Isabella Merchan, a Coach sales associate, shares her insight on spotting counterfeit Coach bags, a task she found surprisingly straightforward despite limited formal training.
A critical aspect of identifying authentic Coach bags is examining the story patches. Most genuine Coach bags have a leather creed or story patch embossed with the bag’s serial number and history. Merchan recounts an instance where a customer brought in a bag for repair, only to find its serial number was absent from the Coach database, indicating it was a fake.
The quality of the leather and materials is another significant indicator. Coach bags come with a hang tag made of the same leather as the bag, and it should feel thick and substantial. Fake bags, however, often feature flimsy tags with mismatched leather. This inconsistency is a strong indicator of a counterfeit. Furthermore, feeling the leather can reveal its authenticity. Popular models like the Tabby bag should have smooth, buttery leather, unlike the plastic-like texture of many imitations. It’s also advisable to compare the bag’s color to official Coach listings, as counterfeits often fail to match the authentic shades.
In addition, the stitching and craftsmanship of a Coach bag are telling signs. Authentic bags show precision in their stitching, with edges and tips meticulously finished. Counterfeit bags frequently exhibit sloppy and crooked stitching, especially along the edges.
The hardware used in Coach bags offers another clue. Genuine bags often use brass or nickel hardware, which tends to be heavier and less shiny than the bright, plated-gold hardware seen in fakes. Merchan notes that the weight difference is a quick giveaway when determining authenticity.
For those uncertain about a bag’s authenticity, purchasing directly from Coach or verified retailers is advised. While it is possible to find authentic products secondhand, it is crucial to research the seller’s methods of item authentication.
Spotting a fake Coach bag, as highlighted by Isabella Merchan, involves inspecting key features like story patches, material quality, craftsmanship, and hardware authenticity. Remaining aware of these elements can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, especially in the secondhand market, where authenticity might be challenging to verify.
Source: Businessinsider
