Designer handbags are extremely popular, but you should be careful buying them. That's because you could be getting a knockoff, instead. Some handbags that look like designer bags are really just imitations, made in huge quantities using low grade materials and construction. There are some that are higher in quality, and might be called "designer inspired" handbags. These look a lot like authentic Dior, Prada, Kate Spade and similar bags, but unlike the cheap knockoffs, they don't claim to be the real thing. These bags have the look, but don't fake logos or tags. That makes them inexpensive alternatives for people who like designer bags but can't pay the high price for the designer name.

You'll find these handbags in traditional stores, and low quality counterfeit handbags in other venues, such as online auction sites, flea markets and road side markets. People selling these low quality fakes are hoping that the low price will convince you not to be too suspicious of their products.

Buying online can be particularly difficult, unless you?re sure that you?re buying from someone you can trust. If you really want a designer bag from an online auction site, be sure to go over the seller's feedback with care.

Check the photographs of the bag you're thinking about buying, too. Is the bag carefully photographed to show you all the details and the quality of its construction, or has it been photographed in a group of other bags. The quality of the images can tell you whether or not you're buying the real thing, or a fake that'll fall apart in only a few months.

Materials are important, too. If the bag is made of cheap vinyl and has low quality stitching, it's not the real deal, since manufacturers of designer bags are very careful about their materials and construction. The picture you see should show a bag that you'd like to own.

You should always pay for a designer bag via credit card. This keeps you from being unable to do anything if you're ripped off. A chargeback can be done if the bag turns out not to be the real thing. Just remember that it's harder to do this if the seller is outside the United States. Likewise, long shipping charges from foreign sellers can keep you from being able to act within the appropriate window for a complaint or refund.

If you prefer a designer inspired bag, rather than trying for the real thing, you may want to look up designer replica handbags. They're often made after the most popular designs, but they're a lot less expensive. You can find them from discount retailers and online stores Just make sure you know what you're buying and what kind of quality you are going to get.

Designer looks and quality are worth the money for many of us. If you've been thinking about buying a designer bag, don't be taken in by fakes. Save your money and choose a beautiful designer handbag that'll last for years.