Put Me in Coach
Posted by kim on December 17, 2007
When my brother, Mike, and I visited New York City last month, his friend asked him to buy her a Coach purse from a street vendor. Neither one of us being purse-connoisseurs, we set out on the journey together. We did not see any of the signature “C”s on any purses, so finally asked one vendor if he had any Coach purses. He had some hidden under the table, but would not bring them up for us to view - we had to crouch down. None we liked, but now we knew we had to ask for them.
At the next table, we asked if they had any Coach purses. The guy looked around, and finally said, “Um, no.” We are now beginning to think it’s not legal to sell Coach purses on the street, especially with NYC cops on every corner (remember, we are from Nebraska, not the big city). But his friend really wanted one.
We kept walking and saw men carrying big white sheets full of purses that they would spread out, sell a few, pack back up and move to another spot. We did a lot of “sheet” shopping (instead of “window” shopping) to see the selections and get the prices (that you could bargain down). Mike spotted some huge what-looked-like sheet bundles a couple of blocks away, so we proceeded to walk to check that out, only to find out it was trash. I got a good walk in that day.
Finally we found the perfect Coach handbag and asked for a better deal if we bought two (I decided I needed one as well after all of that research). We had to complete the transaction in a back alley, and yes, we were a bit scared. We went back to the hotel to check out our purchases. I pulled up the Coach website on my laptop, and my new purse looked exactly like the one on there. Mine even included a Coach certificate of authenticity and registration card (that I never sent in). And we only paid 10% of the retail price! Ok, I was beginning to think we just bought stolen goods. But that didn’t deter me from buying yet another one (as I figured now I need a “big” and a “little” one). And with my bargaining skills sharpened, I got the next one even cheaper.
Once home, I did more investigating and now think the handbags aren’t stolen, but just really-really-really good replicas. Consumer Reports did an article on counterfeit goods (January 2008 issue) saying that those aren’t aspiring entrepreuners peddling products on city streets, but people involved in organized crime! So, could I be in trouble? The article goes on to say that it’s not against the law to buy fakes, it is just illegal to sell them. Phew. I won’t be re-selling mine. 
I have to admit that I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on my new purses. I even think I’ve been treated better in stores because of my “status” purse. So maybe it wasn’t a bad investment after all. And my brother and I now have a good laugh thinking of our “adventure”.
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Coach Sig C Khaki/Orchid Zoe Top Handle Bag/Purse NWT US $49.95 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:23:46 PDT Bid on this Item | Watch this Item |
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COACH ZOE HOBO Two-Toned Bag purse US $9.99 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:28:34 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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Coach Legacy Leather Shoulder Bag Whiskey #12868 $348. US $109.00 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:28:44 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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NWT COACH BLACK PATENT LEATHER GALLERY BAG TOTE 12839 US $159.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:29:28 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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New COACH Amanda Satin Magenta Cosmetic case bag 42034 US $49.99 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:30:17 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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COACH RUGBY SIGNATURE PINK STRIPE LARGE BAG NEW W/TAGS US $110.00 (28 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:30:18 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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Barbara Roberts said,
What a fun story, how interesting it all must have been! I enjoyed reading about your experience. I like purses, & once bought a very inexpensive Prada purse, just gorgeous, exactly what I liked, on overstock.com. I remember actually wondering if it was real. Their prices for Prada have gone up since then, I think that one was an anomaly or something, as it was so inexpensive. But I still get a tiny secret thrill out of owning a Prada purse, which I have absolutely no actual use for, It’s like a piece of art. It exists to be beautiful and to be enjoyed.
Clutch The Style » Blog Archive » Real or Replica Coach Bags? said,
[...] Read my story and you decide… [...]
yvonne said,
Why would you want to wear or have something that is fake? In comparison to other designers, coach is not that expensive. Real bags look better and last longer. I believe you would be happier with the real thing. I have one real coach bag that I love. I also have a fake louis vuitton bag (got it asa gift) but I don’t wear, there’s no satisfaction in that. Anyways I hope you will get rid of the fakes and buy yourself the real thing. Why not? Life is short so enjoy it.
WorkInMyPajamas.com » Blog Archive » Free Shirt Friday - Omniture said,
[...] Did you notice my Coach purse in the [...]
Shoeaholics Anonymous Shoe Blog » Blog Archive » Put me in Coach Shoes said,
[...] have been wanting a Coach “patchwork” handbag for some time, but think I will wait to buy one on the streets of New York City next time I visit to get one for less. But now I saw these Coach Jasmine Patchwork Leather [...]
Mailbox Monday 7/28/08 said,
[...] More Coach purses from iOffer.com [...]
I hate cheapskates said,
You are a cheapskate and you look like one too. It’s too bad that the cops were not there to arrest all of you. I wonder how many l little poor children in some third world country made that f@#&ing bag for you. Fat a$$!
Fake Spotter said,
You’re not fooling anyone. I could tell both bags were fake before I read the article. In January’s Harper’s Bazaar, there is an article about fakes you should read. In one fake handbag factory in Thailand that was raided, the children found working there had broken legs. The owner of the factory broke their legs, because they kept wanting to go outside and play. After all, if they’re outside playing, he won’t have any Coach bags to sell to people like you.
bob handcock said,
i like to here people bitching about kids making their fake bags and purses… not knowing that on the other side of their village is where they make the “real” purses so they feel better about overpaying for a purse that is very overpriced and is exactly the same! thats right you are exactly whats wrong with america you conserviative @#$%^!
Lulu said,
I have to agree! You are not fooling anyone! I can spot a FAKE Coach in 2 seconds!!!
I get money said,
I just had to leave a comment. For Kim girl buy as many as possible, lol just dont start selling them. And for everyone else I work with celebrities and half the time they cant tell A REAL FROM FAKE THEY THINK BECAUSE IF THE PRICES ITS REAL , and whose to say COACH is not selling the knockoffs; they just as well could have gotten them for Thailand for the cheap price, and selling them to you dumb haters for the regular price. Because as quiet as its keep I have took a knock off purse to a coach store and got it repair twice and not only that got another one due to a damaged strap… So TO ALL YOU KNOCK OFF HATING LOSERS…WHOSE THE DUMB DUMBS NOW. ITS ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW AND WHERE YOU GO!!!!!
J Smith said,
Those are two of the most hideous fakes! How can you support an illegal trade like this? Shame on you and your disgusting bags!
A Jones said,
You are only fooling yourself when you buy a fake Coach bag. I have done my research and own several genuine Coach bags which I have owned for several years. I have friends that have bought the non authentic Coach bags, and after a few short weeks they start to show visible wear and fall apart at the seams. The average Coach bag contains between 70-90 pieces of high quality fabrics and leathers that are hand cut and sewn together by hand. Unlike the fake manufacturers, Coach owns and operates their factories in China and do not have a third party for manufacturing. This means that they keep a close eye on both the quality of the handbags and the well being of the factory workers.
The dirt cheap prices of the fake bags are because of their inferior quality and the fact that these bags are manufactured in factories that do not have any regard for human rights. Often the conditions and workloads in these factories cause illness and deaths. Not to mention you are not helping our country any, since non of these places pay taxes since it is an illegal trade. I would recommend saving for a real one, or stop trying to impress people you don’t even know and buy a less expensive bag from a cheaper store.
diane adams said,
I cannot believe you would publish an article about shopping and buying fake Coach merchandise. You have just tarnished your credibility and seem delighted at owning a fake bag. And your comment on not selling yours is sad; how many people DO resell them, complete with the fake registration card? If they didn’t have the idea, you just gave it to them. I’m disappointed in you, Kim. The whole purpose of your website was to offer genuine bargains, not fake ones. A fake of anything is not a good deal, it’s a waste of money.
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