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Case 3Case Study Three
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags
Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 Louis Vuitton Speedy 40 
[Louis Vuitton (ebay)]
Case Study 1 Case study 2 Case study 3 ← Case study 4 Our case studies are designed to offer insight on how to apply our power points while shopping online, especially eBay. We will show you our process, 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. 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). Below is the power point breakdown of a Louis Vuitton listing by ebay seller rj2XXXXX: [[1] Power point one] Keywords: STYLISH LOUIS VUITTON HANDBAG TOTE FRENCH 
[Assessment] These are weak, non-specific keywords. They portray the seller as having little if any knowledge of Louis Vuitton. However, weak keywords alone do not constitute a red flag, as someone without brand specific knowledge can still encounter an authentic handbag, be ignorant of the details, and sell it on eBay. And despite the weakness of these keywords, there is no incorrect model/style/color information listed. That said, weak, non-specific keywords should give rise to caution. [[2]Power point two] Feedback:
[Assessment] This sellers has a phenomenal 2725 feedback score at 100%. [However, designer handbags are not this seller's standard inventory]. But the high feedback score itself is not enough to eliminate any red flags here. (High feedback is not an automatic free pass to buy. We discuss feedback in more detail here. [[3] Power point three] Item's pictures: Seller offered item pictures. Image 1: 
Image 2: 
Image 3: 
Image 4: 
[Power point three assessment] Image number one has many glaring tells. The stamp impression is of poor quality, the "N" has a misprint or glitch, the overall stamp impression is crooked, and there is low quality stitching in the lower right hand corner of the label. These tells are conclusive enough to confirm this bag of being fake (An example of why feedback scores alone does not guarantee anything). More examples of Louis Vuitton logo stamp tells here. Image number [two] is another example of a low quality stamp impression. Image number [four] reveals incorrect hardware. [[4] Power point four] Return policy: This seller does not offer a return policy. This does not justify a red flag itself, as many sellers do not offer returns on used merchandise, but they do however, grant a money back guarantee if the item is not authentic. A buyer must read the fine print of the seller's return policy to find out all these details before buying. (The "No Returns accepted" policy can be seen in the power point one image below the keywords). [Assessment] The "No Returns Accepted" policy at first glance is not an automatic red flag, but when we checked for further return policy details in the listing, we found no money back guarantee even if the bag is fake. This further detail (or lack thereof) is grounds for a red flag, (below is the seller's actual description, more clues are available within this description). Seller description: (Seller description will be discussed in this section, to conform to our tutorial). The seller writes: NICE SPACIOUS BAG WITH NUMEROUS LV LOGOS...........TWO TONE COLOR---DEEP AMBER BROWN AND TAN.............THE BAG APPEARS IN OVERALL GREAT CONDITION WITH NO TEARS, STAINS OR HOLES..........THE BAG HAS 4 GOLDTONE FEET WITH AN LV LOGO ON EACH...........THE BAG IS 14 INCHES WIDE AND 13.5 INCHES TALL NOT INCLUDING THE HANDLES.......I AM NOT YOUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO PURSES AS YOU CAN TELL FROM MY FEEDBACKS........ THE BAGS I HAVE LISTED CAME FORM MY MOTHER'S ESTATE AND I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE SOME VALUE........SHIPPING ESITMATED AS ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE.......THANKS FOR LOOKINGNotes on seller description:
[[5] Power point five] Get a second opinion. [Assessment] No second opinion is needed as the evidence against this bag via the listing images was conclusive enough to confirm it a fake. [The damage ] This handbag ended up selling for $325 + shipping. It had 16 bids , and 278 hits on the listing. This case is an example of $325 + shipping that could have been saved with a few simple tips. Summary: Power point [1] † Power point [2] † Power point [3] † Power point [4] † Power point [5] -- [ebay] 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 |