A is a work of art and the product of master craftsmanship. Unfortunately, can also look like a masterpiece--and leave you carrying a big bill for a fake bag. To save yourself from being the one left holding the phony purse, review these tips on how to identify a replica Prada handbag and save yourself from paying top dollar for a knock-off.



Consider the Source

Step1

Think about where you are buying the "Prada" bag. The odds are good that if you are buying it out of someone's trunk or on the street in Manhattan, it is a replica. It might be tempting to buy a replica because the price is so reasonable, but in general, when buying designer goods, follow the phrase, "If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is!"

Step2

Be wary of online dealers. Don't trust sellers online just because they give you their word the bag is authentic. Since its inception, eBay has been a hotbed for sellers trying to pass replica bags off as originals. There are different tips and tricks out there for how to tell who is selling a fake online, but honestly, the best advice is just to avoid buying designer goods online altogether. There is no real way to tell from a picture or a dealer's promise if the goods are real or not, and when you might pay upwards of $1000 for the bag, you want to make sure it is authentic.

Step3

Choose a trusted retailer over a bargain. Make sure you buy your bag from a trusted, high-quality vendor, like Prada's website or a reputable department store. From Prada's website, you can click on "Shop" under the Prada logo and either shop online (selected countries only) or locate an authorized dealer (see Resources below).

Check the Bag

Step1

Check if there is a leather stamp on the inside lining that says "PRADA MADE IN ITALY." Replicas will say something similar, but not exactly this phrase.

Step2

Look at the "R" in Prada in the leather stamp. In the real thing, the "R" has a curved right leg, but in the replicas this leg will be straight.

Step3

Make sure that all the hardware (the buckles, knobs and clasps) has Prada imprinted on them, not embossed and not written.

Step4

Check the stitching on the inside and outside of the handbag and make sure it is straight, even and the same color as the rest of the bag. Replicas are known to have white, uneven or loose stitching.

Consider Certificates of Authenticity

Step1

Look for a serial number. Authentic Prada handbags will come with tags that have the bag's serial number on it.

Step2

Watch out for phony tags. Some will add a tag to the outside of the bag that will bear the Prada label. Don't be fooled by how official this tag may look; Prada doesn't do this for their bags.

Step3

Avoid bags that come with a certificate of authenticity or other kind of documentation. This is a sign of a replica, so beware of sellers who claim to have these documents as proof of their authenticity.

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