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

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#3,556
Shelby33 said:
I'm wondering what we can do about this besides not buying fakes?
Also someone mentioned checking clothing for country of origin, does this mean checking the label inside?
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That's great that this is what you're taking from this thread and I agree, it really wasn't the point of the original thread. Perhaps we can focus on this instead of everyone posturing about their moral superiority for living their lives free of judgment, while they're on a site glorifying handbags, shopping and commerce.

I used to work in fashion for some companies that had issues come up with some of the overseas factories so I tend to research publicly traded companies to find their pledges not to use these types of exploitative manufacturing. There were many issues in Bangladesh so I will investigate a company's policy if they're producing there.

I do wear exotic skins and fur but the fur practices in China are poorly controlled so I don't buy items that come from Chinese fur. I prefer to buy alligator skin from Louisiana farms and the items that I buy come with documents declaring where the skin is farmed and you can research how these farms are managed. Simply taking an interest and doing a bit of research can be very eye opening

There is no one country or brand that does everything perfectly but I like being informed and comfortable with my decisions. Education via some of the forums here has been very helpful.
 
#3,557
MrsOwen3 said:
That's great that this is what you're taking from this thread and I agree, it really wasn't the point of the original thread. Perhaps we can focus on this instead of everyone posturing about their moral superiority for living their lives free of judgment, while they're on a site glorifying handbags, shopping and commerce.

I used to work in fashion for some companies that had issues come up with some of the overseas factories so I tend to research publicly traded companies to find their pledges not to use these types of exploitative manufacturing. There were many issues in Bangladesh so I will investigate a company's policy if they're producing there.

I do wear exotic skins and fur but the fur practices in China are poorly controlled so I don't buy items that come from Chinese fur. I prefer to buy alligator skin from Louisiana farms and the items that I buy come with documents declaring where the skin is farmed and you can research how these farms are managed. Simply taking an interest and doing a bit of research can be very eye opening

There is no one country or brand that does everything perfectly but I like being informed and comfortable with my decisions. Education via some of the forums here has been very helpful.
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Thank you. I used to think that I was covered not buying things that were made in China since I have read horror stories concerning child labor. But now more and more companies are having their items manufactured there so I always wonder. Thanks!
 
#3,558
Shelby33 said:
Thank you. I used to think that I was covered not buying things that were made in China since I have read horror stories concerning child labor. But now more and more companies are having their items manufactured there so I always wonder. Thanks!
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You're right, it's complicated. Even within China, there is a ton a variation in wages and working conditions. Generally speaking, workers in Guangdong are more politically savvy as they are able to get news and information from Hong Kong, so they are better able to push for good working conditions and wages than rural workers.
 
#3,559
Shelby33 said:
Thank you. I used to think that I was covered not buying things that were made in China since I have read horror stories concerning child labor. But now more and more companies are having their items manufactured there so I always wonder. Thanks!
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China is so huge and it comes down to the factory management but I can't discount the entire country as they manufacture so much, because they do it well for the most part.

Companies that are traded publicly in the Unites States should have policies on their investor relations sites that declare how they manage their manufacturing. Most large retailers include a department and executive officer tasked with visiting factories to ensure they meet the guidelines that company is governed by. The company that I worked for took this very seriously, unfortunately after an incident where many workers were injured about 20 years ago and since that time has restructured their agreements with the factories to ensure there is no mistreatment or unsafe conditions for the workers. No tee shirt is worth the loss of life and fortunately many companies do feel that way too. You might be surprised how many companies are deeply concerned about the factories they produce in.
 
#3,560
Unfortunately it seems as if we cannot have a civil discussion about an ugly industry.

I'm going to keep my strong opinion watered down and say that fake handbags have no place. Many are fooled, but it is up to them to be informed. I don't have the time to waste by lambasting and rebuking those who choose to purchase fake goods. I'm too busy buying the real deal!
 
#3,561
MrsOwen3 said:
China is so huge and it comes down to the factory management but I can't discount the entire country as they manufacture so much, because they do it well for the most part.

Companies that are traded publicly in the Unites States should have policies on their investor relations sites that declare how they manage their manufacturing. Most large retailers include a department and executive officer tasked with visiting factories to ensure they meet the guidelines that company is governed by. The company that I worked for took this very seriously, unfortunately after an incident where many workers were injured about 20 years ago and since that time has restructured their agreements with the factories to ensure there is no mistreatment or unsafe conditions for the workers. No tee shirt is worth the loss of life and fortunately many companies do feel that way too. You might be surprised how many companies are deeply concerned about the factories they produce in.
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Thanks, the more I learn the more I need to learn :)
 
#3,562
MrsOwen3 said:
It always astounds me when this thread turns into the "nice police". My post wasn't rude or angry or directed at you and yet here you are trying to analyze my psychological responses, incorrectly I might add. For what? To tell me to be less judgemental? I don't need your nonsensical post about thanking people for their rudeness though I suspect you expected me to thank you for your psycho-babble. Rather then analyzing posts, perhaps you should do some research from up on your high horse of non judgment superiority.

But you asked a question, can one buy fakes without being labeled? NO, they are criminals. Either intentionally or unknowingly but it is illegal. I'm not labeling fake buyers to be petty or because I'm so judgmental. It's illegal! Why is everyone defending this??

It's up to consumers to make the industry fail, if there is no demand then the business goes away. Government and the brands that have been fighting for years but it's the people that buy that get in the way.

So thank you for reminding me why I try to stay out of this thread because everyone worries about painting themselves in a flattering light of serene non judgment and says fakes and their buyers are ok. I say differently and I'm the one who is attacked and judged. Bye!
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You can be as angry as you want, but I wasn't attacking you. I just thought what I'd posted would be helpful. So, since it's not...I will leave it alone.
 
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#3,569
Tinfoil88 said:
Ive purchased a few fakes as a way to decide if I really truly want to buy the full blown item at a later time.

A test I suppose
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I don't think you're going to get a ton of support from people in this group. I don't judge people who don't know any better, but I think there might be better ways to test a bag other than buy a fake (e.g, Rent the Runway, Bag, Borrow, or Steal). I wish I would have known about those companies before I bought a LV Speedy 35. It might be "iconic" but it is a useless can that swirls my crap around and around. Not impressed with that one. I am looking at bag liners, but it's a dam $800-1000 ish bag. I feel it should have already had something!
 
#3,570
The reasoning is totally the same as why people buy real designer bags or designer anything, from each respective side (some people can't comprehend why people even buy designer anything)
1. They appreciate the design
2. They can (or cannot) afford it
3. It makes them happy and nobody can tell them otherwise
4. It's their money

The trafficking and labor conditions for fakes are sad, but hardly exclusive to the fake industry. It creates a lot of jobs in developing world, not just the manufacturing side but buying and selling.
Drugs are bad. But people who love designer bags aren't going to be deterred if their favorite designer is a cocaine addict. The person who buys fakes also undeterred by drug trafficking.

I'm not in support replica fake stuff, but I've seen how obsessed people in Asia get about designers, I think both the real and fake has its own market that is driven by the same concept actually. The concept of class, elitism and luxury life.
 
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