Case Study Four

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Case Study Four

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    Our case studies are designed to offer insight on how we apply power points while shopping online, especially eBay. We show you our process and how we spot the red flags, and subsequently render a verdict on an item's authenticity. We want to point out that our way is not the best method, or the most conclusive method to spot fake handbags online. But it is an effective method. We recommend that you treat our case studies as guidelines, not laws, and develop a system that works best for you, as your speed and skill increases.
More case studies will be added on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

POWER POINTS:
Power point 1. Use detailed keywords when searching.
Power point 2. Meticulously scrutinize the seller’s feedback.
Power point 3: Scrutinize the handbag pictures for tells.
Power point 4: Check out the seller’s return policy.
Power point 5: When in doubt, get a second opinion:

Note: A detailed description of these five points can be found in our tutorial online buying tips

Disclaimer: This is a study of a retail website. In the case of a retail website knowingly selling fake handbags, we will disclose the url. (This website may or may not be currently active, but this study does have applicable general tips to watch for when stumbling upon a website offering designer handbags).



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Below is the point by point breakdown of a GUCCI listing by ubestluxury.com .

Here are our findings:


1. Power point one.

Keywords: Gucci 'tassels' medium tote

Power point one assessment:

Pretty basic keywords, nothing detailed or specific. However, there is no incorrect model/style/color information listed.

2. Power point two.

Feedback: No feedback available for this website
Seller's feedback score: --
Seller's feedback percentage: --

Power point two assessment:
This website has no feedback system available to access. Even if it did, a private company could easily generate false feedback or phony customer satisfaction blurbs.


3. Power point three:

Item's pictures: Seller offered one item picture.
Image 1:





Power point three assessment:
Only one available image is always gounds for a red flag. Furthermore, in the one image available, the GG monogram pattern at the very top of the bag looks irregular, and uneven under the stitch line.

4. Power point four:

Return policy: You may return or exchange an item within 7 business days upon receipt of the purchase.

Power point four assessment:
This seller does offer a seven day return policy. However, upon further inspection, after clicking a text link at the bottom of the return policy marked "our policies," we read on further and discovered a 15% re-stocking fee on all returns. A re-stocking fee means that if you purchase a handbag for $1000, you will only be refunded $850! 1000 x 15% = 850. This is a major tell when you see this policy on a retail website. The website will actually profit $150 when you purchase a fake $1000 handbag and return it. This website will profit over and over on the same fake handbag if it continues to get returned. And if it gets sold and is not returned, then that's fine too (for them).

Seller description: (Seller description will be discussed in this section, to conform to our tutorial).


The seller writes:
"A small 15% restocking fee on the entire value of the order will be applied, minus shipping and handling charges. Any incomplete items are subject to an additional restocking fee. To ensure accurate and timely processing of your return, please be sure to use the return form provided."

Notes on seller description:
• Seller writes, "A small 15% restocking fee on the entire value of the order will be applied." This is a red flag, and an insulting understatement. Losing $100 on a return is not a "smal" fee.


5. Power point five: Get a second opinion.

Assessment: No second opinion is needed as the evidence against this website via the listing image and return policy was conclusive enough to infer that the merchandise being sold is fake.

Extra notes:

• This handbag is listed for $990 + shipping.
• There is no physical address for this company listed on the site.
• Much of the poor grammer on the site is clue for a non US origin.
• This site carries many of the same style bags but in every color. Highly unusual for a reputable non-licensed seller to have available.

Summary:
Power point 1:

Power point 2:

Power point 3:

Power point 4:

Power point 5: --

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags



Louis Vuitton Speedy 25
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Louis Vuitton Speedy 35
Louis Vuitton Speedy 40

Case Study 1

Case study 2

Case study 3

Case study 4