LV luggage can only be purchased directly from a Louis Vuitton store.
Louis Vuitton luggage is the epitome of luxury and classic style. Pieces can range in price from $1,100 to almost $7,000, coming in everything from dog carriers to leather garment bags. When a savvy shopper comes across a Louis Vuitton piece that is discounted, they often wonder whether it is authentic. Knock-off luxury bags and luggage are a huge business, but a savvy shopper can usually tell the difference between the counterfeit merchandise and the real thing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look at the date code and serial number. Date codes are two letters followed by four numbers. Look for three numbers in older luggage. Keep in mind that some counterfeiters know about the presence of these date codes, so finding a piece of luggage with a date code does not mean that it is authentic. Assume a piece of luggage is fake if it does not have one, however, or has a serial number instead.
2. Study the stitching and quality of the leather on the travel piece. Look for perfect stitching that is aligned. Real Louis Vuitton luggage is hand stitched, and every seam should be at approximately a 45 degree angle. Feel, smell and look at the leather to ensure that it is real leather, and not a synthetic material.
3. Pay attention to details. Look for brass and gold metal hardware. Beware anything that looks like gold-painted plastic. The zippers and clasps of the luggage should have a neatly printed "LV" on them. Understand what real Louis Vuitton luggage looks like by studying the company's website (see Resources). Beware of bags with handles covered in plastic and small tags with the logo; authentic Louis Vuitton luggage does not include logo tags.
4. A $300 Louis Vuitton suitcase for sale online (worth $3,000), is probably a fake.
Know who is selling the luggage you are considering buying. There is no such thing as genuine Louis Vuitton on a wholesale or discount website. Genuine luggage can only be purchased through the company. Understand that a Louis Vuitton piece is never on sale or discounted, and it keeps its value. Make sure a piece is aging (as real leather does), when buying a used piece. Assume it is a fake if it still looks brand new, but is being sold as a used item.
5. Look out for authentic logos. Make sure the signature "LV" logos are always lined up, and are never randomly placed. Look for logos that are cut off or used in the background, as this is rare in genuine Louis Vuitton luggage. Remember that not all Louis Vuitton luggage is covered in logos. For example, some of their Pegas and Epi leather luggage are solid colored bags, without the regular logo, so it is best to purchase these bags directly from Louis Vuitton.
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