The lyrics to the popular song say it all: “There’s nothing like the real thing, baby.” Authentic designer handbags are in; fakes are out. Any questions?

“Yes,” you say, in this imaginary conversation we’re having in my head. “How can I be sure I’m getting an authentic Fendi handbag?”

Well you’ve come to the right place, my friend. Some of the fakes out there are close copies of the original, so I can’t guarantee you’ll spot every counterfeit bag, but I can help you weed out most of the copycats.

Know Your Fendi Handbag Seller

The very best way to ensure that your Fendi handbag is genuine is to buy from an established seller with a good reputation. If you shop for your Fendi handbag at Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s or Nordstrom, you are guaranteed to receive a 100% authentic Fendi handbag.

Once you start shopping online, things can get a little sketchier. You can’t be sure the Fendi handbag in that online auction is authentic until you get it in your hands and examine it.

Again, knowing your seller will help improve your chances of getting an authentic Fendi handbag. If you have purchased genuine designer products from an online seller before, then you have probably found a legitimate seller who will want to safeguard his or her reputation by continuing to sell authentic goods.

Examine Your Fendi Handbag

If you’re shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, examine the merchandise before you buy it. When shopping online, inspect your handbag as soon as you receive it. Each online retailer has its own return policy, and you may have a very limited time to return your handbag, even if you can prove it is a fake.

First, check the overall quality of your handbag. A genuine Fendi handbag will look well made, with straight lines of tight stitching, with thread ends trimmed close to the surface of the bag. All raw edges should be finished. Hardware should be sturdy, with a durable, two-tone finish of light gold and silver.

Next, examine the zippers in your Fendi handbag. Authentic zipper slides have the logo “FF” underneath, even on inside zippers. (A few bags have “RIRI” on the underside instead of “FF.”)

If you purchased a spy bag, measure the spy compartment; in authentic bags, the compartment will measure 5-1/8 inches from center hinge to hinge. Examine the handle; it should have FENDI engraved on the bottom, upside down and backwards. FENDI should also be engraved on the woven handle hardware. The back of the hardware should be lettered with the legend MADE IN ITALY, cleanly lettered in three rows of text.

Examining your Fendi handbag is well worth the time and effort. If you find that your bag is not genuine, immediately return it to the seller and demand a full cash refund.

Filed under: Designer Handbags

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