to afford the real one, but....I can't. I don't feel that means I shouldn't own one. Mine just didn't cost as much as yours.


I don't buy into the supporting terrorists propaganda. I don't buy in to the sweatshop propaganda either. There are sweatshops in America and some American companies manufacture items in sweatshops overseas -- so jump on that bandwagon.


And, to call the race card -- I have walked in stores and the SAs have not (1)acknowledged me or (2) behaved as if I am not a serious buyer or (3) rushed me so they could get to a Caucasian customer . This behavior really surprised me because they make their commission on sales and if I couldn't afford it, I wouldn't be in the store. Unfortunately, I've been humiliated at times and felt quite sad at the treatment. The SAs at LV in my major city are wonderful...no issues there at all!


So, I honestly harbor no guilt in purchasing replica items. None at all. Just sharing a perspective. Have a wonderful day ladies.

 

[*schmoo*]