Buying handbags, shoes and other designer products online can be a tricky proposition with all the counterfeit items currently being manufactured. Designer handbags are frequently the target of counterfeiters. These fake items can be made to look so much like the original that many times professionals have a difficult time distinguishing an authentic bag from a counterfeit. If that is the case, then how are you going to be assured you are buying an original and authentic designer handbag?

Although it is impossible to guarantee you are buying authentic goods, if you follow a few general guidelines when purchasing your handbag, you can feel comfortable about your purchase.

Specific tips when using eBay

Look at seller feedback. The feedback system with eBay can tell a lot about a seller. Read feedback. Read through other ads by the seller. Are the ads consistent? Do they make every effort to accurately describe the product. Avoid sellers that have feedback private. Chances are, they have something to hide. You can access all this information through the feedback area of eBay.

Price. There are outstanding deals on eBay for designer handbags, but use some common sense. Does the seller claim the product is brand new but at ½ the price you would expect to pay at a retail store? If the bag is brand new with tags, most retailers would honor a refund. It makes no sense to sell a brand new handbag at a small fraction of retail in most cases.

Clarity of the description. Look for a few items specifically. Do they tell where they bought the bag? Do they have the original receipt? Are there pictures of the inside of the bag as well as the outside? Avoid very vague descriptions and ads with numerous spelling errors. Also be aware of tricky wording. Do not be fooled by words such as inspired by or appears authentic. These types of words or phrases accurately describe a counterfeit bag making their use perfectly acceptable. Also, be weary of sellers that over emphasize authenticity and mention it many times in bold letters in their ad.

Questions. If you have questions for the seller, do not be afraid to ask them. Do you get timely and thorough responses? Do they appear to be coming from someone that likely also wrote the ad?

Pay using Paypal. Paypal provides protections for buyer and sellers. If you buy an item that you believe was not accurately described, contact Paypal immediately about your issue. Be sure to do this in a timely manner as Paypal complaints must be filed within specific time frames. If the product is defective or not as described you will be able to recover the full cost of the item plus shipping.

Use the internet to do research on authentic handbags. Searching for information on authentic or counterfeit handbags will yield an abundance of results. eBay has a lot of good information describing safe use of their site.

Educate yourself, trust your instincts regarding how you feel about particular ads, and do not hesitate to contact eBay and Paypal should you feel you entered in to a dishonest transaction. Chances are, you will find the handbag of your dreams and feel good about your purchase through The Online Bag Lady.