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

[Swanky]

It reminds when DH's friends see his success and tell him how lucky he is. . . it always pisses him off.

Later he always says "LUCK!? This didn't just fall into my lap, I worked my a$$ off to be where I'm at!!"

No one is "entitled" . . . we're not all from wealthy families, DH and are sure not. But we've worked hard to get to where we are so we've 'earned' it based on series of decisions and events.
When we had a lot less money, I didn't have the luxury of buying designer. . . so I didn't. And I also didn't put the $ into the wrong hands buy purchasing counterfeit.

 

[sweetneet]

You completely contradicted yourself with the above. You don't condone fakes but you condone fakes in this situation? What?
Simply put, the counterfeit is illegal any way you look at it. The inspired is not. End of story.

I agree. If you don't condone fakes, then what exactly makes it ok in this situation? the fact that she wants it but can't afford it? So if someone wants to buy, say, a 42" flat screen TV, but can't afford one, then is it considered OK if they buy a stolen one via the black market (for cheaper), because "they really wanted one, couldn't afford it, and don't like any of the smaller no-name brand TVs that are cheaper?"

We all want things we can't afford...yet that is in no way an excuse to support illegal activity. the only way i could condone illegal acts involving stealing etc is if someone's life is somehow at risk (e.g. a parent stealing food for their starving child)...then ok yeah, you can put aside the legality of things in that case. but other than things like that, i see no valid reason to knowingly support an illegal industry that has harmful effects on society/economy, just because you want to own a luxury item that is not within your means! personally, that seems a bit selfish to me.

like i said, i think that maybe some people will only understand this issue once they are the ones that are ripped off...once somebody steals something valuable from them, illegally makes a profit off it, funds local crime rings, etc....maybe only then they'd wish people would stop supporting it??

 

[Peachy Mary]

SHE LIKES THE “LV” PATTERN, the brown color, the elements that make it an LV. Obviously she can get a bag that she wants or could afford, but she likes the LV monogram…that’s why we all buy something we like….because we like the way it looks! So if she likes the LV monogram, how else will she get something…she doesn’t like the XO style

...such a dead horse Do you really believe there's so much difference between XO and LV that someone who has as much trouble on her mind as the woman described (I assume life isn't too easy, with 3 jobs etc.) really cares that much about whether it's XO or LV? Really? The difference is minimal (if we're talking about the bags I think we're talking about), it's the same color pattern, often even the same shape... only two letters are different.
I believe you're just trying to find a way to justify fakes in her case. No woman who has such problems cares so much about two letters on a purse IMO.
Just my 0.02$

 

[peafleut]

I agree with what many posters in this thread have stated, "counterfeit goods are illegal" and that is the bottom line. Now, if someone chooses to knowingly participate in this illegal activity because they want to delude themselves into believing it is a "victimless crime" than so be it. I will not go up to them on the street and preach to them the evils of fakes nor will I see them as being inferior in some way for carrying a fake. Because, personally the passing of judgment will lead me nowhere.

BUT... I will say this knowledge is power and actions have consequences. Two years ago, as a HS sophomore I joined a world service organization. I learned so many lessons about the world and discovered that as individuals we can all make a difference. One of the easiest differences that as people can make is not purchasing counterfeited or conflict zone goods.

The production and sale of counterfeit goods not only hinders progress in the world but causes suffering for many people and creates a vicious cycle which is difficult to stop. First, the laborers (a good portion children and women) who produce the these goods work long hours in deplorable, dangerous, and unregulated facilities (many facilities are fire traps) with hazardous materials (poisonous glue) and seldom receive a break to even relieve themselves during the day. If they leave (if possible) they loose their job and the meager wage that they use to try to support their family. Now, many would wonder why would someone work like this? And the truth is that for many it is either work in an illegal sweatshop or starve. Counterfeiters keep there activities secret and underground and use intimidation, scare tactics, and even violence to keep their "workers" and snuff out the opportunity for legal and fair trade to occur. Plus, many counterfeiters use their ill gotten gains in order to fund other illegal practices such as prostitution and drug trade. But, if that isn't already enough... Not only as mentioned before (in other people's posts) do counterfeit goods cost the state and federal gov. tax revenue. But, it cost the tax payers directly out of their pockets for the fed, state, and in certain cases municipal (i.e. Bloomberg's NYC Anti- Counterfeit Initiative) govs. to try to prohibit and stop sales of the illicit goods. Now, some think that it doesn't matter because people will keep on buying fake purses anyway. But, the truth is that with education and persistence how many things do and have changed. And as a famous quote goes, "If we stand for nothing, then we will fall for anything." So, in the end I remind all the counterfeit industry comes back, and effects everyone adversely one way or another and I hardly believe that many would find a $20 fake purse to be worth all of that. That's the end of my rant.

 

[Peachy Mary]

Peafleut, I couldn't agree more with what you said. Great post!

 

[pot_luck]

 

[sweetneet]

I agree with what many posters in this thread have stated, "counterfeit goods are illegal" and that is the bottom line. Now, if someone chooses to knowingly participate in this illegal activity because they want to delude themselves into believing it is a "victimless crime" than so be it. I will not go up to them on the street and preach to them the evils of fakes nor will I see them as being inferior in some way for carrying a fake. Because, personally the passing of judgment will lead me nowhere.

BUT... I will say this knowledge is power and actions have consequences. Two years ago, as a HS sophomore I joined a world service organization. I learned so many lessons about the world and discovered that as individuals we can all make a difference. One of the easiest differences that as people can make is not purchasing counterfeited or conflict zone goods.

The production and sale of counterfeit goods not only hinders progress in the world but causes suffering for many people and creates a vicious cycle which is difficult to stop. First, the laborers (a good portion children and women) who produce the these goods work long hours in deplorable, dangerous, and unregulated facilities (many facilities are fire traps) with hazardous materials (poisonous glue) and seldom receive a break to even relieve themselves during the day. If they leave (if possible) they loose their job and the meager wage that they use to try to support their family. Now, many would wonder why would someone work like this? And the truth is that for many it is either work in an illegal sweatshop or starve. Counterfeiters keep there activities secret and underground and use intimidation, scare tactics, and even violence to keep their "workers" and snuff out the opportunity for legal and fair trade to occur. Plus, many counterfeiters use their ill gotten gains in order to fund other illegal practices such as prostitution and drug trade. But, if that isn't already enough... Not only as mentioned before (in other people's posts) do counterfeit goods cost the state and federal gov. tax revenue. But, it cost the tax payers directly out of their pockets for the fed, state, and in certain cases municipal (i.e. Bloomberg's NYC Anti- Counterfeit Initiative) govs. to try to prohibit and stop sales of the illicit goods. Now, some think that it doesn't matter because people will keep on buying fake purses anyway. But, the truth is that with education and persistence how many things do and have changed. And as a famous quote goes, "If we stand for nothing, then we will fall for anything." So, in the end I remind all the counterfeit industry comes back, and effects everyone adversely one way or another and I hardly believe that many would find a $20 fake purse to be worth all of that. That's the end of my rant.

great post, you have made some excellent points.and it's great that someone so young (you must still be in HS!) has already begun to take notice of some of the serious issues in this world. And kudos to you for joining a world service organization, that's great!!

 

[mrodriquez2006]

...such a dead horse Do you really believe there's so much difference between XO and LV that someone who has as much trouble on her mind as the woman described (I assume life isn't too easy, with 3 jobs etc.) really cares that much about whether it's XO or LV? Really? The difference is minimal (if we're talking about the bags I think we're talking about), it's the same color pattern, often even the same shape... only two letters are different.
I believe you're just trying to find a way to justify fakes in her case. No woman who has such problems cares so much about two letters on a purse IMO.
Just my 0.02$

YES! there is much difference! I don't like the XO, I like the LV...the two letters create a world of difference...that's just so obvious....if what you're saying is the case then why do we all buy LV? because we like the brand and we like the monogramming!

 

[mrodriquez2006]

I agree. If you don't condone fakes, then what exactly makes it ok in this situation? the fact that she wants it but can't afford it? So if someone wants to buy, say, a 42" flat screen TV, but can't afford one, then is it considered OK if they buy a stolen one via the black market (for cheaper), because "they really wanted one, couldn't afford it, and don't like any of the smaller no-name brand TVs that are cheaper?"

We all want things we can't afford...yet that is in no way an excuse to support illegal activity. the only way i could condone illegal acts involving stealing etc is if someone's life is somehow at risk (e.g. a parent stealing food for their starving child)...then ok yeah, you can put aside the legality of things in that case. but other than things like that, i see no valid reason to knowingly support an illegal industry that has harmful effects on society/economy, just because you want to own a luxury item that is not within your means! personally, that seems a bit selfish to me.

like i said, i think that maybe some people will only understand this issue once they are the ones that are ripped off...once somebody steals something valuable from them, illegally makes a profit off it, funds local crime rings, etc....maybe only then they'd wish people would stop supporting it??

for the LAST TIME....it's a fallacy to argue that ALLL illegal or counterfeit items support these crimes rings, etc....it's what you call a slippery slope argument!

 

[Peachy Mary]

YES! there is much difference! I don't like the XO, I like the LV...the two letters create a world of difference...that's just so obvious....if what you're saying is the case then why do we all buy LV? because we like the brand and we like the monogramming!

If we afford it, we buy the original because we love it. If we can't, we don't buy a fake but something that looks similiar - but never a fake.
I didn't mean to say that there was no difference at all, I meant that the difference is so small that I (if I was in her position) would not bother about it and get the XO if I loved monograms so much. If you can afford both the original and the inspired, you can be picky... but if you can't even afford a reliable car etc. I doubt you really care so much about those two letters. I know I didn't.

I hope this made it clearer, I'm not english so forgive me if I write stuff no one understands.

 

[Peachy Mary]

for the LAST TIME....it's a fallacy to argue that ALLL illegal or counterfeit items support these crimes rings, etc....it's what you call a slippery slope argument!

And how do you make sure you don't buy the ones that support crime rings etc.? Do you trust the word of the seller of fake merchandise, who tells you some story about how these are made in the same factories, at night behind the companys back, by a trained professional, not by a child? (or whatever they tell you)

 

[Swanky]

for the LAST TIME....it's a fallacy to argue that ALLL illegal or counterfeit items support these crimes rings, etc....it's what you call a slippery slope argument!

Even so. . . they're still ILLEGAL, the fact that a LOT of them are PROVEN to be traced back to terrorism, drug crime, etc. . . is just the gravy

 

[sallygirl]

"If you're truly struggling to make ends meet (like I was for most of my childhood + adult life) why do you care so much about what kind of bag you are carrying around??"

So only people who have enough money are allowed to care what they wear and what kind of bag they carry? I don't think I understand this logic. I have a friend who cares A LOT what she wears and carries yet has a budget of about $25-30 for a handbag due to some difficult circumstances in her life. So my guess is she can only afford fakes. Or nasty marshalls bags made of PVC.

Also, I can't help but wonder: manufacturing fakes may support terrorism and child labor but again, it may not. Sometimes, it's just done for profit much like real LV sells bags for profit. Another point: If china, for example, doesn't have laws against child labor (or doesn't enforce them), it doesn't matter if a factory manufactures fake bags or legitimate car wheels, they still going to treat the children who work there the same. Wild capitalism is pretty wild: if countries didn't have laws regarding vacation or work day limits, do you think companies/owners would care? We would all work endless hours and have our legs broken so we can't get out.

 

[sweetneet]

for the LAST TIME....it's a fallacy to argue that ALLL illegal or counterfeit items support these crimes rings, etc....it's what you call a slippery slope argument!

Ok then first off..where do you think the money of the sale of these bags is going?? Do you think it's going to the govt to pay for roads, etc? Nope..cuz no taxes. Are they going into charities , like to feed homeless, cure cancer, etc? Yeah right! I'm very curious to know exactly where you think the money is going, if it isn't organized crime , owners of sweatshops overseas, etc.

Second of all, even so...the sale of counterfeit items is ILLEGAL. Why? Because it involves the sale of materials (designs, trademark, copyright, etc) that were STOLEN. By purchasing something that is STOLEN you are supporting THIEVES, no?? If something was stolen from me, I wouldn't be too happy if people were forking over $$ to buy it from the thief who stole it, regardless of where the $$ was going.

 

[Jaime]

I have a friend who cares A LOT what she wears and carries yet has a budget of about $25-30 for a handbag due to some difficult circumstances in her life. So my guess is she can only afford fakes. Or nasty marshalls bags made of PVC.

That was me at one point and I never had to buy fakes. Nor were any of my bags PVC. I got some really nice bags from $20-50 when thats all I could afford. Most stores have sales at various times and I used to pick up leather bags at 70% off if I held out. Besides personal choice there a no reason you *have* to buy a fake nor is it the only option. At the end of the day people will do what they want but its just a choice, not the only option.