Buying a Designer Bag! Louis Vuitton!

So I'm starting to step a little bit outside my blogging zone here and am hoping to more regularly blog about fashion related things.

A few months ago I bought my first designer bag! Granted it was a used LV off eBay. But its a Louis Vuitton none the less. In this post I hope to share with you, my lovely readers some tips and tricks on how *NOT* to get scammed by.. Scammers, who try and sell fake merchandise. So if you're interested in grabbing yourself a designer bag off eBay keep reading.

Here are some of the things I did.

1) Do Your Research: Find out as much general and detailed information as humanly possible weather it be online or in a store. Here are some of the websites that I used to find out Louis Vuitton info:

• eBay's How to SPOT fake LV LOUIS VUITTON: authentic Guide # 1
• eBay's Vintage LOUIS VUITTON:The French Luggage Company Part 2
• eBay's How to SPOT fake LV LOUIS VUITTON: authentic guide # 3
• eBay's LOUIS VUITTON Date Code & Production Explanation Guide
• PurseFourm's Louis Vuitton Date Code/ "MADE IN" Information & Locations
• PurseFourm's Louis Vuitton Reference Library

2) Find A Reputable Seller: I know it seems obvious but, sometimes we (I) get over excited and cant help but bid or hit that oh so tempting "Buy It Now" button. PLEASE make sure you read some of the feedback that has been left for a seller by other buyers. Make sure to read the majority (if not all) of the neutral/negative feedback. You need to judge weather you think they're a good seller or not.

If anyone is interested this is the seller that I bought my 25 Speedy from. I'm not saying in anyway that you will have a good result from them but I did, so hopefully you will too. If you choose to buy from them.

3) Get A Location/Date Code: If possible, when you think you've found your seller get into contact with them and get the Date Code from the bag. Preferably in picture format and make sure that the location/date code correlates with something that is possible. LV bags are NOT made in every country so pay attention to the codes.

4) Get Confirmation: After receiving your item, take it somewhere (if you can) and get it looked at by a professional sales person who regularly deals with Louis Vuitton bags asap. I took mine to Holt Renfrew and had someone from the Louis Vuitton boutique (which is in Holt Renfrew) look and the bag and confirm that its real. She looked and paid most attention to the stitching. The seller I bought my bag from only allowed 2 days for complaints/returns so this was the FIRST thing I did when my bag arrived. If this isn't an option then make sure you're VERY diligent in your research for both pre purchase and post purchase.

Also, make sure you prepare yourself for the love affair of handbags your setting yourself up for.. I can't wait to get my hands on a LV Speedy 30 =)

PS - If anyone has any further tips on not buying a fake bag be sure to post them in the comments! Us newbies need your help!