Shopping CartArchive for May, 2008
Friday, May 9th, 2008
I Got it on eBay!
Let’s face it, now and days the truth of the matter is, we want our designer handbags and we want them at the lowest price that we can get them at. Because of this mentality more and more consumers have turned to places like EBay in search for the best bargain designer bag. Admit it, if you haven’t bought one on EBay, then you have at least looked at them on EBay.
So what’s the problem you ask? Well, how do you know if the Gucci bag you’re getting for $300 that was originally $1200 is real? While I personally haven’t purchased a designer handbag on EBay before, these are cautions tips and red-flags and were told to me when I was considering it.
1. Do your Research
- Physically go to the retail and department stores and check out the merchandise first hand. Feel the texture and familiarize yourself with the latest styles out by this designer. Look into the company. Where are their factories? Where are the majority of the bags made?
2. More is not Better
- Great! You know the bag you want and you found a listing on EBay. But WAIT! Check to make sure the same seller hasn’t listed the same item multiple times. IF he/she has it’s a sign that what’s they’re selling is a fake.
3. Home Country
- Where is the item coming from? Be careful to see if the seller is from overseas. Stay clear of bags coming straight from overseas, but be aware that most designer bags do have factories in third world countries such and China and Italy.
4. Exercise Active Reading Skills
- Leave the “I don’t want to read” attitude behind. When shopping on EBay, EVERY word COUNTS. Be careful of descriptions such as “Designer Brand (insert name) inspired” or “just like designer brand (insert name)”. This can be tricky and problematic later when you want to file a claim against the person for selling you a fake bag.
5. Be Anal
- Look for as many items as possible to support the authenticity of the bag. Designer bags usually come with tags, booklets, care cards, and warranty cards. Also ask for the designer tissue paper, the dust bag, and gift boxes that come with the bag when purchased at an authorized reseller store. Even go as far to ask if they kept their purchase or gift receipt.
6. 20/20 Vision
- Make sure there are pictures! Then make sure they’re crystal CLEAR! The more pictures the better. Are they just images on the website or where they physically taken? Many of the ones that are taken manually will include the Seller’s ID in the picture. Look at the quality and consistency of stitching in these pictures. Also look for pictures with the serial numbers, patches and designer engravings. Beware of Photoshop! IF IN DOUBT ASK FOR MORE AND CLEARER PICTURES!
7. Interrogate the Seller
- Look for seller’s return and exchange policy. You want MONEY BACK guarantee. Make sure they offer safe methods of payments such as PayPal. Buy from sellers that offer insurance and tracking.
8. Slow down Horsey
- Many counterfeits auctions end early, so beware of auctions that only last 1-3days. Be wary of PRIVATE listings. Why can’t you see their ID, unless they’ve got something to hide? Look at shipping costs as well. If they have an inflated amount and their policy doesn’t include the cost of shipping in their refund, you might want to reconsider.
9. CONFIRM ALL INFORMATION WITH THE SELLER.
10. If in doubt ask questions. There is no such thing as too many or a stupid one.
Truthfully, I’ve seen auctions for designer handbags and the amount they end at, and usually you really don’t save that much from even retail stores. If anything you might end up paying more. So, word of the wise- try the outlets first for your designer bag. It just may be cheaper and you’ll save yourself the worry in the long run- cuz peace of mind is worth a lot these days.
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
What a nuisance! (TSA)
Ever since the outbreak of 9-11, USA has been implementing stringent procedures to protect its citizens of America. If you had a chance to fly out of your local airport lately, you probably noticed that it is no longer a convenient means of transportation.
First things first, airlines have recently started a new policy where passengers are only allowed ONE extra baggage to be checked in under the plane. Any extra baggage would be subject to a hefty fee. And that isn’t the worst of the matter; the bag must not exceed 50 pounds in weight unless you are willing to pay $25.00 USD for every overage pound. If your bag is considered over-sized then you will need to take them to a special x-ray machine for examination upon completion of checking in to your flight. Upon completion of checking in to your flight, there are several more nuisances that follow.
After you receive your boarding pass, you are allowed to head towards the security checkpoint (where at times it can be a bit frustrating). Before you can load your belongings (each passenger is only allowed to carry on with them one luggage and one bag) onto the x-ray machines, you must pass the security checkpoint stand. This checkpoint requires a TSA security officer to examine your ID or passport and boarding pass before proceeding to the x-ray machines. If everything looks okay, the guard will stamp your boarding pass and you may continue to proceed to the x-ray machines.
When you reach the x-ray machines, you must make sure that you remove your shoes, coats or sweaters, and laptop computers. Laptop computers must be separated and put into a tray by itself. After you have loaded all your belongings into the machine, you have to go through a metal detector with your boarding pass in hand, for there is another guard waiting to check your boarding pass again as soon as you pass through the metal detector. And if all goes well, you can gather your belongings, put on your shoes and finally head towards your gate for departure (that is only if by this time you haven’t already missed your flight).
Next week, I will be talking about the cute TSA puppies that seek out bomb threats.
Monday, May 5th, 2008
Cinco de Mayo
For those of you who aren’t already familiar with the Mexican holiday, this is not a new flavor of mayonnaise. And for those of you who thought it was Mexican Independence Day you are wrong as well. Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “5th of May” and commemorates initial victory of the Mexican forces over the French forces on May 5th 1862. For those of you who are curious Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th. But in the public eye, September 16th seems to meld into May 5th, and thus everyone celebrates it as so. So happy Cinco de Mayo everyone, its time to start drinking!
Sunday, May 4th, 2008
A Playful Mother’s Day Gift
Mothers of the world rejoice this time of year when their children shower them with gifts and affection. But why is it that everyone usually gets their mother’s the same thing? This mother’s day, I thought I would get my mom something out of the ordinary. Instead of the usual flowers and chocolates or a day at the spa, I thought I would go for something different, so I got her the Betsey Carrier from Rioni’s New Rosette Collection. I know she doesn’t have anything like it so I am sure she would love it. The metallic leopard print is the coupled with gloss coated leather. It’s the perfect playful bag to add to her collection. In fact, I may order one for myself as well. Oh, and for those of you who like to wait until the last minute, you might still be able to call in your order and have them overnight it to you.
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
Spoil ME….Please.
I was talking to one of my girlfriends the other day as she was telling me that she was selling her beloved Gucci bag on Craigslist. I was so surprised! She loves that bag, but I found out that her and her boyfriend just broke up and he bought it for her. So now she is ridding her life of everything that reminded her of him.
That got me thinking…should boyfriends buy nice things for their girlfriends? I mean it would be nice, but when you break up, it becomes a reminder of the relationship that was. Personally I think handbags are the great in between to give a girlfriend and if you end up breaking up with them you won’t think that it cost you an arm and a leg.
I guess the best way to go is…guys buy nice things for your women, but you don’t need to over-do it, just in case we break up! But remember we LOVE our handbags and shoes.
