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

[Annabel Lee]

Just as a matter of interest a few people here who consider it ok if 'others' buy & carry counterfeits. What happens to those counterfeits afterwards? Presumably you can't sell them on, like you could with a real CHANEL, you can't give them to charity- do they just disintegrate as the quality was so poor? Or do they just stay in the closet and multiply?

I was reading about this on another page, and some people suggested donating them or regifting them, but first removing nameplates, cutting out interior labels, etc. so that they could never be resold as the real thing. The best suggestion for those without easily removable labels was to simply write "FAKE" on the lining with a sharpie.

 

[platinum_babie]

Following this thread I'm really starting to think the whole question is loaded like a landmine. "Why do people buy fake designer bags or fake designer anything?" Anyone who honestly admits that they do and explains why, which is the point of this question btw, is accused of stealing, a supporter of an illegal industry, or given the somewhat indifferent "everyone has a right to their own lifestyle but I personally don't do it" disclaimer or the "I used to but stopped so I'm all good"...none of which is an answer to the original question.

I mean the bottom line is because either the person didn't know it was fake or they simply like the bag, the price, and enjoy wearing it. As for all the negative implication attached to it, if it bothered them, they wouldn't buy it in the first place. And if they were gifted the fake, ultimately the same answer. It either bothers you or it doesn't - how complex can it be?

As for the rest of us responding, how about, do you feel better about yourself, pat yourself on the back, for not wearing a fake/replica/counterfeit when you see someone else wearing one? Do you regard that person with shock, disdain, outrage, pity, indifference, gotcha!, secret bag twin? (just had to add that last one). Personally, I think I fall along the lines of "gotcha" 'cause I'm pretty clueless.

And what about the whole idea of authentic but stolen bags? Have any of you bargain hunters ever wonder if the great NWT deal on Ebay is actually a stolen (authentic) bag? We've all heard of gangs targeting stores and leaving by the truckload, could one of them be the very bag you're carrying?

Frankly I'm more curious about who and why people steal office supplies (rhetorical question).

Haha, buy $4k bags and steal a $4 pen.....human nature man!

What the difference between someone wearing a fake low key bag, and someone wearing a real designer bag with huge arse logos/monograms all over their bags?
The fake, low key bags don't scream "look at me" unlike the monogram Guccis/LV's.

As far as I'm concerned, the authentic monogram bunch are the ones with an self-esteem issue. They're the ones wearing the bags that scream "look at me, I can afford an LV"

Then follow up what I said, with your post and the same applies.

"Someone with a healthy sense of self-worth does not need to kid oneself or try to kid others into believing that they are wealthier or more fashionable or whatever than they are by wearing logos or monograms all over their bags.
Adjust your attitude, stop trying too hard to impress with externalities, strive to be AUTHENTIC from the inside out in all you do, say and choose to wear."


I've said this is another forum but I'm say it here again;
I think most people who buy fakes just like the design, but don't have the funds to buy the real thing.
I don't believe they're more apt to lie, or steal, nor do I believe their self-esteem is worse than anyone else's.

eta: LV ladies, don't hate me. I only brought up LV as an example, to show this point of view can be applied to pretty much any group.
.

I agree. This thread also leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it sure is entertaining...

People climb mountains for different reasons. Some to attain heights. Others so they can look down at the people below. For me, the former is laudable while the latter is laughable.

Frankly, despite all the back and forth, I highly doubt anyone who has their noses stuck up in the air is able to bring it back down so their ears are at the right height for listening and understanding humanity. But at least they can't hear us laughing either.

 

[ladysarah]

Fake bags get donated to charity stores all the time. .

My point exactly. People who buy fakes harm everyone. By donating to charity & creating legal problems. Some of them are also tempted to re sell them on to other gullible and unsuspecting people. Or simply by stashing them away till they become useless landfill material. There is no real resale value to fake items, overall a waste of money. Criminal really.

 

[CoriEllings]

I can understand why people decide to wear fake bags or anything. Some people do not have enough money to go out and buy the real items so they resort to wearing fake goods as they like the design or the thought of being able to wear clothes that others think are real.

I personally don't wear fake designer gear but i never pay really high prices for the genuine stuff either. If you know where to search for such items you would be surprised at how little you can purchase them for.

 

[Luv iz Louis]

I can understand why people decide to wear fake bags or anything. Some people do not have enough money to go out and buy the real items so they resort to wearing fake goods as they like the design or the thought of being able to wear clothes that others think are real.

That is an excuse - you can buy really nice authentic items that are not high end luxury items - such as Coach, Oroton or even lower end brands that can do similar styles to the luxury houses. - you dont have to resort to fake to have a certain style of bag.

People that wear fake want to give the illusion of having the real deal when it is not, so they are being "fake" in doing so & supporting an insidious industry.

I cannot and will not ever justify wearing a fake bag, jewellery or anything.
If I can not afford the real thing then I find something in my price bracket that is authentic and within my budget.

 

[misskris03]

That is an excuse - you can buy really nice authentic items that are not high end luxury items - such as Coach, Oroton or even lower end brands that can do similar styles to the luxury houses. - you dont have to resort to fake to have a certain style of bag.

People that wear fake want to give the illusion of having the real deal when it is not, so they are being "fake" in doing so & supporting an insidious industry.

I cannot and will not ever justify wearing a fake bag, jewellery or anything.
If I can not afford the real thing then I find something in my price bracket that is authentic and within my budget.

It is an excuse, but I don't think that implies that @CoriEllings is condoning it--merely explaining the the reasoning behind it. With all of the complaints I see on these boards about the horrible quality of current Balenciaga bags, for example, I understand why people are tempted to buy a really good fake for a fraction of the cost.

Understanding the motivation doesn't imply supporting their choices.

That doesn't mean I do it myself or encourage it, but when nearly all of the affordable used Balenciaga bags on ebay, etc. look like garbage because of the deteriorating quality, I can see why people choose the really good fakes for the same price as a tatty used bag that is authentic.

 

[BPC]

It is an excuse, but I don't think that implies that @CoriEllings is condoning it--merely explaining the the reasoning behind it. With all of the complaints I see on these boards about the horrible quality of current Balenciaga bags, for example, I understand why people are tempted to buy a really good fake for a fraction of the cost.

Understanding the motivation doesn't imply supporting their choices.

That doesn't mean I do it myself or encourage it, but when nearly all of the affordable used Balenciaga bags on ebay, etc. look like garbage because of the deteriorating quality, I can see why people choose the really good fakes for the same price as a tatty used bag that is authentic.

Not to go too off topic, but you're dead wrong about the quality of Bal bags. Yes, you're going to see some with dry, thin leather, but I wouldn't say it was the norm.

The crappy ones you're seeing on Ebay, are the ones that were used and abused. The owners just didn't take care of the leather.

Also, Bals are supposed to take on a used/vintage look with wear, that's part of the charm. If you don't like the look, then these bags just aren't for you.

 

[AnnCha]

Because it's more affordable for them. They don't seem to care about the craftmanship and quality of a bag (obviously).
Makes me sad that they buy these illegal fakes instead of buying a bag that they can afford, there are some really nice bags that match their budget. Why pretend that you own a luxury designer bag, do you need the attention from people or do you just don't care walking around with couterfeit product?
That is so sad.
Buy what you like and can afford, you don't need fakes.

 

[misskris03]

Not to go too off topic, but you're dead wrong about the quality of Bal bags. Yes, you're going to see some with dry, thin leather, but I wouldn't say it was the norm.

The crappy ones you're seeing on Ebay, are the ones that were used and abused. The owners just didn't take care of the leather.

Also, Bals are supposed to take on a used/vintage look with wear, that's part of the charm. If you don't like the look, then these bags just aren't for you.

I'm glad to hear that I am mistaken about declining quality. They are gorgeous bags. And maybe I just found some especially sad bags because I am too cheap for the good ones

In any case, thanks for educating me.

 

[Luv iz Louis]

It is an excuse, but I don't think that implies that @CoriEllings is condoning it--merely explaining the the reasoning behind it. With all of the complaints I see on these boards about the horrible quality of current Balenciaga bags, for example, I understand why people are tempted to buy a really good fake for a fraction of the cost.

Understanding the motivation doesn't imply supporting their choices.

That doesn't mean I do it myself or encourage it, but when nearly all of the affordable used Balenciaga bags on ebay, etc. look like garbage because of the deteriorating quality, I can see why people choose the really good fakes for the same price as a tatty used bag that is authentic.

don't change the fact that Fake is Fake though

 

[Luv iz Louis]

makes me sad that they buy these illegal fakes instead of buying a bag that they can afford, there are some really nice bags that match their budget. Why pretend that you own a luxury designer bag, do you need the attention from people or do you just don't care walking around with couterfeit product?
That is so sad.
Buy what you like and can afford, you don't need fakes.

+1

 

[snsaundersva]

I don't like knockoffs personally. I know that the counterfeit bags are often made in sweatshops and the money is funneled to terrorist organizations or organized crime units. Unfortunately, the people who get arrested for selling counterfeit goods are the guys (and gals) on the street who are just trying to make a living, often in the US illegally and have no other way of supporting themselves.

That being said, I would never not "respect" someone for having a knockoff bag! Respect - or lack thereof - is due to someone's CHARACTER, not their material possessions. I have friends who have tons of knockoffs because they like the style and cannot afford the real ones. The fact that someone else would not respect them as people because they cannot afford the fancy bags that others carry makes me kind of disgusted.

I second this. Respect is something that should be given by default to every person, no matter what they carry. And really if you think about it, the same folks carrying $2000 Fendi bags are wearing about $2000 in fake hair extensions. Why isn't there a panel on that???

 

[snsaundersva]

Uber, you said that people don't understand that some people can actually afford designer bags aswell as other things for the house etc. The same can be said for those who can't afford both and have to make sacrifices - and buying knock-offs is one of them!

Personally, I don't buy them because I don't buy designer bags or copies at all. But I can relate to people who would buy them. Not only is a designer bag an 'investment' but its to say 'look at me, ive got a designer bag' Lets face it, bags are to be shown off, designer bags especially. So why can't someone have their fun in wearing a fake bag where most people wouldn't notice anyway - We can't all afford what we want!!

Excellent point.

 

[snsaundersva]

I think its very easy to diss fake or replica bags when you can afford the real thing, but for those of us with extrememly limited funds, I don't entirely appreciate it. I love designer bags, but I don't have hundreds/thousands of pounds/dollars to spend on them. So sometimes I'm tempted by the fakes - I can get the look I love for a price I can afford. I don't actually own any fakes - never found one that didn't make my skin crawl - but c'mon! We can't all afford the things we want. Unfortunately.

You make a great point!

 

[snsaundersva]

Sigh, I thought I had retired from this thread but come on! Folks are making tons of conclusory statements with no factual proof whatsoever. The clientele for luxury goods is a narrow share of the market to begin with, not everyone can or ever will be able to afford a LV, Gucci, Balenciage, etc. I simply do not buy that that clientele who are fortunate to afford the real stuff is truly affected by the existence of fakes (at least by any substantive degree)--you want something, can afford it, you buy it. Please explain how a designer's credibility is affected by something any thinking person would realize it has nothing to do with and that they ultimately have very little control over!??. That someone won't buy a bag b/c they're afraid that someone will think that bag is a fake is just sad and I'm using a euphemism here, hopefully most women are far more self assured than that.

Yeah I have to agree with this one. And to add to it, these designers raise their prices yearly but the product doesn't change at all. That's why I like mid-range designers like MK and Coach. The same bag I bought for $328 last year is STILL $328 today. Yet the LV Speedy from 2002, same size shape and make, is now $970, versus about $600 back then. Seriously??? LV is obviously making sure they get their money and could care less if I buy a replica. And one more thing... all replicas aren't made the same. I walked into a consignment store and had my LV speedy replica and the guy had a real one in the store. I was there 30 min trying to see and feel any difference and neither of us found anything. I intend to buy a real lv one day, but I see no harm in test driving a rep to make sure I know how to take care of it. And I have plenty of authentic MK, LRL, and Coach that offset the balance