The Danger Of The Counterfeit Market

The counterfeit market is expanding more and more every single day. While it can sometimes be hard to spot a fake, it doesn’t mean there aren't ways to tell. Bag Enthusiasts, be safe, out there. There are ways that the counterfeit market is dangerous and not safe.

Counterfeit handbag sales cause an increase in the price of authentic handbags. Each time you choose to purchase a counterfeit handbag, you're contributing to a price hike for the authentic version and making it more unattainable for yourself and others to purchase. We can’t have any more price increases - Chanel has already had three this year!Authentic handbag prices take into account high quality materials and branding/marketing costs. When consumers opt to purchase counterfeit products, it forces luxury companies to introduce price hikes to recover lost sales. Usually, it is extremely obvious the bag isn't authentic. The truth usually isn't too hard to spot, especially when many counterfeit bags are made of faux leather and have misplaced logos and prints.

You're harming the environment. Because of the low quality and high production rate of counterfeit handbags, they're considered to be a form of fast fashion. The handbags need to be replaced frequently. You also will not be able to re-sell to a credible, authentic consignment store, which in turns produces more waste and harms the environment. 

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has reported that there is a strong link between the counterfeit industry and organized crime. Many counterfeit luxury products are unethically produced, and the profit from the sales can in some cases be used to fund other criminal activities such as illicit drugs and migrant smuggling.You can go from being a victim of a crime to a participant. Buying a counterfeit product isn't a crime. However, if you try to sell a counterfeit bag either knowingly or unknowingly about its authenticity, it is a crime in several countries across the world; you can face jail time and/or hefty fines that can range in the millions. Brands may also pursue civil action and sue you for copyright infringement.  

Counterfeit handbags typically have a strong odour to them. The counterfeit industry isn't regulated, and neither is its production process. The consumer's health is never a point of concern, which is why these products may contain harmful chemicals or toxins that produce a cheaper product, but have devastating health effects on the consumer. 

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