Because Gucci is one of the limited amount of designers that will sell off-season irregulars (bags with defects), and overstock stock to their outlet stores and to brokers, Gucci details can vary from bag to bag. This is similar to Coach. When a company does not have a specific blueprint for their handbags, then that opens the door for counterfeiters to capitalize on the dearth of uniformity. Chanel and Louis Vuitton are nice examples of companies that keep their handbags uniform.

One of the issues with Gucci handbags is that, unlike Fendi, Coach and Chanel, they don't have a serial number registration process. Thus familiarizing yourself with the serial numbers is important. The serial numbers for a Gucci handbag have the corresponding model number stamped on the underside of the tag, directly above the serial number. The total numbers in the sequence ought to be 10-13 numbers. On the front side of the tag it ought to read: Gucci, made in Germany, with the trademark symbol. There is a link below that provides more detail.

So this means that spotting fake Gucci comes down, sometimes, to examining the quality.

The stitching and leather gives it away. In case you go to the Gucci net site, you'll find out what color and materials a specific style comes in. There's fakes that Gucci doesn't make and the color is a give-away. Again Gucci doesn't have uneven stitching. The logo on the dustbag ought to be clear. You will notice Replica Guccis that have the correct serial number, but the font is wrong and barely legible.

I must say I picked up a Gucci handbag at a yard sale for cheap. I showed it to my brother who had a actual Gucci bag but recently sold it. They looked throughout the bag and outside and told me they thought it was actual. Scary.