Many manufactures restrict there distribution of their product thus it sells for a high price in the market. Michael Rares, a discount perfume industry expert with over 30 years of experience, came across an item by Chanel that caught his eye on eBay.



A Coco Mademoiselle 3.4oz bottle usually retails for $110.00 and sells for around $85.00. This one was priced on eBay for $39.95. Realistically, most discount perfumes can sell close to or at market price.This item was a immediate Red Flag, stay away. The only reason to sell this low is the product is either counterfeit or stolen.

Of coarse the first clue in determining if a product is real is the pricing. But if you buy a discount fragrance there are some things to look at to determine if it is real.To illustrate what to look for. Rares purchased a Coco Mademoiselle from eBay and one from the department store. Close examination of the products revealed that there were obvious differences between the two products.

Rares offers the following suggestions for what to look for in spotting a fake discount fragrance. If you are not able to purchase multiple items, you can compare the item in question against one from a department store. Start by examine the outside packaging. Check to see that the font type and size matches and that the lettering is in the same place. Check to see if the box is folded and glued in the same manner. Boxes for counterfeits often fall apart if handled too much.

Is there an inner lining inside the box and is the construction consistent with the perfume box you are comparing it with? Does the bottle fit into the lining correctly and then does it fit inside the box properly. Check out the UPC Bar code on the box. Is it located in the right place and does it look the same . Also check if the numbers and see if they all match up. The detail bordering needs to be the same. The real Coco perfume there is a gold trim around the outside of the box and the inside flaps are gold. See if they match and are the same color.

The bottle construction is very difficult to copy. Are the angles of the glass smooth and even? Quality bottles are seamless. There should not be lines in the middle of the bottle. Look at the details, angles and coloring of the cap and its construction. Does it fit properly on the bottle? Does it slide on and off easily. Examine the sprayer detail outside and inside the bottle. In the fake Coco the gold sprayer and the stem inside the bottle were completely different from the real one.

The smell test is always the first test for consumers, but it can be hard to tell the difference the counterfeiters are very good at copying the smell. But test it anyway. Check the Perfume liquid for the correct color and make sure there are no substances floating in it .

Rares was able to conclude, based on this analysis, that the Chanel perfume was a counterfeit. Although he had nearly 30 years of experience on his side, you too can spot the fake by following these simple guidelines. Sites that allow anyone to sell just about anything to anyone will always pose these risks to the consumer. If you are unable to obtain any information on a product online, judge it by the price. And remember, if it seems too good to be true, that's because it is.