Under the Gumtree

The Gumtree guide to spotting designer fakes

You can get some really good secondhand designer deals online at the moment, especially as people try to make some extra cash while times are financially tough. But you do need to be wary of what people sell on an open marketplace. For every legitimate item, there’ll be a few dozen fakes, so to help you spot the good stuff, we’ve put together a quick list of 5 top tips:

1. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

Nobody sells unworn Christian Louboutin shoes for £50, or Balenciaga bags for £14.99. The main rule of thumb when shopping for designer bargains is to trust your instincts. If it seems like a dream deal, the chances are there’s something amiss. That said, if you can’t afford the real thing, those brand new fake Louboutins (made in China) or Men’s Gucci shoes for £60 might be a good solution. Just don’t expect the real deal for such amazing prices.

2. Look at the packaging

Many sellers will boost their listings by telling you all the stuff you get with your designer purchase. Original boxes, dustbags, care card, receipts and so on help to add authenticity, but also help you smell a rat. Look at the pictures of the dustbag, for example. A real designer dust bag – if indeed such a thing exists – will not have cheap print, blurry logos or odd colours. Boxes might be the wrong colour – do your research and find out exactly what a Jimmy Choo shoebox looks like! Also remember that computer programs are now available to print ‘fake’ receipts from stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus and Harrods, so even that isn’t 100% proof.

3. Buy in person

If you really want to be sure the item you’re buying is what you want, look for listings that’ll allow you to pay on collection. Then you can go and examine the shoes / bag / dress / jeans and see if they’re up to scratch. If it’s current stock, consider popping into a department store / boutique first to scope out the real deal. Remember, when viewing listings, look for honest prices, a simple explanation and decent pictures. We think this Mulberry wallet looks like a safe bet.

4. Look for lesser known designers

Everyone’s heard of Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, and there are plenty of people out there flogging knock-off items. But what about the less popular designers? You’re far less likely to buy a fake pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes, for example, or a knock-off Tod’s handbag . Look for slightly less well-known names, and you’re more likely to end up getting a good deal. Try Georgina Goodman and Jonathan Kirkwood for shoes and Linea Pelle, Bracher Emden and Kooba for bags.

5. Consider whether you really care!

Got a brilliant deal on a pair of cute Marc Jacobs sandals that look like the real deal, fit perfectly and make you feel like a million dollars? Then who cares who made them?! If you love your purchase, and people think you look great in it, that’s what matters. The only way you are going to be able to ensure a 100% authentic purchase is by shopping direct from the designer boutique or approved stockist…but if you’ve managed to snag a bargain elsewhere, good on you!