How to tell if a Prada bag is a fake

Just like any other high-end product that has had fakes manufactured, Prada is no exception to the rule.  What is unfortunate is that some people are well aware of the fact that the Prada bag they are purchasing are fake, which keeps the demand for these fake products continuing.  What is more unfortunate is that just as there are people who knowingly purchase fake products, there are just as many people who get scammed and think that they are purchasing an authentic product.  These replica products are extremely deceptive because it can be very difficult to distinguish a real bag and a fake bag, but, there are some things that even one with an untrained eye can look out for to determine whether the Prada bag that they have purchased, or is intending to purchase is real or fake.

When looking to purchase a real Prada bag, there are two logical options to purchase the bag. Those being in a store or online. It is a little rarer to purchase a fake Prada bag from a store, however there aer some stores that do indeed sell fake products. But, there are some reputable stores that sell reputable products.

There are several Prada stores located around the United States in states like New York, Nevada, and California. Also, some department stores that specialize in higher-end products sell Prada bags as well, such as Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

For those who do not want to purchase a Prada bag from a store, an online purchase may seem like the next best way to go. This can be a really good decision or a really bad decision depending on if proper precautions and a little common sense are taken.

Although ebay is one of the first places that online consumers go to when making online purchases, it can be very risky when attempting to purchase an authentic Prada bag. Granted some of the discounts that can be found on ebay may be unbelievable, realistically, if the deal is too good to be true, it probably indicates a fake. Ebay sellers can be very convincing and in fact the bag that they have posted pictures of to sell may actually be real, but you never know what it is that will actually come in the mail. This is not to say that all ebay sellers sell fake bags, but, there are a whole lot more fake sellers than real sellers on ebay.

Even though ebay may not be the best option to purchase a real Prada bag, there are several other trusted online retailers to purchase Prada bags from. Fabu provides a list of online retailers that sell authentic Prada bags. Also, Prada bags can be purchased from Prada's website, as well as Overstock and Bluefly.

Real Prada bags are made with care and top-notch, high quality materials.  Leather bags are made of the best leather and will never crack or fade, and hardware is made of brass so there will never be any rusting or other odd discoloration. 

There will never be any loose stitching or sloppy flaws that are common in fake Prada bags. 

All logos will be straight an be in accordance of Prada's strict rules.  This includes uniformity in font, and accurate phrases and lettering.  Ex. on an authentic Prada bag the phrase "Prada Made in Italy" will be written in that way specifically and never altered.

Real Prada bags will never be sold with and type of paper or plastic wrapping fitted around the bags handles or hardware.  Fake bags are often shipped and sold in this manner.

Fake Prada bags may come with a Certificate of Authenticity.  This is not a document from the Prada company because no such document exists.  The closest thing to a Certificate of Authenticity comes in the form of Authenticity card that comes in its own dark purple box or evelope embossed with the Prada logo.

The dust bag that comes with Prada bags come with a white dust bag made of a flannel-like material.  the Prada logo is embossed on the bag in black.  Dust bags for older Prada bags is navy blue with the Prada logo embossed in gold.

 I am not affiliated with Prada in any way, but after much research and personal experience, these are some ways I have been able to determine a real Prada bag from a fake one.  My best advice is that if in doubt, contact a professional who specializes in authenticating Prada bags.