| Pricing |
Compare the quoted price with the current market range for the same model, material, size, condition, and production year. |
More credible Pricing is commercially plausible and the supplier explains differences caused by condition, season, inventory, or wholesale quantity. |
Red flag The price is dramatically below comparable offers without a documented reason, especially when the item is described as new or authentic. |
Request a model-specific quotation and a written explanation for any unusually large discount. Do not rely on price alone as proof of authenticity. |
| Product Photos |
Check whether images show the actual item, including front, back, base, interior, hardware, labels, stitching, and condition details. |
More credible Images are consistent, high-resolution, and include a dated handwritten reference or another buyer-requested identifier. |
Red flag Only catalog images are provided, images contain different backgrounds or details, or the supplier refuses additional photographs. |
Ask for a live video showing the item from multiple angles and compare every detail with the listing. |
| Construction Quality |
Review symmetry, edge finishing, stitching regularity, lining, hardware alignment, engraving quality, odor, and material consistency. |
More credible Details are consistent across the bag and match reliable reference photographs for the exact model and release period. |
Red flag Uneven stitching, rough painted edges, peeling finish, loose threads, mismatched hardware, or strong chemical odor. |
Use a qualified independent authenticator or inspection service before final payment whenever the transaction value justifies it. |
| Labels and Serial Details |
Check typography, spacing, date or production codes, interior labels, hardware markings, and consistency with the relevant model and production period. |
More credible All markings are clear, correctly placed, and consistent with trustworthy references for the same design and period. |
Red flag Misspellings, incorrect fonts, inconsistent spacing, copied codes, missing details, or a code presented as the only authenticity proof. |
Treat codes, cards, dust bags, and packaging as supporting evidence only; counterfeit products can include copied accessories and labels. |
| Supplier Identity |
Verify the legal business name, registered address, operating history, contact details, and consistency between the profile, invoice, and payment beneficiary. |
More credible Business information is consistent, verifiable, and supplied before payment without pressure. |
Red flag The supplier uses multiple unrelated identities, refuses basic business details, or requests payment to an unrelated personal account. |
Check registration information through an appropriate official business registry and keep copies of all communications. |
| Commercial Documentation |
Review the pro forma invoice or commercial invoice, product description, quantity, unit price, currency, shipping terms, seller details, and return conditions. |
More credible Documents are complete, internally consistent, dated, and match the product listing and payment recipient. |
Red flag Blank invoices, altered PDFs, vague descriptions such as “fashion goods,” missing seller details, or documents that contradict the listing. |
Ask for corrected documents before paying. Documentation supports traceability but does not independently prove authenticity. |
| Proof of Purchase |
If supplied, assess receipts, order confirmations, or transfer records for date, seller details, item description, and consistency with the specific bag. |
More credible The proof of purchase is traceable, unaltered, and corresponds to the item, seller, and approximate production timeline. |
Red flag Only screenshots are provided, sensitive fields are heavily obscured, or the document appears reused for multiple items. |
Request original or verifiable records where legally appropriate, while protecting personal information. Never treat a receipt as conclusive proof. |
| Payment Method |
Determine whether the payment method provides transaction records, dispute procedures, escrow, inspection release, or chargeback rights. |
More protected Payment remains within a reputable platform or regulated method with clearly stated buyer-protection terms. |
Red flag The supplier insists on irreversible cash transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment to an unrelated account. |
Use a protected payment method and confirm that counterfeit-goods disputes are covered before sending funds. |
| Escrow and Inspection |
Check whether funds are held until delivery, inspection, or an agreed acceptance period, and identify who pays inspection and return costs. |
More protected Release conditions, inspection scope, evidence requirements, and deadlines are written before the order. |
Red flag The supplier rejects third-party inspection, demands full payment before verification, or changes release terms after payment. |
Choose an independent inspector and make authenticity, item identity, and condition explicit acceptance criteria. |
| Return and Refund Terms |
Review return eligibility, time limits, shipping responsibility, refund method, restocking fees, and procedures for suspected counterfeit goods. |
More protected Terms are written, specific, and enforceable through the chosen platform or payment provider. |
Red flag “No returns” applies even when the item is materially misrepresented, or refund promises exist only in chat. |
Save the terms before payment and confirm the dispute deadline. Keep packaging, labels, and delivery evidence after receipt. |
| Shipping and Customs Description |
Check the declared product description, value, shipment origin, tracking record, and whether the declaration complies with applicable law. |
More credible Shipping documents accurately describe the goods and match the invoice and order details. |
Red flag The supplier proposes false descriptions, undervaluation, or concealment to avoid customs controls. |
Do not accept false declarations. Confirm import restrictions, duties, and documentation requirements before ordering. |
| Communication Behavior |
Observe response quality, willingness to answer specific questions, consistency across messages, and pressure to pay quickly. |
More credible The supplier provides consistent information, allows reasonable verification time, and answers questions in writing. |
Red flag Urgency tactics, secrecy requests, disappearing messages, contradictory claims, or threats that the offer will expire immediately. |
Pause the transaction when verification is resisted. Preserve chat logs, quotations, images, and payment instructions. |
| Overall Decision |
Combine pricing, physical evidence, documentation, supplier identity, and purchase protection rather than relying on one signal. |
Proceed cautiously Evidence is consistent, verification is allowed, and the payment process provides meaningful recovery options. |
Do not proceed Several independent red flags appear, especially an unrealistic price combined with weak documentation and irreversible payment. |
Request a sample or independent authentication first. Walk away if the supplier will not provide verifiable evidence and protected transaction terms. |