Why you really shouldn't buy fake designer bags
Fake Bags, Are They Really That Bad?
So let’s talk bags—no, not just any bags, but counterfeit luxury bags. We get it, girl. We’ve all had that moment of longing for the perfect designer bag, only to remember that we don’t have $2,000—let alone $100,000—to drop on every bag we want. The idea of getting a dupe might have crossed your mind (because it’s definitely crossed ours).
I mean, it’s just a bag, right? What’s the harm in getting a really good fake? If you’ve ever been to Times Square in NYC, you’ve probably seen guys laying out endless rows of Fendi, Gucci, Prada, and LV bags for just a hundred bucks. But what does buying a fake bag actually do, and who does it really hurt? Girl, sit back and settle in, because we’re about to break it all down.
That Dirty Feeling
So, you finally got that counterfeit bag, and you’re loving the new look. You catch glimpses of people staring like, “Oh my God… is that a Chanel flap?” But then, that little voice creeps in. Maybe the world doesn’t know you bought a fake bag, but you do. And according to a study by ScienceDirect, over 50% of people who purchase counterfeit luxury goods experience pre-purchase regret—and trust us, post-purchase regret is just as bad.
There’s a reason for that. Owning a designer bag isn’t just about the logo; it’s about the craftsmanship, the history, the prestige. It’s the reason why luxury brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Dior hold their value so well. But when you buy a counterfeit, you’re not just getting a cheap knockoff—you’re also stripping the bag of all the intangible value that makes it special. And girl, nothing kills a vibe faster than buyer’s remorse.
The Ethics Aren’t Ethic-ing Here
Let’s talk about where these fake bags come from. Over 70% of counterfeit luxury goods are produced in China, particularly in Guangdong Province, a major counterfeit hub. And because these bags are illegal products sold on a black market, there are no labor laws or regulations protecting the workers who make them.
Think about this: legal factory workers in Guangdong earn between $2.50 and $3.50 an hour. But in illegal counterfeit factories? Those wages are often cut in half. That means your fake Dior Saddle Bag is being made by someone earning around $12 a day. Babe, that bag doesn’t seem so fabulous now, does it?
And the worst part? Many of these factories employ forced labor, child labor, or unsafe working conditions, all to produce fake luxury goods at the lowest cost possible. So while you might think you’re getting a steal, the real cost is paid by the workers being exploited.
The Designer is Getting Ripped Off
We all love our favorite designers—Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent—the icons who revolutionized fashion. Their designs, quotes, and legacies live on because they put real craftsmanship, artistry, and innovation into their work. But the counterfeit factory owner in China? They don’t care about you or the bag you’re getting the way Christian Dior did.
Let’s be real: no one at a counterfeit factory is sitting there, meticulously stitching your bag with the same level of care. No one is thinking about how the right leather will age over time or how a bag can be an heirloom piece. To them, it’s all about cutting corners and making a quick buck. And when you buy a fake bag, you’re directly taking money away from the fashion houses that actually do care about creating something iconic for an iconic girly like you.
Your Own Personal Safety and Financial Security
Okay, miss girl, let’s talk about the risks you’re taking when you buy a counterfeit bag. These are illegal products, which means there’s zero regulation—not just for labor, but also for sales. And that can open the door to a whole world of financial scams.
We went down a rabbit hole for you and found horror stories of people getting scammed when trying to buy luxury dupes. We want our fashion girlies to make intentional financial decisions when buying bags—not to get played by shady sellers. A lot of counterfeit bag websites will take your credit card info, only for you to get a fraud alert from your bank a week later. Even when the transaction seems legit, the sale itself is not.
And let’s talk about another scam—actually getting the bag you paid for. Many of these sites and factories disappear overnight, leaving you out a few hundred dollars with no bag in sight. And even if you do get the bag, girl… was it really worth the risk of getting your identity stolen?
Even price-wise, counterfeit bags aren’t exactly cheap. While they’re obviously much less than the real thing, they still cost around 5-10% of the original bag’s price. That means a “good” fake could still run you $300 to $1,500. At that point, why not just invest in a real, authentic Coach or Marc Jacobs bag instead? It’ll last longer, hold value better, and—most importantly—you won’t have to worry about getting scammed.
If You Do End Up Buying That Counterfeit Bag…
Let’s be honest—most people won’t know your bag is fake. But there’s always that one fashion girlie who will clock it. And if someone asks, “Is that bag fake?” chances are, they already know the answer.
So, what’s the move? If there’s any way to pull off a fake bag, it’s by being real. If someone asks if it’s fake, just own it: “Yeah, it is! I love the real one, but this was the next best thing.” Because at the end of the day, we all love fashion, and we all know what it’s like to lust after a bag that’s out of reach (ahem, Birkins).
The worst thing you can do? Try to fake that your fake is real. If a fashion girlie knows, she knows, and there’s nothing worse than getting called out in front of a room full of people. So if you’re going to do it (which please don’t), at least keep it real.
Our Final Thoughts: Why the Fake Bag Isn’t Worth It
You know how some guys obsess over their cars? Like, they live for them? Well, girl, buying a real designer bag that you’ve dreamed about for years will make you feel better than any boy tripping over his car.
Saving up and working hard for a designer bag (whether it takes months or even years) finally owning it makes it that much more special. And let’s be real: if you manage to save $10,000 and drop it on a bag, who cares if some boy has an opinion about it? He probably doesn’t have the discipline to save 10K in one shot, anyway.
Plus, depending on the brand and style, a real designer bag can be an amazing investment. Some luxury bags actually appreciate in value over time (hello, Hermès Birkins and Chanel Flaps). If you’re curious about which bags are worth the splurge, check out our article on investment fashion to see which ones retain and grow in value.
At the end of the day, a counterfeit bag might seem like a quick fix but trust us... nothing beats the real thing. So, if you’re going to invest in luxury, make it count. You, your hard-earned money, and your love for fashion deserve better than a fake.