9 Tip & Tricks to Buying Authentic Designer Handbags on eBay for less!

#1 Know Your Product: Know your Product. Go to department stores and look at the bag you are wanting and familiarize yourself with the craftsmanship like stitching, logo placements, etc. The more familiar you are with a product line, the less your risk for purchasing a fake on eBay.

#2 Narrow your search: Generally, you'll find better stuff if you hunt for something specific, rather than browsing aimlessly. For example, instead of "Chloe Bag", I searched "Chloe Faye Backpack". Use the filters to the left to help further narrow your search.

#3 Ask questions: Don't be afraid to bombard the seller with questions! Where and when did they get the bag? Do they have original receipt? These are things you can research. Not every seller knows the power of taking the perfect product shot. I always contact the seller for more photos or even ask for videos of the product.  Anyone trying to sell you an authentic $1500 handbag should be more than willing enough to send more/better photos. If they aren't willing, then that's a big red flag!

#4 Look for eBay Authenticate: Look for an authenticity guarantee from the seller, so you can shop with total confidence to buy authentic designer handbags on eBay. It is covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee which brings me to the next point... This is the list of Pre-Owned Authenticated bags.

#5 Check the Return Policy & eBay Money Back Guarantee: Some sellers will offer free return others might have you pay for the return. I always make sure to only buy from sellers who offer FREE returns. eBay also will guarantee virtually most items so check for "eBay Money Back Guarantee". Just make sure you examine listings carefully! Look for trick words like "Chloe Inspired" (FAKE!!) or "Not Actual Product".

#6 Check Seller ratings - DSR scores and length of time as an eBay member: How many ratings do they have? How long have they been selling for? What kinds of items are they selling? What items are they selling with for those ratings? It doesn't necessarily have to be 100% perfect feedback but those ratings are IMPORTANT and are crucial to read through. Use your common sense! I won’t shop or buy something from someone who doesn’t have good ratings or haven't been a seller for more than 2 years. Also, look for the POWERSELLER logo! These members have an established reputation for high volume and responsible selling practices.

#7  Pay attention to the condition noted (new, gently used, etc.) I personally only buy New with tags with the original box for designer items.

#8 Don't be afraid to Negotiate: Contact the seller to negotiate a more reasonable 'Buy It Now' price or Free Shipping. It never hurts to try!

#9 Protect your purchases with Credit Card or Paypal: Never use DEBIT! Your debit card isn't protected. But PayPal purchases are automatically protected and you can easily dispute it! If PayPal rules in your favor, PayPal will refund you and take on the hassle of getting the funds owed by the seller. I only purchase from sellers who accept Paypal. Of course, credit cards are preferred as well because all major credit cards offer buyer protection policies!