The 3 Different Grades of Replica Handbag Quality
Read on for more detail...
There are actually 5 levels of replica handbag quality...
- A
- AAA
- AAAAA
- "mirror image"
- "super copies"
- A quality ($35-50)
- AAAAA quality ($150+)
- super copy quality ($400+)
1. A Quality
"A Quality" is sometimes referred to as "street vendor quality" because it's the type of handbag quality normally sold by street vendors in major cities. Their prices usually range from $20 to $50. These are the most common flaws with "A Quality" bags...
- bad stitching
- usually not made with leather trim
- sometimes missing trim altogether
- inaccurate color
- poor structure
- size is wrong
- embossed interior logos, where present, are the wrong typeface
- zippers that don't operate
- faux-suede beige interior when the interior should be canvas
- missing details like metal accents, outer pockets, bows, or metal clasps
- produced in styles and patterns/colors that don't exist (such as prints that were never produced in particular classic styles such as a denim logo alma or the Murakami Multicolore Speedy 25)
I've seen all kinds of wacky "A Quality"fakes. Interestingly enough, cheap fakes can last for years. I've seen some very beat-up in-tact fakes show up in thrift shops like Goodwill.
Let's take an actual look at how cheap fakes differ from the authentic (in the proceeding visuals, the authentic will be on the left and the replica will be on the right)...
In the above photos, it's easy to see the difference immediately. The replica on the left just doesn't have the structure of the authentic. The Bumbag is built to form around the body. The replica has a similar structure but collapses into itself. Also notice that the curves on the bottom left and right of the replica aren't fluid and aquiline as the authentic.
Again, the differences are easy to spot. First, the typeface of the replica is incorrect. Also notice that the individual stitches on the authentic is longer than the replica and very even and tidy as well. Also, the red painted trim on the edges of the strap of the replica aren't neatly painted on and seem to run over the edges. Lastly, the strap on the authentic is beveled at the edges while the entire strap of the authentic is flat.
Please also recognize that the authentic strap is darker in color because the leather has oxidized. The material of the strap on the right probably isn't leather at all.
You probably already realize that the "A Quality" replicas are very easy to spot. Again, the typeface on the replica tab on the right has letter spaced out too far apart. The registered trademark symbol, "R" is also too big on the replica. And again, there is the issue with the red painted edges running over.
2. AAAAA Quality
I sometimes refer to AAAAA quality as "mid-range" quality its sometimes hard to tell from the authentic, depending on the style and brand. These usually cost $150 to $200 per bag if it's a tote. AAAAA quality is harder to find but there are some on DHGate. If you trawl Chinatown in New York City, you can spot a seller of AAAAA quality if they're wearing a bag which you suspect is real (it's probably fake). Here are some of the hallmark characteristics of AAAAA quality bags...
- color of logos or background material is just slightly off
- stitching looks very good but on closer inspection, not entirely neat or uniform
- size of bag is slightly off
- handles or straps are a bit flimsy
- typeface of lettering is slightly off
- hardware color is slightly off
The following is a perfect example of how AAAAA quality can look very accurate from the outside but the interior tells a different tale...
Right away, you can see the differences in the date codes. The date code on the replica at the right is embossed in red. Not only that, but the tab is more rectangular in shape...
Here is an example of an AAAAA replica that is hard to tell apart based on the exterior. The ring and tab for the cinching straps looks very good. The round logo metal accent on the tab is slightly bigger on the replica. And the "D-ring" on the replica is more yellow gold than on the authentic. In fact, too yellow gold replica hardware, especially on Louis Vuitton reps, is pretty common...
Again, when inspecting the interior of an AAAAA rep the differences are clear when you do a side-by-side comparison. The typeface of the print on the interior trim is off. The registered trademark "R" symbol isn't bright enough. Also take a look at the length of the logo trim - it's shorter and more angular. Additionally the zipper trim is red on the rep when it should be dark brown. The dark brown leather trim above it is also too thin on the replica.
3. Super Copies
Super copies are the creme de la creme of replica handbags. They can get pretty darn expensive too. Hermes super copies can cost upwards $2,500.00. Super copy Chanels can cost $600 and up. Here are the main differences, though difficult to spot, between authentic and super copy handbags:
- color of metal accents can be slightly off
- color of stitching can be slightly off
- quality of interior craftsmanship will start to show after a few years (stitching will gradually come apart)
- stamps on the interior are a little slightly faded
- authenticity card print is slightly faded or has incorrect typeface
Now, an individual super copy will have only a few of the flaws listed above and usually not all. The fact of the matter is that unless the person inspecting the bag is intimately familiar with the details of the bag in question or handbags by that designer is general, a side-by-side comparison is necessary that figure out if a super copy is real.
And if you've ever heard of super copies passing an authenticity inspection, believe it's true! The same with scammer that return super copies to designer boutiques in place of the authentic bags they originally purchased. These things are common simply because super copies are just about the same as the original. Let's look at one below...
BONUS! Real vs. Fake Chanel Lambskin Black Maxi
Let's put your newly acquired authentication skills to the test. In each photo, can you tell which is the authentic Chanel Maxi and which is the super copy?
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