Frequently Asked Questions

Listed here are a few questions often asked by people looking for their first Louis Vuitton online.

• Q. Is a Monogram LV authentic if the Monograms are upside down on the backside of the purse?
• Q. If a purse has a date code is it authentic?
• Q. What is one way to quickly spot a fake?
• Q. Why shouldn't I purchase this Wholesale List that I see advertised on Ebay or other online store?
• Q. Can sellers advertise their item as guaranteed authentic if it is a replica?

Q. Is a Monogram LV authentic if the Monograms are upside down on the backside of the purse? A. This question is sort of misleading. Some purses like the Speedys are made of one continuous piece of Canvas so the backside is upside down. The problem with using this "data" as a way of authenticating an item will not work. My personal research shows that 99% of all replica bags no this and have designed their bags so that the upside down LV's show on the back the way they are on authentic bags.

Q. If a purse has a date code is it authentic? A. Again, replica manufacturers are not completely moronic. They have figured out the whole date code thing as well. It is always a good idea to ask for one just for the simple fact that some pieces were only a seasonal item and have been discontinued. If the counterfeiters aren't up to date they print a wrong date code and that could be one of the many ways you can confirm authenticity of your item. Also, some vintage pieces may not have them at all. Problem is, if you look on eBay nowadays, the counterfeiters have pretty much perfected this little item of information. Since it is just a date, many items can have the same date code, so this information alone should never be your only authenticating item when purchasing online.

Q. What is one way to quickly spot a fake? A. This is a broad question. I always look for a fabric swatch or a white round "LV" tag hanging from the bag. If these are present. It is not authentic. Several other indicators are line specific. Such as the on the Multicolore line. The LV monogram's color will not be the same color as the quatrafoil to the upper right of that same LV monogram. EX:          *         (  LV    )  -on the design of the bag, they will not be the same color. If this appears especially over the entire exterior. Sure sign of a fake. Your best bet would be to buy MyPoupette's book on buying authentic items online for more information.

Q. Why shouldn't I purchase this "Wholesale List" that I see advertised on Ebay or other online store? Q. Easy question. Because there is no such thing. Louis Vuitton does not sell wholesale. They do not have a "bent and dent" store, and there aren't any outlet stores. Louis Vuitton destroys any item that is not quality. They are not sent to your local outlet mall at a discount mall. Nobody but employees of LV get a discount. Nobody get wholesale prices. Face it. To get a Louis Vuitton, you must buy from a certified Reseller (MyPoupette, AlVA, etc.) or you must be very LV savvy and wade your way through the replicas online to find your handbag!

Q. Can sellers advertise their item as "guaranteed authentic" if it is a replica? A. Another broad question. No. Legally they can't. Do they? Yes. Look at my eBay "Stopped" page and my "News" page to see all of the eBay auction items that I have personally reported. These items were determined by me to be counterfeit and I reported them. Unfortunately, the way eBay works is that a seller lists an item and by accepting the terms it states the seller is listing the item knowing that it is illegal to sell replica or counterfeit items even if unknown if item is authentic. Problem is, eBay cannot check every single auction that people list. Let's be realistic, with the size of eBay, who would take that job on. I agree, it should be done to protect buyers. But is not. So to make a long story short. Just because an item is listed as "guaranteed authentic" it doesn't mean anything. You MUST trust your seller, know your stuff, or buy from a trusted seller. Period.